The room fell silent as all eyes turned to the far end of the table, where Selena was holding her hand over her mouth, looking nauseous.
Gavin leaned in, worried. "What's wrong?"
Selena shook her head, unsure herself.
Maybe it was the knowledge that the soup had been tampered with. After all, she knew what had been added.
One shouldn't have felt anything—unless one had colon cancer.
Confused, she glanced at Gavin. He'd had some of the soup, too. Shouldn't he be feeling it by now?
Maybe the effects just hadn't kicked in yet.
"I'm fine," she said with a forced smile. "You should have some more soup."
Gavin seemed reassured and went back to his meal.
Selena's condition had worsened, though the doctors had told her that cancer patients who remained unaware of their condition often lived longer—months, even years.
It was psychological, they'd said, but in the end, it was just a temporary comfort.
Gavin continued drinking his soup, his mind elsewhere, before absentmindedly reaching for some vegetables slathered in peanut sauce.
Meanwhile, Selena set her utensils down and turned to Gavin. "I'm going to propose a toast to my aunt and uncle."
Selena walked over to where Keira and Lewis were sitting.
she smiled warmly. "Aunt Keera, Uncle Lewis, I know I've been a little out
sip from her
with a slight nod, she raised her glass and took a small sip in
know I've said some things that upset you earlier, Aunt Keera. That wasn't my intention. I just feel like the house is so empty these days. It got me
didn't know
would she bring that
an
Jake to stop by sometime. I'd like to talk to him and clear the air. I know
harmless, but they carried
even though both of them had moved on, the complexities of their past were something everyone
moving back home,
was the one
dangerous game, indicating that "Keera" was actually
good job. Keira placed her glass on the table with a sharp thud. "I'm sorry, but I don't know Jake
that be?" Selena feigned surprise. "Weren't
word. If anyone could convince him, it would be you. You want our family to get along, don't
thought, "What is this
a short laugh. "What are you talking about? I grew
off, his patience clearly wearing thin. "Selena, if you're not enjoying dinner, you
froze, caught off guard
a glance. They didn't know about
as her just desserts. She was stirring the pot, and it
He was completely in the
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