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.
I've been a little out of line in the past. I just want to apologize and ask for your understanding. This toast
a sip from her
a look with Lewis, and with a slight nod, she raised her glass and took a small sip in acknowledgment.
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 thinking.
know
would she bring
raised an
clear the air. I know there's been some misunderstandings between us, and since
harmless, but they carried a hidden
both of them had moved on, the complexities of their past were something everyone in the family was
moving back home, mainly to avoid
to suggest that Jake was the one who
was clearly playing a dangerous game, indicating that "Keera"
her? If so, she was doing a damn good job. Keira placed her
Selena feigned surprise. "Weren't you both
could convince him, it would be
thought, "What is this
you talking about? I grew
patience clearly wearing thin. "Selena, if you're not enjoying dinner,
guard by
glance. They didn't know about Keira and Jake's
saw this as her just desserts. She was stirring the pot, and it seemed
He was
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