Josie had stayed up late, which resulted in her waking up the next day to find Mark and Claudia already seated at the dining table. Of course, there was also Zach.

No one knew what had gotten into him, but after Josie returned, he never left the Olsen residence. No one had touched the food on the dining table. Josie stepped forward and said, “I’m sorry. I overslept.”

Zach looked at her, his face filled with dissatisfaction. “You really think very highly of yourself, don’t you?”

With a sharp glance, Mark said, “Eat up. Weren’t you just complaining about being hungry? Maybe that will finally keep your mouth shut!”

With a stern look, Zach glared at Josie, reluctantly picking up his knife and fork to stuff food into his mouth.

Understanding dawned on Josie. She said softly, “Actually, you don’t have to wait for me to start eating. You’re my elders. It’s not customary.”

“We weren’t waiting!” Mark said with a smile. “I’m not that hungry. I like to read the newspaper before I eat, only then do I start my meal.”

Claudia reached out, serving Josie a bowl of honey oatmeal, gently placing it in front of her. “Were you out last night?”

“Yes. I went to watch the competition with some friends.”

“I had instructed the housekeeper to leave the door open for you. I hope it didn’t cause you any inconvenience.”

always maintained her tender and understanding demeanor, reminiscent of the caring version of herself from the past. However, Josie could no longer reclaim the sentiments she

you need to

nodded

take you. If you need

their conversation, Josie gently interrupted, “I can manage on my own, Ms. Hadey. I’m twenty-five

that she was not a

Her movements momentarily stiffened, and she nodded. “I was overthinking

Zach forcefully set down the spoon he was holding. “So you need to go to the hospital? I’ll take

eyebrow. “How dare I trouble you with such

as day that he definitely

object, rebuking sternly, “Don’t cause me any trouble. Stay put. Laura called me yesterday. She’ll be back in a

was mentioned, Zach seemed like a startled bird, hardly resembling the domestic abuser

more than a coward, ferocious in appearance, but

could you deliver a set of documents for me? It’s on your

“Dad-“

hand, Mark halted the conversation, his gaze fixed on Josie, dispelling her doubts. “It’s nothing secretive,” he assured her. “Just

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255