The situation was indeed unusual. Ever since Laura had made her way back, Zach had taken to ensuring he was present at dinner each night. He maintained a convincing facade, yet what truly occupied his thoughts remained a mystery.

On that particular evening, his pallor seemed more pronounced than usual. When Laura extended a piece of food toward him with her fork, Zach abruptly swatted it aside. “I’m perfectly capable of serving myself if I wish to eat. Spare me your insincere gestures,” he retorted.

Laura ceased her movements, lifting her eyes only to be met with several concerned stares.

It was Mark who set down his chopsticks first, his tone firm. “Enough with the theatrics; apologize.”

Laura shook her head gently. “It’s fine, Father. It was unintentional on his part.”

“I assure you, my actions were intentional.” Zach’s mood was notably sour that day, “Surely, I’ve not reached the point where I can’t even make my own choices about what to eat or drink.”

This veiled insinuation didn’t escape Josie, who made a stylishly late entrance and seated herself with poise.

“Who’s to say you can’t eat? There’s no need for such outbursts here,” Mark reprimanded.

The tension in his voice eased when he noticed Josie, his demeanor softening. “How was your sleep last night?”

on her hands, Josie was almost amused. “Quite restful, actually. Maybe that’s why Zach is in such a

all at once

a glare. “Seems you’re quite smug about it, aren’t

food with her fork and placing it into Laura’s bowl. “My view is, why fret over their preferences? Focus on what pleases you. If they’re hungry, they’ll sort themselves out elsewhere. No

embarrassment and distress, the state of her marriage laid

she conjured up

still bearing a grudge against her, or

sharply set down her utensils. “Years back, I was lenient enough to let her terminate the pregnancy on her own terms. If you wish to quarrel today, I

having just stepped from

“This isn’t Laura’s fault. My actions last night were my own doing. Is your anger directed at me

carefully placed a cup of decaffeinated

“Mother, you knew-“

aware of is how your mistress wronged

young trio to

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