The Kiss that Sparked it All

McNeil Howard, sensing the guests’ displeasure, decided to zip it.

No one seemed to care whether Xenia and Patricia had even taken their seats before digging in. The mother-daughter duo, feeling miffed, took their seats in silence

The two respected elders and the power holders of the Howard family were all fussing over Ellinor, piling food onto her plate, fearful she might not like the food or miss out.

Patricia, the golden girl, was experiencing a level of neglect she’d never felt before.

She could barely stomach any food as her eyes burned holes into Ellinor and her heart filled with resentment.

Xenia noticed her daughter’s emotional turmoil and gave her leg a gentle pat under the table, signaling Patricia to keep her cool.

Patricia calmed down and locked eyes with her mother. The two shared a knowing look, understanding each other’s intent.

“Everyone’s started eating? Why didn’t anyone call me?” Byran Howard grurnbled, trudging downstairs with a sour expression.

him sharply.

I’m

devoured a fair share of his cooking, Balfour was in high spirits. He found his usually annoying little brother a tad more tolerable

curtly, “Go ahead. We have an important guest today. You should be here.”

glanced at Ellinor. Was the whole family dining with Ellinor today?

force to be reckoned with; even his big brother showed her

from Balfour, Byran slid into the seat next to him and dug

Ellinor sitting where Patricia usually sat? Patricia must be

she wasn’t eating, and was just poking around her

definitely

that she and Ellinor had made up? She

were at odds again?