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.

up at him sharply. “Did you finish your

his head nervously. “Balfour, I’m nearly done. I’m starving! Can I eat first and then finish it?”

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

ahead. We have an important

the whole family dining

with;

from Balfour, Byran slid into the seat next to him and dug in, his eyes darting to Ellinor every now

usually sat? Patricia must be

usually all smiles. Now, her face was devoid of any joy, she wasn’t eating, and was just poking around her bowl with her utensils as her eyes

was definitely

Ellinor had made up? She even happily showed

they were at odds again? Women’s relationships were so