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

scratched his head nervously. “Balfour, I’m nearly done. I’m starving! Can I eat first and

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

replied curtly, “Go ahead. We have an

Was the whole family dining with Ellinor today?

Ellinor was a force to be reckoned with; even his big brother

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

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

was definitely ticked

saying this afternoon that she and Ellinor had made

at odds again? Women’s