Chapter 3
“Camille, hurry up and make dinner; it’s already late, and everyone’s hungry,” my mother–in–law urged.
I didn’t reply to her and turned to Mallory with a smile. “Mallory, you and Henry grew up together, so I assume you used to eat here a lot?”
“Of course! Back then, Henry and I practically had every meal together, Mallory chirped.
وو
“So, after all these years abroad, you must really miss Mom‘ s cooking, right?” I looked at my mother–in–law and continued,
“Mom, shouldn’t you get started on dinner for Mallory?”
After speaking, I sat down on the couch and turned on the TV. Shortly after, Henry came over, annoyed. “How could you
make Mom cook? You know her health
isn’t great! Get up and make dinner.”
50% 11:24
1/5
Chapter 3
Feigning surprise, I replied, “Mom, you‘ re unwell? Is it serious? Why didn‘ t you tell me?”
My mother–in–law snapped back, irritated. “Who’s unwell? I’m fine! Stop trying to
curse me.”
“Then why don’t you want to cook for Mallory? Don’t feel like it?” I said in
amusement.
Instantly, her expression soured. “Who said I wouldn’t cook?”
She went to the kitchen and spent the next two hours preparing dinner. When it was ready, Nicole pulled Mallory into my seat. “Sis, Mallory is a guest; you don’t mind giving up your spot, right?”
My mother–in–law chimed in, handing me a bowl. “If sitting at the edge is uncomfortable, why don’t you take your plate to the kitchen and eat there? And while you’re at it, clean up a bit.”
So now I wasn’t even allowed at the table.
50% 11:24
2/5
Chapter 3
“No need; you all enjoy. My friend invited me out, so I’ll eat with them,” I flatly declined.
Henry looked irritated. “We’re leaving for our trip tomorrow, and you’re still going out? Did you pack yet?”
“Don’t you have hands? Why don’t you pack?” I argued back.
Stunned by my response, he fell silent, and I headed out.
I treated myself to a high–end dinner at a fancy restaurant, ordering steak, wine, and lobster. With my own money, I could dine wherever I wanted. I stayed out until well past midnight, enjoying my time.
When I returned, the house was dark. Despite me being out so late, no one had called or texted to check in. Apparently, they had all gone to bed without a second thought.
Feeling my way through the darkness, I entered the bedroom and sat on the bed,
50% 11:24
3/5
Chapter 3
only to be startled by a piercing scream.
“Ah!”
I quickly turned on the light and saw Mallory lying in my spot. The sight made my blood boil. Without thinking, I slapped her across the face.
Mallory burst into tears, and Henry sat up, shielding her. “Why did you hit Mallory? We were just talking and must have fallen asleep accidentally.”
“Oh, really? So you just ‘accidentally‘ ended up in bed together, holding each other?” I huffed in anger.
“We were waiting for you! You were out so late, so Mallory stayed to keep me company. We talked for a while, and then we fell asleep. It’s perfectly normal!” Henry thundered.
“Then why didn’t you call or text me? Too busy talking with your ‘best friend‘ ? And you two couldn’t wait in the living room and had to come to the bedroom?!”
50% 11:24
4/5
Chapter 3
Henry scowled. “You‘ re being unreasonable, Camille!”
I was done arguing. I turned to Mallory.
“I’m back now, so why don’t you leave? Or do you expect all three of us to share the bed?”
Ignoring my remarks, Mallory clutched her face and whimpered, “Henry, it really hurts.”
Henry, filled with concern, replied, “I‘ 11 get you some medicine.”
