Chapter 19
“Sis?” The term hung awkwardly
ly in the a
Technically, it wasn’t entirely wrong. Giselle and Lysander were the same age, while Mila was a year younger. Back in college. Lysander was a year ahead of her.
But did that justify such a casual term of endearment between her and Giselle?!!
Mila ignored Giselle’s outstretched hand, having nothing to say to the group in front of her
Tm still working, make yourselves comfortable,” she remarked, her tone clearly dismissive
Giselle, unfazed, didn’t retract her hand. Instead, she casually shifted her gaze and affectionately tousled Adrian’s hair. “It’s been a few years since we last met. I heard from Adrian you make excellent Southern cuisine. I love it too, and I’ve been meaning to visit.“?
Turning to Lysander with a gentle smile, she added, “Lysander agreed as well. Looks like today might be the perfect time. Why don’t we head back together after you’re done?
her? She wasn’t d
dead yet
Head back? To where exactly? Who decided this for her?
Just as Mila was about to refuse, Adrian tugged at her arm, whining, “Yes, yes! Mom, your cooking is amazing, and I want some too Giselle’s finally here–tonight’s perfect!”
Mila felt a pang in her chest, barely keeping her smile from faltering.&
She was disappointed in Adrian. But as a mother, she had the duty and responsibility to fulfill her child’s reasonable wishes. Sacrificing herself, however, wasn’t part of the deal.
Taking a deep breath, she maintained a polite, apologetic smile and turned to Jasper, who was sitting across the table, looking as if he wished he could disappear. “Mr. Shaw, I’m terribly sorry. I have a situation to handle. Please, head back first. I’ll contact you later.”
Family matters shouldn’t be aired in public, so she needed to clear the scene first.
Jasper, sensing a reprieve, hurriedly gathered his things and left, feeling as if he’d narrowly escaped a tense, incomprehensible battlefield.
With the café almost empty and their booth secluded in a corner, the group sat down once Jasper exited.?
Adrian continued to tug at Mila’s arm, pestering her to agree to cook dinner.
Mila restrained Adrian’s hand with hers, glancing at the smiling Giselle and the aloof Lysander gazing out the window. Internally, she couldn’t help but scoff at the charade unfolding before her.
What a show.
Turning eamestly to Adrian, she said. “Mom doesn’t cook for people she doesn’t like.“8
Adrian looked incredulous, instantly wounded. “Mom, you don’t like me?r
“It’s not you I don’t like, Mila clarified, looking directly at Giselle, “I don’t like Giselle,“2
Adrian didn’t understand and pulled away from Mila’s hand. “Why? Giselle’s so nice Dad and I both like her!”
He thought his mom was being rude, even a bit embarrassing. How could she say she didn’t like Giselle right to her face? What if Giselle got upset? How would he interact with her in the future?!
Worried, he glanced nervously at Giselle.
Mila’s hand, having been brushed aside, hit the cold leather of the sofa, mirroring her own numbed feelings. Still, she had no intention of taking back her words.
Dislike was dislike.b
Giselle, on the other hand, patted Adrian reassuringly. Even after being openly disliked, her smile remained gentle. “Mila, could there be a misunderstanding between us? I haven’t done anything to wrong you, after all.”
