Chapter 44
Adah’s expression stiffened, but she continued to insist, “Skipping dinner isn’t good for you, Claire. You should at least eat a little something
Scanning the table with a critical eye, Claire curled her lips into a mocking smile “Sorry, Im just not used to eating leftovers.”
Her
r words were like a stone cast into a tranquil lake, instantly freezing the smile on Adah’s face.)
The once relaxed and cheerful atmosphere around the dining table suddenly grew tense Nathan furrowed his brow, his displeasure evident as he fired his gaze on Claire, the weight of his patemal authority bearing down on her
Sensing the awkward tension, Vanessa quickly set down her utensils, her eyes filled with feigned concern. “Claire, we’ve been waiting for you so long. When you didn’t come back, we thought you had eaten already, so we started. We’ve only just begun. Don’t be upset, come and join us.“)
Adah seized the opportunity, nodding eagerly. “Yes, yes, Claire, just have a little bit. We made all your favorites tonight.“2
Ethan, however, slammed his fork down on the table, narrowing his eyes in warning. “Claire, Mom, Dad, and Vanessa are all worried about you. You came back so late, and no one blamed you. Stop acting like the world owes you something. If you’re going to eat, then sit down. Enough with the drama”
Looking around at their hypocritical faces, Claire’s anger burned even hotter
All she wanted was a moment of peace and solitude. Was that so much to ask? Why was it so hard for them to just leave her alone, to treat her like she was invisible?%
They were pushing her, weren’t they? Fine. If they wanted a scene, she’d give them one.
Taking a deep breath, Claire pointed at the picked–over dishes on the table. “Six dishes and a soup, and you’re telling me you just started? Vanessa, do explain how that works.“%
Vanessa’s expression faltered, her attempt to explain caught in her throat, unable to form a coherent response.
Claire then turned her attention to Adah “Mrs. Linwood, how exactly am I supposed to eat? Lick the plates?*%
“Claire, 1–“%
Before Mrs. Linwood could respond, Claire cut her off. “You said these were my favorites. So tell me, what do I love to eat?”
Adah hesitated, her eyes avoiding Claire’s
“Can’t answer that, can you? Well, let me enlighten you. I’m not picky. I’ll eat just about anything that fills my stomach. The only things I avoid are those fin allergic to. Unfortunately, of the six dishes here, I’m allergic to three. I can’t eat crab or shrimp, and I’m allergic to pineapple, so no pineapple chicken for me.“X
As Claire’s words came rapid fire, Adali’s face flushed with embarrassment.
But Claire wasn’t done. She turned her ine towards Ethan. “You said they care about me? This is what you call caring? Offering food that could make me sick and claiming it’s my favorite? Would you like that kind of care for yourself?”
Ethan’s face turned a shade of thunderous. He hadn’t anticipated that a simple attempt to smooth things over would leave the family so
Nathan, infuriated by Claire’s outburst, trembled with anger, his face contorted in rage. He slammed his hand down on the table, the impact sending the cutlery clattering “You ungrateful child! How dare you speak to us like this? Your mother and I brought you into this world, and this is how you repay us?“%
Claire met Nathan’s furious gaze with calm defiance. “Did I ask to be born? If my existence is just to suffer, I’d rather you hadn’t.”
