Chapter 2

"Camille, dinner needs to be ready soon; it's getting late, and everyone's famished," my mother-in-law insisted.

I ignored her and turned to Mallory with a pleasant expression. "Mallory, since you and Henry were childhood friends, I bet you used to dine here frequently?"

"Absolutely! Henry and I shared almost every meal together back then," Mallory responded cheerfully.

"Then after your time overseas, you must be craving Mom's cooking, right?" I glanced at my mother-in-law and added, "Mom, shouldn't you start preparing Mallory's meal?"

I then settled onto the sofa and switched on the television. Moments later, Henry approached, visibly upset. "How could you ask Mom to cook? You know her health isn't the best! Get up and prepare dinner yourself."

Feigning ignorance, I responded, "Mom, are you unwell? Is it serious? Why didn't you mention it?"

My mother-in-law retorted sharply, "Who's unwell? I'm perfectly fine! Don't try to jinx me."

"Then why aren't you willing to cook for Mallory? Not in the mood?" I said teasingly.

Her face immediately darkened. "Who said I wouldn't cook?"

She then spent the next couple of hours in the kitchen preparing the meal. Once it was ready, Nicole ushered Mallory into my place. "Sis, Mallory's our guest; you don't mind giving up your seat, do you?"

My mother-in-law joined in, handing me a dish. "If the edge is uncomfortable, why not take your plate to the kitchen and eat there? You could tidy up a bit while you're at it."

It seemed I wasn't even welcome at the dining table anymore.

"No need; enjoy your meal. A friend invited me out, so I'll dine with them," I declined coolly.

Henry looked annoyed. "We're leaving for our trip tomorrow, and you're still going out? Have you packed yet?"

"Don't you have hands? Why can't you pack?" I shot back.

Taken aback by my response, he fell silent, and I left the house.

I treated myself to an extravagant meal at an upscale restaurant, indulging in steak, wine, and lobster. With my own money, I could dine wherever I pleased. I stayed out until well past midnight, savoring my time.

Upon my return, the house was dark. Despite my late arrival, no one had bothered to call or text to check on me. Apparently, they had all retired to bed without a second thought.

Navigating through the darkness, I entered the bedroom and sat on the bed, only to be startled by a shrill scream.

"Ah!"

I quickly illuminated the room and saw Mallory occupying my spot. The sight infuriated me. Without thinking, I struck her across the face.

Mallory began sobbing, and Henry sat up, shielding her. "Why did you hit Mallory? We were just talking and must have dozed off unintentionally."

"Oh, really? So you just 'unintentionally' ended up in bed together, embracing?" I fumed.

"We were waiting for you! You were out so late, so Mallory stayed to keep me company. We chatted for a while, and then we fell asleep. It's perfectly innocent!" Henry roared.

"Then why didn't you call or text me? Too engrossed in conversation with your 'best friend'? And you two couldn't wait in the living room instead of coming to the bedroom?!"

Henry scowled. "You're being irrational, Camille!"

I was done arguing. I turned to Mallory. "I'm home now, so why don't you leave? Or do you expect all three of us to share the bed?"

Ignoring my comments, Mallory held her face and whimpered, "Henry, it really stings."

Henry, full of worry, replied, "I'll get you some medication."