- Alison's pov -
As I carried the dishes into the farmhouse, I could feel Lilian's presence close behind me. The kitchen, warm and dimly lit, was a stark contrast to the lively barbecue outside. I focused on the task at hand, hoping to get through the cleanup as quickly as possible.
Lilian took her place at the sink, starting to wash the dishes with a seemingly sweet smile on her face. I picked up a towel and began drying, keeping my gaze on the plates and utensils rather than the woman beside me. Noah had warned me about Lilian’s true colors, and I could sense an undercurrent of tension beneath the older woman’s pleasant demeanor.
"So, Alison," Lilian began, her tone light but with a hint of condescension, "how did you and Noah meet? It must be quite a story."
I suppressed a chuckle t
