The Long Way Home

Chapter 4

Cecilia was tidying clothes in the guest room when Alina's sharp voice rang out. "Cecilia! Where on earth are you? Get down here and cook!"

She went downstairs to find Ethan, Alina, and Serena seated on the living room sofa.

The moment Alina saw her, she glared. "Takes you long enough. How lazy can you be? Don't you see we're starving? Get in the kitchen!"

Cecilia's gaze swept past Serena. "Isn't Ms. Brown here? Let her do it. You'll definitely prefer her cooking anyway."

"Serena's hands are for playing piano, far too precious for chores!" Alina snapped.

Then, turning to Ethan, she added plaintively, "Ethan, look at her! She eats our food, lives in our house, and now she won't even cook a single meal? Does she have any conscience at all?"

Serena put on an apologetic expression. "Don't be angry, Alina. Though I've never cooked before, I'm willing to try for your sake. I just worry it might not taste good."

Ethan's voice was gentle. "Just sit down, Serena."

Then he approached Cecilia. "You'd better go. Serena doesn't belong in the kitchen."

Cecilia's chest tightened with a stifling ache.

She remembered when they were dating, how Ethan had cradled her hands, gaze earnest and tender. "Your hands are meant for painting. I'll never let you suffer even the slightest hardship."

And now? She might as well have been born a maid, while Serena's mere step into the kitchen became an act of sacrifice.

Ethan must have realized how his words sounded, so he softened his tone. "If it's too much for you, have Sarah help. Let her handle the prep work."

Cecilia said nothing, turning toward the kitchen.

She told Sarah, "You handle today's meal."

Then she leaned against the kitchen doorway, no longer pitching in as she used to.

During breakfast, Alina suddenly put down her fork, eyes sparkling. "Ethan, I didn't even get to attend your wedding. What a pity! Why don't you two have another wedding? Just you and Serena! I'd love to be a bridesmaid!"

Ethan's fork hovered mid-air. He instinctively glanced at Cecilia, brows furrowed. "Alina, don't be ridiculous."

"I'm not being ridiculous!"

Alina immediately pouted, eyes reddening. "What if my depression flares one day, and I'm suddenly gone? How sad would that be? When I die, I won't even be able to close my eyes in peace…"

Serena reached out to pat Alina gently. "Alina, don't say such things. You'll get better. And… Cecilia, isn't this a bit inappropriate?"

Alina turned on Cecilia. "Cecilia, you don't have a problem with this, do you? I didn't get to attend Ethan's wedding back then. Now I want to see him and Serena have theirs. Are you really going to stop me and leave me with lifelong regret?"

Cecilia slowly set down her fork, voice calm.

"Fine. Go ahead and have it."

The words barely left her mouth before all three at the table froze.

Ethan's voice cut sharply, disbelief lacing every word. "What did you say?"