ELARA
I had never truly enjoyed dining with my parents. It had always been a chore, something I tolerated out of obligation. But now? Now, I found myself utterly at a loss for words.
“It’s a good thing Cedric agreed to the arrangement with Emmeline,” Mum said, her voice disturbingly casual. “It would’ve been disastrous for the business if he hadn’t.”
Her words made my stomach churn. Disgusted, I glanced at Emmeline. She sat stiffly, her knuckles white as she gripped her fork too tightly, clearly trying to keep the tears from spilling down her cheeks.
Mum noticed her reaction too, but her lack of sympathy was chilling. “No need for tears,” she remarked, as if Emmeline’s emotions were an inconvenience. “Cedric is a good man. You can ask your sister—she’ll vouch for him. I’m sure you’ll f
