That night, Nigel came home in high spirits and even asked Ella to prepare extra dishes.
At the dinner table, he turned to Allison with a smile. “You don’t like spicy food, so these milder dishes were made just for you.”
Ruth beamed as she scooped some vegetables onto Allison’s plate. “Sherrie closed a big deal today. We’re all benefiting from her hard work.”
Sherrie smiled modestly. “Mom, don’t praise only me. I did well because my brother taught me.”
“You’re both wonderful,” Ruth said happily. “You’re my greatest blessings.”
Allison ate the food Ruth had served her, but every bite tasted bland.
No matter how much time passed, she still could not adjust to this environment.
She knew she was the outsider, yet she remained caught between numbness and silent resistance.
She lowered h
