Chapter 11: Tensions at the Table
420 Words
Allie Brooks gently pulled her hand away from Lisa Ruyan’s, her face unreadable. “Lisa,” she said softly, “don’t worry—I won’t tell Dad.”
Despite over a decade in her life, Allie never called her stepmother “Mom.” Lisa had joined their family, but Allie never felt like she truly belonged. As her younger half-sister, Vivian, loved to remind her, she was just an outsider in their picture-perfect family.
Lisa’s smile was polite, hiding any annoyance. “Your father’s home, Allie. Let’s head to the dining room for dinner.”
Allie followed, her gaze falling on a durian layer cake, her favorite. Her dad, David, had remembered. She gave him a soft smile as she took her seat.
But just as quickly, Vivian shot her a smirk, picked up the cake, and tossed it into the trash. “Dad, this stuff reeks! Why should we suffer just because Allie likes it?”
David frowned, irritation flashing across his face. “Vivian, that was uncalled for.”
Lisa intervened, her voice smooth and soothing. “It’s just a cake, David. We’ll get another one tomorrow. Right, Allie?”
Allie gave a forced nod. “It’s fine. Really.”
But Vivian wasn’t done. As they ate, she looked over at David, putting on a concerned face. “Dad, did you know? Allie and Nick broke up.”
David’s fork froze mid-air. “Is this true, Allie?”
Allie shot Vivian a glare before nodding. “Yes, we broke up.”
“What happened?” David’s voice held a mix of shock and worry. “I was just speaking with Mr. Lawson about your future together.”
Allie took a deep breath, steadying herself. “It’s...complicated, Dad. Cher’s pregnant. And the baby is Nick’s.”
David’s face hardened. “That boy... he’ll answer for this.”
Vivian leaned back with a mocking laugh. “Seriously, Allie? Cher was supposed to be your best friend. If you were a little more... exciting, maybe Nick wouldn’t have gone looking somewhere else.”
“Vivian!” David snapped.
Allie pushed back her chair, keeping her voice calm. “I’m done here.” Without another word, she headed upstairs.
Back in her room, she felt the weight of betrayal settling on her. Nick, her first love, had chosen someone else—and Cher, her closest friend, had been a part of it.
A soft knock on her door interrupted her thoughts. David stepped in, his face filled with worry. “Allie…”
- Writer
