Chapter 549
Chapter 549
Fresh fruit had been arranged carefully on top. Bright slices of strawberry, several blueberries, and small pieces of banana created a colorful, inviting contrast. Maple syrup had been drizzled slowly over the stack, glistening as it coated the surface, some of it slipping down the sides and pooling at the base of the plate.
A light, sweet aroma reached Althea as she stepped closer. It didn’t just look delicious. It had been made with care. With effort. And one thing stood out to her more than anything else these pancakes had been made especially to make her happy. Althea slowly lifted her gaze back to Eli and held it there a little too long.
The smile on Eli’s face began to fade. Her hands, which had been neatly folded in front of her, tightened together.
“Did… I do something wrong?” she asked quietly.
Althea still didn’t speak. Under that silence, Eli lowered her head. The awkwardness pressed heavily on her
chest.
“I just… wanted to make something warm for you,” she added in a small voice. “I was worried I might accidentally use something you shouldn’t have. Since you’re pregnant p>
Still no response. The quiet hurt more than a rejection would have. A tight breath slipped past her lips. She should have known. Maybe Althea didn’t like her after all.
“If you don’t want to accept it, that’s okay p>
The dining table fell into silence.
“I’m sorry,” Eli whispered. “Am I… not really welcome here p>
Riana immediately turned toward Althea, surprised by where the conversation had gone. But before anyone else could speak, Althea quickly shook her head.
“Why would you think that?” Her voice was gentle, but clear.
Eli slowly lifted her face. “Because you were quiet,” she answered honestly.
Althea smiled. “I was quiet because I was touched,” she said softly.
Eli blinked in confusion.
“I didn’t expect you to make something just for me,” Althea continued. “And the fact that you made sure everything was safe for my condition p>
Eli’s
eyes widened slightly. A quiet warmth spread through her chest-something close to pride, and something even closer to happiness.
“And honestly,” Althea said, looking at the pancakes again, “I’m really happy to have warm pancakes this morning p>
Eli’s face slowly brightened. “Really?” she asked softly.
Althea nodded. “But before I taste them,” she added, “there’s something I want first p>
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Eli looked even more confused. “What is it p>
Althea opened her arms. “Give me a hug p>
Eli froze, her eyes widening. “B-but p>
“You don’t want to hug me p>
Eli glanced briefly at Riana, as if asking for reassurance. Riana gave her a small, encouraging smile and nodded.
Still hesitant but sincere, Eli stepped forward. She wrapped her arms around Althea carefully.
At first, her body was stiff. But when Althea returned the embrace-warm and firm-Eli’s shoulders immediately relaxed, the tension slipping away without her realizing it.
“Thank you,” Althea whispered.
Eli didn’t answer, but her eyes began to glisten.
The atmosphere at the table softened. Lydia smiled quietly. Riana let out a relieved breath.
Grace clapped her hands happily. And just as Althea released the hug and reached for a fork to taste the pancakes —the sound of clapping came from the doorway.
Slow at first, then clearer.
“Wonderful,” Selena’s sharp voice cut through the room. “Truly touching p>
Everyone turned.
Selena stood at the entrance of the dining room, leaning casually against the doorframe. The smile on her lips was wide-but her eyes were cold.
“A warm morning embrace,” she continued, clapping again. “For a moment, I almost believed Eli was showing me that this house is filled with a perfect little family p>
Eli stiffened instantly. Althea, however, remained where she was. The warmth that had just filled the room began to fade, replaced by a tightening tension.
“Are you starting to forget who you are, Eli?” Selena asked coolly. “Or have you already forgotten who brought you into this house p>
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