On the table sat a modest spread, tomato scrambled eggs, braised ribs and crystal shrimp. She had carried them back from the school cafeteria, untouched, waiting for her family to return.
“I went out today…”
Before she could finish, Reaghan tugged at his father’s hand, throwing a meaningful glance toward the door.
Raiden picked up on the cue effortlessly. “Reaghan doesn’t like these dishes,” he remarked, his tone casual.
“Exactly! Dad knows me best! Let’s go grab KFC!”
Watching the effortless coordination between father and son, Astrella chose not to expose them. Her sharp gaze had already caught the faint silhouette of Norella lingering just outside the door. Lowering her eyes, she let a bitter smile tug at her lips.
Their hearts had drifted far from home.
As she stood there, the sound of their laughter echoed in the hallway as the three walked away together. She turned to face the table brimming with untouched food, her chest heavy with a quiet sigh.
This was meant to be a family reunion dinner.
But life rarely unfolds as one hopes. Perhaps their fragile ties as a family had finally unraveled.
After finishing her meal in silence, she pulled out the envelope.