Facade of Love

Chapter 302 Being Stubborn

I was so caught off guard that I ended up coughing on my own spit. Mom shot me a look that could freeze lava before turning to Idris with a worried frown “Look at Yvette letting you starve like a bad host. What can I whip up for you right now?

“Aunt Deb, this is perfect,” Idris cut in, his long fingers gesturing to the spread Mom was about to pack up.

Mom paused, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face. She quickly set the food down on the round table beside him, though. “Give these a try, see if they’re to your liking. They’re Yvette’s favorites, but I’m not sure if they will hit the spot for you.”

Idris nodded, accepting the food box with an effortless elegance. He started eating and even threw a few compliments Mom’s way, which got her blushing and laughing, clearly pleased.

I knew Mom lived for moments like this as her cooking was her pride and joy. She always said there was nothing better than seeing someone enjoy her meals. It used to be Dad, then Maxwell, and now it seemed like Idris might join that fan club.

A knock on the hospital room door pulled me from my thoughts. “Come in,” I called.

The door swung open, and there was Charlie, rolling in on his wheelchair, a grin on his face. He exchanged a warm greeting with Mom.

Seeing the bandages, Mom’s smile wavered. “Charlie, you should still be resting. Is everything okay?”

Charlie’s smile did not waver. “I’m fine as long as I stay off my feet.” His eyes briefly

who was still enjoying his meal. However, he quickly turned to me with a

relieved to see him looking better. “You’re supposed to be resting, you know. I’m good and just need to rest here

serious look on his face. “I just

dark eyes flicked over to him, sharp as

Charlie and said, “Mr. Yates, have you had dinner? I whipped up some of Yvette’s favorites, but she’s full now…” She trailed off, suddenly realizing that might sound

offer food to

she tried to

in on the most

dish Mom had just set out. A warm smile spread across his face. “Did you make these”

nodded, “Yep, everything’s fresh. Have you eaten yet? Want

beat. “I wasn’t hungry until I saw the food.

chuckled and slid the plate over to him,

while Idris watched, his brow furrowing just a bit. He kept

felt surreal to me. Since when did my hospital room turn

go at it, you could tell they were loving every bite. Charlie kept raving about Mom’s cooking, promising

up at the praise. She was a sucker for compliments on her cooking. Without a second thought, she