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

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

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

a serious look on his face. “I just couldn’t shake the worry. I had to come to check

dark eyes flicked over to him, sharp as a hawk’s, nonetheless.

hospital room. The air charged with an unspoken tension. Mom picked up on it too, so she flashed a quick, bright smile at 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 weird. I mean, the food

situation was kind of awkward for Mom to offer

herself mid–sentence, she tried to backtrack.

the most important part of the conversation, eyed

A warm smile spread across his face.

everything’s fresh. Have you eaten

not miss a beat. “I wasn’t hungry until I saw

plate over to him,

he was at home while Idris watched, his brow furrowing just a bit. He kept quiet,

to me. Since when

bite. Charlie kept raving about Mom’s cooking, promising that once he was back on his feet, he would have to have

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