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

meal. However, he quickly turned to

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

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

straightforward, Idris’s deep, dark eyes flicked over to him, sharp as a hawk’s,

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 was stuff I would not touch with ten–foot pole, and Idris had just mentioned he was hungry.

of awkward for Mom to offer food

she tried to

if he had zeroed in on the most important

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

fresh. Have you eaten yet? Want to give them a

beat. “I wasn’t hungry until

plate over to him, handing him some

at home while Idris watched, his

me. Since when did my hospital room

promising that

was a sucker for compliments on her cooking. Without a second thought, she agreed, “Anytime you want to come by, I’ll cook up a storm for