The room fell silent as all eyes turned to the far end of the table, where Selena was holding her hand over her mouth, looking nauseous.

Gavin leaned in, worried. "What's wrong?"

Selena shook her head, unsure herself.

Maybe it was the knowledge that the soup had been tampered with. After all, she knew what had been added.

One shouldn't have felt anything—unless one had colon cancer.

Confused, she glanced at Gavin. He'd had some of the soup, too. Shouldn't he be feeling it by now?

Maybe the effects just hadn't kicked in yet.

"I'm fine," she said with a forced smile. "You should have some more soup."

Gavin seemed reassured and went back to his meal.

Selena's condition had worsened, though the doctors had told her that cancer patients who remained unaware of their condition often lived longer—months, even years.

It was psychological, they'd said, but in the end, it was just a temporary comfort.

Gavin continued drinking his soup, his mind elsewhere, before absentmindedly reaching for some vegetables slathered in peanut sauce.

Meanwhile, Selena set her utensils down and turned to Gavin. "I'm going to propose a toast to my aunt and uncle."

over to where

know I've been a little out of line in the past. I just want to apologize and ask for your understanding. This toast is for

sip

and with a slight nod, she raised her glass and took a

know I've said some things that upset you earlier, Aunt Keera. That wasn't my intention. I just feel like the

know whawt to

would she bring that

an

sometime. I'd like to talk to him and clear the air. I know there's been some misunderstandings between us,

the surface, Selena's words were harmless, but

even though both of them had moved on, the complexities

not moving

that Jake was the one who

a dangerous game, indicating that

damn good job. Keira placed her glass on the table

can that be?" Selena feigned surprise. "Weren't

If anyone could convince him, it would be you. You want

thought, "What is this woman trying

talking about? I grew up in Clance.

wearing thin. "Selena, if you're not enjoying dinner,

froze, caught off guard by Lewis' sudden

and Ellie shared a glance. They didn't know about

Selena, saw this as her just desserts. She was stirring the pot, and it seemed like Keira and

He was completely in

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