Chapter 20
ven if you kowe
pan to wane as she remembered they were in Brookline, not Back Bay, and she hadn’t told her parents that Jane Taylor wanted them to
Pack up and come home with Luc stood up and got these a soft knock on the door interrupted them. Emma Lue, are you up yet! Hurry up and
13
Catherine’s gentle voice called from outside Emma replied “Mom I’m up be out soon
1 to discuss the divorce here. She had momentarily lost her head, forgetting their parents
were still home. Any hint of trouble could worry them and she wanted to avoid that
Seeing Emma revert to her usual obediente Luc’s gloomy expression lightened slightly “There’s no need, I don’t have my toiletries here. “He never used
|
Emme pulled out a new set from the cabinet. This is all brand new–toothbrush towel, everything Oh, and I can ask my mom to get you a disposable cup
Luc Taylor accected the tolletres with an air of arrogance leaving the room without acknowledging the hint of coldness in Emma’s voice Emma watched
he was in charge?
heart
med to bed
bed, planning to wat for him to finish before she went in. She glanced at her phone and saw an
ends are the list for the high school reunion is out it’s set for next Saturday, and only high school classmates can see it
rame Steeve Thomson
ti
has been seven years, Her fingers tightened around her phone as she lost herself in thought.
onewashing up you should hurry Her mother called from the dining room, setting the breakfast table. If they took too long, the food
no answer. Concerned. Catherine entered Emma’s room. Emma, Mom is talking to you. Didn’t you hear?
Emma looked red Mom was just talking to didn’t hear you!
quickly what could you possibly be chatting about so early? Dont keep Luc waiting”
Emma got out of bed and headed to the bathroom, pondering while brushing her teeth. Should she go to the reunion? Honestly, she didn’t want to se
had known he would attend, she wouldn’t have agreed to go with Lisa
Emme are you done yet? You’ve kept Luc wating too long! This isn’t like you
“Mom you:
fret. Don’t wa
often sentences revolved around Luc. Why the immacy? The more she tried to please him, the less he took her senously. From experience, she
ent want to wat let him go.
After another ten minutes. Emma emerged from the bathroom. Seeing her parents and Luc already seated at the table, she noticed her mother had been Serving Luc, urging him to try this and that. She walked over slowly, surveying the breakfast spread–over ten varieties pancakes, sweet rolls, seafood congee, custard buns, croissants, scrambled eggs, milk, and more.
Mostly sweets Emma frowned slightly When had she and her dad ever enjoyed such a lavish breakfast? This was all thanks to Luc. Did Mom go to a fancy
Emma has always be
been slow since she was a child, always a step behind others. Just get used to it Mother Johnson chuckled, sharing her daughter’s
“Why are you still standing there? Come and she urged Emma again.
Emma took a seat next to her dad
Catherine winked at her, signaling her to sit next to Luc. Why st squeezed next to her dad instead of next to Luc?
Emma chose a spot as far from Lue as possible purposely ignoring her mother’s silent suggestion. She served herself a plate of scrambled eggs without
word to Luc and Begin to eat
“Child, Luc likes sweet foods. Move that plate of pancakes and pastries in front of you to him.”
Emma thought. “Toesn’t he have hands? Mom, you keep trying to please him, but you should see if he’s even interested!”
Lucent up! My mother specifically bought these for you She practically brought back all the sweets from the café Don’t let her good intentions go to
What are you saying, child? Did I buy out the whole place? I just picked up a few things,” Mrs. Johnson replied, a hint of embarrassment in her tone, but her eyes sparkled with joy. She was genuinely happy, even if she denied it
Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson,” Luc replied indifferently, his tone carrying a certain aloofness
Mr. Johnson might not appreciate Luc’s attitude toward his daughter, but basic politeness prompted him to greet Luc “Luc, Emma’s mother didn’t know your preferences, so she just ordered some sandwiches. If they don’t suit your taste, let her know, and she can prepare something else for you. Make yourself at home, no need to be so formal.”
Mr. Johnson didn’t refer to her as your mother–in–law” but as “Emma’s mother.” A flicker of surprise crossed Luc’s face, but he quickly masked it
He might show respect to his parents on the surface, but he probably didn’t enjoy their company. At fifty, Mr. Johnson understood the nuances of social
interaction
Seeing Catherine trying hard to please Luc, he wondered if she was trying to climb the social ladder. The Taylor family was wealthy and influential, but the Johnson family owed them nothing. Did she think that by going out of her way to please him, the Taylor family would look favorably upon her daughter?
How naive!
“Luc, your father–in–law is right. If the food doesn’t suit you, just tell me, and I can cook something else for you”
“Mother–in–law, that’s not necessary. The food is great”
Luc glanced at Emma, who was enjoying her meal. Noticing her silence, he took a few bites with his fork, finishing half a plate before stopping. Mother Johnson’s enthusiasm waned as she considered going to the kitchen to make him dessert
“Emma, can you eat a bit slower and act with more grace? Who eats this fast?” Mother Johnson looked at Luc, assuming he was disgusted by her daughter’s mariners.
Luc frowned but said nothing
“Mom, I’m hungry! Besides, grace isn’t just about eating. I rarely get to enjoy a breakfast made by you. Shouldn’t I eat well?”
Catherine was taken aback. Her daughter, who usually took care to present herself well in front of Lue, was now being so dismissive. Instead of appreciating her mother’s advice, Emma seemed to blame her for not preparing a better breakfast.
Emma used to eat delicately in front of Luc, fearing his judgment. Now, she had a change of heart. What was there to fear?
If he looked down on her, so be it. If he didn’t like her, fine. If he disliked her, okay then. Who can’t live without whom?
