Everyone in the Lancaster family gathered around Serena, fussing over her.
Serena could clearly feel their worry and concern.
And they all had a tacit understanding not to ask where she had been or what she had been doing these past few days.
They simply asked if she had been eating and sleeping well.
Serena answered each question patiently.
The warm atmosphere was thick in the air.
Suddenly, the click-clack of high heels echoed from the doorway. The steps were light and quick, accompanied by Isabella's excited, cheerful voice. "Dad, Dad, look! The evening gown I custom-ordered from the master designer Antonio has finally arrived! It's absolutely perfect! I love it so much!"
She clicked her way into the living room on her heels, practically bursting with excitement.
Behind her, Agnes followed, carefully pushing a mannequin on a display rack covered with a dust protector, a wide smile on her face as she watched Isabella.
"Dad, Mom, I'm going to try on this gown. Can you tell me if it looks okay? Brianna's coming-of-age party is tomorrow, so if anything isn't right, we need to get it altered immediately..."
Her excited voice suddenly trailed off.
She saw the happy, harmonious scene in the family dining room.
Serena was sitting in a prominent spot, the plate in front of her piled high with food.
It was obvious that the family had been personally serving her one dish after another.
Isabella’s expression faltered, a momentary fracture in her porcelain mask, before the practiced, honeyed smile snapped back into place.
"Oh, Serena, you're finally back! You have no idea how much Grandpa, Dad, Mom, and Julian missed you while you were gone."
VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Messing With Her? Are You Crazy!