Chapter 38
Chapter 38:
“You really don’t have to be so formal with me,” Olivia said, sliding her arm through Aleena’s with easy affection. “Just call me Olivia. I barely know anyone in Jucridge, but being around you feels strangely comforting. Maybe we could be friends p>
Uncertainty moved across Aleena’s face as she met Olivia’s gaze, a quiet unease rising at the thought of becoming too deeply entangled.
Sensing the hesitation with effortless intuition, Olivia shifted the conversation smoothly, sparing them both the awkward pause. “By the way, where is Kailey p>
“She’s helping Shirley with some soup.” Aleena let out a small breath of relief. “I’ll just call you Olivia, then. And if you ever have the time, come by with Ryan. Our family would be happy to have you p>
Olivia’s pleasant expression tightened almost imperceptibly. Despite the warm phrasing, she recognized it clearly for what it was—graceful courtesy, nothing more.
𝖸𝗼𝗎𝗋 ո𝗲х𝗍 𝘧𝗮𝘷𝗼𝗋𝗂𝗍𝗲 𝗋𝘦аd 𝘪ѕ o𝗻 𝗀𝖺𝘭ոо𝗏е𝘭𝗌.с𝗼𝗺
How had Kailey managed to grow so effortlessly close to all of them?
A cool glint moved through Olivia’s eyes, though her lips remained curved in practiced friendliness as they made their way downstairs together.
Concern stirred in Aleena’s mind. With Shirley already keeping her distance, she felt it was only right to be a more attentive hostess. Once they reached the first floor, she suggested taking the dog out for some fresh air. “The neighborhood is lovely in the evenings. Would you like to go for a short walk p>
Surprise brightened Olivia’s face before softening into delight. She hesitated only a moment before agreeing. “I’d love that p>
From the kitchen doorway, Aleena raised her voice gently. “Kailey, do you want to come along p>
Having overheard everything, Kailey saw no reason to insert herself. “No, Mom. I’m helping Grandma with the recipes p>
Taking the invitation as a genuine gesture of goodwill, Olivia straightened with renewed confidence and turned to Shirley. “Why don’t you join us as well p>
Shirley waved a languid hand. “Jolly sees my worn-out face every single day. Since you’re new here, let him get acquainted with you p>
The remark had sounded harmless enough on the surface, but the more Olivia turned it over in her mind, the more pointed it began to feel.
A faint stiffness crept into her expression, though she kept her polite smile carefully in place. “Alright then. We’ll be on our way p>
Once the sound of their footsteps faded down the hallway, Shirley muttered under her breath with undisguised irritation, “How much longer are they staying? I really cannot stand that woman p>
Kailey blinked quietly. Despite Shirley’s occasional temper, she had never seen her show such blunt dislike toward anyone.
Rather than elaborating, Shirley smoothly steered the conversation back to recipes and seasoning.
When the soup had simmered to just the right richness, she carefully ladled a bowlful, set it on a tray, and pressed it into Kailey’s hands.
“Ryan’s stuck working late again. This soup is good for him, but honestly, the sight of that boy irritates me. You go bring it up p>
A reply hovered on Kailey’s lips—she felt exactly the same. Still, it seemed wiser not to let Shirley stew in her irritation any longer.
She drew a quiet breath, lifted the tray, and headed upstairs.