Chapter 380
Rowan Murphy’s brow furrowed as he listened. “Let her. If she wants to fall for that routine, I can’t stop her p>
If she hadn’t been so susceptible, she wouldn’t have been twisted around Frank Atwater’s finger all those years ago.
The more Rowan thought about it, the more irritated he became. Before lan could say another word, he stood up, his face a cold mask. “Get the car. We’re going to Vistapeak Gardens p>
When Elissa Drummond left the Riley family’s clinic, Old Mr. Cross offered to give her a ride, but she refused without a second thought.
When she arrived home, she found Frank waiting outside her door, holding an insulated food carrier. “Edna heard I’m living downstairs from you now,” he said. “She made some of your favorite dishes and asked me to bring them up p>
During their three-year marriage, Edna had been the one in the Atwater family who had looked after her the most in day-to-day life.
Elissa glanced at the size of the carrier, knowing it was far too much for just her and Tanya. Out of politeness, she asked, “Have you eaten? Do you want to join us p>
“Can I p>
A flicker of light crossed Frank’s eyes, but he didn’t agree immediately, his question tinged with uncertainty.
For a moment, Elissa was reminded of the Frank she knew as a child. He used to be just like this, with that same hint of careful hope.
Elissa pressed her lips together. “It’s just a meal. Of course, you can p>
“Then I won’t stand on ceremony.” Frank offered a gentle smile and followed her inside.
As Elissa opened the shoe cabinet to get him a pair of slippers, Frank’s gaze fell on a pair of men’s slippers that looked to be his size. “Those should fit me,” he said, pointing.
“Not those.” Elissa’s refusal was swift and sharp. Realizing her tone was a bit harsh, she explained, “Those are my brother’s. You know how particular he is about people touching his things p>
Rowan had worn them only once since she’d bought them.
Frank’s expression faltered for a second, his fingers curling at his sides. He said nothing more. “Right, of course. Just grab me any pair p>
“Okay p>
Unable to find a pair in his size, Elissa opened a pack of disposable slippers for him, ones Tanya had collected from hotels during her business trips. They were surprisingly handy for guests.
Frank was easygoing about such things and put them on without complaint, heading toward the dining room.
Tanya, who had no meetings that night, was home with a stack of legal files. She looked up as they entered. “Free dinner p>
“Edna made it,” Elissa said with a smile, setting down her bag. “Go wash your hands and come eat p>
She couldn’t recall the last time she and Frank had sat down for a meal so peacefully. In her memory, ever since they got married, proper meals together had been rare. Most of the time, it was all for show-he put on a performance for her and she put
one on for the Atwater and Murphy families.
Tanya tasted the beef stew, its rich color glistening under the light, and quickly served a piece to Elissa. “Try this. It’s just how you like it p>
“Thanks p>
Elissa smiled, lifting the tender piece of beef to her lips. But as the rich aroma hit her, a wave of nausea churned in her stomach.
Her brow tightened. She placed the
meat back in her bowl and took a large gulp of orange juice to quell the discomfort. She hadn’t
experienced any significant morning
sickness until now, but it seemed to have arrived with a vengeance.
Frank, ever observant, paused his meal. “What’s wrong? Not to your liking p>
“My fault,” Tanya interjected quickly, plucking the piece of beef from Elissa’s bowl and eating it herself. “I completely forgot her stomach’s been upset the last few days. She can’t handle anything too rich p>
Elissa, not wanting Frank to know about the pregnancy, played along. “Don’t
worry, I forgot myself. I just saw the stew and couldn’t resist p>