Lyndon stepped aside, offering a smile at Brian’s assertive demeanor.
Gail, amidst her baking preparations, caught sight of Brian attending to Rosalynn’s hands and smiled to
herself.
Rumors had circulated that Brian had no affection for his wife, whom he had married against his will,
yet his actions suggested quite the contrary.
“Rosa, I’m about to bake some pastries, akin to bread. Would you care to assist?” Gail invited her after
Brian’s gesture was complete.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt“I’d Love to,” Rosalynn accepted with a warm smile.
Turning to the two men, Gail proposed, “Brian, Lyndon, perhaps you’d prefer to step outside for a chat?
Later, you can taste the bread.”
“I’ll stay and help,” Lyndon offered, though his underlying intent was to remain by Rosalynn’s side.
Brian shot Lyndon a chilly look, murmuring firmly, “I’ll stay and help too.”
Gail flashed a smile and remarked, “How about you two just wait for the food outside?”
At that moment, Kyson and Selina entered the kitchen.
Upon seeing the pair, Gail instructed, “Kyson, would you escort Brian and Lyndon outside for some
entertainment?”
Kyson agreed and proposed, “How about a game of basketball?”
Brian and Lyndon exchanged a glance and concurred, “Sure.”
Their demeanor was frosty and haughty. They didn’t leave as though they were off to a game, but
rather as if heading into battle!
Watching the trio depart, Selina turned to Gail and mentioned, “I’ll tag along then. I’m not much use in
the kitchen anyway.”
Gail responded with an affectionate grin, “Go on then. I’m well aware you dislike the cooking smell.”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm“You know me too well.”
In a playful display before Rosalynn, Selina planted a kiss on Gail’s cheek and darted off.
Rosalynn’s gaze fell, and she remained silent, though her emotions seemed to stir.
Left alone with Gail in the kitchen, she finally said, “Mrs. Moreno, you shower Miss Forbes with such
affection. Those unaware might mistake her for your own daughter.”
As Gail kneaded the dough, she shared, “Selina’s father has faithfully served as our butler for many
years, and her mother attended to me for just as long. When my daughter passed away, it plunged me
into grief. Selina’s presence helped me find my way out of that sorrow. She has always been like a
daughter to me in my heart.”
A shadow of sadness briefly crossed her eyes, perhaps a flicker of memory .
Rosalynn joined in kneading the dough to offer support.
“I apologize if my words have brought back painful memories.”