SWNOVELS Chapter 15
Chapter 15
Dinner was served, and with it came an air of tension, turning the gathering into an uncomfortable family affair. Over the years, Jerry had seldom participated in group meals, lending evident awkwardness to this occasion.
Pretending to be all cheerful, Mary struck up some chitchat. “Jerry, the cook whipped up your favorite stew tonight. You’ve gotta try it,” she said, spooning him a serving. Then, subtly shifting her focus to Charlotte, she added, “I recall Charlotte’s a big fan of it too.”
Before Charlotte could process this, she found Mary serving her a portion of the stew as well.
“Thank you,” she said quietly, feeling slightly overwhelmed.
As Mary attended to Jerry and Charlotte, Olivia couldn’t help but display her discontent. “Mom, all the dishes on the table are Charlotte’s favorites. What about my favorite beef?” Olivia broached, unhappily eyeing her mother.
One stern glance from Mary was all it took to silence Olivia, who lowered her gaze, shrunk a bit in her chair, and proceeded to eat her meal without a word.
Charlotte registered the whole exchange, her attention then drifting to the food spread before her. It was a sight she had last saw three years ago. All her favorite dishes… just the way she remembered them.
“Charlotte, go ahead, eat up,” Jerry encouraged warmly. “You’ve lost weight. You must’ve had some tough times.” His tone was jubilant, but his smile faded as his eyes wandered over to Zachary.
Zachary, accustomed to Jerry’s chilly glares, simply continued with his meal, unfazed.
“I will, Grandpa,” Charlotte promised.
“That’s good, honey. Take your time. Enjoy your meal,” Jerry responded, letting out a sigh of sheer
然
contentment. He then turned to Mary, “Mary, it’s wonderful she’s back home. Cook her some of her favorite dishes from now on.”
Caught off guard by this mandate, both Mary and Charlotte blinked in surprise. After an uncomfortably long pause, Mary managed to muster a response. “Certainly, Jerry. I’ll make sure to cook Charlotte’s favorite dishes.”
Charlotte didn’t miss the strain in Mary’s voice as she promised to cater to her needs. Unconsciously, she found her gaze meeting Zachary’s, where she noticed a glimmer of unease. Quickly, she averted her eye on Mary, who continued to eat, expertly avoiding any further conversation or eye contact.
Once the dinner was over, Charlotte wanted nothing more than to make up an excuse to leave. But Jerry was insistent on her staying. Struggling to come up with a polite way to decline, she suggested
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Chapter 15
Jerry should go get some rest, given the late hour. With this, Jerry headed to his room, leaving Charlotte alone.
Surprised, Charlotte ran into Mary, who normally retired to bed early. As she walked past Mary, her mother–in–law spoke out. “I’ve had your old room dusted up. It’s late, and Maple Estates isn’t close by. It’s safer for you to spend the night here, as you once did.”
“Thanks for the thought, Ma’am, but that won’t be necessary,” Charlotte declined. She knew staying wasn’t the best idea.
Mary frowned, her expression turning frosty. Unsure whether it was due to her refusal or her formal address, Charlotte held her ground. Mary responded, “If you stay in Maple Estates, Mr. Sullivan will worry. His health isn’t what it used to be. You can’t let him fret over your safety.”
Mary had never shown such concern to Charlotte before. Charlotte was about to refuse again, but swallowed her words, thinking of Jerry’s frail health..
Then, with an unexpected proposal, Mary inquired, “Are you available tomorrow?”
Charlotte was startled. “Excuse me?”
“I need your company for a social gathering.”
Mary’s unexpected invitation dumbstruck Charlotte. She remembered the instances when she was considered a trouble to the family. Without hesitation, she voiced her concerns. “I don’t think that’s suitable.
Mary cut her off. “You are technically still married, so it’s perfectly fitting. Pick something decent to wear from your evening attire.”
And with that, Mary left, not giving Charlotte any room for objection.
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When Charlotte finally snapped back from her shock, Zachary made his appearance. They locked
eyes.
“I must say, I didn’t think you had it in you,” Zachary stated cryptically.
Charlotte retorted, “What are you getting at?”
She was genuinely baffled. It wasn’t much of a surprise that Jerry was concerned for her, but Mary’s sudden change in attitude was baffling.
Zachary merely smirked, leaving her question hanging in the air.
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