Suzanne’s voice quivered as she asked, “Should I excuse myself to give you some privacy?”
Fenna nced at Suzanne with indifference. “Seems like current affairs aren’t your forte. Reality shows
and soap operas seem more your style, am I right?”
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Suppressing her frustration, Suzanne took a deep breath. She
hesitated to linger and listen, fearing those topics might be sensitive or even confidential. She never
expected Fenna to portray her as
ignorant.
Nathan’s brow furrowed, his gaze piercing as he focused on Fenna. What’s wrong with you? Can’t you
speak nicely?”
Cameron nervously cleared his throat, forcing a smile. “Nathan, Suzanne, don’t let it bother you. Fenna
is going through a breakup.”
Nathan appeared surprised. “Fenna was in a rtionship?”
Fenna averted her gaze and stared out the window, neither confirming nor denying it.
Cameron chimed in, “Yes, yet another breakup.”
Fenna’s expression soured, her displeasure evident as she abruptly stood up. “Let’s have dinner here
tonight. What would you like to eat? I’ll a ted on it now.”
as ustomed to Fenna’s habits. Whenever she visited, she ed on cooking herself.
Cameron added, “It’s been ages since I’ve had Phoenicia beef stew.”
Nathan replied, “Anything will do.”
Fenna nced at Suzanne, her disapproval evident in her furrowed brows and stern gaze.
Feeling uncertain, Suzanne responded, “I’m fine with anything.”
Fenna let out a sarcastic chuckle, her hands resting firmly on her hips as she addressed Suzanne. “So,
Suzanne, is that how it is? This is your home, after all. It’s a norm for the host to prepare dinner for
guests.
“You’re not going to help and expect me to cook for you instead?”
Feeling overwhelmed by Fenna’s assertive demeanor, Suzanne felt as if she was dealing with a
daunting and critical sister-inw, suffocated by her presence. Even Gary and Florence had never been
this intimidating.
In a timid voice, Suzanne murmured, “I don’t know how to cook.”
Fenna retorted, “Can you at least wash and chop the vegetables?”
“I can wash them, but I’m not very skilled at chopping.”
Nathan held Suzanne’s hand and rose to his feet, his displeasure palpable as he spoke, “You needn’t
bother either. Let Emily handle it.”
Fenna remained firm. “You know I never eat food prepared by others.”
Leaning in close to Suzanne, Nathan spoke softly, “Stay here with Cameron. If you feel tired, you can
rest in the room.”
Suz nodded obediently.
Nathan responded. He rolled up his sleeves as he walked Fenna. “You stay here.”
that moment, Fenna couldn’t help but crack a smile, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she walked
side by side with Nathan
toward the kitchen. “You’re always so busy, barely even have time to
catch your breath.
“Unlike your wife, who’s so delicate You won’t even let her wash the vegetables. Are you nning to
spoil her rotten?”
Ignoring her jest, Nathan made his way to the kitchen.
Meanwhile, Suzanne sat dejectedly on the sofa, absentmindedly ying with the hem of her clothes,
feeling deeply unsettled. She couldn’t shake the nagging worry that Nathan might deem her
worthless.
Unable to cook or manage household chores,cking in social grace and job skills, and preferring
solitude, she felt like a dull and futile
presence.
Cameron took a sip of coffee while observing Suzanne, noticing her mncholy. “Suzanne, please
don’t mind Fenna’s words. It’s mainly because we’re too familiar with Nathan. Sometimes, we tend to
speak without restraint.”
Forcing a tight smile, Suzanne snapped out of her reverie. Observing Fenna’s casual treatment of their
surroundings, she couldn’t resist asking, “Where do you all live?”
Cameron gestured to the street outside the balcony. “Just across the street, at Hudson Manor.”
Suzanne pursed her lips and remained silent.
After all, they were friends, colleagues, and neighbors. Their close-knit bond and mutual familiarity
suddenly made perfect sense.