As Fenna approached with a small bowl, intending to divide the beef noodle soup between Nathan and


    herself, M felt a twinge of difort in her heart. She gently nudged Phoebe and whispered, “Let’s


    swap seats.”


    gaze dimmed as he watched M distancing herself from him during their seat


    Nathan’s gaze exchange.


    Phoebe opted for fried chicken, and when M handed her the plum juice, she nced at it skeptically.


    “Why not get me a c instead? What’s with the plum juice?” she asked.


    M remained silent as she twisted off the cap and took a sip, her brow furrowing. “It tastes good, and it


    complements your fried chicken well,” she remarked.


    After setting down the juice, M picked up her fork and began to eat.


    Fenna portioned out some noodles and pushed the remaining toward Nathan. “Nate, have some.”


    Nathan noticed his bowl was filled with beef, while Fenna’s had only a scant amount of clear broth and


    noodles. He had known Fenna for years and was well aware of her fondness for beef, but something


    seemed off today.


    Sliding his bowl toward Fenna, he said, “Take some beef.”


    Fenna shook her head, though her eyes were greedily fixed on the beef in his bowl. “You’ve lost weight


    these past few days. You should eat more. I don’t mind going without,” she insisted.


    Observing her longing gaze, Nathan simply picked up some beef and passed it to her.


    Fenna’s face lit up with a bright smile, her voice soft as she replied, “Thank you, Nate. You’re always so


    kind to me.


    Π


    In an instant, M found her meal tasteless and suffocating.


    Meanwhile, Phoebe, munching on her fried chicken, asked curiously, “Why are you two


    sharing a portion of beef noodle soup? Short on cash?”


    Fenna exined, “I’m watching my diet. Can’t haverge portions.”


    Phoebe countered, “If you can’t finish it, why not order a smaller portion? Taking away


    General Morrison’s share means he won’t have enough to eat.”


    Innocently, Fenna turned to Nathan, “Nate, is it enough for you?”


    Nathan replied, “It’s fine.”


    Phoebe frowned while contemting Fenna’s behavior, then shifted her gaze to Nathan. Thoughts


    raced through her mind.


    Nathan was so straightforward, surely he couldn’t be oblivious. But why did he seem clueless about


    Fenna’s bitchy behavior? It was so obvious!


    Turning her attention to M, Phoebe felt sympathy.


    M had no appetite for the food. No wonder she opted for plum juice. She was clearly feeling jealous!


    Phoebe returned to the present and savored a hearty bite of her fried chicken, relishing its vor.


    After satisfying their hunger, they resumed their journey. It didn’t take long for Fenna to sumb to


    drowsiness. She leaned toward Nathan and rested her head on his shoulder.


    Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Observing the scene through the rearview mirror, a heavy burden settled in M’s chest. She turned


    toward the window and rested her chin on her arm, consumed by dejection.


    Her thoughts churned with a mix of confusion and sorrow. She reminded herself that she had rejected


    Nathan, so she had no right to feel angry, jealous, or show her concern for him.


    ‘Phoebe,” Nathan called out.


    “Yes, General Morrison?”


    Nathan’s voice was gentle as he said, “Pull over ahead, I’ll drive.”


    “No, we can’t make you drive,” Phoebe protested nervously.


    M, catching on, subtly nudged Phoebe.


    Nathan noticed her gesture, a slight smile gracing his lips. “Let’s stop here,” he suggested.


    Stealing a nce at Fenna who was peacefully resting her head on Nathan’s shoulder, Phoebe


    understood Nathan’s intention.


    “Alright, General Morrison. Thanks for taking over.”