The atmosphere inside the Creed mansion was sickeningly domestic. Golden light from the chandelier bounced off the silver cutlery, casting a warm glow over a scene that felt like a desecration of everything Amara had built there.
"The noodles are here," the maid said, her voice tight with a simmering fury. She set the tray down with a sharp clack, her eyes darting to the empty chair where
Amara used to sit. She looked at Sebastian, the man who had just left his wife broken in a hospital bed, and then at Elara, who was preening like a queen. With a final look of pure disgust, the maid turned and marched out before she said something that would get her fired.
"There you go," Sebastian said, his voice light and untroubled. He tucked a napkin into his collar, looking every bit the relaxed family man.
"Wow, that smells amazing," Elara purred, leaning into the steam.
"Smells so good!" six-year-old Seren chirped, her eyes wide as she mimicked Elara's enthusiasm.
