Chapter 0322


    It’s no different than the night that Karl threw the party at our old home, and seeing someone treat the


    food—which my team and I so painstakingly prepared—like it’s not even worth tasting is hurtful. The


    contrast between her and Ethan is striking, and I can’t help but wonder about her true intentions.


    “Well, I agree with Ethan,” Karl chimes in, sensing my upset over Gianna. He holds up a forkful of


    glistening pasta and smiles. “This is delicious. I may need to have a second helpingter.”


    “Speaking of second helpings,” Ethan says, pushing his now-empty te away, “I can see that the


    spinach puffs are disappearing quickly over there. I’ll be right back—”


    “Allow me,” I say suddenly, standing abruptly. “I’ll get it for you.”


    Ethan shoots me a concerned look. “Abby, you don’t—”


    “Really,” I retort with a smile. “You should rx. Besides, I’m the caterer.”


    Before Ethan has the chance to refuse, I push my chair back and walk away. Really, I just need a


    moment away from Gianna so I can breathe, but I won’t let them know that. As I approach the table,


    however, I can hear the sound of footsteps behind me. I know it’s Karl.


    “Are you okay, Abby?” Karl’s voice is hushed as he brushes his fingers gently against mine, reaching


    for a te of cmari on the table.


    I offer him a reassuring smile. “I’m fine, Karl,” I say. “Just needed to take a moment to breathe.”


    “Trying to get away from Gianna?” he asks.


    I nod, knowing that there’s no point in sugarcoating it. We both nce over our shoulders to see that


    Gianna has shoved her untouched te away. Ethan is reaching for it.


    “Man, he sure is ravenous,” Karl says with a chuckle.


    I can’t help butugh, too. “Hey, at least one of them is enjoying the food,” I say.


    Karl nods and sighs, a mixture of frustration and gratitude evident in his eyes. “I’m really sorry she’s


    here, Abby. I just wish we could spend one night free of drama, you know?”


    Truthfully, I do know. And I want that, too; more than anything right now.


    N?velDrama.Org owns all content.


    But before I can respond, a woman with two adorable children—a boy and a girl—approaches us. The


    little ones are beaming with innocence and joy, their mouths and tiny hands flecked with chocte.


    “Excuse me,” the mother says, shing me a smile. “You’re Abby, correct? The caterer?”


    I nod and set down the te of spinach puffs I’m holding. “I am.”


    The mother grins and looks down at her two kids. “Go ahead,” she says to them. “Tell Miss Abby what


    you told me.”


    With bashful looks on their faces, the little kids stammer out their gratitude.


    “Yeah, thank you,” the little girl chimes in. “It’s detectable!”


    With another thank-you and a flurry of chocte and giggles, the two children walk away with their


    mother. I watch them go, unable to wipe the smile off of my face, like a piece of chocte that won’t go


    away. Co?tent of Dr?м??ovеls.cоm


    But when I meet Karl’s gaze, there’s a strange, soft look in his eyes that makes my cheeks flush red.


    “What?” I ask.


    He simply shakes his head. “Oh, nothing,” he says, his voice low and thick. “Nothing at all.”