apter 18:
Thinking back, Anathea realliked that if Gregory ever found out shed secretly taken photos of them, he’d probably make her delete every last one on the spot.
That was how much he avolded being seen will her–whether at their wedding or now, during their impending divorce.
It was no surprise that no one ever believed she was actually Mrs, clair.
Anathea smirked at the thought, but thankfully for her, none of that mattered anymore. She no longer cared about titles or labels. In a month, she’d be leaving the Sinclair family for good.
“Here, try my dreamy white fish chowder!” Brisa suddenly said. 1n, she clapped her hands, signaling a maid te bring over the dish. The rich, savory aroma filled the air immediately.
The soup was a velvety blend of flaky white fish and tender potatoes, with hints of leeks and garlic, simmered to perfection in a creamy broth. Crisp pancetta added a subtle smokiness, while early mushrooms balanced the flavors. It was garnished with fresh chives.
Anathea’s grandmother used to make this dish for her all the time Later, Anathea took the bowl a mald handed her and carefully took a sip. The moment the familiar taste hit her tongue, her eyes welled up with tears.
TH
exactly like the dish her grandmother used to make. She deaten Brisa’s cooking many times before, but for za
this time felt different.
A lump formed in her throat, and silent tears rolled down her cheeks before she knew it.
“What’s wrong?” Brisa immediately looked concerned. “Why are you crying all of a sudden? Did that brat Gregory do something again? Just say the word, and I’ll straighten him out!”
“No, that’s not it.” Anathea quickly wiped her tears and forced a smile. “It’s just… Your cooking is too good.”
Brisa sighed in relief and handed her a tissue, gently wiping away the damp streaks on her face. “Well, eat as much as you want There’s plenty to go around”
“Okay.” Anathea nodded, scooping up another bite and finishing in down to the last drop. This was the most appetite she’d had since her last bout of gastritis.
ir voice rang out. “Something smells delicious!”
Just then, a cheerful, familiar
Anathea turned toward the sound and saw Isabel Sinclair–Gregor’s cousin–walking over with an easy smile.
Isabel greeted her warmly. “Anathea, you’re here too?”
deasy to get along with. She treated Anathea just like any
Unlike Gregory, who was always distant, Isabel was outgoing and easy t younger sister–in–law would–friendly and without hostility.
Anathea gave her a slight nod and responded gently, “Hey, Izzy.”
“Wow, Grandma made creamy white fish chowder?” Isabel gasped dramatically, turning to Brisa with a playful pout. “You made something this good and didn’t even call me? Am I not your favorite granddaughter anymore?”
“You’re acting as if I don’t make this often!” Brisa scoffed, shaking her head. “Hurry up and dig in!”
“You don’t have to tell me twice!” Isabel plopped down beside Anathea, grabbed a bowl, and ladled a generous serving for
herself.
After the first spoontul, her eyes lit up. “Mmm! It’s so good! Lucky for me that Anathea is here–otherwise, I wouldn’t have gotten to taste Grandma’s cooking today!”
“You’re such a smooth talker,” Brisa scolded, but there was nothing but fondness on her face. “What’s the matter? Didn’t get enough to eat at Eleanor’s birthday party, so you ran here instead?
Chapter 18)
+25 BONUS
Isabel grinned, enjoying the special attention. Then, she waved dismissively, saying, “The food at the birthday party was line, but it’s just the same fancy stuff we always have. Nothing exciting Your cooking is way better, Grandma! I could eat this every day!”
Her words made Brisa laugh, and she happily piled more food onto sabel’s plate. Meanwhile, Anathea stayed quiet, eating slowly and letting the two of them enjoy their moment.
But in the next instant, Isabel turned to her and leaned in curiously, asking, “By the way, I saw Gregory and Xander in the garden earlier. Why aren’t you with them?”
