Facade of Love

Chapter 302

Chapter 302 Being Stubborn

I was so caught off guard that I ended up coughing on my own spit. Mom shot me a look that could freeze lava before turning to Idris with a worried frown “Look at Yvette letting you starve like a bad host. What can I whip up for you right now?

“Aunt Deb, this is perfect,” Idris cut in, his long fingers gesturing to the spread Mom was about to pack up.

Mom paused, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face. She quickly set the food down on the round table beside him, though. “Give these a try, see if they’re to your liking. They’re Yvette’s favorites, but I’m not sure if they will hit the spot for you.”

Idris nodded, accepting the food box with an effortless elegance. He started eating and even threw a few compliments Mom’s way, which got her blushing and laughing, clearly pleased.

I knew Mom lived for moments like this as her cooking was her pride and joy. She always said there was nothing better than seeing someone enjoy her meals. It used to be Dad, then Maxwell, and now it seemed like Idris might join that fan club.

A knock on the hospital room door pulled me from my thoughts. “Come in,” I called.

The door swung open, and there was Charlie, rolling in on his wheelchair, a grin on his face. He exchanged a warm greeting with Mom.

Seeing the bandages, Mom’s smile wavered. “Charlie, you should still be resting. Is everything okay?”

Charlie’s smile did not waver. “I’m fine as long as I stay off my feet.” His eyes briefly

narrowed as they landed on Idris, who was still enjoying his meal. However, he quickly turned to me with a concerned look. “Are you doing okay?”

I nodded, relieved to see him looking better. “You’re supposed to be resting, you know. I’m good and just need to rest here for a while.”

He rolled up in his wheelchair, a serious look on his face. “I just couldn’t shake the worry. I had to come to check on you.”

His words were straightforward, Idris’s deep, dark eyes flicked over to him, sharp as a hawk’s, nonetheless. Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Something was off in the hospital room. The air charged with an unspoken tension. Mom picked up on it too, so she flashed a quick, bright smile at Charlie and said, “Mr. Yates, have you had dinner? I whipped up some of Yvette’s favorites, but she’s full now…” She trailed off, suddenly realizing that might sound weird. I mean, the food was stuff I would not touch with ten–foot pole, and Idris had just mentioned he was hungry.

The situation was kind of awkward for Mom to offer food to Charlie and put everyone on the spot.

Catching herself mid–sentence, she tried to backtrack.

Charlie, as if he had zeroed in on the most important part of the conversation, eyed the

steaming dish Mom had just set out. A warm smile spread across his face. “Did you make these” yourself?”

Mom nodded, “Yep, everything’s fresh. Have you eaten yet? Want to give them a try?”

“Absolutely!” Charlie did not miss a beat. “I wasn’t hungry until I saw the food. The dishes. smell amazing.”

Mom chuckled and slid the plate over to him, handing him some cutlery.

Charlie dug in like he was at home while Idris watched, his brow furrowing just a bit. He kept quiet, however.

The whole scene felt surreal to me. Since when did my hospital room turn into a party?

Watching them go at it, you could tell they were loving every bite. Charlie kept raving about Mom’s cooking, promising that once he was back on his feet, he would have to have a meal at the Scotts“.

Mom’s face lit up at the praise. She was a sucker for compliments on her cooking. Without a second thought, she agreed, “Anytime you want to come by, I’ll cook up a storm for you.”

Idris probably did not know what came over him when he cheekily asked Mom, “Aunt Deb, mind if I join the dinner party?”

Mom would not dream of turning him away and welcomed them both with a warm smile.

She had only whipped up a single serving. However, with two hungry guys chowing down, the food vanished in a flash. She was thrilled. After tidying up, she announced she was off to get some fruit from downstairs.

Neither of the dudes in the hospital room seemed keen on leaving. The quiet that settled was kind of spooky. Eventually, I could not take the silence. “Are you guys full?”

“Yep!”

“Stuffed!”

Idris and Charlie chimed in together. I bit my lip, then yawned, “I’m kinda tired. Maybe I’ll just…”

“Don’t sweat it. Get some rest. I’ll hang around until Auntie gets back with the goodies.” Charlie’s voice was gentle, his dark eyes peaceful, and he flashed me a reassuring grin.

I was at a loss for words, glancing at the dashing Idris, about to shoo them off. Before I could get a word out, however, Idris read my mind. “Go sleep, I’m good.”