Alexandra, Edward’s stepmother, was up before anyone else.The house was still dark when she padded downstairs barefoot. She went to the kitchen and prepared a simple breakfast: eggs, toast, and a pot of tea. Nothing fancy.By the time Mr. Charles and Edward came downstairs, the table was already set. It looked like a photograph of a family that had always been there.Edward stopped in the doorway, glanced at the table, then sat in his usual chair and picked up his fork.He moved the eggs around the plate. Pushed the toast to one side. Made circles with the tines of his fork through the yolk until it bled across the white.Mr. Charles. Wiped his mouth with a napkin."Edward. Eat."Edward put the fork down. Across the table, Alexandra watched him; she'd expected this.She took a sip of tea. She set the cup down.Fine, she thought. If he wants to hate me, let him. I'm not going to beg a grown man for a smile. I live here now. I'm his father's wife. Whether he likes it or not, I'm his
Last Updated : 2026-09-21
