The Family Across The Street นิยาย & เรื่องราว

Chapter 87 – Whispers Across the Fence The morning after the second storm dawned brittle and gray, sunlight struggling to pierce through low, angry clouds. The streets glistened wet and reflective, every puddle a tiny mirror of the chaos that had just passed. Brenda, of course, wasted no time. By mid-morning, whispers had begun to spread through the neighborhood like wildfire, each word carefully sharpened to wound. “Did you hear about Abby’s family?” the neighbors murmured. “Terrible things happening… debts, curses, affairs…”

"Don't blame Connie, Mom. It's my fault. I have caused you so much trouble. I shouldn't have taken the coat from her…" Before she finished, Dad grabbed me and slammed me to the ground. He roared, "A cold-blooded thing like you doesn't deserve to live in this loving family!" I cried and begged him to stop. But the more I cried, the more he was convinced that I felt no remorse. His claws landed harder and harder. Mom and Nathan stood at a distance, their faces indifferent. It was as if I weren't part of the family, just a filthy rogue they didn't recognize.

Her father, at the head of the table, sliced into his medium-rare steak with silver cutlery. He barked, his voice cold, "Why the long face? We're headed to the Hamptons for a month, a spot packed with A-listers. Don't bring down the Vane name with your sour act." "She's just jealous Serena's bouncing back so well and gets to go to the yacht party," her brother Leo said, gently pouring Serena a glass of fresh juice. "Serena's an angel sent by God. Some people are just meant to be leftovers. Haven't you found your place yet?"

Across the street, a family was returning from church, and another neighbor who probably never went to church was working on his yard. This was a great neighborhood. A place to really live, not just a building to sleep in and play video games, which is how he saw his condo. He could picture himself here, sitting with Ace on that big front porch while Lola patrolled the yard in front of their crayon-crazy funky house.

Cross's face goes pale. Mr. Cross opens his mouth, but nothing comes out. I lean forward, hands pressed flat on the table, bills crunching under my palms. "Every dirty secret. Every backroom deal. Every person you've stepped on to get where you are." My voice drops lower, and I watch fear, actual fear, flicker across their faces. "I'll make sure everyone knows exactly who the Cross family really is." The silence is absolute. They stare at me like I've sprouted horns. Like I'm a stranger wearing my skin.

Sahana giggled, "Let's take another one." I faced the camera at us and this time right before I clicked Sahana placed her lips on my cheek. I looked at the photo and smiled, "I like this one more." "I do too." she laughed. "Do you still wanna play cards?" I asked. "Hmm, I think I used up all my luck today with that one speed game." I laughed, "Ok." We walked back to where we were and sat down. We stared at the lake. My eyes shifted to a family. The father was flying a kite with his daughter and the mother was hula hooping with her son.

She curls up beside me, stealing half my tea. “You are dodging,” she says, nudging my shoulder. “But I will let it slide. For now.” Dad chuckles, picking up his crossword again. “She always wins,” he says. “Give it up, Zeph.” Mom smiles, sitting across from us, her hands folded. “Family sticks together,” she says. I laugh, the tension easing, and we talk for a while; light stuff, like Selene’s new marketing client, Dad’s stubborn crossword, Mom’s plans to repaint the porch.

Late August brought unforeseen drama when the Henderson family next door experienced a house fire, temporarily eliminating them and offering an opportunity for Grace and Max's family to show the community values they had been developing in their children through years of small acts of generosity and support. "Mum, there are fire trucks next door!" Phoebe called out, her voice sharp with anxiety, when she noticed the emergency cars outside their kitchen window. "And there's smoke coming from the Hendersons' roof!" James added, clearly understanding the gravity of the issue.

But I couldn't. Mason stepped forward, his gaze wary and uncertain. "Athena, could we have dinner together as a family tonight?" he murmured. Looking down, Jackson nervously fidgeted with the hem of his shirt. "Mom… I really miss you. Please come home with us." I gave a cold, bitter smile. "Just tell me. What would it take for both of you to disappear from my life for good?" My words sliced through the silence, leaving them both visibly shaken.

He had no idea what had happened outside—or why the sight of George had shaken her so much. Ethan closed the door behind Mira and led her into the living room. "You look like you've been running," he said with a chuckle. "I kind of was," Mira replied, trying to sound casual. She glanced around before looking back at him. "Hey... do you know anything about the new neighbors who just moved into Crescent Avenue?" Ethan frowned. "New neighbors?" "The family that moved into the house down the street. A mum, a son, and a little girl."