Loriana smiled sweetly, the kind of smile that made your stomach twist because you knew it wasn’t real. “Oh yes. Dominic’s always looked after me. He used to cook for me when I was young. I was such a picky eater. He learned all my favorites! Sweet and sour ribs, steamed sea bass, braised meatballs…” She giggled, “I used to tease him that he’d make a great husband one day.”
My nails dug into my palms so hard.
Those were the dishes he cooked for me every weekend. He told me he learned them because I liked them. I’d believed him. I thought it was love.
I couldn’t stand there for another second. I mumbled something about feeling dizzy and went upstairs before my face gave everything away.
A few minutes later, there was a knock on my door.
Loriana again. Of course.
She came in holding a steaming bowl, smiling that same gentle, fake smile. “Dominic made this for you,” she said softly. “He told me to bring it up. It’s a tonic for your pregnancy. You should drink it while it’s still warm.”
The smell hit me before she even handed it over: bitter, sharp, heavy. I felt my stomach turn.
“Thanks, I don't wanna drink it. Give that back to him.”