“Seraphine,” Luther said casually, as if everything were normal, as though the threads of their relationship hadn’t unraveled. “How about you cook something for us tonight? We could use a good homemade meal.”
The words sliced through her, a reminder of the countless times she’d tried to make things work, to bridge the growing chasm between them. Without turning, she replied flatly, “I’m not cooking tonight. Let’s just eat out.”
Luther stopped mid-step, visibly surprised. His lips twisted into a smirk, the kind that used to charm her but now only grated. “Not even for me?” he teased, inching closer.
Cornelia chimed in with an exaggerated pout, her tone syrupy sweet. “Oh, let’s go out, Luther! It’ll be so much more fun, don’t you think?” Her eyes darted to Seraphine, challenge glinting in their depths.
Seraphine met Cornelia’s gaze with icy calm. “Fine,” she said, the word edged with bitterness. “Let’s go.”