Tabitha’s POV

“Are you sure you’re feeling better now, darling?” Mom asks me while we’re having breakfast at the dining table the next day.

“Yeah. I think resting did the trick,” I reply with a smile. Actually, I feel too guilty to continue with my fake sickness excuse just to ditch eating with the rest of them. Besides, it’s not like I can pretend to be sick forever just so I can avoid my stepbrothers.

I just pretend that I’m not hyperaware of the fact that they’re sitting across from me right now. I keep my focus on my plate, cutting my pancakes with exaggerated care as if the golden...