“You don't have to be so polite around me, Jane. I just hope you don't despise my cooking.”

“Of course not.” In fact, the aroma wafting from the table full of dishes was incredibly appetizing.

“I've also already prepared the cutlery and cleaned up the kitchen. Why don't you take a seat, Jane?”

Before Jane could respond, Ethan pulled her towards a chair.

“Just relax," he said. “She had the time on her hands anyway.”

His remark made Cassidy's heart bleed, a small but swift trickle. I am doing all this for you, she thought.

Not that Ethan would have cared, even if he knew.

After dinner, Jane consulted a...