ARNOLD'S POV

When Celestine entered the room, there was a sudden and dramatic change in the previously buoyant atmosphere. It was so cold that it felt like the temperature had plummeted to zero. Celestine, on the other hand, started appreciating the taste of her own food as if nothing had happened.

Julian chuckled to himself as he reached for a giant prawn to give to her. ‘‘You have to try this one, Celestine… I cannot overstate how delicious it is.’’

‘‘Thank you, Julian…’’ Celestine cracked a grin before taking a bite of the prawn.

‘‘What do you think?’’ my cousin asked, and my fists automatically clenched under the table.

She...