Chapter 10

But there was no way around it. Without those snacks, Elaine seriously wouldn't make it. So, she had no choice but to throw out random excuses to fool Mrs. Thompson. And the poor woman actually bought it—kind of. Still, seeing that mountain of junk food, she looked visibly anxious. No matter how you looked at it, Mrs. Foster didn't seem like her old self anymore. Around ten at night, Elaine's stomach started making dramatic protest noises. Totally expected though—with that much junk piled up, she was just waiting for it to hit. Not wanting to wake up the staff, Elaine sneaked downstairs, tiptoeing all the way to the fridge. Just standing in front of it filled her with joy. The moment she opened it, happiness? Off the charts. She grabbed a bag of chips at random, ripped it open, and started munching away. She was really getting into it, when a familiar voice floated over from behind. "You skipped dinner?" Elaine nearly choked. Why did Marcus always show up when she was about to enjoy her food? Her appetite just died instantly. "Got hungry," she said, turning to glare at him. "My metabolism's just... intense." Marcus walked up slowly, eyeing the chips in her hand like they were a crime. "Trash," he muttered with clear disdain. Elaine reflexively swallowed and took a stand. "Don't underestimate junk food. It's this so-called trash that keeps me feeling like life's still worth it—" Halfway through, she gave up. What's the point of explaining? He wouldn't get it anyway. Everyone's taste is different. Why bother forcing him? Smiling a little, she shrugged and said, "Forget I said anything." "I saw the fridge was empty, so I figured I'd stock up a bit while I was out this afternoon." Just as she finished, Elaine's hypersensitive ears picked up a low growl. Loud. From Marcus's stomach. Her eyes blinked twice. She pointed. "You're hungry too?" Marcus's face stiffened, clearly embarrassed. He quickly turned his head and replied stiffly, "I'm not." Elaine, totally honest, said, "I definitely heard it growl." Marcus turned his back to her, clearly done with the conversation. Elaine grinned and gave the chip bag a little shake. "I could share, y'know." "No need," Marcus shot back, practically grinding his teeth. Elaine popped another chip into her mouth, speaking between bites, "Really tasty. I swear I'm not—mmm—" Wait, what? Before she could react, the half-eaten chip poking out of her mouth was stolen—by Marcus. And as he snatched it, his lips brushed hers. They. Actually. Kissed. Realizing it, Elaine freaked out and shoved him away. "What the hell?!" Marcus froze for a second, like he wasn't sure what just happened either. Why had he leaned in like that? But he quickly regained composure and coolly said, "Kissing my wife—is that a problem?" Elaine stared at him, mouth half open, unable to think of a comeback. Technically... he wasn't wrong. "I guess... not, but..." Kissing Audrey was expected. Kissing her, though...