Chapter 15

Zara reached out to take Elise's hand, but Elise stepped back, avoiding her touch. Zara sighed helplessly, as if giving up on trying to persuade her. "El, I know you're still angry that Sam didn't save you first that day, but whatever happens between adults shouldn't affect the child. "Lucas hasn't eaten properly for two days. Kids have fragile stomachs. He can't go on like this. Come inside. I'll be careful this time. Let's cook something for him together." Disgust flashed in Elise's eyes. Her voice was sharp and edged with impatience. "If he's refusing to eat or gets sick, that's his own problem." Zara gently said, "He just wants to have his mother's cooking." "My right hand's injured," Elise snapped. "Are you all blind?" Even when faced with her hostility, Zara remained gentle. "That's why I said I'd help you." "You don't need to waste your breath on her," Samuel interjected. "Her hand's fine. She was cooking just now. She's only pretending." Before Elise could respond, Luc