Chapter 20

Samuel had always been distant. He'd never been talkative to begin with, and after marriage, he'd spoken even less. Over the last six years, Elise had faced struggle after struggle. Anna didn't need to ask to know just how difficult it had been. There was only so much she could do. Love needed a chance, but it couldn't be forced. If one day Elise decided to give up, Anna would accept it. Finally, she hung up in silence. "Dad, was that Great-Grandma?" Lucas asked. Samuel put his phone down. "Yeah. She wants us to come home for dinner." Lucas brightened up. The Holt family treated him well, and without Elise around to supervise him, he could even have a few extra snacks. The thought of Elise made him angry, yet part of him wished she would return. Wanda's cooking resembled Elise's, and Lucas could eat it without complaint, yet it never felt quite right. Even though Elise had been strict, her absence made the house feel cold and empty. At least Zara could keep him company once sh