"Grandpa, you finally ca!" Serena quickly left her seat, went up to Darren, and took his hand affectionately.
"I wanted to talk to you last night, but Rose said you were off to bed."
"I was pooped last night," Darren replied with a warm smile.
But Serena couldn’t help thinking — if he was so tired, why did he keep Rosemary in his room for a private chat?
"Grandpa, you have no idea how much I missed you while you were out of it," Serena said as she pulled out a chair for him and helped him sit down. She then sat beside him, still holding his hand, and cooed,
"It’s been such a relief to finish the sester so I could co to see you. And Aunt Eunice made it back safe and sound, too. It’s just so great to see all of you!"
At that mont, a servant brought in breakfast, and Serena hurried to help serve it in front of Darren.
"Grandpa, this is your favorite pumpkin and millet porridge."
The bowl was a bit hot, and after setting it down, Serena quickly touched her earlobe.
"Did you burn your hand?" Darren asked with concern.
"No, it’s fine," Serena laughed, serving the other side dishes in front of him and arranging the silverware before sweetly adding,
"Eat up while it’s hot, Grandpa!"
Darren chuckled. "Such a thoughtful child."
Another servant brought Eunice her breakfast. As Serena helped serve it, the bowl was indeed too hot, and just half a ter from the table, she accidentally let go.
In a flash, Bard swept Eunice into his arms and turned to shield her.
The soup splashed onto Bard’s clothes and spilled all over the table, creating a ssy scene.
Serena, burned by the heat, recoiled and was visibly shaken.
"I’m so sorry, Uncle Bard, Aunt Eunice. Are you both okay?"
She just wanted to make a good impression but ended up ssing things up again.
Seeing that his wife was unhard, Bard finally said, "It’s alright."
Eunice, noticing his stained clothes, pulled out a tissue to wipe him down, thankful that the thick clothes and cold weather prevented any burns.
"I’m so sorry, it’s all my fault. I tried to be clever and just ssed up," Serena said, full of remorse.
"It’s okay, I know it wasn’t on purpose. Let’s have breakfast," Bard instructed the servants to prepare another serving.
Two more servants quickly started cleaning up the chaotic table.
Then Rosemary arrived.
Everyone greeted her with smiles as she entered the room.
Serena felt a twinge of jealousy. Everyone seed more enthusiastic about Rosemary than her!
Despite her discomfort, Serena still managed to smile and called out to her sister, making sure to keep up appearances.
The servant respectfully approached,
"Ms. Rose, for breakfast we have soup, pumpkin porridge, bread and pastries, milk, cheese olets, sandwiches, and rolled olets. Plus, we have so side dishes. What would you like?"
"Give Rose a little of everything," Darren said enthusiastically.
"It’s not every day we have her over, so bring out all the good stuff for Rose! And Rose, if there’s anything you don’t like, just tell , and I won’t let them make it anymore."
"I’m not picky," Rosemary said with a smile.
"But serving too much might an I can’t finish it all."
"You downed more fried chicken than last night, so I’m pretty sure you can handle it. It’s no problem for you!" Darren teased.
Rosemary grinned. "Grandpa, are you implying I’m a big eater?"
"It’s a hearty appetite, my dear. It cheers up to see you enjoying your food," Darren replied with a twinkle in his eye.
"Tonight, let’s dig in again for so late-night snacks."
Serena, overhearing the conversation, felt a pang of discomfort. Had Grandpa and Rosemary had a midnight feast last night without inviting her?
That was just playing favorites!
"Grandpa, now that you’re on the nd, are you sure you should be eating fried chicken?" Serena asked with feigned concern.
"Of course! We’ve got Dr. Rose here. If she says I can eat it, then there’s no problem," Darren chuckled rrily. As the servants brought in the al, he eagerly presented each dish to Rosemary.
Eunice offered Rosemary a bowl of soothing almond and bird’s nest pudding.
"Try this — it’s cooling and moisturizing, perfect for beauty and wellness."
"This cheesy olette is pretty good too," Bard suggested.
"I think these are the best! Give them a try, even just a bite."
Seeing everyone fuss over Rosemary, Serena couldn’t help feeling even more sour.
"Grandpa, are those good? I want to try one too!"
But with the chef having prepared only three, and Darren having already enjoyed two, only one was left.
"It’s just one left," Darren had already placed the last one on Rosemary’s plate when he turned to a servant and asked,
"Do we have any more in the kitchen?"
"The chef only made three, as we never repeat breakfast dishes and had them yesterday. I rember Serena didn’t fancy them much back then."
So, only three were made.
"That was a long ti ago," Serena said, her discomfort apparent.
"Then I’ll try this cheesy olette that Uncle Bard ntioned."
But Bard had already served the cheesy olette to Rosemary, looking surprised as he asked,
"Serena, I thought you didn’t like cheesy olettes."
"It’s just been so long, I’ve forgotten how they taste. I just wanted to try again. It’s okay — Rosemary can have it. I’ll have sothing else."
Serena’s words made the three adults present sense her mood. She seed to be taking things to heart.
Always regal and commanding, Eunice exuded an air of nobility, embodying the poise of a powerful woman.
"If Serena wants more, just have the kitchen make so," Eunice said decisively. Then turning to Rosemary,
"You eat now, and we’ll have the chef prepare so for Serena later."
"No need," Serena said with a strained smile.
"This is plenty for ."
The servants were in a bind. Should they instruct the kitchen to make more or not?
Serena seed upset, her feelings hurt. But once food had been placed in Rosemary’s bowl, it couldn’t be taken back. After all, Serena wouldn’t want it if it had been removed.
"Today’s breakfast oversight was on for not instructing the kitchen to prepare a little extra," Eunice admitted.
"If you think this is enough, then tomorrow we’ll make sure they cook more of what you like. Just let the kitchen know in advance."
"Thanks, Aunt Eunice." Serena suddenly stuck out her tongue in a mischievous smile.
"Don’t be so worried. I’m not picky. Just being able to sit and eat with you all is enough for . It’s just a pie. I couldn’t possibly fight with my sister over it."
Eunice wasn’t fooled by her niece’s playful facade, but Bard and Darren, less attuned to subtleties, thought Serena was just being playful, teasing them.
Darren laughed,
"I thought you were so stingy that you’d fight your sister over a pie. When did you beco such a tease? Eat up while it’s hot. My heart, having just recovered, can barely handle the suspense."
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