The heartbreak of the century

"Are you okay?" Brad asked for the fourth time when he noticed me picking on my food. We were having dinner with Mrs. Smith and Veronica at the mansion. And it is awkward as it was the first time. Brad with his defense mechanism on board, his stern face activated. Veronica with her bored look, Mrs. Smith with her Superior face. And me wishing this charade of a family dinner is over soon enough.

Kayden is absent. He is having a sleepover with Audrey. They've grown quite fond of each other and I am a little jealous of that.

"Yes, I'm just tired." My lips curved into a tight smile. He narrowed his eyes at me. "Are you sure?"

"Yes," I say turning my head away from him. I squeezed his hand under the table to assure him. He darted me a smile.

I'm far from being okay. When I stare into their faces, Chris Anderson's poisonous words keep creeping into my mind. Is their affection for me all a façade? Just a big lie as Chris Anderson said.