Chapter 65: The Memories of Velmoria (2)
Charlotte sat at the dining table with a swirl of emotions settling in her chest. She was touched that her mother had gone out of her way to prepare all her favorite dishes, or rather, the ones she used to love before the eating disorder took that joy away from her.
There was honey-glazed roasted chicken, creamy mushroom soup, butter garlic shrimp, and many more. But Charlotte’s gaze lingered on one in particular dessert, a small glass filled with creamy milk pudding, topped with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of crushed almonds.
She swallowed hard. It had been years since she’d last tasted it. Back then, it had been her comfort food, something she and her mother used to make together on quiet afternoons. But now ... now, the thought of eating all of that sugar made her want to throw up.
"Milk pudding," Hattie said warmly, placing a spoon beside Charlotte’s dessert. "I remember how much you used to love this. You would always sneak a bite before it even set properly."
Charlotte let out a small, nervous laugh. "Yeah ... I remember."
After the housemaids set the table with an array of delicious dishes, everyone settled in for the meal. As they ate, Hattie and Derek reminisced about Charlotte’s life before marriage, filling the room with warm memories and laughter.
As the conversation flowed around the table, Charlotte quietly slid half of her food onto Damon’s plate, careful not to draw any attention, creating the illusion that she had eaten most of her meal.
Damon, seated beside her, didn’t say a word. He simply accepted the extra portion without hesitation, effortlessly playing along. Fortunately, he had a big appetite, so he had no trouble finishing everything Charlotte had secretly given him.
Just as Charlotte thought she had successfully avoided suspicion, her mother’s voice made her pause.
"You’re eating well, sweetheart," Hattie said with a pleased smile. "I was worried you might not have the same appetite for home-cooked meals anymore."
Good. It seemed like her mother hadn’t noticed that half of her food had ended up on Damon’s plate.