The Best Revenge It Wasn't Even Your Child novel Chapter 39

The New Year always landed right in the middle of Cabinda’s coldest days. Every year, Fiona gave the staff a break so the family could have the holiday to themselves. This year, though, Belinda and the others had jetted off on vacation, leaving the house feeling empty and quiet.

“Grandma, should we try calling Catherine again?”

Sophia wasn’t ready to give up. “She always makes things feel livelier. We could make dumplings together and stay up for the countdown.”

Fiona gave her a look. “You just want her here to help with the cooking, don’t you?”

For the last couple of years, Catherine had been the heart of their New Year’s dinner. Her cooking was so good that even Belinda had to admit it. Those days were some of the rare times when everyone actually got along. Fiona and Sophia both loved that feeling.

“Of course not,” Sophia shot back. “It’s just... Catherine spending New Year’s alone is so sad. There’s no way she likes it. She was just being polite at the hospital the other day, I’m sure.”

“Alright, call her again. See if she’ll change her mind,” Fiona said, a little more hopeful now. She really did want Catherine there, no matter whose baby she was having or whether there was any chance she and Lance would get back together.

Sophia dialed Catherine’s number without hesitation. The phone rang and rang before Catherine finally picked up.

“Sophia?”

“Are you home?” Sophia asked. It was so quiet where Catherine was, nothing like the usual noise at the orphanage.

It was only nine in the morning, and Catherine had barely gotten two hours of sleep before Sophia’s call woke her up. Her voice sounded rough. “Yeah, I’m home. What’s up?”

“Grandma wants you to come celebrate with us. The staff have all left for the holiday, my parents are out of the country, and it’s just us here. Honestly, we’re going to starve if you don’t come help...”

Sophia didn’t really expect Catherine to do all the work, but saying it like this made it more likely she’d agree.

But Catherine knew exactly what Sophia was up to. Every year, while Catherine cooked, Sophia always hovered nearby, helping with whatever she could and worrying Catherine might tire herself out.

“Sophia, I really don’t think it’s a good idea,” Catherine said, sounding resigned.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify