Chapter 44   

Dinner was filled with occasional chatter from Eleanor and Vanessa, with Alexander butting in when necessary. Julian and Leslie kept to themselves and focused on their meals.

“Try this, my darling,” Eleanor said, passing a slice of fluffy garlic bread to Alexander.

“Oh mom, you know how to spoil me so much,” Alexander cooed, passing a glance at Julian and smirking as he collected the food from his mother. Julian didn't even so much as blink; he just continued with his food.

Leslie felt a wave of heartache.*Why is mother-in-law like this? This overly display of affection is sickening even for me. I can't imagine how Julian tolerates all this,* she thought.

“Julian,” she called out for the first time since Alexander and co. arrived.

“Hmm?” Julian replied, his eyes on hers. So were the rest of the family’s. She scooped up some Bolognese and pouted.

“I'm full. I can't finish all this. Will you help me?” she asked, blinking her eyelashes.

Julian, stunned by her cute display of affection b