calling her Mom

★★★★★

The entire family gathered around the dinner table, with Payne and Dante seated together on one side, while Jasmine took her place next to Damon on the opposite end.

"I’ve prepared some light food for you both, given your current state. After a week, your diet will be more varied," Jasmine said, lifting the lid from the dishes. The soft rice and mashed vegetables looked unassuming but smelled surprisingly delightful.

Payne examined the food with a sceptical look. The blandness of the rice and the lack of colour made her doubt its flavour. "This is it?" she asked her expression a mix of curiosity and disbelief.

"Yes, and you’ll get some fish as well," Jasmine replied, serving the food with a reassuring smile.

Dante, however, seemed genuinely pleased. "I like it, Pretty Lady!" he said, clearly delighted that the meal was made by Jasmine.

Payne looked at Dante with a playful grin. "Why don’t you start calling my mom ‘Mom’? It would sound more fitting, especially since I called your