Chapter 56

Chase's pov

I stood in there, my eyes fixed on Elodie as she descended the stairs, and time seemed to stop.

She looked up, and her eyes locked on mine. I saw the momentarily hesitation, but she quickly masked it, concealing all emotions in her eyes.

“I didn't think we were expecting someone,” she said, and I felt a jab in my chest.

“Elodie!” Her mother scolded, while Daniel chuckled.

Elodie shrugged, and walked past us.

"I'm sorry about that. She can be really cranky. Come join us for dinner," Meredith said, her smile radiant. "We're having your favorite, grilled turkey with garlic bread."

The aroma of roasted turkey and freshly baked bread hung heavily in the air, making my stomach growl with hunger. But my appetite was dampened by the awkwardness that hung between Elodie and me like a challenge.

As we sat down at the dinner table, the silence was palpable. Elodie's eyes avoided mine, her gaze fixed on her plate. I tried to make small talk, but her responses were curt, her voice ba