Chapter 26

"Here's your coffee, honey," Elizabeth said, smiling as she set the cup in front of Charles. She had made it for him despite his refusal.

Charles rubbed his temples, keeping his head down, feeling the strain of sleeplessness.

"Drink up while it's hot," she urged gently once more.

"He should be drinking fresh milk," Stella chimed in.

Charles frowned and glanced up at the sound of her voice.

Stella smiled at them, then walked over to the refrigerator. She was glad to see the milk she used to buy, realizing Charles must have ordered it online. He had started drinking milk only because she had insisted when they moved into this house.

Elizabeth turned to Stella, annoyed. "Charles doesn't drink milk."

Ignoring her, Stella grabbed some fresh milk, poured it into a glass, and walked over to Charles. "Looks like your insomnia's back; don't forget to drink this."

Elizabeth marched over to Stella, furious, intending to snatch the glass of milk away. To her surprise, Charles took it and d