CHAPTER 2: The Bite She Refused to Take
CHAPTER 2: The Bite She Refused to Take
The kitchen fell silent.
Daniel looked from the toast...
...to Annie.
Then toward the hallway.
Right on cue, Victoria entered wearing a cream-colored silk dress, her engagement ring sparkling in the morning light.
She smiled warmly.
"Good morning."
She leaned down to kiss Daniel on the cheek.
"Did you sleep well?"
Daniel didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he gently turned the breakfast plate toward her.
"You made this?"
She smiled.
"Of course."
"Fresh sourdough. Just the way you like it."
Daniel nodded.
"Perfect."
He picked up the toast.
Then calmly held it out to her.
"Take the first bite."
Victoria laughed.
"What?"
"The first bite."
Her smile stiffened.
"Why?"
"Humor me."
She looked at Annie.
The little girl lowered her eyes.
Victoria's expression changed for only a fraction of a second.
Almost too quickly to notice.
"I already ate upstairs."
"So have another bite."
"Daniel..."
"No."
His voice remained calm.
"One bite."
The room became painfully quiet.
Victoria slowly stepped backward.
"I don't appreciate being tested."
Daniel set the toast back onto the plate.
"I didn't ask whether you appreciated it."
"I asked you to eat it."
For the first time since he'd known her...
Victoria looked afraid.
"I'm late for an appointment."
She turned toward the door.
"Victoria."
She stopped.
"If there's nothing wrong with the toast..."
"...why won't you touch it?"
She said nothing.
Instead, she walked out of the kitchen.
Daniel looked at Annie.
His heartbeat had become painfully slow.
May you like
"Call my chief of security."
"And don't let anyone leave this house."
