The Year I Was the Other Woman To Myself novel Chapter 23

“Honey, I’d love some soup.”

Penelope turned to Zebulon, pouting playfully as she held out the ladle to him.

Zebulon knew his wife and his mother were at it again, but he couldn’t help but relish the moments when Penelope needed him, when she acted so endearingly.

“Of course.”

He took the ladle and her bowl, deliberately walking around the table, ignoring his mother’s thunderous expression as he served Penelope a generous helping of soup.

“Careful, it’s hot.”

Penelope took a sip and let out an exaggerated sigh of delight. “Wow, this is delicious! But mostly because you served it to me, darling. It’s filled with your love, and that’s what makes it taste so good.”

“When you’re done, I’ll get you more.”

“I want some scallops.”

Mrs. Sullivan had strategically placed the scallops right in front of Rebecca, forcing Zebulon to stand up and reach across the table. Seeing this, Rebecca’s face soured as she begrudgingly pushed the platter closer to them.

Penelope took one bite, decided she didn't like it, and dropped it into Zebulon's bowl. He promptly ate it with a look of blissful contentment.

“I want some beef.”

Penelope stopped reaching for food altogether. She simply stated her desires, and Zebulon would immediately place them in her bowl. If she’d wanted, he probably would have fed her by hand.

“Anything else?”

“I’m craving shrimp, but I don’t want to peel them.”

“I’ll do it for you.”

Zebulon placed several large shrimp on his own plate, peeled each one meticulously, and then transferred the succulent meat to Penelope’s bowl. As she ate, she praised his technique, marveling at how perfectly he’d shelled them.

Across the table, a vein was visibly throbbing on Mrs. Sullivan’s forehead. Rebecca stared down at her plate, her eyes likely red with jealousy.

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