CHAPTER FORTY ONE

The tension in the house was thick as oatmeal the next morning. Ruby, Stephan, and Naomi avoided eye contact as they shuffled around the kitchen, trying to make breakfast without setting off any more explosions.

Suddenly, Naomi coughed softly. "Stephan, I hope you're not still upset about last night," she said carefully, not wanting to upset him further. Stephan shook his head, forcing a smile."No, I'm not," he replied, though his voice sounded strained, indicating that he might still be bothered by it. Naomi shot Ruby a glance, silently pleading for help. But Ruby was too busy stirring her coffee, her mind racing with thoughts of Stephan’s reaction last night.

Finally, Naomi spoke up again. "Okay, let's go out today, Ruby. We could go shopping," she suggested a hopeful glint in her eyes.

Ruby sighed. "Again? We went out yesterday!"

Naomi bit her lip nervously. "I know, but I saw this adorable dress that would look perfect on you on my way to Stephan's house at the boutique a f