Chapter 6: Dinner

Daniel took a deep breath and looked at his bleeding hand again. He sneered, perhaps right now, no one but Daniel could understand how pathetic his appearance was.

“Caring what I do, just ignore me. Just let me die slowly.”

Daniel's words echoed in the quiet space. But every word that came out was like a knife that cut straight through Daniel's heart. A new wound overlaps an old one that has yet to heal. How long has Daniel's heart been smoldering with blood? Now he doesn't care anymore.

Then Daniel just fell asleep like that. Perhaps this is the only way Daniel can temporarily forget all this suffering.

That evening I was served dinner to Brian's family for the first time.

Under the luxurious ceiling lights. A sumptuous dining table is set out. I see that everything is prepared in every detail. Even the smallest details are carefully prepared. The dining table, tablecloths, and vases to candles are also arranged in a very delicate way.

Everything is splendid like a party instead of a family dinner.

After serving the food, everyone stood to the side. After waiting for a while, I finally saw Mr. James go down with his wife. The two sat at the table and the butler Lucas poured Mr. James a glass of wine.

At this point, I see Mr. James hasn't eaten yet, but it seems like he's waiting for something. I guess it's because Daniel hasn't appeared yet.

"I see you should limit your drinking, the doctor said alcohol will not be good for your health."

Seeing Mr. James drinking, Mrs. Adele immediately spoke up.

“I know, but only a little.”

"But just this one more time."

Mr. James smiled at Mrs. Adela and then looked around the table once as if searching for something.

Butler Lucas saw it and asked Mr. What does James need. 

"What do you need, master?"

"I didn't see my son, he didn't have dinner?"

“A little while ago, I knocked on the door of the master's room, but there was no answer. But he told me if he didn't reply, don't bother."

The face of Mr. James immediately showed some thoughtful features. I could see him sighing, even though it was a very small act that probably no one saw. But I can still see the worry as well as some guilt in Mr. James.

Then seemed to sense my observation. Mr. James looked at me, the way our eyes met made me feel flustered, and looked away. I don't know why I did that, but it was probably because of the noon incident. 

Although I did nothing wrong, after meeting that gaze of Mr. James, I feel like I've just been caught doing something bad.

I lowered my head, but now I can still feel Mr. James looking at me.

At this point my heart started to beat fast, I was worried that Mr. James will ask me something. But then he was silent again. It wasn't until I heard the sound of knives and forks moving across the table that I dared to look up.

"Perhaps he's tired and doesn't want to eat, remember to bring him food later."

I saw that Mr. James's face had returned to its original seriousness. I can feel Mr. James's concern for Daniel in every word. But I still don't understand what happened between the two of them. It may be anger, it may be that is so angry that Mr. James beats his son even though he loves Daniel very much.

Although before when my mother and I were still in our paternal grandparents' house. We don't count as having a good time there. But I can still remember the scene where people eat and talk together. Although my mother and I were never part of that story.

But here, the atmosphere was so quiet that only the sound of knives and forks moving could be heard. From time to time, I hear Mrs. Adela talking about her designer handbags and dresses. Then Mr. James would nod his head as if he were following her story intently. Then everything fell silent.

After dinner, Mrs. Adela and Mr. James went upstairs, and everyone started to clean the dishes. Even though my hand hurt a lot, I still tried not to show it to anyone.

Butler Lucas told me to bring the food upstairs to check if Daniel was awake.

I carry the tray of food that my arm runs because of the pain. When I stood in front of Daniel's room, I was a little nervous. It's not I'm thinking about what happened at noon. But I'm afraid I don't know how to face him. I don't know what words to use to make Daniel not angry with me anymore.

I stood in front of the door like that for a long time, I didn't feel like it was okay to stand like that forever. I took a deep breath bravely and then carefully knock on his room door.

"Master Daniel."

Although I knew Daniel was still in the room, my response was silence. I was a little confused, but then I knocked on the door again.

“Master Daniel, I brought you food. Are you in the room?”

“...''

"If you don't answer, I will open the door inside."

“Leave the food outside.”

I finally got a reply. I felt a little joy in my heart.

I carefully set the tray down gently. I feel like I'm taking care of a sulky little brother.

"Thanks, I'll give you food out here, remember to eat, or you'll go hungry."

After that, I knew what I meant and left. Until now after that happened, I still haven't seen Daniel come out of the room, maybe he's hungry now. I even purposely prepared more food than the butler Lucas told me. Because I'm afraid he won't eat enough.

After Vivian left, Daniel opened the door to the room, he looked at the tray of food with a cold face. Maybe it's because I'm tired of these tasteless dishes. If it weren't for his gastritis, he wouldn't have bothered to touch this pile of food.

Daniel looked at the food, then took a bite. Suddenly Daniel's eyes light up, and his eyes widen. His face also became surprised. Daniel took another piece, then another. It was as if it had been a long time since Daniel had eaten such a delicious meal.