Chapter 26
Josephine’s coughing finally eased, and she held Nadine’s hand tighter.
“Nadine, I just worry about you…” Josephine said.
She let out a long sigh and seemed as though she wanted to say more, but stopped herself.
Nadine’s face flickered with guilt, and just as she was about to speak again, Josephine stood up.
“Alright, I’ll go make dinner.”
“Oh, Mom, let the maid handle it. Why do you have to cook yourself?” Nadine said quickly.
Josephine chuckled softly. “You really think what the maid makes tastes the same as mine? Justin and
Elena both love my barbecued ribs.”
With a cold scoff, Nadine muttered, “They went out for a candlelit dinner tonight. Why bother wasting the effort on them?”
Her face darkened.
“I just called Justin. He said they’ll be back soon, and I doubt they ate much. I’m sure they can still make room for a few ribs.”
With that, she disappeared into the kitchen.
By the time Justin and Elena returned, the house was already filled with the comforting aroma of food.
“Mom,” Justin called.
Josephine came out of the kitchen wearing an apron, her face lighting up as she saw them. “You’re back! Go wash your hands. I made your favorite-barbecued ribs.”
“Josephine…” Elena’s eyes shimmered with tears as she looked at her.
For her, Josephine was the last bit of warmth in the Riggs family.
“Elena, why are you still calling me Josephine?” Josephine smiled at her with genuine affection. “Shouldn’t you be calling me something else by now?”
Elena opened her mouth, but the word wouldn’t come.
Josephine still believed she and Justin were truly married, but Elena knew the marriage certificate was fake. She couldn’t force herself to call her “Mom.”
“Mom, Lena’s just not used to it yet. Give her time,” Justin said, stepping in, thinking she was only embarrassed.
“That’s fine. You’ll get used to it with time. We’re family now,” Josephine said warmly.
“Dinner will be ready soon. Wash up and wait by the table.”
As she spoke, she turned back toward the kitchen.
“Josephine, let me help you,” Elena said, following her into the kitchen.
“There’s no need. It’s nearly done. You work so hard at the company every day, you should be getting some rest…” Josephine busied herself in the kitchen, talking on in her gentle, rambling way.
“I’ve always told Justin not to overwork you. These years haven’t been easy on you. He can be careless sometimes, not knowing how to take care of someone properly.”
Elena said nothing as she turned on the faucet to wash her hands.
Josephine had prepared not only the barbecued ribs, but also several homestyle dishes and even Elena’s favorite soup.
Before long, they all sat down together at the dining table. Elena and Justin took one side, while Josephine and Nadine sat across from them.
The faint clink of porcelain spoons against the bowls echoed through the dining room.
Josephine reached over and placed a tender barbecue rib into Elena’s bowl.
“Eat a little more. You’re too thin,” she said, the corners of her eyes crinkling with a warm, caring smile.
Elena thanked her quietly, though out of the corner of her eye, she caught Nadine pouting, her expression full of resentment.
“Mom, why didn’t you serve me any ribs?” Nadine pouted in a spoiled tone.
Josephine replied with a smile, “You don’t even like barbecued ribs. Here, have some eggplant parmigiana instead.”
Nadine muttered under her breath, “She gets barbecued ribs and I get eggplant parmigiana…”
“Enough, Nadi!” Josephine’s tone carried a sharp edge of warning.
Nadine huffed but didn’t argue further.
Elena remained silent, calmly eating as if Nadine’s antics were beneath her notice.
That indifference only fueled Nadine’s irritation.
When Nadine lifted her gaze, she caught sight of Justin sitting across from her. A sly little smile tugged at her lips.
Under the table, her leg slowly slid toward his.
