“Whatever Mitchell wants to do with the house is entirely up to him. The attic is fine. I can stay there,” I lowered my head and spoke softly, my voice barely audible. 

Mitchell’s expression was hard to read. He didn’t seem pleased. 

Seeing him like this, I felt uneasy and questioned myself. I had already stepped aside in every possible way for the person he held dearest in his heart. Why was he still dissatisfied? 

The worst part came during dinner. 

The table was covered with an array of lavish dishes. 

Mitchell carefully served food to Maggie, who beamed with joy. 

I kept my head down, silently eating the plain spaghetti in front of me. 

“Nora, why aren’t you eating anything else?” 

Maggie’s sweet voice rang out as she reached over to place a piece of mutton on my plate. 

I didn’t eat it, silently pushing it to the side. 

“Nora, do you have a problem with me? You don’t even eat the food I gave you.” 

Her expression turned hurt, and Mitchell’s face immediately darkened. 

“Nora! Eat it. Who do you think you’re trying to snub here?” 

I looked up, a heavy weight pressing against my chest. 

“I can’t eat this,” I said quietly. 

I was allergic to many foods. Back at home, our dining table had never featured dishes I couldn’t eat. But now, almost everything on this table was something I couldn’t touch. 

Mitchell had forgotten. 

– 

“What do you mean you can’t eat it? Maggie’s trying to build a good relationship with you. Don’t be so ungrateful. Eat the lamb.” 

“It’s fine. It’s my fault. The kitchen made everything I like today. It’s Nora’s first day back, so it’s understandable if she’s unhappy. Nora, tell the kitchen what you’d prefer, and they’ll make it for you.”