Without Him 6

Posted by admind, ? Views, Released on September 4, 2025

Chapter 60

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“I didn’t touch you,” I said quietly, but no one listened.\

They were too busy hovering over Audrey, who cradled her hand like it had been severed and not barely nicked. Her performance was flawless–wide teary eyes, a quivering lip, trembling shoulders. Every gesture perfectly calculated./

“You should’ve stopped her!” Jared snapped at me. “She’s still recovering! Why did you let her near the kitchen?”

“I told her no,” I murmured. “She didn’t listen to me. Why are you blaming me?“”

Jackson’s glare could’ve sliced me in half. “You should’ve insisted. You know she’s not well. You’re supposed to be the responsible one.”

“And what about you?” I muttered under my breath. “I’m not well either.“<

But again, no one heard me. Or maybe they chose not to.

“Next time, just cook for everyone yourself,” Jared said sharply. “Audrey shouldn’t be lifting a finger in her condition. Have some care for her! You guys are best friends, and we’re family here.“<

Family? I wanted to vomit at the thought. I started, but the words withered before they reached them. What would be the sense of explaining when they wouldn’t listen to me at all?}

“She shouldn’t have to want anything. Just take care of it,” Jackson cut in. “You’re the one who’s fine now, right? So act like Cook for us! We want to eat something decent.“}

They took Audrey–still sniffling–into her room. Jared had his arm around her like she was made of glass. Jackson followed, saying something about getting her some ice.}

And once again, they left me.

Alone. I stood by the stove, the soup long gone cold. I reheated it without thinking, added some salt, cracked an egg into the pot. My body moved automatically, stirring, ladling, pouring the food into a bowl with practiced care.

But this time… I didn’t cook for everyone. Why would I? They didn’t even want me with them in Finland. They don’t deserve me, not even once, so everything I do now is for myself.

Just for me.[

I sat down at the table and began to eat.}

The broth was warm, the taste soft on my tongue–comforting. It didn’t fix anything, but at least it was mine.<

Halfway through the bowl, footsteps stormed into the kitchen.

Jared and Jackson.

“There you are,” Jared said, glancing at the table. “Where’s our food?”

Jackson followed with a frown. “Isn’t it done yet? What did you even make?“}

I didn’t look up. “Nothing. This is just for me.“”

Jared blinked. “You only made food for yourself? Didn’t you hear me say you should cook for us, and also Audrey? Where is it now?”

“I’m not your cook,” I said simply, spooning another bite into my mouth. “I didn’t even agree.“}

Silence. Then the scoffi

“This is because of Audrey again, isn’t it?” Jackson snapped. “God, Maureen, when are you going to let this go?”

I didn’t answer.

“She’s sick. She’s hurt,” Jared added. “Why do you have to be so bitter all the time? What, you think we’re supposed to just abandon her so you can get attention?”

Still, I kept eating.

Bite after bite, the silence growing louder around me.”

“You’re so damn selfish,” Jackson growled. “Seriously. Everything’s always about you, huh? You think the world owes you something just because you were here first?“\

I stared at the bowl. My hands trembled slightly. But not from fear.”

Just fatigue..

“She didn’t ask to get hurt,” Jared added. “You’ve been nothing but cold since she got back. She’s trying, and you just… sulk. You’re jealous. Admit it.”