Chapter 8 " Eat up , have some more , " Brendan said warmly , piling another slice of roast onto her plate . " If there's anything you're craving , just tell me ," his mother added . " I'll make it for you . " Alessia nodded , quietly tucking into her meal . The easy back - and - forth around the table was a warmth she'd rarely known in her seventeen years . Maybe it was the inviting atmosphere , maybe she just couldn't refuse their kindness , but even though her appetite usually vanished in front of such a feast , she managed to finish at whole bowl of rice - which was no small feat for her . If the eldest Tate boy ever heard of it , another round of chefs would probably be packing their knives at the Tate estate . By the end of the meal , the awkward tension had faded . Ethan headed back to campus , while Alessia excused herself upstairs to pack her things . She didn't have much to her name , so it didn't take long . Lying on the bed , she breathed in the fresh scent of sun - dried sheets and laundry soap . The little desk fan creaked and spun , stirring the air - no air conditioning , but it didn't feel stuffy at all . Outside , she could hear the Mortons talking in hushed voices . Through the window drifted the muffled sounds of other families going about their lives . For someone used to the silence of gated communities , the vague commotion was oddly comforting . She remembered , vaguely , that when she was very young , she'd known this kind of life too . Neither the Mortons ' good fortune nor Tate Holdings ' success had always come easy . When Alessia was little , there had been hard times too . She'd just been lucky , those years of struggle ending quickly , and she'd grown up in comfort ever since . She didn't know why , but those almost - forgotten memories came rushing back tonight . " Asleep ? " " Asleep . " " She must be tired . Let her rest , poor girl … " " I noticed she liked the stir - fried pork . I'll pick up some more tomorrow . " 1/3 15.35 " Good idea . How's Zachary feeling today ? " Alessia caught the sound of a sigh through the wall , then nothing more . She'd expected to toss and turn , but Alessia slept deeply , dreamless and peaceful . By the time she woke , the house was quiet - just her , Karen , and little Ivan were home . " Morning , Lessie ! Did you sleep well ? " Karen was mopping the floor , her smile gentle and kind , the very picture of a nurturing mother . " Yeah . The sheets smell wonderful . I slept great . " " That's good . The soup's still hot - I'll pour you a bowl . Your dad and the boys are all out and won't be home for lunch . If there's something you want to eat later , let me know and I'll make it . " In a wealthy family , another mouth at the table hardly mattered ; in a struggling one , even one less was a relief . Still , Alessia could feel the Mortons ' genuine care . " No need , I can make something myself . Is there anything I can help with ? ". " Not right now , but would you come with me to the farmer's market later ? " " Sure , " Alessia agreed . Better to keep busy than sit around lost in thought . She finished breakfast quickly and washed her own dishes without being asked . Karen didn't stop her , just smiled and showed her where everything went , explaining in her gentle voice . Their interaction was easy , unforced . Maybe it was Karen's softness , or maybe Alessia just wanted to belong , but she found herself relaxing , fitting in almost without trying . Once everything was tidied away , Karen grabbed her shopping basket . Alessia slipped on her shoes and waited by the door . " Will Ivan be alright on his own ? " Alessia asked as they were leaving , a hint of worry in her voice . " Ivan likes drawing by himself in his room , " Karen reassured her . " The market's too crowded for him - it'd only make him anxious . " Alessia nodded , not pressing further , and instinctively took the shopping basket from Karen . Karen paused , surprised , but then smiled softly and reached for Alessia's hand . Her fingers were slender , but Alessia could feel the faint calluses - proof of someone 213 15.35 Chapter 8 new to hard work , learning as she went . Alessia wasn't usually comfortable with physical affection , but she didn't pull away . She could sense Karen relax beside her , just a little . 15:35