Anabella hadn't expected more. She returned her gaze to her mother, who studied her intently, and the moment a couple greeted her father with a loud “Darling!" her mother's attention went immediately to her father. Anabella sighed. There was no point in even feeling disappointed, not anymore. Their life was just too important to them to even realize what they were doing.
“There you are, my darlings"―her father practically sang―“let me escort you to the living room, refreshments are waiting."
“Oh, I hope that isn't all that is waiting?" the woman said with a syrupy giggle.
Anabella looked down at the redhead, who clung like a vine to her father.
Her mother piped up cheerfully, as if Anabella cared. “It is a new couple we met last week, and we invited them over."
Anabella looked at he
