166 Accepted

The atmosphere around the dinner table was heavy that evening. Natalie sat upright trying to hide her nerves, while Alonso's honey-brown eyes never seemed to leave her. That did little to calm her down since she felt like a spotlight was trained on her; it was absolutely unnerving.

Alonso leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Would you like me to ask the kitchen to prepare something else for you?"

She smiled awkwardly and shook her head, her food remaining untouched on her plate.

The president cleared his throat. "I think I speak on behalf of everyone else at this table when I say that we know something is amiss. I don't appreciate being kept in the dark, and an explanation right about now would be the most appropriate thing you could do for this family, son."