Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 575

Learning that Flora had cooked everything was hardly a surprise; it was merely a confirmation of what she already knew. The hunger she’d felt moments ago vanished, replaced by a wave of exhaustion.

Ruby glanced into the kitchen one last time before quietly slipping back to her room.

Perhaps the day’s charade had drained her more than she realized, because the moment her head hit the pillow, she fell into a deep sleep that lasted until morning.

*Knock, knock—*

She was awakened by Gennifer at the door.

Ruby squinted as she opened it to find her sister wearing a strained, bright smile.

“Sister, Mom and Dad sent me to tell you breakfast is ready.” Gennifer’s eyes were wide and sincere, the very picture of a dutiful, loving younger sister. If Ruby didn’t know the truth behind the mask, she might have been fooled by the performance.

“Okay,” Ruby said flatly, and without waiting for a reply, shut the door in her face.

The door slammed shut just inches from Gennifer’s nose.

The smile vanished from her face, replaced by a dark scowl. She clenched her teeth. *How dare she!* Gennifer shot a venomous glare at the closed door, as if her eyes could burn a hole right through it.

Half an hour later, Ruby came downstairs. Frieda was already tapping her foot impatiently, with Hanley trying to soothe her.

The moment he saw Ruby, Hanley jumped to his feet, his face wreathed in smiles. “There you are, Ruby! Your sister called you a while ago. The breakfast is getting cold, I’m afraid. It won’t taste as good now.” He sighed dramatically, all the while watching her expression.

Ruby didn’t even glance at the empty seat they had saved for her. “I’m not eating. I’m heading to the office.”

With that, she swung her handbag over her shoulder and strode out the door.

Gennifer’s eyes were glued to the bag, a storm of envy swirling within them. She dug her nails into her palms. If she wasn’t mistaken, that was the new limited-edition handbag from C Collective. There were only ten in the entire world, and Ruby had one.

“She’s not eating? After we waited all this time?” Frieda fumed.

Hanley quickly pushed her back into her seat, though his own face was grim. He hadn’t expected Ruby to be so completely dismissive.

“Forget it. Let’s just eat,” he said darkly.

They sat back down, resentfully chewing on the now-cold and hard breakfast.

“Flora!” Frieda shouted. “Bring a fresh breakfast for me and Gennifer!”

Hanley, nearly choking on a piece of cold toast, pushed his plate forward. “And one for me.”

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