When You're Gone (Colette) novel Chapter 3

James dragged Colette to the dining table and forced her to take a seat before returning to Sophie's side.

Colette looked up. She watched him comforting Sophie. When he sensed her gaze, he shot her a warning glance.

Colette tried to ignore the bitterness rising within her as she forced herself to finish dinner through the pain. Tears dropped onto her plate. Every time she took a bite, she felt a burning sensation spreading through her esophagus. Her food tasted salty from the tears. For a moment, she struggled to tell if her heart or her stomach was in more pain.

She finally finished dinner in silence as she watched James and Sophie being lovebirds. She heard the sound of car engines on the porch just when she put down her utensils.

Sophie chuckled when she heard the sounds outside. "Oh, my stuff has arrived."

After Sophie jogged to the door, James turned to Colette. "Sophie will move in with us starting today."

He fixed his eyes on Colette as though he wanted to detect any hint of opposition. He seemed to be anticipating her throwing a tantrum to stop Sophie from moving in.

After crying in the washroom just now, Colette had gathered herself. She nodded calmly. "Got it."

James was taken aback at Colette's calm demeanor. Something felt off.

Sophie came up to him and took his arms at that moment. "James, where's my room?"

James shook off the weird feeling and flashed Sophie a doting smile. "I'll give you a tour. You can have your pick."

The three of them went to the second floor for Sophie to pick a room. After she confirmed the location of James' bedroom, she immediately made her way to the adjoining bedroom.

Colette had a bad feeling when she saw Sophie wandering in that direction. She ran after Sophie and found the latter approaching the closet after scanning the room.

Sophie announced, "James, this room is fine. I'll pick this one."