Right then, a waitress arrived with more dishes. Yet, just outside, another waitress paused mid-stride. While scrolling on her phone, the sight inside the private room caught her eye. The image of the picturesque family; the elegant woman, the handsome man, and their cherubic son, rooted her to the spot. But her face turned livid with fury when she recognized Lilah.

That was her, the waitress thought. The one linked to her sister's irreversible pain.

The waitress's heart grew heavy. Once upon a time, she'd been on the cusp of a fairy-tale ending. A rich fiance, a baby on the way, until her fiance's younger sister intervened, and she lost everything.

Adaline's story resonated with her, and she had fervently supported her online. In her eyes, Adaline was just protecting her family. Who didn't have a hidden agenda?

And now, she was mere steps away from the woman tied to Adaline's misery.

Seeing Lilah's happiness reminded the waitress of the heartache caused by her ex-boyfriend's younger sister, who was Living luxuriously while others were suffering because of her actions. The sharp memories made her hands ball up with intense frustration.

How could life be so unfair? There were those who had everything, and yet, they begrudged others a shot at happiness. It was truly awful.

She might never cross paths with her ex-boyfriend's younger sister and take her revenge, but there was Lilah in front of her...

Lilah was enjoying her meal, unaware of the envy and bitterness directed her way. Gerard had grilled the food to perfection, and she couldn't resist complimenting him. “Everything you touch turns to gold. This is mouth-wateringly good. Though, I swear, I'm gaining weight."

His reply came soft with affection, "A little extra weight just adds to your charm."

Behind those deep eyes of his, there was always that playful glint.

Lilah's attention shifted when another waitress entered their private room. Confusion painted her features. "Didn't we get all our orders?"

The waitress responded, holding up a kettle, "Just brought some water."

“But we never asked for any." Before Lilah could say more, the water, steaming and burning, was flying toward her.

“Watch out!" Gerard cried out, moving to shield Lilah. Instead of hitting its intended target, the hot water drenched Gerard. His shirt clung to his skin, water staining it expansively.

The surprise in the waitress's eyes was evident; Gerard's swift reaction was the last thing she anticipated.

Concern flooded Lilah as she inspected the reddened area on Gerard's back from the burning water.

Regaining her bearings, the waitress tried to make a swift exit, but Lilah was on her heels, gripping her wrist with determination.

Jerrold, sensing the tension, gripped the waitress's leg, anchoring her further. “Who's behind this?" Lilah demanded.

"I swear, it wasn't planned," the waitress shot back with defiance in her voice.

“You think this was just an accident?" Lilah's voice dripped with skepticism. “Well, share your side of the story with the police.”

Without hesitation, Lilah dialed for the authorities.

The waitress's voice wavered, a mix of panic and regret. "Do we really need the police for such a small mistake? It wasn't intentional."

The firmness in Lilah's stance caught her off guard.