After he left, I lingered in the kitchen for a while, the smell of his pasta getting into my nose. Despite the growl and twist in my stomach I made myself ignore it. I had breakfast already but I was still hungry.

My knuckles turned white as my fingers held onto the counter's edge. I'd refuse to eat it. It would be disrespectful to.

I inhaled deeply then slid the plate onto a tray and summoned a maid. I was cautious to speak steadily as I instructed her to place this on the dining table. ...