The Lee family, together with Shaina and Rhoda’s soon-to-be husband, Allen, were gathered in a restaurant. It was especially booked for them, and it was closed to the public.
The long table was covered with red linen. It had a full-course meal arranged in front of them. It was composed of appetizer, salad, main course and dessert—spring rolls, French onion soup, Caesar salad, roast beef with vegetables, chicken and mushroom pie, eggplant lasagne, apple pie with cream and lemon meringue pie. Their glasses were filled with either a soft drink or water. None ordered wine for the safe side, especially that the men were the ones to drive their respective cars.
Shaina’s heart pounded hard against her rib cage. Her palms became sweaty, hence her frequent discreet rubbing of them against the sof
