The rich aroma of mushroom soup drifted from the bear-eared tent, making the nearby parents, still wrestling with ingredients and tent poles, instantly ravenous. This wasn't a relaxing outing; it was torture. They'd only smelled such freshness in five-star restaurants!

Their eyes nearly popped out when they saw who was cooking.

"Mr. McDaniel? He's cooking? Is his wife insane? Letting him do this?"

"Right!"

The wives glared. "He hasn't even complained, and you're already doing it for him? Cooking's trivial? Try it yourselves! Can't cook, don't eat!"

"Look at his husband! He does everything! I ask you to chop an onion, and you cry! What good are you?"

"Yeah! If he can, why can't you? Aren't you a man?"

Their wives unleashed a torrent of abuse. Faces burning, the men fell silent, hurrying to help. A few grumbled words, and this? they thought.

Comparison is a harsh mistress. Seeing Byron effortlessly managing everything while Maeve sipped coffee, the other wives seethed with envy. He made money, doted on his wife… Why not mine? they wondered.

Actually, Maeve was starting her period and felt awful. Byron was handling everything.

Men who worked hard were handsome, Maeve realized, watching Byron peel potatoes. His rolled-up sleeves revealed strong arms, blue veins pulsing with strength. His hands, a study in elegant bone structure and line, were almost artistic.

She was used to seeing him strategizing; this was a refreshing change. The small stool was too short for his long legs, making him look comical. Maeve giggled.

Byron looked up, his dark eyes flashing. "Laughing at me?"

"No!" she denied quickly. "I just… thought of something happy."

"What?"

"My… husband looks handsome… working," Maeve blurted, then blushed crimson. "What did I say?"

Byron chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "Say it again."

"My stomach hurts," Maeve mumbled, fluttering her lashes. "My period's coming. Hurry and cook; Will and Theo will be hungry."

Her reluctance was evident as she sat on the stool. Byron smiled, for once letting the comment pass.

Will and Theo returned with their classmates, laden with bounty. The undeveloped forest, recently rained on, teemed with mushrooms and wild fruits. Theo even found some rare herbs.

He carefully planted them near the tent, planning to take them home the day after tomorrow. Will squatted beside him. "What are they for?"

Theo explained in his sweet voice, "This one stops bleeding instantly. It's not even sold anymore! This one's for detoxifying; there are so many snakes and insects here."

The boys worked diligently, oblivious to a figure flitting behind the tent.

After lunch, a scream pierced the air. Will stopped Maeve, who despite feeling unwell, wanted to investigate. "Mom, Dad can go. Rest."

"Be careful," she replied.

Once the three left, Maeve heard rustling outside. A snake? Theo's insect repellent should deter them.

Reassured, she stepped out. Nothing.

Then, she saw a child, his arm swollen and covered in horrifying blisters, weeping uncontrollably. The blisters were intensely itchy and bled when scratched. His parents were frantic, already calling for the RV.

"He was bitten by an ant," Theo said, examining the wound. "This herb will help."

"Where?" the parent cried.

Before Theo could answer, Caleb strode forward, rolling his eyes at the boys. "I have some!" He offered herbs.

Theo frowned. "No! That increases bleeding!"

"You're lying! It cures all venom!" Caleb boasted. "You don't want him to get better!"

Will’s lip curled. That idiot. Stealing and bragging about it.

Byron watched, arms crossed, curious to see how Theo would handle this.