2
that night, I went out drinking with some friends and came home very late.
Lily had called me countless times, but I didn’t answer. In the end, I just turned off my phone.
For once, she was the one waiting up for me late into the night.
I was a bit drunk, but still struggled not to let her help me.
I pushed away her hand and felt my way along the wall back to the bedroom, throwing myself onto the bed.
Lily never allowed me to get into bed without showering. She thought clothes worn outside were dirty. I had always respected her wishes, but when had she ever respected mine?
I fell into a deep sleep.
After that day, Lily started treating me with extra care and attention.
She prepared loving breakfasts for me every morning, sent me lots of messages during work hours, and even came to have dinner with me
when I worked late.
It seemed like she was trying to prove through her actions that she had changed.
Until one day, I got off work early for once. She said it had been a long time since we’d had Western food, and there was a newly opened restaurant nearby that she wanted to try.
I agreed and went straight there from the office.
I arrived a bit early and was looking at the menu when I looked up and saw Ryan walk in with her.
I took out my phone and sent a message.
As Ryan sat down, he apologized: “Sorry to crash your date. I just happened to be in the area on some business, and I’ve been wanting to try this place too. You don’t mind, right?”
“I don’t mind,” I said flatly.
“How about this – this meal is on me, as an apology,” he said with an easy smile. “Come to think of it, Lily sent me that suit last time, and I haven’t properly thanked you yet.”
I glanced at Lily. So she had bought the suit for him after all.
Lily seemed a bit nervous: “We really did just happen to run into each other today. Ryan’s not an outsider, and it’s more fun to eat with more people, right?”
Ryan laughed and patted Lily’s shoulder: “Look how nervous you are. Jack and I have known each other for so many years now, what’s wrong with having a meal together?”
Lily looked at me and quickly moved away from his hand: “Just talk, don’t touch me.”
He seemed a bit surprised, raising an eyebrow and giving me a meaningful look: “Alright, alright. Let’s order then. It’s my treat today, so order whatever you want.”
Lily opened her phone to scan the QR code and order: “I won’t be polite with you then.”
Ryan leaned in close, looking at her phone with her. Their heads were very close together.
It was as if they were the couple, and I was the third wheel.
After they finished ordering with laughter and chatter, Ryan looked up and said to me in a host–like manner: “Jack, take a look. Is there
anything else you want to eat? Have Lily add it for you.”
“One moment,” I said.
I stood up and waved to a girl in a tight long dress with long flowing hair by the entrance.
She walked over quickly, smiling and greeting us: “Sorry I’m late.”
I pulled out a chair for her: “It’s fine, we just finished ordering. Take a look and see if you want to add anything?”
Lily sized her up, her face growing darker: “Honey, who is this?”
