Chapter 3

3.

"Why aren't you eating?"

Rowan grabbed my arm firmly, dragged me to the dining table, and laid out the containers in front of me.

I massaged my temples and said flatly, "You're the one who loves spicy food. I'm severely allergic to spicy peppers. Have you really never noticed?"

"What? But I could have sworn..." Shock flashed across her face.

I cut her off. "Sworn what? I carry allergy medication everywhere. Every time I ate spicy food with you, I had to pop pills beforehand. You saw me take them dozens of times, yet you never asked once."

A flicker of guilt crossed Rowan's eyes. She grabbed her car keys and reached for my hand.

"It's fine. I'll remember from now on. Let me take you out to eat. I won't get it wrong this time."

I got into her car, only to watch her instinctively steer toward a familiar bakery cafe downtown.

I let out a mock laugh and said, "Pull over."

My indifferent tone must have gotten on her nerves, because her frustration flared up instantly.

She slammed on the brakes. "Elias, what is your problem?! I have been putting up with your attitude all day! So what if I missed one wedding and forgot an allergy? Do you have to be so petty?!"

In the past, my entire world revolved around her. I had never given her the cold shoulder, never raised my voice, and always yielded to her preferences.

My unconditional pampering had turned her into an entitled queen.

The moment I showed the slightest change in behavior, she could not handle it.

Not wanting to argue, I unbuckled my seatbelt and pushed the door open.

Rowan grabbed my wrist tightly. "We aren't done talking. Where do you think you're going?"

I shook off her grip and looked back with cold annoyance. "If I remember correctly, that bakery cafe is where you and Tristan first confessed your feelings. Oh, and by the way, besides being allergic to spice, the thing I hate most in the world is sugary sweets!"

Rowan parted her lips, wanting to defend herself, but found no words.

I pulled my gaze away, stepped out of the car, and walked off.