Chapter 3

3.

"The bride and groom aren't supposed to see each other the night before the wedding―at least, that's the tradition in my family. My mom always said it brings good luck. I'm going to stay at my parents' house for a few days."

"Is that really a thing?" he asked, skeptical.

Before I could answer, he was already dialing Mia's number. I heard him ask her in an almost submissive tone, "Mia, is it true that the bride and groom can't see each other before the wedding?"

After getting a confirmation from her, he seemed relieved.

"Okay, then. I'll drive you."

In his Tesla, I sat in the back. The cute "Mia's Seat" sticker was still on the front passenger seat. I used to rip it off every time, but now I just stared at it silently.

Aidan saw my compliance in the rearview mirror and looked almost pleased.

"See, Clara? You're finally growing up. I never understood why you had to fight with Mia over a seat."

I gave a faint smile.

"You're right. There's nothing to fight over. I'm letting her have it."

Halfway through the drive, Aidan's phone rang. It was Taylor Swift's "Love Story"―Mia's dedicated ringtone.

He answered, and Mia's anxious, fragile voice came through the speaker. "Aidan, the power went out while I was in the shower! It's pitch black, and I'm so scared. Come quick!"

Aidan was instantly on high alert.

"Mia has night blindness. I have to go now." He turned to me. "I'll be back to get you as soon as I can."

"It's fine," I said calmly. "Just drop me off at this intersection. I'll get my own ride."

I got out with my suitcase. Aidan looked at me with guilt on his face―that cheap kind of guilt a man shows when he's trying to justify cheating.

"Clara, it's hard to get a car here. Just wait for me―"

But I had already pulled out my phone and ordered an Uber. Watching his car disappear into the traffic, I felt nothing at all.

That night, Mia posted on Instagram. The photo showed flickering candlelight, with Aidan's apartment dimly visible in the background. Two silhouettes were nestled closely together.

The caption read: [No matter what happens, as long as you're by my side, I feel safe. ??]

This was another one of Mia's deliberate provocations. In the past, I would have immediately called Aidan, stayed up all night, and obsessively refreshed her Instagram feed.

This time, I just liked the post and went back to my packing. There was no emotional reaction.