Chapter 2

Chloe quickly pulled her hand back from Chad's arm, a faint blush on her cheeks. She tried to laugh it off, a nervous, fluttery sound.

"Oh, Mark, don't be silly. Chad and I just have a lot to catch up on."

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, a gesture I knew she used when she was lying. She avoided my eyes, focusing instead on rearranging the salt and pepper shakers. She was trying to erase the moment, to pretend it never happened.

Chad, on the other hand, leaned back in his chair, completely at ease. He enjoyed the tension. He thrived on it.

"That's right, buddy," he said, calling me 'buddy' like he always did, a word that felt more like an insult from his lips. "In fact, my company is hosting a launch party this weekend. You guys should come. It'll be a big deal. You wouldn't want to miss it."

It wasn't a question. It was a command, wrapped in a casual invitation. He was putting me on the spot, making it clear that he was the one in charge, the one who set the agenda for Chloe's life, and by extension, mine.

I glanced over at Lily again. She was watching Chad, her expression flat. I wondered what she was thinking. She was sharp, I could tell. She had this way of looking at you that made you feel like she could see right through any pretense. She was beautiful, but not in the same delicate way as Chloe. Lily had an edge, a confidence that seemed carved into her bones. She didn't seem like the type to put up with this kind of behavior. So why was she with him?

"A party?" Chloe chirped, her mood instantly brightening. "That sounds amazing! What should I wear?"

She completely ignored me, turning all her attention to Chad. They started discussing the event, their heads close together. I was invisible again.

After a few minutes, Chloe seemed to remember I existed. She turned to me, her smile a little too bright.

"Mark, you'll be there, right? Chad's parties are legendary." Then she looked me up and down, a critical glint in her eye. "Just... try to wear something nice. Not one of your nerdy t-shirts. You need to make a good impression for Chad."

She said it quietly, but loud enough for everyone to hear. It was a casual flick of her wrist, a public dismissal of my entire existence. She was trying to impress Chad by showing how little she thought of me. It wasn't the first time. She often "joked" about my sensible car, my lack of brand-name clothes, my dedication to my "boring" computer science degree. Each joke was a small cut, reminding me that I wasn't good enough.

I didn't answer her. I just picked up my fork and pushed the expensive steak around on my plate. I wasn't hungry anymore. My throat felt tight. The silence was my only defense, a small, pathetic wall I was building around myself. I could feel their eyes on me, waiting for my compliance, for me to nod and agree like I always did. But tonight, the words wouldn't come.