Chapter 3

3.

The news of my move abroad spread through the alumni group chat like wildfire.

Everyone was blowing up the chat with congratulations, joking that I shouldn't forget them once I made it big.

I replied with a few polite emojis, keeping things light.

The class president, Ben, suggested we have one last big dinner before I left.

I agreed and set the date for that evening.

After work, I drove toward the restaurant, but my old car broke down halfway there.

By the time I walked into the private dining room, everyone was already there―along with two uninvited guests.

One of Shane's friends spoke up. "I ran into Shane and his friend at the entrance. Since you were paying, I figured they should join."

I just nodded and took a seat.

Shane and Jade were sitting side-by-side, whispering and laughing. They didn't even look up when I walked in.

"Wren, you're finally here! You owe us three shots for being late," someone joked.

I smiled. "Sorry guys, my car died on the road. I'll definitely take those shots."

Shane looked up then, his face full of disgust.

"You're still driving that piece of junk? It's embarrassing. Breaking down in public isn't something to be proud of."

I knew he hated my second-hand car.

But he never stopped to think about why I bought it. I made good money, so why was I being so frugal?

Every penny I earned, aside from my basic bills, had been spent on him and his lifestyle.

The room went dead silent. Everyone looked at me with awkward expressions.

Ben quickly tried to break the tension. "Come sit by me, Wren. We're all starving, let's order."

As the food arrived, the atmosphere began to thaw, and people started chatting again.

Everyone knew Shane was my fiancé.

But no one knew who Jade was.

After a few drinks, Ben finally leaned in and whispered loud enough for a few people to hear.

"Wren, I'm confused. Isn't that your man? Why is he practically sitting in that other girl's lap? Did you guys break up?"

I kept a polite smile on my face as I glanced at the happy couple.

"They're just childhood friends. They've always been close," I said smoothly.

I didn't want to air my dirty laundry in front of everyone.

I was just glad I hadn't sent out the wedding invitations yet.

"Jade, have some shrimp," Shane said, peeling one and holding it to her lips.

Jade took it into her mouth, making sure to lick his fingers suggestively.

"I can't believe you still remember I love shrimp," she said, her eyes locked on his.

Shane looked back at her with a depth of affection I had never seen.

"I remember everything about you, Jade. I always will."

Ben's jaw dropped. I just picked up my glass and drained it in one go.

A pile of shrimp shells was growing in front of Shane.

He spent the entire time peeling the whole plate of shrimp and lining them up neatly for Jade.

I tried not to look, but it was like my eyes were glued to the scene.

Until today, I never even knew Jade liked shrimp.

He remembered her favorite food, but he couldn't remember that I was deathly allergic to seafood.

He would peel shrimp for her, but he wouldn't even pour me a glass of water when I was sick in bed.

The evidence of his lack of love was everywhere. I had just been too blind to see it.

When the main courses were finished, the waiter brought out two complimentary fruit platters.

Shane reached for a piece of watermelon for Jade, but then he saw a strawberry touching it.

He suddenly slammed the plate onto the floor, the glass shattering everywhere.

"Wren, did you do this on purpose? You know Jade is allergic to strawberries!" he roared.

The room fell into a terrifying silence. No one dared to move.

I sat there, perfectly still. The love I once felt for him was officially dead.

It was almost funny.

Since I walked through that door, he had only spoken to me twice.

Both times were to insult me or to defend his first love.

I stood up and looked at Jade with a calm smile.

"My apologies, Miss Rose. I forgot I was supposed to be psychic. I'm so sorry I almost caused an allergic reaction."