Chapter 2

2

Isabel noticed the tremble in my voice and quickly asked if I was freezing. "It's really cold out here. Let's find a place to sit and chat."

Before I could process, they had pulled me into a barbecue restaurant.

Under the warm lights, I finally got a clear look at the person across from me.

Isabel was undeniably beautiful.

Her eyes sparkled, and she had faint dimples when she smiled.

She leaned toward Jayden and whispered, "I'm craving some hot barbecue, but don't you have to get back to the law firm for overtime? Will you have enough time?"

Jayden had told me the firm was swamped with a big case, with everyone working late into the night.

But to my surprise, he gently tucked a strand of hair behind his girlfriend's ear and said softly, "It's fine. I want to spend more time with you."

As he spoke, his eyes briefly flicked toward me.

But only for a moment before he looked away.

I had never seen this side of Jayden.

In our six months together, he always put work first.

He forgot my birthday because he was buried in case files.

He left dates abruptly when work called, without a second thought.

I got upset, but he calmly explained, "I'm working hard to build a better future for us. A solid career is the foundation of a strong relationship."

I foolishly believed him and never argued again, swallowing all my frustrations.

But in that moment, I realized something. When people truly cared for someone, they'd find a balance between career and love.

Being busy didn't stop him from wishing me a happy birthday.

Even an urgent work call could've come with a quick explanation before he left.

Like now, the longer he stayed here, the later he'd be at work tonight.

Yet he refused to disappoint Isabel and joined her for dinner.

Love, or the lack of it, was painfully clear.

Seeing him now, it hit me.

He just didn't care about me enough.

Kaitlin chattered away, bombarding them with questions about their relationship.

Isabel answered graciously. "We met at school. He was the president of the debate club. I guess we're all alumni, right? Has Jayden liked me for years? I had no idea. He never showed it. I always thought of him as a really good friend. Today is our first day as a couple. He's been asking me to spend Christmas together for a month, and just now, he confessed."

Kaitlin's voice was shy and sweet.

She sounded like any girl in the glow of new love.

I listened in a daze.

Love at first sight, silent devotion, a crush turned real.

If I hadn't been dragged into this mess, I might have found their story purely romantic.

But the man who was so attentive to his girlfriend had told me goodnight and "I love you" just yesterday.

The meal was agonizing.

When it finally ended, Jayden said he'd take his girlfriend home before heading back to the firm.

The law firm was close to my place, so Kaitlin pushed me toward him. "I'm heading home. Jayden, since you're going to work, give Roxy a ride too."

Jayden's brow furrowed slightly, and he opened his mouth to protest, but Isabel smiled and linked her arm with mine. "Let's all go together."

Jayden fell silent.

I wanted to refuse. The idea of being in a confined space with them felt suffocating.

But then I reconsidered. The one who should feel awkward wasn't me, the one who had been deceived.

I could be hurt. I could be angry. But I absolutely shouldn't run away.