Usually by this hour, he and Zaria would’ve already shared several morning selfies.
That was strange.
“Astraea, you’re up? Come try breakfast, I grabbed all your favorites.”
I sat down and was about to bite into the chicken, but suddenly recalled something and asked just to confirm. “This… I’m okay to eat this, right?”
His tall frame paused in an instant.
He obviously also recalled, a year earlier, Zaria had stomach trouble from cold drinks, so she wasn’t allowed greasy food.
I ate chicken next to her, and she instantly cried softly. “Astraea, you know my body is weak, and I can’t eat oily food… why did you tease me on purpose? Do you hate me that much?”
He remembered it clearly. And so did I.
Right there, Chase seized the whole bag of chicken soup and tossed it into the trash.
His look burned with anger, as if he meant to swallow me whole.
“Are you a starving ghost reborn? Would eating one fewer chicken end you? Even a pig isn’t as greedy as you!”
That day, I had been rushing to carry stomach-soothing soup to him and hadn’t had time to eat breakfast, which caused low blood sugar.
I bought chicken soup on the way and only took one bite before he threw them up.
When I walked out, I almost collapsed at the hospital entrance, and it was a kind stranger who gave me a candy that helped me recover.
Seeing him nod, I finally felt safe enough to take a bite.
To stay extra cautious, I even sent him the money.
He stared at the ten-dollar transfer on his phone, something unclear rising in his eyes.
“Astraea, we’re engaged. Why are you drawing such clear lines?”
We soon wouldn’t be.
I clapped my hands lightly.
“I’m done eating. I’m heading to the office. Take your time.”
He quickly called after me.
“Astraea, there’s a team-building dinner at the hospital tonight. We can bring the family. Come with me.”
I didn’t answer with the thrill I once showed at events where status could be shown.
I simply shook my head, bored. “No need. I have plans tonight.”
I thought for a moment, then kindly offered, “If you must bring a woman, bring Zaria. She’s already treated as your family anyway. Two birds with one stone.”
Before leaving, I added to him, “Oh, and there’s half a box of condoms in the nightstand. Use those first before getting more. Don’t waste them.”
He stopped cold, like his soul had been drained.
…..
That night, my colleagues held a farewell dinner for me.