When dawn broke, I opened the door. In the kitchen, Luka and Quincy were making breakfast together.
“Luka, which dress should I wear for tonight’s dinner? It’s your fault, after three years of you feeding me, I’ve gone up a whole size.”
Luka’s voice carried a touch of gentle affection. “I just like cooking for you.”
Ten years ago, Luka had taken a culinary class just to please me. He once told me that if he could win over my stomach, I would never leave him.
But the person who said those words no longer existed.
I stepped out with a cold expression. The moment they saw me, both fell silent, their voices cut off.
At the dinner table, none of the dishes Luka used to prepare especially for me appeared.
It was clear now that he only cooked what Quincy liked.
“Talia, there’s a gathering with friends tonight. Come with us. They’re all our old friends, and it’ll be a good chance to let everyone know you’re back.”
I gave a quiet nod.
As night fell, I covered my pale face with makeup. Since none of my clothes remained in the house, the former mistress could only borrow Quincy’s to wear. Even so, it was still better than returning to that hell.
Luka came to take Quincy and me to the gathering. Out of habit, I reached for the passenger door, but the sticker there caught my eye and stung.
Quincy’s exclusive seat. That spot had once belonged to me.
I pulled my hand back and slipped into the back seat instead.
“Quincy, come on.”
Luka’s affectionate call guided her straight to the passenger side.
The entire ride felt like endless torment.
When we arrived, most of the faces were childhood friends Luka and I had once shared. The moment they spotted Luka and Quincy together, they rushed over.
“I swear, do you two have to be this lovey-dovey?”
“You’re not even married yet, and already stuck together.”
Their teasing was so familiar it felt like I’d been thrown back ten years, only the heroine had changed.
Luka cleared his throat gently, hinting for them to look behind him.
When their eyes landed on me, the laughter died at once. They glanced at Luka, their expressions saying without words: She’s back, then what about Quincy?
The air turned heavy with awkward silence.
At the table, the conversations drifted over topics I could no longer keep up with, and I realized I no longer belonged in what used to be my own circle.