Ignoring the throbbing pain, I scrambled to my feet, pulling my hat lower over my face.
“I’m sorry,” I mumbled, deliberately masking my accent to sound less fluent in Chinese.
Before Sonny could say more, Brian’s cold voice rang out, “It’s fine. Just bring another fruit platter and three bottles of whiskey.”
His voice cut through the air like ice, devoid of emotion. Hearing it again sent a sharp pang through my chest. My hands trembled as I gathered the shattered pieces of the platter.
“Elise, hurry up with that order!” Sonny barked, his eyes gleaming at the thought of a big tip.
I nodded quickly and turned to leave, desperate to escape. But before I could take another step, a hand gripped my arm, stopping me in my tracks.
***
The Past Returns
“Elise?!”
Kate’s shrill voice sliced through the noise as she approached, her pale face flushed with irritation. She grabbed my arm, inspecting me like a curious artifact.
“It really is you,” she said, her lips curving into a smirk. She turned to the table behind her, addressing the crowd as though she were announcing a spectacle. “Brian, your ex-wife! Didn’t you recognize her?”
The air grew heavy as heads turned in my direction. Kate pulled me closer, spinning me slightly as if to showcase me to the group.
“She’s changed, hasn’t she?” Kate’s voice was laced with mockery. “Not as radiant as she used to be. Life must be tough after leaving Brian.” She paused for dramatic effect. “I’m guessing this is just a part-time gig to make ends meet?”
Laughter rippled through the group seated at the table. Their sneers and whispers cut through me, each word a tiny dagger.
“So, this is Professor Brian’s famous affair from years ago,” one man snickered.
Another chimed in, feigning innocence. “Not an affair—she was his student-turned-wife. Big difference!”
I clenched my fists, willing myself to stay calm. But then Brian spoke, his voice colder than I’d ever heard it.
“I don’t know her.”
Those three words shattered me.
