Chapter 1

Vivian's POV

Soon, a platter of ribs was served.

Half of the platter was garlic-butter ribs, while the other side was smothered in mushroom cream sauce. They were both Sasha Mercer's favorites.

Callum Fletcher picked up a piece of meat covered in mushroom cream sauce and put it on my plate.

I pushed the meat aside. "Callum, I'm allergic to mushrooms."

He was stunned for a moment. Then, he took the piece of meat from my plate, scraped off the sauce, and then placed it back.

I fell silent.

Frowning, he whispered to me, "Give it a rest, will you? You can't expect everyone to just accommodate you, right? Stop being so selfish and be considerate for once."

With that, he turned away and leaned in close to Sasha as they discussed which spot served better ribs and steaks.

I set down my knife and fork.

The piece of meat on my plate was turning cold, and its fat was congealing into a layer of white film.

Callum's mother, Brenda Hayes, smiled awkwardly as she put a mozzarella stick on my plate. "Vivian, try this. Those two grew up together, so please don't mind them."

"Thank you, Mrs. Fletcher." Smiling at Brenda, I picked up the gift sitting next to me. "Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher, here's a little something—"

Sasha smacked her forehead. "Oh, right! I knew I was forgetting something. I actually brought gifts for Callum's parents."

She took out an exquisite box from her bag, opening it to reveal a pair of expensive emerald earrings. "Callum told me that Mr. Fletcher had given Mrs. Fletcher a pair of heirloom sapphire earrings when they were young, but Callum accidentally broke them. So, I thought these emerald ones would be perfect for Mrs. Fletcher.

"Also, this vintage tea set is for Mr. Fletcher. Callum helped me pick out these."

Brenda carefully caressed the earrings with uncontainable joy in her gaze.

I tightened my grip on the paper bag in my hands.

Callum had never told me any of that before.

Last month, I kept pestering him with the same question, "What do your parents like?"

He just pinched my cheek and said with a smile, "I'm sure they'll love anything their daughter-in-law gets for them."

Back then, I even took it as a romantic sentiment.

As it turned out, he had helped Sasha pick out the perfect gifts, but it had never crossed his mind that she might steal the spotlight.

I quietly hid the paper bag behind me, then subconsciously looked at Callum.

He was staring at the milkshake Sasha had ordered. He had a reprimanding tone in his voice as he said, "Sasha, you really should get something healthier."

Sasha stuck out her tongue. "It's just once in a while, anyway."

They seemed to enjoy the meal thoroughly.

After paying the bill, I went back to the booth to find it completely empty. All I could see was my lone paper bag lying on the floor.

My phone vibrated. It was a voice message from Callum.

But when I played it, Sasha's sickly sweet voice rang out, "Vivian, it's raining right now, so Callum is taking us home first."

Callum added, "Vivian, you live nearby, so just hail a ride, and you'll be home in no time. Tell me when you get home, okay? Don't make me worry."

I stood at the entrance of the steakhouse. It was pouring rain, and thunder was rumbling right above my head.

He didn't even leave an umbrella for me.

Still, it didn't matter.

I didn't need his stupid umbrella anymore.