Chapter 4

The food was served on the table. There were sauteed vegetables, boiled shrimp, chicken soup, and glazed ribs.

It was a full meal.

Orion stood up. He took Ruby’s bowl and served her a bowl of soup.

“Grandmother, here’s a chicken drumstick. Your favorite.”

He placed the glazed ribs into Natalie’s bowl.

“Don’t eat too much. The doctor said you should cut down on meat.”

When it came to me, he hesitated. Then, he silently added some vegetables to my plate.

Natalie smiled.

“Do you like vegetables, Yvette?”

“I already said she’s not picky. She eats anything.”

I did not like vegetables.

Ruby did not want Orion to serve us, so she pulled him down to sit. She placed a rib into his bowl.

“Stop standing around. Sit down and eat with us.”

“Madam Young, he’s just finished cooking. He probably can’t eat meat right now. He said it feels too heavy.”

“Then, what should he have?”

“It’s just temporary. A bowl of soup will be enough.”

A bowl of clear chicken soup was placed in front of Orion.

Three years had been enough for him to understand Natalie.

Natalie understood him just as well.

I felt like an outsider.

I had never known Orion could cook.

I also did not know he always drank a bowl of clear soup after cooking.

He was right there, yet he felt like a distant stranger.

After dinner, I went into the kitchen to wash the dishes.

Natalie helped clear the table and came in.

“Yvette.”

“Yes?”

“I saw the announcement.”

“What of it?”

“I just want to say you’ve misunderstood Orion. If I wasn’t sick, he wouldn’t have…”

“He wouldn’t have what?”

“We’re not what you think we are.”

“What do you think I think?”

“We’re just friends.”

“As his friend, why didn’t you tell him about it?”

Natalie froze for a moment. She avoided my eyes.

“I… I’m sick. I need him.”

“I saw your vlog. Let me ask you this. If you were in my shoes, what would you think? Friends? Lovers? Or a married couple?”

“We’re not as dirty as you think. He has never done you any wrong. Not even once.”

“So, that doesn’t count as betrayal?”

“We’re just friends.”

She turned to leave. Then, she stopped.

“Orion asked me to bring you soil. I’ve brought some. Use it or don’t. It’s up to you.”

Soon after, laughter came from the living room.

I dried my hands and walked out to the balcony.

The small flower seedlings still lay on the ground.

A small bag of soil sat right next to them.

Both the seedlings and the soil belonged to Natalie.

Only the flowerpot was mine.

He had only been back for two days, and the house already carried traces of Natalie everywhere.

I walked out and sat in a corner of the living room.

The laughter slowly faded.

Orion stood up with Natalie’s bag in his hand.

“Let’s go. I’ll take you back.”

He turned to me.

“I’ll leave my grandmother in your care.”

“Why are you taking Natalie instead of me?”

“You don’t like her, do you?”

So, he knew everything.

I smiled and said nothing.

The drive was quiet. Ruby was silent the entire way.

When we were almost at the nursing home, she suddenly spoke.

“When Natalie left back then, it was because she didn’t want to hold Orion back. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have had a chance.”

My grip tightened on the steering wheel.

“I know.”

“Now that Orion is back, you should both live your lives properly.”

I did not answer.

We arrived at the nursing home.

The nurse helped Ruby back to her room.

I walked over to the nurse’s station.

“May I help you, Ms. Johnson?”

“I’d like to make some changes to Madam Young’s emergency contact.”

“Sure. Who should it be changed to?”

“Orion Young. He’s her grandson.”

The nurse put down her pen.

“All right. It’s done.”