Chapter 1

I finished the last dish and placed it on the table, then helped Layla Bennett, Celine Fletcher's mother, to her seat.

Just as we sat down, my childhood friend, Celine, walked out of the room with her boyfriend, Felix Lindsey.

Seeing the table full of food, she casually remarked, "Didn't expect you to be so capable."

At her words, Felix's expression darkened. He slammed his cutlery onto the floor, clearly annoyed. "Can you not talk so much when we're eating?"

The sudden outburst caught both me and Layla off guard.

Celine immediately cast aside all dignity and began to wheedle him. "Honey, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have praised Isaac. Of course, you're more capable than him. You didn't stop for a single breath all night. He can't hold a candle to you."

Those words were really uncomfortable to hear.

This was a typical case of praising someone at the expense of another, mixed with salacious elements.

But Felix seemed to eat it up. He gave Celine's waist a squeeze, and his simmering fury dissolved into a grin. "Babe, there are other people here. Save that kind of talk for the bedroom."

I paused as I was serving the soup. I thought for a second and then shot back, "Celine, please don't bring me up when you're complimenting your boyfriend. Thanks."

As soon as I said that, Layla quickly stepped in to smooth things over. "Isaac, Celine's just not good with words. Don't take it to heart."

But just then, Felix looked at the garlic butter shrimp and snapped at me, "You know I'm allergic to seafood, and yet you still make this dish? Are you trying to embarrass me?"

I was completely stunned. Not wanting him to misunderstand, I quickly explained, "I asked Celine if there was anything you couldn't eat when I was buying the ingredients. She said nothing."

Food allergies weren't a joke. They could be life-threatening. I wouldn't mess around with that.

Celine scratched her head, acting innocent. "Didn't I tell you? But I know Felix's preferences so well. I shouldn't have forgotten to mention it."

Her vague answer conveniently shifted all the blame onto me.

Felix lost it. "I know what you're up to. You're trying to piss me off, then make Celine think I've got a temper so she'll break up with me and you can swoop in and take my place.

"Let me be clear. Stop indulging in these delusions. If Celine had the slightest interest in you, she would have pursued you long ago, and I wouldn't even be in the picture.

"At the end of the day, she finds nothing about you appealing. Give up this hopeless cause and stop trying to drive a wedge between us."

He was getting more and more out of line, and the anger inside me started to boil.

But since Layla was trying to calm things down, I forced myself to stay calm and keep explaining. "Mrs. Fletcher broke her leg. And since it's your first time visiting, she didn't want to slight you, so she asked me to help with the cooking.

"Celine didn't mention your allergy, but that's a small issue. There are still more than ten other dishes. Just skip the shrimp. Also, you don't have to worry. I have a fiancee. I'm not interested in Celine at all. She's yours."

After I said that, Felix scoffed. "Don't try that hard-to-get routine. I can spot a simp from a mile away. You've been hiding behind the guise of a childhood friend to throw yourself at Celine. It's pathetic. Anyone would call you out for that."

The insults kept coming, rendering me utterly worthless.

Meanwhile, Celine sat there, barely holding back her laughter. She even gave Felix a thumbs-up. "Such a sharp tongue you have. He doesn't even know what to say."

It was like she had nothing to do with this and was merely watching a show.

I was boiling with rage and snapped, "Celine, do you think fanning the flames makes you look cute?"