Just Foodie Buddies? Yeah, Right.

The restaurant had an air of quiet sophistication. Bamboo curtains separated the private booths, elegant yet ineffective at keeping conversations discreet.That was how I heard Vincent's voice so clearly, laced with distaste.The dishes had been served. I lifted my fork but hesitated, my hand freezing midair.My gaze shifted toward the curtain, half-drawn, half-revealing. Through the delicate slits of bamboo, I saw them—just the two of them.Vincent tossed his spoon aside, pulled Cassidy into his arms, and raised a playful brow."Hey, Cassidy, let's go for skewers tonight. Just us."She laughed, leaning into him like it was the most natural thing in the world."Sure. Oh, and since you're off in a couple of days, how about a trip up north? I've planned it all out. The barbecue there is amazing."Vincent agreed without a second thought.I almost lifted the curtain, but my hand stalled. My eyes widened.Time off?Hadn't he told me he'd be on a business trip to Hangston City?A

Vincent ended the call, grabbed a coat from the bedroom, and headed for the door.As he brushed past me, his shoulder knocked into mine. I staggered, my lower abdomen slamming against the edge of the table. A sharp, piercing pain shot through me.He didn't notice. Didn't stop. Just threw a careless remark over his shoulder."Cassidy isn't feeling well. I need to take her to the hospital."Then, as if that weren't enough, he added, "Stop making a fuss. There's nothing between me and her. We're just friends. If you don't believe me, I'll bring her over once she's better. She can explain it to you herself."The pain left me sweating, my patience worn thin. I pulled out my phone, turned the volume up to its maximum, and hit play on a voice message that Cassidy had sent me."Well then, why don't you let her explain to me in person? What exactly did she mean when she sent me this?" I questioned.For the briefest moment, Vincent stiffened. Then, almost instantly, his face smoothed ov

The ambulance jolted violently over a bump, sending a shudder through the vehicle.Somewhere in the haze, a sliver of consciousness returned to me.Voices swirled around in a chaotic blend of panic and urgency. I felt the warmth of a hand gripping mine tightly—Vincent. He was talking, his words tumbling out in a desperate rush, but they reached me like distant echoes, muffled and distorted. The only thing I could make out was the fear in his voice.A sudden heat brushed against the back of my hand. A tear. His.Yet all I could think of was the moment he had shoved me away, his face twisted in rage, contorted beyond recognition.The absurdity of it almost made me laugh.He was the one who broke his vow. What right did he have to be angry?And now, what was there to cry about?…"Is my baby… still alive?"When I woke up in the hospital, I stared at the ceiling for what felt like an eternity. That was the first thing I asked.I knew Vincent was beside me, keeping vigil.At my

Vincent's face darkened for a brief moment before he finally reacted. He loosened his grip on Cassidy, his brows knitted tightly as he worked to suppress his emotions. He didn't speak.Seeing that he had calmed down, the nurse rolled her eyes before turning away, muttering as she walked off."I've never seen anything like this. The wife just had a miscarriage, and the husband brings his mistress to rub it in. Does he have no shame?"She wasn't trying to keep her voice down. It was obvious the words were meant for them.As soon as the hospital room door shut, Cassidy's sobs grew louder. Vincent held her in his arms, his expression dark and stormy."Samantha, what's wrong with you?" His voice was tight with anger. "You have no proof, so how can you go around slandering an innocent woman like this in front of strangers?"I looked at him, my gaze steady, filled with disappointment.He knew. He knew I never spread rumors and never spoke ill of others behind their backs. And I certain

I paused for a moment, listening as he downed an entire glass in one gulp. Only then did he continue speaking."I'm sorry, Samantha. I've already cut ties with Cassidy. I've looked into everything. She deliberately sent you that message. She wanted to switch jobs and used her connections to get into my drinking party, intentionally approaching me. She never had any real interest in being with me. She's just someone who enjoys playing games. I've already blacklisted her in the industry. At least in our city, she won't be finding a job in our field anytime soon."Vincent took a deep breath, his voice catching slightly."I knew you never said anything bad about Cassidy at the hospital. I knew you weren't that kind of person. That day, I just wanted to get a reaction out of you. Even if we fought, at least later I could try to make it up to you. But you looked so withdrawn, so distant, during those days in the hospital. I was really worried. I think I fucked up big time."With each sen