Chapter 3

Andy's POV

Mary moved my place card to the table by the door. The driver and a few of Nadine's distant relatives were seated there.

I didn't argue because she had promised to introduce me to everyone once dinner started.

Soon, one of Nadine's aunts spoke up with a smile, "Nadine, since you've already introduced Nick to the family, when are you two getting engaged?"

Melinda patted Nick's hand, beaming. "It's time you two made it official. I'm waiting for a great-grandchild."

Just as I was about to get up, a message from Nadine came through. "Grandma's happy. Don't ruin the mood."

Another message popped up. "I'll explain later."

Even admitting I was her boyfriend had to wait.

Just then, Mary walked over with a set of keys. Nick took them from her and casually set them on the table.

I recognized them immediately. They were the spare keys to the house Nadine and I were supposed to live in after we got married.

I stared at the keys and asked, "Why do you have the keys to our new house?"

Nick smiled and pulled out a tarot card. "Andy, the card says you're not supposed to stay there the first night.

"Someone with good luck needs to spend the first night there. Otherwise, you could lose both the house and your relationship."

I looked at Nadine. "You're letting him stay in our new house?"

Nadine avoided the question. "Just let him stay there for a few days. You'll be living there for years. What's the big deal?"

I looked at the gold locket around Nick's neck. "Now you're even taking my place in my own home."

I added, "Nick, are you going to sleep with Nadine for me too?"

Nadine's expression darkened. "That's enough! Andy, Grandma is here. Do you really have to make it sound so ugly?

"Nicky's only staying there to make sure the house is settled. Why do you have to turn everything into something sexual?"

I stared at her. "He's staying in our bedroom, and you think I'm the one with a dirty mind?"

Patrick said with a frown, "What's the problem? They grew up together, and Nick is like a younger brother to Nadine.

"Besides, it's not safe for Nick to stay there alone. Nadine will stay with him tonight in case anything happens."

Nick looked at me. "Andy, do you have a problem with that too?"

I ignored him. I was waiting for Nadine to refuse.

But after a short silence, she finally looked at me. "It's just two nights."

Something inside me finally broke.

…

After dinner, Nadine pulled me into the study. As soon as she closed the door, she said coldly, "You'll apologize to Nick later."

I looked up at her.

"Nick is just helping us out with the house, yet you asked him in front of everyone if he wanted to sleep with me," she said. "Do you have any idea how embarrassing it was for him?"

I stared at her, unable to believe what I was hearing. "You think he was embarrassed? Then, what about me, Nadine?"

Nadine pinched the bridge of her nose. "Andy, stop acting like you're always the victim. If you're so upset, I'll replace the bed after he moves out."

I asked, "What if I don't agree?"

Nadine looked at me briefly, then suddenly smiled.

"You'll agree," she said. "We've been together for five years. I know you too well."

She straightened my collar and spoke softly, "Your parents live far away, and you've spent so long preparing the house and the wedding.

"Andy, you can't bring yourself to leave me."

So, she knew I couldn't bear to leave, and none of what I had done for her meant that much to her.

Nadine looked down at her watch. "I'm going to the new house with Nick tonight. You go back to the apartment and cool off.

"Our engagement party is tomorrow. Make sure you're there on time."

She opened the study door.

Nick was already waiting outside with the keys to our new house.

"Andy, look," he said. "The card says this is all for your own good."

I didn't take it.

He loosened his grip, and the card fell to the floor at my feet.

I looked down at the blurry black symbol on it.

I didn't want to argue anymore.