Chapter 2

I stood frozen in the doorway, feeling like an intruder in my own home.

James was the first to notice me. He frowned, his face tight with irritation.

“Wendy, where have you been? Diana just landed tonight.

“She heard how great your cooking is and wouldn't stop asking for a home-cooked meal. She’s been waiting so long she’s starving.”

Diana immediately bounced over with a sweet smile.

“Sorry to bother you! The food abroad was awful and I couldn’t wait to taste your famous cooking.”

James didn't say a word to defend me.

He didn't ask where I’d been all evening. He didn't care why I was late.

His eyes held only cold impatience.

I said nothing. I set my purse by the door and walked straight into the kitchen.

The icy water from the tap made my fingers go numb.

Laughter drifted in from the living room, muffled by the loud hum of the exhaust fan.

I couldn't make out what they were saying, but the tone was intimate.

When I brought out the dishes, James was setting down a neatly arranged fruit platter.

He handed Diana a small fork, then reached over with a napkin to gently dab a smear of chip dust from the corner of her mouth.

“Eat some fruit first while she finishes up.”

Diana laughed, popping a piece of apple into her mouth before using the exact same fork to feed a slice to James.

“You’re still as sweet as ever,” she murmured. “You used to pack peeled fruit for me every day in high school.”

A rare, warm smile touched James’ lips.

“You always hated the skins.”

I set the final bowl of soup on the table with a heavy thump.

James finally looked up at me. He scanned the table, his eyes stopping on the soup.

His brow instantly furrowed.

“Wendy, why didn't you add cilantro?”

My hands froze on the ties of my apron.

“Diana loves cilantro. Didn't you know that?” His voice carried a sharp edge of blame.

He remembered what Diana loved, but he completely forgot that I was deadly allergic to it.

On our very first date, I had accidentally eaten some.

My skin broke out in hives and I choked for air.

He had run red lights driving me to the ER, weeping by my hospital bed and swearing he would never let it happen again.

Now, everything had changed.

Diana stepped up and yanked gently on his arm.

“Don't be hard on her, James. It’s fine, I don't have to take that.”

She hid behind him like a wronged victim, turning me into the villain in my own home.

She tugged him down to sit at the table.

As I pulled out my chair, a sparkle caught my eye.

Right on Diana’s ring finger sat a breathtaking diamond ring.

It was brand new and gleaming under the chandelier.

Diana noticed my gaze. She raised her hand and flashed the ring right in front of me.

“Isn't it gorgeous? James got it for me today as a welcome-back gift.”

Seeing me stare in silence, she leaned in closer to James with a playful grin.

“James, remember when we were kids and you kept telling your parents you were going to marry me when you grew up?”

She quickly turned to me with an apologetic pout. “Oh, please don't misunderstand! I didn't mean anything by that.”

I looked down at my own bare left hand.

Then, I forced a faint smile.

“Of course not.”

I looked James dead in the eye.

“James, we’re done. I’m leaving you.”

The moment the words left my mouth, James slammed his fork onto the table with a loud clatter.

“What the hell is wrong with you? Stop throwing a tantrum!”

Diana gasped and reached out to grab my hand.

The instant her fingers brushed against mine, I jerked my arm back.