EPISODE 7

When I got back to them, they had already started eating. I could only shake my head. Even Allen was already eating? What kind of husband is he?

"Ahem." I cleared my throat.

"Oh, hon? What took you so long? Luisa said she was already hungry, so we went ahead. Come on, sit down," Allen ordered.

Not even pulling the chair for your wife? You really are so insensitive!

Sighing, I sat down on the chair I had left earlier. The three of them were laughing together over something I couldn't get. Were they really that close?

I didn't move after settling into my seat. What was I even supposed to eat from what was laid out when I'm forbidden from having this? And now, I knew why Allen chose these dishes. He actually invited his woman! How incredibly irritating!

I just looked at them eating, with my arms crossed. It was as if I were their guard here, waiting for them to choke so I could finally be of use.

"Hon?" Allen almost choked indeed when he looked at me not touching the food. "What are you doing? Eat up."

"Really, Allen? You ordered this for me? Or do you want to kill me already? I don't eat seafood, just so you know, Allen!" My voice wasn't angry, but it carried absolute certainty and truth.

"But why—"

"Oh my goodness! Allen, what is wrong with you? Erin is allergic to seafood. Oh God! Even I forgot. I'm so sorry, bestie."

Sorry? But deep inside, she was surely thrilled that Allen remembered her favorites better.

Allen suddenly stood up and took the plate from in front of me. He also said sorry so many times that it just irritated me. I ordered him to get the dessert; that was the only thing I would eat.

"No, let's order new food, the one that you like—"

"No, Allen, I lost my appetite for that. Just ask for the dessert, then you shut up!"

They froze in their seats. David was also shocked, which made him put down his spoon.

"Wow! I never knew you could talk, Erin. The last time we met at the family reunion, you didn't even utter a single word. But now, woah, you even look gorgeous in your dress."

"David!" Luisa scolded him, not because of what he said, but because David was giving me attention, especially regarding my appearance.

"Yeah. And as far as I remember, you're married, David. Does Naomi know about this?" I asked sharply and snootily.

The Mondragons set a quarterly family reunion, and among the bloodlines who always came, Naomi Chen is present with David. That's why I knew her. David's mom married a Chen, which is why Mondragon is just his middle name. But still, the Chens are pretty good in business, too.

"Bestie, what are you doing? David's divorce with his wife is already with the prosecutor. They will be separating soon anyway—"

"F*ck! And what do you mean, Luisa? Does that validate you clinging to him? How dare you? You're a mistress, do you know that?" I confronted her bluntly.

She just blinked repeatedly at what I said. It was the second time I had snapped harsh words at her, so I understood the confusion on her face. She wasn't used to this behavior of mine.

I was certain she was more accustomed to me just following along and listening to her opinions.

"You're so different now, bestie. Did something happen to you, huh? Since earlier, you haven't called me by our pet name. You've become judgmental of me. Oh my goodness! Are you okay? You never used to interfere in the things I do."

Then she started to cry. Ugh! Her pathetic move again, which had fooled me in the past into believing all her manipulations.

"Erin, she's your best friend, you know her better than anyone else. David and Naomi are on the edge of parting ways. David wanted to move on faster, that's why he's doing this. Don't blame them!" Allen snapped. His voice wasn't that loud, but it was enough to make a few diners near our spot look over.

I rolled my eyes, leaned my back against the chair, and gave them a round of applause. "A cheater and a manipulator? Their marriage may be tearing apart, but they are still together! Right, David? So where do you get the nerve to fool around, huh? And you, Allen, you have the guts to let him do it? Oh, don't tell me you're also doing it?"

"What? Will you stop, Erin? You're being too delusional. Can you just not meddle with them? Just let it slide, pretend you didn't see anything."

Wow! And this bastard is really letting them be together?

Enabler!

"You know, you're the one with the problem too, Allen. You brought me here to ease my mind, but you brought along two troubles? You know what, I'm just going home rather than arguing with your twisted logic!"

I grabbed my bag and stood up. I would just pass by any drive-thru to buy food. Just like in the past, this dinner was still a disaster.

The only difference was, because of my extreme stupidity back then in trusting them, I ended up in the hospital from forcing myself to eat seafood even though it was forbidden.

"Oh, come on!" disappointment traced his voice. But I didn't pay attention to him. I just walked straight away from them.

Until I ran into Naomi near the restaurant entrance. She didn't notice me because she was walking in a hurry with her eyes locked straight ahead. I stopped for a moment to look back at them.

A violent yank on Luisa's hair was what she got from Naomi. The angry, beast-like woman was unleashed. It looked like she was still on duty when I called. She was still wearing her white uniform when she rushed over.

Tsk. "Pathetic," I muttered. I didn't stay any longer; I didn't care about their brawl over there.

But as I went outside, a familiar figure caught my eye.

It was Luther. He was standing outside his car, resting his back against the car door while his eyes were locked onto mine.

"Am I late?" he asked.

I glanced behind me. Allen might have followed me out, after all.

While we were still on the way earlier, I had already texted him our destination. Just for safety purposes.

"You're just on time." I smiled at him, taking his hand that was extended in front of me.