3
Soon, I had laid out all the dishes on the table.
In the living room, Lucas was watching extreme sports videos with Rachel.
“Brother Lucas, when will we see you take on new extreme challenges?”
“I don’t like it anymore. Haven’t since three years ago. But if Rachel wants to see, I could consider it.”
Just like me, his once–favorite hobby was abandoned three years ago.
Otherwise, how could he give up so easily?
At the dinner table, the two chatted happily in front of me, completely ignoring my presence.
Feeling unwell, I retired to the bedroom early.
But I was soon awakened by Lucas’s angry shouts.
“Mia Anderson! What did you put in the food?!”
Lucas grabbed my neck and dragged me to the dining table.
“You might be blind, but don’t you know Rachel is allergic to cilantro? Are you trying to kill her? How could you be so vicious!”
11:39 AM
<
Rachel looked weak at the table.
In the past, I might have believed I had accidentally added her allergen.
But now, I was absolutely certain I had never put cilantro in the food.
“Brother Lucas, don’t blame Sister Mia. It’s my fault for being allergic to cilantro.”
“I didn’t put any in!” I replied firmly.
My definitive answer seemed to fuel Lucas’s rage.
He flipped the table and slapped me hard across the face.
“When did you learn to lie? How can you be so sure, you blind woman? Lying without even thinking it through.”
With that, Lucas picked Rachel up in his arms and left our chaotic home.
As they left, Rachel gave me a contemptuous look, mouthing the words, “You deserve it.”
Lucas didn’t come home for many days after that.
During those days, Rachel kept sending me photos of Lucas taking care of her.
Her social media was also updated daily.
“Being cared for like a child, so blissful.”
“Even food tastes better when fed by the man you love.”
I turned off my phone and burned all our photos together to ashes.
It wasn’t fair that only I was trapped in memories, and it shouldn’t be.
On the seventh day, Lucas returned.
Seeing the house restored to order, a flash of guilt crossed his face.
“Mia…”
Lucas hugged me from behind once again.
“I’m sorry. I know I was a bit too emotional the other day.”
Lucas buried his face in the crook of my neck.
Not every apology deserves forgiveness.
“Lucas, do you like me?” My voice was flat, devoid of emotion.
“I do.”
“Then do you like Rachel?”
Lucas frowned, pulling away from me.
“Mia Anderson, Rachel is just my sister. Can you stop being so suspicious all the time? It’s annoying. I’m tired, you know?”
“Okay.”
Realizing his tone had become harsh, Lucas hugged me again to comfort me.
“Mia, how about we go out for some fresh air these next few days? Let’s go camping, okay?”
11:39 AM
<
I nodded.
Seeing my obedience, Lucas smiled with satisfaction.
It’s almost over, Lucas. We’re nearly done.
