The dinner was a disaster from the start. The private room of the plush hotel felt suffocating when it was just the four of us, everyone's attention somehow fixed on Ella. The three of us looked so comfortable, so perfect, in a way I could never fit in. Seeing Ella and Aiden together brought back troubled memories and feelings that I was so desperate to bury.
I could no longer breathe in that room, feeling claustrophobic. "I need to use the restroom," I stood abruptly, interrupting their conversation. Before they could say something, I almost ran from there.
But I was barely outside and had barely caught my breath, when his strong essence of oaks and cinnamon, enthralled my nostrils again, the mate bond tugging at me.
"Mia, what’s wrong?"
"What’s wrong?" I repeated, shaking my head. "I know you are with Ella. I can smell her in your car, for God’s sake."
Aiden opened his mouth to speak, but I cut him off. "No. Don’t. I don’t care anymore. I can’t keep doing this."
"Mia, it’s not like that—"
"Yes, it is, Aiden. Accept it like a man!." I paused, my throat tightening with emotion. "I deserve more than being a second choice."
Aiden stared at me, speechless, in shock.
"Let's go back! The food Aiden ordered had already arrived." Ella interrupted, smiling, looking perfect.
Aiden didn't say anything and returned to the dinner table.
I exhaled a deep breath. Nonetheless, I followed them.
And that's when I saw the item he had ordered... Prawns!
"Ella, Aiden ordered your favorite." Lucas smiled, signaling the waiter to serve,
I wanted to scoff, to scream, or to leave. But I stood frozen in surprise. Has he already forgotten I was allergic to prawns?
"Why are you standing there like you saw some ghost, Mia? Have some prawns." Lucas smiled at me like nothing happened.
