"You don't usually eat spicy food, right? Should I help you pick something else?" Christopher glanced my way.
Daniel looked surprised.
I chuckled lightly. "I'm just trying to shed some pounds."
I'd known Daniel for ten years—through high school, our first love, and now marriage. I had gone from being his shining star to just his everyday meal.
I remembered everything about him, but he seemed oblivious to my presence. It wasn't entirely his fault; after we got married, I'd been living according to his expectations, like a shadow.
The mood became awkward, and just when it felt like it couldn't get any worse, a striking figure appeared. "Daniel! Is that really you? What a surprise!"
Daniel's eyes flashed with surprise as he pulled Ada aside and spoke quietly. "Didn't we already hang out yesterday?"
Ada dismissed him with a wave and confidently sat down across from him. "This is fate! Look, you ordered all my favorite dishes. You don't mind if I join, do you?"
Yesterday, Daniel had skipped out on coming home because he was out with Ada enjoying the snow. Today, he was missing our shopping plans. I was the unchanging grain of rice, while Ada, a new hire and his former classmate, sparkled like a vibrant red rose.
Daniel's gaze flickered to me, clearly worried I might blow up as I had before. But instead, I simply raised my hand to call the waiter for another set of utensils.
"Daniel used to take me to meet clients all the time," Ada said, glancing my way. "Shopping isn't enough; you've got to help me peel shrimp too."
Daniel had a thing about cleanliness; he hated greasy foods and didn't even like anyone touching his stuff. That's why we never hired a maid—every chore was on me.
But judging by Ada's casual demeanor, it seemed Daniel had no problem peeling shrimp for her.
After a few awkward moments, Christopher made an excuse to wrap up the dinner. Once he left, Daniel went straight to his car, taking Ada home.
I took a cab back, and once I was home, I made myself a bowl of noodles.
When Daniel returned, I had already eaten half. He frowned. "I told you I don't like cilantro. Don't let that smell linger in the house."
"Daniel, do you even remember what I like? You know every dish Ada enjoys, but what about me?"