Chapter 3

3: 3

3

Lily cleared her throat, a little awkwardly.

"Ursula's such a good girl. Dylan dotes on her like she's his little sister."

Ursula stuck her tongue out playfully.

"Carmen, you're not upset, are you?"

"I'm really just helping him get past his condition, that's all."

"Don't read too much into it, okay?"

I gave a small shake of my head and carried the bags inside.

"I don't mind."

"Where should I put the fruit?"

Seeing how calm I was, something flickered across Dylan's face, but he didn't say anything.

At dinner, Lily suddenly spoke up, all smiles.

"Carmen, Ursula's parents are coming to New York the day after tomorrow to see her, and Dylan and I will be helping host them."

"So maybe your parents shouldn't come just yet."

"You two are solid anyway, and the wedding's a done deal."

"I'll pick a good day later and we'll all have dinner together then."

The hand holding my chopsticks trembled.

Mom and Dad had bought tickets for tomorrow afternoon. They were coming to talk over the wedding with me and Dylan.

Half a month early, they'd already chosen what to wear, called the hotel, put together generous gifts to bring.

And now all of it was thrown into disarray because of Ursula.

I looked at Dylan.

"Should we push the visit to another day?"

He was peeling shrimp for Ursula and didn't even lift his head.

"Whatever Mom says."

I stalled for a moment, then nodded and said okay, softly.

Except there was no need to find another day to have dinner with my parents.

Dylan and I no longer had a future.

Lily beamed and kept praising how sensible I was.

Before we left, Ursula bounced along behind Dylan and went down first to bring the car around.

I helped Lily take the trash down.

When I reached Dylan's car, through the windshield I saw Ursula in the passenger seat, arms hooked around his neck, kissing him like she couldn't bear to let go.

I paused for two seconds, then pulled open the back door and calmly got in.

They both startled and broke apart in an instant.

Ursula covered her face with her hands, flustered, and started explaining.

"Carmen, I was only helping him with his treatment, you—"

I cut her off.

"I know. I won't read into it."

"Just drive."

Dylan pressed his lips tight and started the car without a word.

After dropping Ursula off, Dylan pulled over at the curb, his tone cold.

"Come sit up front."

I stayed curled in the back seat, not moving.

"No need."

He looked at me in the rearview mirror, displeased.

"Carmen, what are you sulking about now?"

As if remembering how close he and Ursula had been these past two days, Dylan stiffened, and his tone softened a little.

"Ursula's different from other people. Even I find it strange—I don't mind being touched by her."

"Maybe she really can cure my condition."

"What happened in the car just now... I couldn't hold back for a moment. It won't happen again."

I said nothing, just quietly stared at the compact mirror she'd forgotten to put away in the passenger seat.

Seven years together, and Dylan had never once let me sit in his passenger seat, afraid we might accidentally touch.

Riding in the same car, I always sat in the back, like a fare a driver had picked up.

He kept his distance from me on purpose, never mind a kiss or anything closer.

And Ursula, without fighting for a thing, got every privilege he had to give.

So it turned out one person's favoritism could be this obvious.

My voice was flat.

"Dylan, stop explaining. I really don't mind."

"Let's go home. I'm tired and I want to rest."

Dylan paused, holding back his anger.

"Carmen, I've already smoothed things over with you. If you still want to throw a fit, then suit yourself."

With that, he slammed the gas, and the car shot forward.

Back home, Dylan shut himself in the bedroom with a bang.

I paid it no mind. I just signed my name on the transfer confirmation the company had sent.

And I let my parents know they didn't need to make the trip to New York after all.

The next day, coming back from work, I found my things dumped in a heap by the door.