Chapter 5

Emily's POV

Alexander didn't come back all night.

I was glad for the peace. I packed up almost everything that belonged to me, just waiting for Jenny to pick me up next week.

The next day, I slept until noon, woken up by the clanging of pots and pans in the kitchen.

I walked out of the bedroom and saw Alexander wearing an apron, busy at the stove.

A pot of soup was bubbling, filling the air with a rich aroma.

Hearing me, he turned around, a hint of awkwardness and pleading in his eyes.

"You're awake? I made some seafood chowder. Have a bowl later." He walked over, trying to hold my hand. "I was too rash last night. I said things I shouldn't have. Please don't take it to heart."

I stepped back, looking at the shrimp and scallops bubbling in the pot.

"Seafood chowder?"

"Yeah. Sophia lost some blood, and the doctor said she needs protein. I remember you like soup too..."

I looked at him and suddenly smiled.

"Alexander, we've been together for five years. Do you even remember that I'm severely allergic to seafood?"

Three years ago, Alexander took me to a sushi place. I had one bite of sea urchin and broke out in hives, which triggered an acute asthma attack that put me in the hospital for three days.

Since then, no seafood was ever allowed in our apartment.

Alexander froze, his face turning pale.

"Emily... I... I forgot. I'm so sorry! I'll throw it out and make something else right now!" He frantically turned off the stove, almost burning himself in the process.

"No need," I said, turning toward the bathroom. "Save it for Sophia. I don't deserve it."

"Emily!" Alexander chased after me, blocking my path. "Do you have to be so sarcastic? I already apologized, what more do you want? I've already told Sophia she needs to move out once she heals. Can you please just be the bigger person?"

"I am being the bigger person," I said, looking up at him. "She can stay as long as she wants. I won't interfere."

Alexander stared at my calm, emotionless eyes, his brows furrowed. He seemed to be searching for any sign of jealousy or hurt.

Before he could say anything, my phone rang.

It was Amy from the shop, saying the espresso machine was acting up and asking if I could come take a look.

I hung up, put on my shoes, and left without giving him another glance.

For the next few days, I left early and came back late, basically living at the cafe.

Every time I went back to the apartment, Alexander was either peeling fruit for Sophia or watching TV with her.

The atmosphere between them was so comfortable they looked like the actual married couple.

I ignored them completely and went straight to my room to sleep.

Until Sunday night.

I got home after closing the shop and heard laughter coming from the living room.

Along with Alexander and Sophia, there were a few of Alexander's college buddies.

"Oh, Emily's back!" one of his friends stood up to greet me, but his expression was incredibly awkward.

Sophia was sitting incredibly close to Alexander, her hand practically resting on his thigh.

I gave a curt nod and headed toward my room.

"Emily, since you're back, come sit with us," Alexander called out. "We're celebrating Sophia getting discharged today."

I stopped in my tracks.

Celebrating Sophia's discharge, in my apartment?

I turned around, looking at the group of uncomfortable faces, before letting my gaze settle on Alexander.

"Sure." I walked over and sat on the single armchair.

The room fell into a dead silence.

One of his friends, trying to break the tension, joked, "Man, Alex, you're living the dream. You chased Sophia for so long back in college, and now look at you guys. Still as close as ever."

The moment those words left his mouth, the room went ice-cold.

Sophia blushed and looked down, whispering, "Don't say that. Alexander has a girlfriend now. I just view him as family."

"Family?" I let out a soft laugh. It wasn't loud, but everyone heard it clearly. "What kind of family? The kind that brings you to live in his marital home, or the kind that takes wedding photos with you?"