Right there, Chase seized the whole bag of chicken soup and tossed it into the trash.
His look burned with anger, as if he meant to swallow me whole.
“Are you a starving ghost reborn? Would eating one fewer chicken end you? Even a pig isn’t as greedy as you!”
That day, I had been rushing to carry stomach-soothing soup to him and hadn’t had time to eat breakfast, which caused low blood sugar.
I bought chicken soup on the way and only took one bite before he threw them up.
When I walked out, I almost collapsed at the hospital entrance, and it was a kind stranger who gave me a candy that helped me recover.
Seeing him nod, I finally felt safe enough to take a bite.
To stay extra cautious, I even sent him the money.
He stared at the ten-dollar transfer on his phone, something unclear rising in his eyes.
“Astraea, we’re engaged. Why are you drawing such clear lines?”
We soon wouldn’t be.
I clapped my hands lightly.
“I’m done eating. I’m heading to the office. Take your time.”
He quickly called after me.
“Astraea, there’s a team-building dinner at the hospital tonight. We can bring the family. Come with me.”
I didn’t answer with the thrill I once showed at events where status could be shown.
I simply shook my head, bored. “No need. I have plans tonight.”
I thought for a moment, then kindly offered, “If you must bring a woman, bring Zaria. She’s already treated as your family anyway. Two birds with one stone.”
Before leaving, I added to him, “Oh, and there’s half a box of condoms in the nightstand. Use those first before getting more. Don’t waste them.”
He stopped cold, like his soul had been drained.
…..
That night, my colleagues held a farewell dinner for me.
I never expected it to be in the same place as Chase’s team-building.
Passing their private room, through the slightly open door, I saw Chase shirtless.
Under him lay Zaria, and he was doing push-ups above her, face close to hers, while the crowd cheered around them.
“Chase, don’t lay a hand on her! If you touch her, you’re out!”
“Zaria, slow down. If you keep yelling, Dr. Gordon’s hips are dropping lower each round.”
People laughed knowingly.
Zaria’s face turned bright red.
“Ninety-nine… just one more…”
Then Zaria reached up, smiling as she looped her arms around his neck and tugged him down.
Someone inside let out a surprised shout.
Chase turned and saw me standing at the doorway.
He shot upright as something shocked him. His sudden jump knocked several bottles across the table.
He stumbled toward me, flustered, rushing to explain, “Astraea, don’t misunderstand. We were just doing truth-or-dare! I would never actually…”
“Astraea wouldn’t be that narrow-minded, right? It’s only a game.”
“Quiet.”
Zaria jerked, her eyes instantly brimming with complaint.
A few coworkers who sensed trouble quickly stepped forward, “Astraea, we really were only playing around. Dr. Gordon kept saying he didn’t want to, but we pushed him into it. Please don’t get upset…”
I gave them a brief look, not sure why the whole group suddenly seemed frightened.
Wasn’t this exactly the sort of activity they always played?
“It’s okay. It’s part of the game. I get it. It’s just a dinner meetup, you all can keep enjoying yourselves.”
The people around me praised me for being calm and easygoing.
Only Chase’s face looked drained.
I nodded at them politely and went back to my own small room.
Right away, Chase’s messages came one after another.
[I didn’t ask Zaria to come. She showed up on her own.]
[I won’t join anything like that again.]
[Don’t stay upset. I picked up a cake so we can make up for our anniversary.]
More than ten texts in total.
I didn’t answer any of them.
The final text he sent asked what time I would reach home so he could wait for me.
I shut off my phone and mixed myself into my colleagues’ conversation.
“This time when Astraea heads overseas, the next time she shows up, we’ll need to call her Director Grant.”
“Quit joking around. When I’m back, let’s meet again.”
The night was lively.
When we wrapped things up, it was already past midnight.
I was about to book a ride when a figure standing in the dark corner startled me.
Chase’s reddened stare locked onto mine.
His voice shook. “Astraea… you’re heading overseas?”
