Third Person's POV
"Make sure you take these supplements," Chelsea's mother said warmly. She wasn’t one to fuss over money; all that mattered to her was her daughter’s success. Although, a soft sigh escaped her as if she carried a hint of regret. “The ones you and Hadwin brought last time, I haven’t even finished those yet.”
Aiken’s fingers froze mid-motion. He thought Chelsea hadn’t visited in a long time, but it turned out she had—just not with him.
A dull ache quickly rose in his chest, leaving him breathless. As he tried to steady his breath, he watched Chelsea’s mother reach out and clasp Hadwin’s hand like he was family.
“Hadwin, how old are you now?” she asked, her tone motherly and warm. “Do you have a partner? If not, do you want Auntie to introduce you to someone?”
Aiken noticed Chelsea’s face change at her mother’s words. She quickly turned her head and spoke nervously, “Mom! Why are you playing matchmaker like this?”
Hadwin, however, didn’t seem bothered. He just smiled faintly, almost shyly, as he answered, “No need, Auntie. I already like someone.”
His words left everyone momentarily stunned. But Aiken’s fists tightened. Not wanting to hear what Hadwin might say next, he immediately stood up and excused himself. "I’m not feeling well. I’ll head back first."
He couldn’t bear to stay and feel the weight of the humiliation any longer.
“But we still have dinner plans,” Chelsea reminded him, catching his arm as he brushed past her. Her expression then softened into something hopeful. “Remember? I’m making up for missing our anniversary dinner.”
'Anniversary dinner?' Aiken thought bitterly. Their anniversary had passed over two weeks ago. Yet, when he met her eyes, she looked so much like the woman he had fallen in love with—bright, expectant, and full of life.
Years ago, Aiken had promised her he would always make her feel cherished. Even now, with his heart heavy, he couldn’t bring himself to break that promise.
"Alright," he gave up, thinking it would be their final meal together. Once it was over, he would pull out the divorce papers hidden in the drawer.
Smiling faintly, Aiken reached out and brushed a loose strand of hair from her face. Chelsea closed her eyes, leaning into his hand with a contented sigh.
"Aiken, you always take such good care of me," Chelsea murmured.
The words cut him deeply. Chelsea had drained every last bit of love he had to give. He knew, without a doubt, that he would never love anyone again in this lifetime.
When the meal ended, Hadwin brought up the restaurant they were going to.
"The desserts there are amazing. Ms. Chelsea specifically looked into it," he said casually.
Aiken couldn't help but find Hadwin’s remarks both amusing and ironic, especially when Chelsea lightly held his hand and said, "I heard that too. I wonder if they're as good as people say."
With a small smile, she added softly, "If they are, we’ll come back next year."
'Didn’t you already come here with Hadwin?' he wanted to say but stayed silent.
When they arrived, Chelsea led Aiken out of the car, motioning for Hadwin to join them.
“Hadwin told me earlier there’s no one at his house tonight, so he wanted to join us for dinner,” Chelsea explained gently. “Don’t worry. We’ll let him have his own table so we won’t be disturbed.”
Aiken noticed that Chelsea was being cautious, trying to be considerate of Aiken’s emotions. But he wanted to tell her there was no need because whatever calmness he had left shattered at that moment.
“Let him sit with us,” Aiken said coldly. "It’ll save you both the trouble."
With that, he pulled his hand free from hers and walked ahead into the restaurant without looking back.
Chelsea froze as she stared dwon at her empty hand. Panic quickly welled up in her chest, so hurried after him, grabbing his hand again.
“Aiken, are you upset?” she asked anxiously. “If you are, I’ll ask Hadwin to leave.”
Aiken glanced at Hadwin, who stood nearby, his expression stiffening noticeably.
“It’s fine,” Hadwin said quietly, his voice carrying an air of wounded innocence. “You two enjoy your meal. I’ll just head home and have some instant noodles.”
Aiken scoffed internally. The young man’s tone practically dripped with self-pity, but Chelsea, of course, was quick to comfort him.
“Don’t be silly. I’ll order you something to take home,” she said, letting go of Aiken’s hand to fuss over Hadwin. “Your stomach’s weak. You can’t just eat junk.”
Hadwin nodded meekly, his voice barely above a whisper. “Alright. Thank you, Miss.”
He then glanced between them with an apologetic smile, though his words didn’t match the look in his eyes. “I’m sorry for intruding on you today.”
