Zaldy emerged from the shadows of the hallway, his presence effortless and commanding. “No need to cook Samight. We’ll dine out,” he said smoothly, his voice softening the instant it fell on Maria. “What would you like, Lily?”
Her face lit up. “Steak! The place from college—our favorite.”
Without hesitation, he grabbed the car keys. Watching them together, so naturally at ease, I moved toward the door, hoping to escape witnessing their private reunion.
His voice cut through the room, sharp and controlled. “You’re coming with us. You must be hungry too.”
I paused, keeping my tone steady. “No, thank you. I’m not.”
“That wasn’t a question,” he said, darker now, irritation edging every word.
I exhaled, the weight of his authority pressing down, and relented. “Fine,” I murmured.
In the car, Zaldy and Maria shared the front seat, laughing and reminiscing as if the world existed only for them. I was relegated to the back with Gritte, who kept as much distance as possible, treating me like a stranger.
The city lights blurred past the window while they talked and laughed. Their comfort and connection stabbed at my chest, a sharp reminder of the life I had never truly shared with him.