Thea nced at Alvin, her voice soft and almost fragile. “Yeah.”


    With the way she looked at Alvin, I could tell there must be something between them.


    “Thea, how many months along are you?” I changed the subject.


    But before she could respond, Alvin called my name. “Zoe, if you don’t eat your foie gras soon, it’ll get cold and the texture will be off.”


    I wasn’t dumb. I could tell he was trying to stop me from asking Thea about her pregnancy. But I thought, ‘He’s already said the baby isn’t his-so why can’t I ask?’


    If there was some secret about the baby, that was one thing. But if he was just being overly protective of her, then that was something else. After all, I was his fiancée.


    “The texture’s not fine even now.” After hearing him bring Thea foie gras, I suddenly had no appetite.


    Alvin could tell I wasn’t happy and nced over at me. I met his gaze, and for a few seconds, we silently stared each other. down.


    The warmth that had filled the room earlier waspletely gone. It was clear: there was no room for a third person in a couple’s world.


    Just then, the foie gras dessert and juice Thea had ordered arrived. The waiter set everything down and politely asked, “Would you like me to cut the foie gras for you?”


    “No, it’s fine,” Thea said, then turned to Alvin. “Alvin, you used to always cut it for me. You always made sure the portions were just right.”


    “Thea,” I spoke up again, “The restaurant offers a cutting service. No need to trouble Alvin. After all, he still has to remove fish bones for me-he’s already got his hands full.”


    Thea bit her lip, looking apologetic. “Sorry, Zoe. I wasn’t thinking. I’ll cut it myself.”


    “Zoe!” Alvin called my name firmly. This was the third time.


    “Thea doesn’t feelfortable eating food that’s been handled by someone else. She’s pregnant, so she has to be careful,” he exined.


    I couldn’t help butugh. “Oh? So, which part of the food in front of her hasn’t been touched by someone else?”


    Alvin fell silent, caught off guard.


    Thea’s face flushed with embarrassment and a hint of panic. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that. Alvin, don’t be angry Zoe. If it’s causing problems, I’ll leave…”


    with


    She started to get up, but Alvin quickly grabbed her arm and stopped her. “Don’t pay her any mind. She’s on her period and not in the best mood. She’s always like this when she talks.”


    Alvin really had no filter today. As soon as he spoke, I felt an ufortable warmth flood my body.


    I looked at him, dryly adding, “You’re right. I am on my period. But I didn’t bring any pads with me. Can you go buy me


    some?”


    Alvin frowned slightly. “You knew your period wasing, so why didn’t you bring any?”


    “Isn’t it your job to remember these things for me? Like my period?” I smiled, but the expression didn’t reach my eyes.


    Alvin looked frustrated but still stood up. “You two eat. I’ll be back in a minute.”


    Now it was just me and Thea at the table. Neither of us touched our food, and the silence hung between us.


    I thought, At least you are aware of it. I didn’t beat around the bush. “I wouldn’t say I hate you, but you do make me ufortable.”


    I thought. At least you are aware of it.’ I didn’t beat around the bush. “I wouldn’t say I hate you, but you do make me


    ufortable.”


    I pursed my lips, taking in her pitiful look. “Alvin is my fiancé. We’re about to get our marriage license.


    “You’re always seeking him out, calling him away at all hours. Don’t you think that’s a bit much? If you were in my shoes, would you be okay with it?”