chapter 4
The ride was silent. I noticed the passenger floor mat had been replaced—with a cartoon design. Sailor Moon, of all things.
Daniel saw me staring and said sheepishly, “Ashley said my car was too boring, so she changed the mats.”
I glanced at his side—cartoon mats too. Ever since he’d bought this car, he’d never allowed me to decorate it. I once bought cute ornaments for the dashboard, and he’d thrown them out. “These things cheapen the car,” he’d said.
It seemed it wasn’t the ornaments that cheapened things—but me.
Realizing this, I almost laughed. “Hmm. They’re nice.”
Daniel opened his mouth as if to argue, but stayed silent. He just pressed harder on the gas pedal.
When we arrived at the restaurant, Ashley practically fluttered over like a butterfly. The small jade amulet on her neck glinted under the lights.
“Sister Chloe, you’re here!” she said, linking her arm through mine. Anyone watching would have thought we were close.
As soon as we sat down, Ashley acted like the hostess. “Everyone, make yourselves at home! Big Brother Daniel is treating us tonight!”
That “Big Brother Daniel” made my stomach churn.
Ashley raised her glass toward me. “Sister Chloe, Daniel and I really didn’t mean anything by those photos. I just wanted to experience wearing a wedding dress. You know I can’t ever get married because of my heart.”
Tears rolled down her face, making her look pitiful. The others chimed in:
“Exactly, Chloe. Don’t hold it against her. Ashley’s just a kid at heart.”
“Come on, Chloe. Drink. You’ll still be good friends after this.”
Everyone stared at me as if refusing would be a crime. I looked at Daniel. Arms crossed, head down, smug. He was certain I wouldn’t dare embarrass him.
I smiled faintly and took the glass from Ashley.
“My dear sister, since you’ve already taken the wedding photos, why don’t you stand in for me at the wedding too? If you’re going to experience it, go all out. Just taking photos is boring, isn’t it?”
Ashley’s face flushed crimson. Daniel stood up to shield her. “Chloe, if you have a problem, direct it at me. Don’t pick on a young girl like Ashley. She’s not as venomous or petty as you.”
Ten years of love, and to him, I was nothing but venom and pettiness.