Chapter 3Regrets in life

There were four dishes and a soup on the table, a full-on home-cooked meal. All made by Leo.

In eight years, he had never cooked a proper meal. The best he could manage was instant noodles. I had no idea he had this in him.

The atmosphere at the table was painfully awkward. Lily and her father exchanged nervous glances and ate in silence.

Leo put a piece of braised short rib on my plate. “How was the trip?”

“Good,” I said.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming back today? I would have picked you up.”

“I called,” I said, chewing slowly. “You didn’t answer.”

He paused. “Oh, right. My phone was charging in the other room. I was in the kitchen, I must not have heard it.”

Another suffocating silence.

Lily’s dad finally broke it with a cheerful, forced laugh. “Chloe, you’re a lucky woman. A guy like Leo, smart, thoughtful, and he can cook? They don’t make ‘em like that anymore.”

I pulled out my phone and opened the HotelTonight app. “Sir, I’ve booked you a hotel. It’s very convenient, just a few minutes from the hospital.”

The man slowly put down his chopsticks and turned his head away.

Leo nudged my arm. “Her mom is getting out in a few days. Her dad is going through a tough time. It’s just for a little while.”

I held up my phone. “I solved his tough time. He can stay at the hotel.”

Leo’s face flushed with anger. “Do you have to make such a big deal out of this?”

I looked him straight in the eye. “Do I? This is our condo, Leo. The place we’re supposed to get married in. We spent a year renovating it, another six months letting it air out. I’ve lived here for less than two weeks. My slippers aren’t even broken in yet, and you’re moving strangers in without even asking me?”

He clenched his fists. “They’re not strangers! They’re from my hometown. Lily is my friend.”

At that, Lily, who had been silent this whole time, put down her chopsticks. “I’m so sorry, Chloe.” Her eyes were red. She stood up and pulled on her father’s arm. “We shouldn’t have stayed here without asking you first. We’re very sorry.” She gave me a deep, formal bow.

Her father sighed and bowed as well. The slump of his shoulders screamed of shame and humiliation. “We’re sorry, Chloe.”

For a moment, my resolve softened. Was I being too harsh?

Lily wiped a tear from her eye, her voice choked. “We’re so sorry for the trouble. My mom is still at the hospital… We’ll leave now.”

Leo jumped up to stop them. “Lily, don’t cry. Chloe doesn’t mean it. She’s not kicking you out.”

The last of my sympathy vanished. “Yes, I am. I don’t like strangers staying in my home.”

Lily looked at me, then pulled her father toward the door to get their things. A few minutes later, they were ready to leave, suitcases in hand. Leo was still hovering, trying to apologize. “It’s still raining. Wait, let me grab a jacket for you. I’ll drive you. Just wait for me in the garage.”