Chapter 3

Ten minutes later, Irene was led into the Shaw residence by the matchmaker.

Our parents were getting along splendidly. That was precisely why my parents had been included.

Their pleasantries subtly showcased family connections and future plans.

Edward sat right next to Irene, every little gesture dripping with attention.

He was pushing thirty, but right now, he was acting like a lovestruck teenager.

With no part to play, I began seeking my chance to slip out.

To my surprise, Irene turned to me with a gentle smile. "So you're Sherry, right? I've heard so much about you—the legendary art department beauty."

Flustered by the attention, I quickly waved my hands. "Oh, that was just silly school stuff."

I hoped the conversation would move on, but Irene wasn't done.

"Don't be so modest," she continued. "After your performance at the dance, your dorm was flooded with flowers."

Before I could say a word, Irene tugged playfully at Edward's arm. "You two grew up together but never dated? How unusual.

"Back then, you were practically inseparable. Everyone thought you'd end up married."

All of a sudden, everyone's eyes were on me.

Despite her sweet demeanor, I couldn't shake the feeling of hidden hostility beneath her words.

"End up married?" Edward handed Irene the apple he'd just peeled.

"To you, she's some perfect angel.

"To me? She's just the tomboy I grew up with, basically my partner in crime since diapers," he added.

He suddenly burst out laughing at the memory. "When Sherry cried as a kid, Jesus, it was complete snot disaster.

"I'd have to wipe her nose, or she'd be eating her own mucus.

"And then when she was fifteen, she fainted during PE and started mumbling nonsense, swinging at thin air—"

"I should go." I held back my anger as I stood up abruptly, forcing a smile for the elders. "Please, don't let me interrupt."

Irene looked at Edward anxiously. "Did I say something to upset her?"

Edward shot me an annoyed look, clearly blaming me for ruining the mood.

Before he could say anything, I cut in quickly, "I have a date tonight. If I don't leave now, I'm gonna be late."

"Since when do you have a boyfriend?" Edward grabbed my arm just as I was about to step out the door. "How come I didn't know about this?"

My face flushed with everyone watching, especially Irene. I yanked my arm free.

"What's it to you if I have a boyfriend or not?" I snapped. "Even my parents don't pry into my relationships."

"Edward," Donald said in a warning tone, "sit down and behave yourself."

I took the chance to bow politely to the elders. "Goodbye, Donald and Janice."

Behind me, Irene's sweet, innocent-sounding voice piped up. "Someone as beautiful as Sherry must have many admirers... And wasn't that a hickey under her scarf?"

Noticing she might've crossed a line, she backtracked with an awkward smile. "We art types are quieter. Dancers... well, they're more outgoing.

"Not judging, of course."

I stopped listening to their commentary about me.

My bold style made the perfect contrast to her prim image.

And I was certain Edward would join the character assassination.

What they didn't realize was that while the boyfriend story was made up, my plan for Halirica was completely real.

I buried myself in researching neighborhoods and job options there.

The busywork kept Edward from creeping into my thoughts.

We grew up together, with Edward always being my protector—the kind of boy who'd step in whenever anyone tried to bully me.

When I was ten, I pestered Edward into staying at the amusement park with me until nine at night.

Our parents got so worried that they even called the police. In the end, they found us playing house in the sandbox and dragged us both home.

Edward covered for me, claiming the whole thing was his fault.

That night, Donald punished him with a dozen strikes from the feather duster.

I cried and tried to confess, but Edward just lifted his chin and insisted he was to blame.

As we grew older—me into my looks, him into his handsome features—people called us the perfect couple. I really thought I had it all.

[When are you free?] Edward's message suddenly popped up on my phone.

I wiped away my tears, about to ask what he meant, when another message from him flashed on my screen.

Edward: [Come get your stuff. I'm having Irene over.]

I took a deep breath and forced myself to calm down.

Just yesterday, we'd been tangled in sheets after movie night. But now, we seemed like strangers.

I let out a bitter laugh, unpinned Edward's chat, and replied curtly: [Got it.]