Chapter 3

I saw the look of disgust on her face.

I smiled calmly. "The doctor said my fracture is quite serious, so I need to stay off my feet for a while."

As soon as I finished speaking, Ryan, who was standing next to Claire, glanced at me and said, "David, don't mind her. She's gotten used to acting this way after living abroad.

"She gives everyone that sour face, except me."

My chest tightened again. Claire was always cold to everyone, but she used to treat me differently.

I forced myself to ignore the strange feeling in my chest and looked calmly at Ryan. "Do you want me to go with you to choose a wedding planner?"

"If you need me, I'll go with you."

Ryan nodded. "Of course."

After a few more pleasantries, I walked them to the door.

That night, Claire called me.

She told me straight up to go with her to the wedding planner tomorrow.

My fingers tightened around the phone.

Part of me was addicted to her voice.

The rest of me was nervous as hell.

After all, it had been seven years since I last heard her voice, the two of us, over the phone.

Back then, Claire and I used to hide under the covers every night, falling asleep to each other's voices.

As I was lost in those memories, a man's voice came through the phone. "Claire, come sit here; let me dry your hair."

I snapped back to reality and quickly said, "Okay."

As soon as she heard my answer, Claire hung up.

Listening to the dial tone, my eyes stung. I fought back tears, forcing them down for a long time.

Even though I'd braced myself for this, seeing and hearing it for real. The girl who used to be mine now has someone else; my heart still twisted with pain.

Claire had set the meeting for 10 a.m. the next morning.

Nervous as hell, I had my mom wheel me downstairs at 9:30 to wait.

But by noon, Claire still hadn't shown up.

Even when I tried calling her, Claire declined my call.

My mom kept urging me to go home, but I wouldn't leave.

After all, it drained all my strength to get out this time. After today, I might not get another chance to go outside again.

But finally, at 1 p.m., Claire called to say they were coming down.

My mom was clearly annoyed, and it took a lot of convincing from me before she finally managed to keep a straight face.

As soon as I got in the car, Ryan flashed me a smile. "Sorry, David. Claire and I were messing around way too late last night, so neither of us could drag ourselves out of bed this morning.

"Sorry for making you wait so long."

My palms clenched a bit.

Claire, sitting in the driver's seat and buckling her seatbelt, shot me a look in the rearview mirror and said to Ryan, her voice icy, "Why are you explaining so much to him?"

My heart stung a little, but I still managed to give my mom a calm wave through the window.

Claire was speeding, and the ride was so bumpy I felt like I might throw up.

Still, I kept it to myself and endured it.

It reminded me of seven years ago. Back then, after Claire got her license, she'd always take me out in her dad's car. She knew I got carsick, so she'd always make sure the ride was smooth as silk for me.

I used to get carsick in taxis and buses, but riding in Claire's car was always different. I never got sick, not even once.

So when Claire slammed on the brakes, I was thrown against the back seat, my stomach twisting in knots, and I was on the verge of throwing up.

A whimper escaped me before I could stop it.

Claire let out a mocking laugh when she heard me. "David, you don't think I'd still go out of my way for you as I did seven years ago, do you? No more careful driving, no more keeping things smooth for you."

I quietly wiped away the tears that slipped down without me realizing, then said in a steady voice, "No, you should be accommodating Ryan now. He's the one you should care about. He's your boyfriend."

Claire let out another mocking laugh. "You're right."

Then she floored it, hitting the gas hard.

My back slammed hard against the seat, pain shooting up my spine.

But even so, a faint smile tugged at my lips.

Hate's better than nothing. As long as I'm still breathing, at least I mean something to Claire. Even if it's a tiny spot in her heart.