I'm not a Third Wheel anymore

He followed me outside as he asked in a concerned voice,"What's wrong?"

I handed him the receipt.

"Last night you were with Emily? In a Hotel room?”

Ryan's eyes widened in shock, “Were you checking my pocket?”

“I was taking your coat for laundry. But, is it the only thing that comes to your mind? Don't you think you should explain anything?” I asked while narrowing my eyes.

"Jenna, it's not what you think. We were working late and It started raining. I couldn't drive and—"

"Save your excuses, Ryan. I’m fed up of listening to your overwork’s excuses again and again,” I cut him off, saying, “You should have thought of something else this time.”

His face turned pale, but I turned away, leaving him to face the truth alone.

As I walked away, I felt a strong force around my arm. He had hugged me from behind, saying, “Please don't spoil your mood. I’m sorry for the last night. I’ll make sure this thing never happens again. I’ll keep my distance from Emily. Are you happy now?”

He was looking desperately into my eyes, as if he was in a hurry and was waiting for my response for formality. The smile on his lips seemed fake and his promise as hollow as earlier. I smiled back and gave him a nod. But, I did not forgive him or believe him. I had now learnt faking a smile and stop questioning. He placed a kiss on my cheeks and left. I kept watching him from afar and busied myself in laundry. To my surprise, I didn't feel hurt.

The next day, I had been busy in my work. I was planning to wrap all my projects before leaving for Los Angeles to meet my family. The work was quite hectic these days. I was coming out of my supervisor’s cabin when my phone buzzed. It was Ryan's call. He seemed excited on phone as he said, “Jenna, my project finished today. Finally, I have time to take rest and celebrate. I heard there is a celebration in our pack. It's the birthday of Alpha’s younger son. I have invitation car for two people. Come with me.”

I had too much work to finish on the same day. I sighed, “I can't, Ryan. I’m busy today. Have too much work to handle.”

His tone immediately changed. His voice sounded annoyed and agitated as he said, “Is your work more important than me? I have been working hard for the past few weeks and have not had time for rest. Now that I’m free and want to spend time with you, you are choosing to spend this time in your office?”

I felt the familiar ache of disappointment in his voice that he made me feel all this time. I remember once I prepared his favorite dishes and went to his office to surprise him only to find him working on his laptop while Emily was feeding him with her hands. Instead of explaining to me anything or coaxing me, he accused me of being over-possessive. According to him, I found excuses to go meet him in the office to keep an eye on him. He said I was jealous of his connections with his colleagues and told me that the work is more important to him and he did not care what I think about it. He made sure he was not going to change himself for me.

I was surprised to see his audacity of blaming me for giving more importance to work. What was he doing all these days then? Didn't he gave more importance to work over our Anniversary?Then, why should I avoid my work for a mere birthday celebration in the pack?

“You can think whatever you want. I don't care.” After throwing out these words, I hung up. Just then my colleague ran up to me. She said excitedly, “I received an email from your brother. He is eager to meet you. He is asking when are you leaving for Los Angeles?”