Love Around The Corner

After finishing my IV drip, I headed home alone. The door code had been reset so I could get in, but the house was empty. A glance at the clock showed it was already one in the morning, and they were still off somewhere, wrapped up in their little world.

The next day, around noon, I was heading downstairs just as they walked in.

The moment Alex saw me, he froze, looking flustered and fumbling for words. “Nina… you’re back! Why didn’t you give us a call? We could’ve picked you up!”

Elijah quickly chimed in, trying to sound casual. “Yeah, exactly! We were actually working on something for you yesterday. We wanted it to be a surprise.”

When they finally showed me this “gift,” my heart dropped. The plates were just leftovers from yesterday’s project—raw, unfinished, and most hadn’t even been fired. Evidently, I was only worth whatever Rachel didn’t want in their eyes.

I forced a smile, hiding my disappointment as I took the gift. “Thanks, I appreciate it.”

Just then, the doorbell rang, cutting through the awkward silence. They both scrambled to answer it. When the door opened, there was Rachel, holding two big bags of groceries and flashing a bright smile.

“Nina! I heard you were sick yesterday, and I was just so worried,” she said as she walked in. “I thought I’d come to check on you. Sick people should really eat light, so I’ll cook for you!”

Without waiting for a response, she made a beeline for the kitchen. Elijah immediately grabbed an apron and tied it around her waist while Alex washed the vegetables.

Watching them together in the kitchen, laughing and moving around easily, I felt an unexpected pang. The scene was so serene and cordial, making me suddenly feel like a stranger in my home.

Sitting at the table, I glanced over the dishes they’d prepared, feeling a sting of bitter irony—they were all foods I was allergic to. Rachel certainly knew how to hold a grudge.

Standing up politely, I said, “I’m not really hungry. You guys go ahead.”

Rachel’s face fell dramatically, her eyes brimming with feigned tears. “Nina, I made this especially for you. Are you really still mad at me? I know you’ve always had something against me, but you should at least try it. We worked on this all morning.”

So that was her game. Rachel set a trap with food I couldn’t eat. When I still didn’t sit down, Alex’s patience snapped. He slammed my chair on the floor, breaking it to pieces. “Are you done with this attitude?” he shouted. “You’re supposed to be an adult but still act like a spoiled kid!”

He glared at me, his voice sharp. “If you’re not going to eat, then don’t bother coming back. Get out and stop being an eyesore!”

I didn’t argue. Calmly, I picked up my phone and walked out.

Soon, they wouldn’t have the chance to throw me out—I’d be gone for good.

Barely down the street, I got a call from my aunt. “Hi, Nina. How’s everything? Did you ever meet up with that blind date I mentioned? He’s free today. Why don’t you two get together?”

Smiling to myself, I replied, “Sure. Have him send the location.”

Following the address he texted, I arrived at a cozy, warmly lit French restaurant. The date went well.

His name was William Craven. He is polite, humble, good-looking, and even well-off.

By the end, we agreed to meet at the Civil Affairs Bureau in two days to get married, then head abroad for a honeymoon.

Afterward, I wandered the streets, feeling lighter than I had in ages. Suddenly, the sound of cheers and laughter drifted my way.

In the distance, I spotted Elijah and Alex handing Rachel the keys to a luxury villa, beaming as they celebrated. The crowd's murmurs of envy pierced my thoughts.

“I’m so jealous of that girl! If only I had her luck,” someone nearby whispered.

“Yeah, if someone treated me like that, I’d marry him on the spot,” another voice said.

I thought of the cheap, unfinished clay plates they’d given me. The contrast stung as the difference between love and indifference was painfully clear.

Just as I turned to leave, Rachel spotted me.

Her face lit up as she approached, practically glowing with pride.

“Nina, you’re here too! I’ve got amazing news. I finally have a home here!” She grinned. “No more bouncing from place to place.”

An idea sparked, and I replied, “Actually, why don’t you just move into our place? That way, you could live together like one big happy family.”

Rachel’s face went blank for a moment, but before she could respond, Elijah draped an arm around my shoulders, putting on his usual act.

“Now, that’s not possible,” he chuckled. “There are only three bedrooms, and the rest are filled with storage. We can’t exactly kick Nina out, can we?”

Suppressing a laugh, I shrugged off his arm, disgusted by his fake sincerity.

“Excuse me,” I said, walking away without a second glance.

But when I got back home, I was met with an unpleasant surprise. Rachel had already taken over my room, and everything was tossed carelessly in the living room.

Alex didn’t even look up, speaking in an offhanded tone. “The villa has too much formaldehyde. Also, it’s not safe for Rachel yet. You can stay in the attic for a few days.”

I didn’t argue. Instead, I went out onto the balcony and made a call.

“Yes, sir,” I said, keeping my voice steady. “I’ve thought it over carefully and decided to resign.”

As I hung up and turned, I saw Elijah standing there, stunned.

“Resign…?” he stammered, barely able to process it. “You’re resigning?”