We're All Moving Forward, No Time to Turn Back

"Mia? Long time no see! You look so much thinner. How have you been?" It was Christopher, one of Daniel's important clients and someone I had worked with when I first started my career.

I forced a wry smile. No wonder Daniel had invited me; I thought I'd be the focus, but clearly, I wasn't.

We chatted briefly, and Christopher expressed his disappointment about my resignation. Meanwhile, Daniel had already ordered a feast of spicy dishes.

"You don't usually eat spicy food, right? Should I help you pick something else?" Christopher glanced my way.

Daniel looked surprised.

I chuckled lightly. "I'm just trying to shed some pounds."

I'd known Daniel for ten years—through high school, our first love, and now marriage. I had gone from being his shining star to just his everyday meal.

I remembered everything about him, but he seemed oblivious to my presence. It wasn't entirely his fault; after we got married, I'd been living according to his expectations, like a shadow.

The mood became awkward, and just when it felt like it couldn't get any worse, a striking figure appeared. "Daniel! Is that really you? What a surprise!"

Daniel's eyes flashed with surprise as he pulled Ada aside and spoke quietly. "Didn't we already hang out yesterday?"

Ada dismissed him with a wave and confidently sat down across from him. "This is fate! Look, you ordered all my favorite dishes. You don't mind if I join, do you?"

Yesterday, Daniel had skipped out on coming home because he was out with Ada enjoying the snow. Today, he was missing our shopping plans. I was the unchanging grain of rice, while Ada, a new hire and his former classmate, sparkled like a vibrant red rose.

Daniel's gaze flickered to me, clearly worried I might blow up as I had before. But instead, I simply raised my hand to call the waiter for another set of utensils.