The car ride was suffocating. I hadn’t been inside Aiden’s car since we broke up. I tried to focus on the road ahead, but something caught my attention, the familiar scent of lilies.
Ella.
My stomach twisted. What was she even doing here to leave such a powerful after-effect? I glanced at Aiden. Was he with Ella before coming to me? Of course!
Why had I agreed to this?
When we reached the restaurant, my unease only grew. Aiden opened the door for me, smiling as if everything was normal. But it was only short-lived. At the entrance, Ella and Lucas were waiting for us.
"Oh! My... Ella. You look pretty, as always." She rushed and hugged me as if we were sworn sisters.
"The dress suits you well," Aiden complimented Ella, something he had never done for me.
I realized I was just a replacement for him when Ella was away.
"Your gift. Remember?" she let out this information deliberately to hurt me. And it was working. But I chose to ignore her. moving towards Lucas.
"Happy birthday Lucas! Since this was a last-minute invite, I came empty-handed."