Chapter 5

Emma

The next day, I was awakened by a delicious aroma. The door of the study was slightly open so the smell of food entered the study. I was so sure that I clicked the door shut before I slept for the night. Now, I wondered who could have possibly checked on me while I was sleeping here. 

The Omegas? Impossible. They knew too well not to enter the study unless it was open. The standard rule in this house was that no one was allowed to disturb whoever was inside this place. Especially Andrew. That’s why this has been my favorite place to hang out whenever I was looking for solace because of the privacy it provides.

The aroma became stronger as I walked out of the study. It pulled my nose closer to the kitchen. The scene my eyes landed on was something I never thought I would see one day. 

Andrew was wearing an apron…cooking something for breakfast.

I didn’t know what to say. I just observed him in silence. And my husband seemed like he didn’t notice me because of how busy he was preparing the food.

After a while, Andrew turned and noticed me. 

“Good morning,” he greeted. I smiled faintly and hid my doubt inside my head. I never saw him hold a spatula during our marriage. Only today. And the greeting? I would not be exaggerating if I tell that Andrew never greeted me nor expressed kind words like “Thank you,” or “I’m sorry.” Those things were strangers in this house. 

So, what was this change about? 

Did he finally realize things and change into a better person?

Was this about the accident and our argument last night?

Maybe, he did realize the error in the way he treated me and decided to make it up to me. 

Damn, it's about time!

I was delighted. Of course, I would. All of my worries flew out of my chest. The burden that was always holding me back left instantly. The thoughts sent crazy signals to my brain. Maybe, this was the start of things getting much better for us. 

That it was my time to be happy again.

I sat down, almost giggling in my seat. I grabbed a fork and pulled the plate full of fresh banana pancakes he made. 

“This looks delicious,” I uttered excitedly. But before I could even dig my fork in, Andrew dashed towards me and grabbed my arms.

“No, stop!” He snatched the fork from my hands. “Those are for the pack house. I cooked them for my men.”

My gaze dropped to the plate of warm banana pancakes. Instantly, my heart sank. I wasn’t even allowed to eat the food he made with his own hands. Not even a single bite. I had hoped that Andrew was finally thinking of me. That he finally cared for me. But that small hope I held onto shattered in an instant.

“So, what can I eat?” I asked bitterly. Andrew went to one of the cabinets and pulled a plastic bag out of it. Then, he threw it on the table.

“You can have this. I had Beta pick up some bread, especially for you,” Andrew said. I took a deep breath before letting out my thoughts.

“Really?…” I answered very softly as I held on to the bread. “After three years together, you still don’t know I’m gluten intolerant?”

“Oh,” he answered shortly. I was expecting him to say sorry or at least offer me different food. However, he with nothing. Like he didn’t hear me at all. He just continued cooking the rest of the pancakes while totally ignoring me.

The banana pancakes didn’t look appealing to me anymore. I looked at Andrew who was putting the last batch of pancakes in the plate. Heaving a sigh, I went to the counter and grabbed some oats and milk.

“Let me guess, those pancakes are actually for Ruby, am I right?” I said after a while. 

Andrew stopped mixing something inside the bowl and frowned.

“Are you just looking for a fight?”

He was clearly pissed at what I said. Instead of responding hysterically like a loser, I chose to shrug it off. 

As always.

He was always like this whenever Ruby was involved. 

 “Whatever. Think whatever you want,” I answered. Then, I walked towards one of the cabinets and took something out. 

“Oh, and don’t forget to give her this too,” I said as I tossed the black lace bra I found at Andrew’s face. When his eyes landed on that lace, Andrew’s face changed. The thing startled him, freezing him on the spot while staring at the black lace bra.

He then threw it back, cleared his throat, and responded quickly to explain.

“That was from a month ago. Ruby had too much to drink at a work event and couldn’t get home, so she stayed over for one night. Are you seriously going to make a big deal out of this?”

I sat down at the table, looking at my oatmeal floating in fresh milk.

“You don’t need to explain. Just tell your secretary to stop being so careless next time.”

Andrew clenched his fists and heaved a sharp sigh.

“Fine, I’ll tell her.” Then he cleared his throat again. “By the way, aren’t you supposed to go to your parents’ house today?”

He suddenly sounded awkward and hesitant. I was at a loss for words for a minute. It caught me off guard. Andrew hasn’t visited my parents in ages. It feels like an eternity since he’s been there, to be honest.

Ever since Ruby became his assistant six months ago, Andrew had been practically glued to her almost all the time.

“Yeah, I am. Do you have time to come with me today?” I asked, hoping he would say yes.

Surprisingly, Andrew nodded.

“Sure. And I…” he cleared his throat before continuing. “I heard Jessica’s back.

I paused for a moment before answering. “Yes. But how did you know that?” 

“Well, I ran into her this morning,” Andrew said.

All of a sudden, my brain took me back to the time of the car incident. I remembered a woman standing beside Andrew before I passed out.

“Could it have been Jessica?” I whispered in my head.

Soon, a bitter smile formed on my lips. Of course, he only wants to visit my family because of his first love. It was always about her.  

“So that’s why he’s coming, huh…” I muttered to myself. Well, obviously! How could it not be that reason? Even without me telling him that Jessica was coming back, Andrew found out already. It just says a lot about their close relationship.

How could I ever compete with that?

“Right. Let’s go together, then. I will get ready now. ” 

I put down my spoon and lost my appetite. I walked away from the dining table without uttering another word. 

I was numb to his indifference. I was sick and tired of not being his priority. 

When would Andrew realize that his lack of affection was slowly becoming the death of me?