Revenge is best served cold

As my rationality slowly returned, I took a step back, pulling myself out of the intimate atmosphere. A flicker of frustration flashed through Eric's eyes, though his smile didn't waver.

It wasn't until he opened the passenger door for me that I realized he had driven himself today.

Meeting my questioning gaze, he looked almost..... aggrieved. "It's been so long since we've had time alone."

Normally composed and unreadable, Eric now looked like an abandoned puppy, making it hard not to feel a little guilty.

Before I could stop myself, the words slipped out. "Then why don't you take me on a drive around the city?"

His lips curled. "Just what I had in mind."

I got into the car and instinctively checked my phone to see if the video I posted was getting any traction. Elsa's statement was pinned at the top of the trending list.

Clicking on it, I saw the narrative had already shifted. The original maliciously edited videos had already been taken down.

A lot of people flooded my comment section, speaking up for me. "Malicious editing ruins lives! Don't let that person get away with it!"

"Tell your sister to stay far away from that toxic friend!"

"Stay strong and focus on your career! We'll support you all the way!"

There were plenty of comments, but the ranking felt off. It didn't seem like this topic should be trending at number one.

I turned to Eric, narrowing my eyes. "Was it you?"

He smiled. "Are you going to thank me again? I just gave it a little push. This time, you saved yourself."

I had been about to say "thank you", but his words made me laugh instead. I swallowed my words of gratitude.

"I keep owing you more and more."

I turned to study his profile as countless thoughts swirled in my mind. In my past life, I had always owed Eric. I once thought I could slowly repay him over time. But now, the debt kept growing, and I wasn't sure I could ever repay him.

"You don't have to," he said softly.

Eric's voice was soft, his lips barely moving. "But if you insist... Then buy me dinner."

At a red light, he turned his head and gazed at me with a pitiful expression. "I've been busy all day. I haven't even had a meal."

I thought for a moment. "Then let's head home. I'll make something light for you."

He shook his head. "If we go back, we'll have to eat with Levi. I just want to have dinner with you."

My face instantly heated. His words were too direct, and I had no defense against them. "Then let me take you to my favorite chowder shop from university."

The next moment, I hesitated, realizing it had been years since I last visited. "But I'm not sure if it's still open."

That little chowder shop had been my go-to before graduation. It was small, but the flavors were unbeatable. I had once thought about bringing Jeremiah there, but he never liked chowder, so I gave up on the idea. After we got married, my life revolved around him. I barely went out, let alone ate the things I liked. "We'll find out soon enough." Eric didn't seem to mind. With a slight smile, he turned the car around. Before long, we pulled up in front of the chowder shop. Several years had passed, and the storefront had changed a bit, but I still spotted the owner at the entrance, greeting customers. I wondered if she would still remember me after all this time.

The moment she saw me, a flicker of surprise crossed her face. Then, in the next second, her expression brightened with excitement. "Jae! It's been so many years!"

I nodded, feeling a surge of warmth in my chest. "Can we still get a table?"

"Of course! The usual?" she said enthusiastically.

She still remembered my order after all these years. "Yes, thank you!"

The owner nodded, then quickly noticed Eric standing beside me and greeted him enthusiastically.

She then asked, "Is this your husband? I've never seen you bring a guy here before! I'd better tell my husband to make something extra special for you two!"