Thea’s face visibly paled, her already fairplexion turning even whiter. Her hand trembled as she held the juice. “I’m sorry, I… I didn’t mean to.”


    She looked so fragile and pitiful, as if I had said something I shouldn’t have, like I had hurt her in some way.


    But I didn’t stop. If I had said it, I would see it through. “Maybe you didn’t mean it, but it’s still affecting us. Thea, if it wasn’t intentional, just be mindful in the future. No need to apologize.”


    “If Benjamin were still here, I would never bother Alvin like this,” Thea said, and tears began to fall from her eyes again.


    The saying that women were made of water couldn’t have been truer in her case. The way she spoke, so delicate and fragile, made it hard to respond.


    “Zoe.” Thea looked at me, her eyes shimmering. “I go to Alvin because it was Benjamin’s dying wish, and Alvin promised to help.”


    She traced her finger absently around the rim of her ss. “If it weren’t for that, I wouldn’t bother Alvin.”


    She was trying to justify herself while subtly throwing shade my way. We were all adults, after all-everyone had their tricks.


    “Thea,” I said, “Alvin promised to look after you, but there are boundaries. After all, you’re on your own now. If people see you two together all the time, they’ll start talking.”


    I paused, making sure she heard me. “Thea, it doesn’t matter what others say about Alvin, but you’re a woman. If people start gossiping about you, and it gets back to your child, that could cause trouble, don’t you think?”


    She could keep ying the delicate little flower, and I was happy to y the role of the saint.


    Thea’s expression darkened further. “Zoe, are you saying you don’t trust Alvin? Or is it that you don’t trust yourself?” Her sharp retortpletely shattered her innocent persona.


    I couldn’t help butugh bitterly. I thought, “The little white rabbit finally shows its teeth. Stop pretending, huh?’


    Before I could respond, Thea suddenly burst into tears. “Zoe, I’m sorry. If you’re still upset, you can hit me or yell at me, but please don’t bring up my child.”


    “What?” I thought, ‘Did I say anything about her child?’


    Thea stood up, one hand ced on her belly, her pregnancy obvious, as she made to leave.


    Alvin took a long stride forward, grabbing her arm. This was the third time tonight he’d stopped her from leaving.


    He red at me, his eyes full of anger. “Zoe, what are you doing?”


    It was then that I realized why Thea had suddenly brought up the baby. That tired, overused drama tactic-she was still relying on it.


    “What am I doing?” I met his cold gaze, a chill running through me.


    He didn’t ask me what happened-he just immediately assumed I was in the wrong. Ten years together, and I still couldn’tpete with Thea’s little act.


    “Alvin, don’t argue with her,” Thea cut in, her voice sweet and apologetic. “It’s my fault. I know I’ve been bothering you, taking up your time. I shouldn’t have…”


    This wasn’t genuine regret or peace-making-it was more like she was pouring fuel on the fire.


    “Alvin, I’m sorry for disturbing you,” Thea said, pulling her arm from his grasp and heading for the door.


    “Thea!” Alvin called, about to chase after her.


    “Alvin.” I stopped him, my voice calm but firm. “My clothes are dirty.”


    He nced down, seeming to finally remember that I was on my period.


    The next moment, he ced the sanitary pads he had bought for me on the table and quickly removed his jacket. “Zoe, Thea’s pregnant. Her emotions are unstable. She can’t afford to be upset.”


    With that, he tossed the jacket at me and was about to leave.


    “Alvin, if you go after her, we’re breaking up.” My words froze him in his tracks.