Some people really have no shame.


    As Thea walked toward me, that thought shed through my mind.


    Women who’ve yed the third wheel role should have at least a shred of decency. If they had any sense of morality, they’d avoid making eye contact with the wife and sneak away.


    But in today’s world, people have no shame.


    She was practically unting herself, acting like she had to prove something-like she was somehow superior.


    “Zoe, what a coincidence! You’re here for dinner too?” Thea said, her words sweet but her eyes never left Josh, glued to him as soon as she saw him.


    It was impossible to ignore how attractive Josh was-everyone stared, even olddies. The woman from my building was the perfect example of that.


    “Yeah, of course. What, are you here for a tour?” I answered, not hiding the annoyance in my voice.


    It wasn’t that I was bitter, but I couldn’t stand the shamelessness of it.


    If she had just openly admitted she was into Alvin and wanted to be with him, I’d step aside.


    But no, she had to rub it in, stepping on all myndmines.


    Sure enough, my sharp words made her visibly ufortable, her face flushing with a mixture of shame and guilt. It was clear she wasn’t trying to impress me.


    Was it Josh she was after?


    Everyone had a bit of narcissism in them, always thinking they were the most beautiful and charming person in the world.


    Thea, with her looks, probably had an even stronger sense of self-admiration.


    Now, being a young widow, she’d been missing the presence of a man and desperately looking for a good one.


    But wait―hadn’t she alreadytched onto Alvin? So why was she still getting all flirty and lighting up every time a better man walked by?


    Or was it just that she was only interested in the men around me?


    Even though there was nothing going on between Josh and me, I didn’t want Thea setting her sights on him. Looking at her smug expression, I couldn’t help but sneer and say, “Came here for the pregnancy meal, huh? The food here’s really good, perfect for someone like you-pregnant and all.”


    Thea’s face turned red. Her gaze flicked nervously toward Josh.


    I couldn’t help butugh-there she was, clearly trying to grab Josh’s attention with her awkwardness.


    She was already hanging on to Alvin, but still throwing flirtatious nces at other men. Was she trying to y both sides and pick the best option?


    I was actually surprised to realize that Alvin wasn’t her only target. It felt like a small victory, somehow, but also a bit satisfying.


    What would Alvin think if he knew Thea was treating him like a backup? That thought brought me some twisted satisfaction.


    The waiter came over then, interrupting my thoughts. “May I take you to your table?”


    “Sure, find us a nice spot,” I replied, then turned without another word and walked off, not giving Thea the time of day.


    Now that I understood her game, as I walked beside Josh, I purposefully nudged a little closer to him. I misjudged it, though, and almost lost my bnce.


    Josh’s reflexes were quick-he caught me by the shoulder and held on, not letting go until I shifted my weight and pulled away. He guided me gently to the table the waiter had arranged for us.


    He never once asked about Thea, never showed any curiosity. His boundaries and sense of decency were a breath of fresh air.


    “What do you want to eat? Feel free to order anything,” I said, pulling out my phone to show him the menu.


    This time, Josh didn’t say he didn’t care. Instead, he took the phone from my hand and studied it with genuine focus, his fingers asionally tapping the screen.


    While he was distracted, I nced out the window and saw Thea on the phone. Was she calling Alvin?