"Why didn't you tell me anything?" I swear to God, Krissy's voice has become increasingly louder and shriller since she became a mother. Momma's mode, I suppose?

"Geez, don't you think your voice carries?"

"I don't care! And please, let's not change the subject!" she glared at me. I absolutely despise Krissy's momma's mode. She transforms into a dragon. Well, she was born in the Year of the Dragon!

So was I.

"Oh, come on, Krissy! I came here to vent my anger, not to be roasted on the backside! Have some pity on me.." I toyed with my pasta on the plate.

Her house is currently silent. It's Monday, and baby Joel is at daycare. Even though she's working from home, she needs some concentration, so she sent her little tiger to daycare. Meanwhile, I'm heading to Yura's house to pick up his manuscript.

But I can't even drive! I'm devastated, angry, maybe even sad and frustrated. So, I stopped by Krissy's place, knowing she was probably at home by now, as always. We had lunch, and in an instant, she knew I had a significant problem.

"Have you guys tried talking about this?" I shook my head.

"Geez, Jane! How can you stay silent like this?" and she's back in her dragon's mode again.

"It's not me! I try my best, but it's like he doesn't even notice. It feels like he's avoiding me... You know Dave, right? He's usually so reserved and finds it hard to express himself..."

"But he used to talk about everything with you, didn't he? He was open and trusting, which is why you two became a couple..." I looked down. Yes, he was. He used to be like that...

"I don't know, Krissy! I feel like I'm living in a fog right now, completely clueless about everything. All he does is come home late, go straight to bed, wake up in the morning, and leave, just like that. No communication, nothing! All I want is for him to talk to me, and if I did something wrong, I'll admit it right away!" There's no point in hiding anything from Krissy anymore. I feel like I need to let it all out. I feel so much better after sharing.

"Is he still affectionate with you?" I chuckled slightly, offering a sad smile to Krissy.

"Well... we sleep in separate rooms now..."

"Oh my God, my heart!" she dramatically clutched her chest. I nearly burst out laughing and toppled from my chair. She smacked my head.

"Ow, what was that?!"

"Asshole! What era do you think you're living in? The 50s? Because I've never heard of people living together but sleeping in separate rooms!" she unleashed her frustration on me.

"There are people who live together but sleep in separate rooms. It's called being housemates..." and she shot me a deathly glare.

"You're not his housemate. You moved in with Dave because you love him so much! I need to talk to Frank..." she reached for her phone, but I stopped her.

"Please don't put him in an awkward position, Krissy! I came here just to clear my head and talk about this with you..." She looked at my disheveled face and gave me a tight hug.

"I'm sorry for being dramatic. I was supposed to console you, but I ended up being your momma..." I just laughed.

"You know what brings me here even when I know I'll get scolded?" She frowned.

"Because I know that in the end, I'll find comfort in your presence..." I smiled at her, feeling incredibly grateful to have Krissy as my friend.

"Next time, please don't keep anything from me, okay? You know I'll always be there for you..."

I hugged her tightly, tears streaming down my face as I sought solace in her embrace. Life feels incredibly challenging for me at this moment. However, I consider myself fortunate to have someone who loves me unconditionally. I couldn't be more grateful for this.

***

I arrived at Yura's house quite late, just as dinner time was approaching. I made the decision not to text David. What's the use? He didn't even bother to reply. It would only continue to break my heart. So, I decided to let him experience the same indifference.

I was about to knock on the door when it suddenly swung open, revealing an elegant elderly lady who warmly welcomed me into the penthouse.

"Mr. Black is in the kitchen at the moment..."

"Thank you, ma'am..."

"Oh, please, don't call me ma'am! Just call me Olivia..."

"Or Liv!" Yura appeared, wearing an apron, with a smile on his face.

"Join me for dinner!" he invited.

"Oh, it's alright. I just came to pick up the manuscript..."

"Work can wait. Let's eat first. Besides, I'm still preparing dinner, so you'll have to wait," I hesitated at first, but somehow, my feet led me inside.

"See you tomorrow, Mr. Black!" I said, looking at Olivia.

"Wait, are you leaving?" Olivia smiled and nodded, then she left me standing there, still feeling a bit dazed.

"Her work hours ended two hours ago. I asked her to stay for an extra hour, but she told me she had to take her daughter to ballet class," Yura explained.

I followed him into the kitchen. Surprisingly, he was cooking and seemed genuinely focused on it! This was something I didn't expect from someone like Yura Black. Is he the same Yura Black I had heard about before?

"Somehow, you don't look scary even when you're holding a knife," I commented as I settled on a stool in front of him.

"Why? Do you imagine me resembling a serial killer?"

"With that kind of reputation, perhaps," I teased.

"Writing a thriller book doesn't mean I'm a psycho or a serial killer," he responded, carefully cutting the carrot.

"So, what's on the menu for dinner?" I inquired, growing curious as I watched him cook.

"We have fish and chips. And a salad," I stood up from my stool, tied up my hair, and rolled up my sleeves.

"Shouldn't I help you? That way, we can finish faster, and I can collect the manuscript and head home."

"No! I mean... you're a guest. How can I let the guest do the cooking?" he pushed me away, preventing me from helping.

"Oh, don't be so generous! I can assist you," I insisted.

"I can handle this."

"Please, let me help, okay? I may not be a great cook, but I can handle a knife," I persisted. Yura sighed and eventually nodded.

I took the fish and began filleting it with care. Slowly, I slid the knife across the tender white flesh.

"Not bad for a cook, huh?" he remarked.

"I'm just doing my best," I replied, continuing to work on the fish. Once finished, I placed the fillets on a plate.

"Try this," Yura said, bringing a chip to my lips. I took a bite, and Yura finished the other half.

"It tastes wonderful!" I complimented him, and he beamed with joy.

We continued cooking the rest of the dishes, and a sense of tranquility washed over me. It had been a while since I had shared the kitchen with someone. Cooking together used to be a cherished activity for David and me. We would immerse ourselves in the joy of culinary creations, accompanied by music and delightful food tastings. Those moments held a special place in my heart.

But now, things had changed, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia.

"Ouch!" I yelped as I accidentally cut my finger. Yura quickly grabbed my hand, concern etched on his face.

"Are you okay?" he asked, tending to my wound. It was just a small cut, but he treated it as if it were a major injury.

"I'm... fine," I assured him, momentarily snapping out of my daydream. Perhaps I should stop letting my mind wander.

"You need to be more careful, alright?" he said, looking into my eyes. I simply nodded, appreciating his care.

"I'm alright now," I gently pulled my hand away, but his gaze held me captive. His grey eyes had an enchanting quality that could make any woman lose herself. I couldn't deny the flutter of butterflies in my stomach, but I knew I had to tread cautiously.

Just as the atmosphere between us grew more intimate, the timer's beeping sound interrupted the moment. I could hear Yura cursing under his breath, breaking the tension that had begun to build. We resumed preparing dinner, but an undeniable awkwardness hung in the air.

I reminded myself to be more careful next time. My heart was fragile, and the last thing I wanted was to embark on an affair.

Because once I let myself unravel, there was no going back.