Chapter 2

Last Friday morning, someone knocked on my door.

Half-asleep and irritated, I mumbled, "Who is it?"

It was my day off, and I hadn't slept in properly for ages. Of course, I was annoyed.

"Adeline, are you home? I heard you say yesterday that you're off today. Can you do me a favor? I have work soon, and I was wondering if you could make me a plate of pasta?"

I recognized the voice immediately. It was Brynlee Mercer, the roommate who moved in two weeks ago.

Her tone was almost pleading, with a hint of pitiful desperation.

I scratched my head, still groggy. "Why don't you just grab a sandwich on your way out? I'm exhausted. I worked an overnight shift yesterday."

I yawned, hoping she'd get the hint.

Apparently, my rejection wasn't clear enough. I had no idea, but the person outside just wouldn't stop talking.

"Adeline, those street vendors use terrible cooking oil. What if I get sick?

"You're off today anyway. Can't you just make it real quick and go back to sleep? Please?"

I took a deep breath. We were both struggling workers, after all. Helping her out this once wouldn't kill me.

So, groaning, I dragged myself out of bed.

The moment I opened the door, I saw Brynlee's face. And I swear, maybe I was imagining it, but I could've sworn I saw a smirk of satisfaction.

I sighed, "What ingredients do you have? I'll cook something for you."

Her eyes widened like I had just insulted her. "Huh? Aren't you the one offering me food? Why would I have to provide ingredients?"

I was stunned. When the hell did I say I was offering her a free meal?

Sure, pasta ingredients weren't expensive, but she could've at least pretended she was contributing.

Honestly, I was already regretting getting out of bed. She was eating my food, using my stuff, and now, she was even disturbing my sleep.

Brynlee pouted innocently. "Come on, hurry up! I need to eat right after I finish my skincare routine, or I'll be late for work."

Then, just like that, she turned and walked off to the bathroom, washing her face without a second thought. Like I was some kind of unpaid maid.

I was speechless.

Still, I made her a quick plate of pasta using the potatoes and basil I had bought last night.

But when I handed it to her, she actually had the audacity to look disgusted.

"Adeline! I don't eat basil! Or parsley! And definitely not potatoes! Why would you put those in my food?"

At first, I thought she was joking. I mean, she had asked me to cook for her.

But nope. She was dead serious.