Choosing the One Who Was Always There

I turned my phone screen toward David. "Look at this. She's implying I'm old. A woman in her 30s, still dressing like a teenage girl in bubblegum-pink dresses? It's pathetic."

Just then, Emma updated her Instagram story. "My personal driver!"

In the photo, she was pouting into the camera from the passenger seat. At the edge of the frame, I could clearly see Matthew's arm on the steering wheel.

And it was my Tesla Model S.

That was the last straw.

I called Matthew immediately.

"Done escorting Emma? Meet me at the Moonbucks downstairs in 20 minutes," I said.

He showed up 40 minutes later, walking in like nothing had happened.

"Was this really something we had to do in person? Couldn't we have handled it over the phone?"

"How long do you plan to be Emma's chauffeur?"

"The doctor said it's a ligament issue. They're estimating a 12-week recovery."

"Perfect." I held out my hand. "Give me the keys."

The Tesla he had been driving was the one I bought with last year's bonus. He had practically drooled when he saw it for the first time, claiming he had never driven a high-end electric car before.

I gave in and let him drive it.

He said, "You've got to be kidding. How am I supposed to get around without a car?"

I replied calmly, "I paid for the car. You're no longer driving me to work, so I'm taking it back. Is that unreasonable?"

"Sophie, come on. Why are you being so petty? We're getting married soon. What's mine is yours and all that? You know Emma needs help, and now you want to take away the one thing that makes it easier for me to help her? Where's your compassion?"

"First of all, we're not married yet. Second, this is Udrana City—Uber exists. Emma can manage."

I locked eyes with him and said, "And most importantly, you used my car to drive another woman around, and now she's flaunting it on Instagram. You really think that's okay?"

Matthew went silent for a long moment. Finally, he gave a small nod. "Fine. I messed up. I won't drive her again. Is that good enough?"

"Keys." I didn't move my hand.

"Sophie, don't do this. I'm serious. I promise I won't pick her up anymore."

Seeing the earnest look on his face, I caved. "One last chance."

At 6:00 pm, Matthew texted me. "Can't pick you up tonight. My college roommate needs help moving."

"No problem. Just don't be late tomorrow morning," I said.

I put my phone away and looked up to find David leaning casually against the doorframe, his arms crossed, watching me.

"What?" I asked.

"Don't you think it's a little too convenient? He promises not to drive Emma anymore, and suddenly his college buddy needs help moving?"

"Matthew wouldn't lie to me."

"Are you sure about that? For all you know, he could be helping Emma settle into her brand-new apartment right now." David raised an eyebrow.

A sinking feeling hit my stomach.

At 9:00 pm, I started a video call with Matthew.

"Are you home alone?" I asked.

"Of course. Who else would be here?" He flipped the camera around, showing the apartment.

It was empty and quiet. It was just him. I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.

"Sophie, you've got to trust me."

"Good night, Matthew."

Just as I was about to fall asleep, a push notification lit up my phone.

Emma had posted something on Instagram at 11:00 pm. And just like that, any hope of sleep disappeared.