You're Out of My Life

On Sunday, Sylvia Johnson, Angela's old homeroom teacher, was celebrating a birthday.

Bright and early that morning, Angela got a call from Vincent Boyd, her old class representative.

"Make sure you and Carl show up," Vincent said.

When Angela got to the private room where the party was being held, it was already filled with many of her old classmates, but there was no sign of Carl.

Vincent glanced behind Angela before asking, "Where's your husband? Is he parking the car?"

"He's not my husband," Angela corrected.

Chortling, Vincent replied, "He's not your husband yet, but he will be in a month, won't he? You guys have been dating for so long now. It's hard for relationships to survive this long. You're only a step away from marriage now, so stop fighting. Work things out with each other."

Sylvia was still the same caring teacher that Angela remembered, though she had a few gray hairs in the passing years.

Smiling, she also chimed in, "That's right, Angela. I've also witnessed the journey you two have taken as a couple. Are you two in a fight because of Lucy? I'm sure you must've misunderstood things.

"Carl and Keith were always the best of friends. Since Keith has passed away, Carl is just helping Lucy out for the sake of his old friend. You should have faith in your relationship. After all, you've been together for over ten years now."

Sylvia was their language teacher. She had always been kind and approachable. Angela adored her very much, but she was no longer a student. While Sylvia could teach lessons in school, she couldn't teach Angela lessons on marriage.

"I know what's best for me, Ms. Johnson," Angela replied.

Thinking that Angela was taking her advice, Sylvia became rather pleased. "You have always been a smart one. I'm sure you get it."

Just then, Carl came in, saying, "Happy birthday, Ms. Johnson!"

With a beaming smile, Sylvia replied, "Thank you! You and Angela are about to get married as well. I'll be sure to celebrate the wedding with you guys."

However, at the very next moment, her smile froze.

Lucy came in right behind Carl. She was wearing his jacket and holding his arm as well.

Smiling, she passed Sylvia the gift she brought and said, "Hi, Ms. Johnson. I'm Lucy. I'm so sorry. We would've arrived sooner, but it's all my fault. My period came all of a sudden, so Carl had to buy my pads for me. That ended up taking a bit of time."

The intimate tone she had when she mentioned Carl's name made everything clear. Even Vincent was startled. Patting Carl on the shoulder, he reminded Carl, "Angela's here, too. Why did you… bring her along with you?"

"Lucy has been feeling rather depressed lately. I don't feel good about leaving her alone," Carl said.

"What about Angela, then?"

Carl glanced at Angela before saying indifferently, "It's fine. There's no need to worry about her."

After thoughtfully guiding Lucy over to a spot on the couch, he even proceeded to set some snacks and fruits in front of her, saying, "Don't worry. These are all my friends. Everyone will take good care of you."

Leaning in close to Carl, Lucy said, "Of course. I only feel safe with you around."

All of the attendees here at Sylvia's birthday party were Carl and Angela's classmates. They all knew the two were a couple.

But after seeing this situation, no one knew how they were supposed to react, especially Vincent. He'd probably intended to try and help patch things up between Carl and Angela.

Angela knew Vincent was a warm, kindhearted person who meant well. However, judging from what was happening now, she knew he wouldn't be able to do the good deed he had been planning to do.

Sylvia's birthday party proceeded awkwardly. By the time it ended, everyone felt a sense of relief—apart from Carl and Lucy, of course.

Carl was holding Lucy by the hand, and when he walked past Angela, he said coolly, "I need to give Lucy a ride home. I'm not sure if I'll be back tonight. You can take a cab home."

However, Lucy tapped him and complained coquettishly, "How can you say that? Angie is your fiancée! How can you ask her to take a cab home just because of me?

"Don't listen to him, Angie. Get in the car with us. I'll make sure he gives you a ride home."

It sounded as if she were Carl's fiancée instead, while Angela was the outsider.

Brushing Lucy's hand off hers, Angela said curtly, "It's fine. My ride is here."

A honk rang out, and a black Maybach came to a stop in front of Angela.