Janet’s POV 

When I excitedly packed my travel bags and rushed downstairs to my husband’s car, there was already another woman sitting in the passenger seat. 

Rowan was gently wiping Flora’s tears, and I slid into the back seat and watched them in utter shock and disbelief, yet I knew I couldn’t say anything. 

Because Flora had lost her husband, Jared, three months ago. And Rowan, as their best friend, had taken it upon himself to care for her. 

I understand that Rowan and Jared were close. They had known each other since High school. And I never minded him helping her out before. After all, I knew the pain of losing someone close. It was like living under constant rain. 

However, it had been 3 months! 

Rowan dropped everything whenever Flora called, even in the middle of the night. Wouldn’t that be too much for anyone? 

Just last night, he had gone to the hospital to comfort her after another round of terrible nightmares. And now, here she was, in our car. 

“Don’t you think you owe me an explanation?” I asked, my voice dripping with bitterness as the car came to a stop by the side of the road. 

One minute ago, Flora had excused herself and disappeared into the restroom, finally giving us some privacy. 

Rowan looked up from his phone and gave me a surprised look. 

“Don’t tell me you’re still upset about this, Janet.” 

“How do you expect me to react?” I bit back, trying to keep my voice calm. “What’s going on this time? She’s ‘feeling lonely’ again? The fifth time this week?” 

He rubbed his temples, his voice smooth and unbothered. “Flora just happened to pass by when I was waiting for you. She asked if I could give her a ride to Jared’s company to pick up some of his things. That’s all.” 

I nodded, swallowing the bitter taste in my mouth. Of course. Always an excuse. Always a reason that made him look like the perfect man—kind, thoughtful, selfless. However, I wouldn’t buy it this time. 

I pressed my lips together, trying to keep my voice even after checking the time again. “I’m not after her, Rowan. I’m not even angry with her. But you made a promise, To Your wife. Look, I’d been planning this trip for weeks, and every reservation I made depended on us arriving on time. She was heading across the city, miles away from the airport. We’d miss our flight and everything that came after it. Why couldn’t she just take a taxi—” 

Rowan cut me off, his tone dismissive. “Come on, Janet! She’s been through a lot. Can’t you show a little compassion? We’ll go to the airport after and we can always go on our trip later, whenever we want. It’s not a big deal.” 

His eyes flicked to mine briefly before he turned his face toward the window, rubbing his hand through his hair in that way he always did when he wanted to avoid a fight. 

But I couldn’t get over his last words. 

Not a big deal? 

Was I the only one who remembered that tomorrow was our three-year wedding anniversary? 

That’s when Flora opened the back door, tossed her bag onto the seat, and climbed in. “Sorry to keep you waiting!” Her voice was bright, oblivious to the tension choking the air. Or maybe she wasn’t oblivious. Maybe she just didn’t care. 

Rowan started the car without a word, and I sank back into my seat, hoping for silence. Just a quiet drive. But, of course, Flora couldn’t resist filling the quiet with her troubles. 

“Life has been so tough lately,” she began, her voice trembling. “The house feels so empty and lonely. No one to talk to…” She paused, sniffling for effect. “I’m so grateful to you both, especially you, Rowan. If not for you, I don’t know how I’d have coped.” 

I turned my face back to the window, the tightness in my chest threatening to snap. The way Rowan answered her, soft and careful, made my teeth clench. 

“What are friends for?” he said, his voice almost warm. Almost tender. 

Flora sniffed again. “Everyone turned their back on me after Jared passed. Except you, Rowan. You’re truly… amazing. Jared would’ve been so proud of you.” 

Her voice broke on the last word, and she started crying. Rowan frowned slightly, but instead of pulling away, he reached for tissues on the dashboard and handed them to her. “Don’t cry, Flora. Everything will be okay,” he said gently. “No one is irreplaceable.” 

That was it. That line. No one is irreplaceable. My throat tightened so much, I thought I’d choke. Did he mean it? Was he already thinking of replacing me? I kept my face glued to the window, staring hard at nothing, letting their words wash over me like a cold wave. I didn’t trust myself to speak. 

When we finally arrived at Flora’s destination, relief flooded me. She stepped out of the car, but then she turned to Rowan, her voice soft and pleading.