"But I hope you won’t be harsh on yourself. It’s just a coincidence that we look alike. You’re unique and one of a kind, just as I am. Neither of us should be anyone’s replacement."
Winnie’s grip over the teacup relaxed as the animosity in her heart melted away. She looked at the woman before her, the one whom William couldn’t forget, who was patiently counseling her instead of being condescending. She, on the other hand, was being jealous and petty.
“I’m sorry, Ms. Lloyd. I misunderstood you. I couldn’t hold myself back when I heard what William said to me. I shouldn’t have seen you as my imaginary enemy. But William does treat me well. He…”
Reason started returning to Winnie, but her voice was still trembling. “He remembers that I don’t eat coriander, and he picks me up from work. I thought he liked me.” These all happened before they were officially together, when they were still hanging out occasionally as friends.
Rachel had been with William for seven years and knew him well. “Winnie, you have to be clear on this and discern carefully. How much of that is for you, and how much of that is for me? A man who truly loves you will see how different and unique you are from everyone else, instead of trying to change you to look like another.”
Winnie fell silent as she recalled all the times she had been with William. When she spoke again, it was with clarity and frankness. “Yes, he did ask me to change. I thought that was his preference, but I realized today that he had someone else in mind all along. Whatever it is, thank you for counseling me, Ms. Lloyd. I don’t have to make myself feel terrible just because of someone else’s obsession. I’m worthy of being liked for who I am. I shouldn’t be living in someone else’s shadow.”
Rachel smiled, happy. “You’re a smart lady.”
Just then, Tyler came back with a warm glass of honey, which he handed to Rachel.
Winnie stood up. “I shan’t bother you any longer. I’ll make a move.”
“Let my fiancé send you back. It’s difficult to get a cab here,” Rachel offered.
Winnie hesitated for a moment, not wanting to bother Rachel any further.
“Or do you want me to call William down and ask him to send you back?”
Winnie lowered her head, pursing her lips. “No, I don’t want to see him right now.”
Rachel touched Tyler’s elbow. “What are you doing just standing there? You’re free in the afternoon, aren’t you? Send her home.”
Tyler opened his mouth to say something, but Rachel glared at him.
“Fine, I’ll send her back. Stay here and don’t run around.”
Rachel blinked innocently at him. “Don’t worry, I won’t go anywhere. I’ll just wait right here for you.” She knew Tyler was worried about his relatives. He was always like that–guarded against other people, including his own relatives.
Tyler left with Winnie, and Rachel finished up the warm honey. She was on her way back to the living room for some more snacks when she bumped into William, who was walking out in a hurry.
“Rachel, did you see Winnie?” he asked her anxiously.