I had underestimated how much Rebecca meant to him.

Whenever it involved her, he would drop everything and rush to her side without hesitation.

It was so romantic of him, such obvious favoritism.

Too bad the recipient wasn't his fiancée but a woman who had nothing to do with us.

I had cried, fought, and argued. I had been red-faced and lost my composure.

I sacrificed my dignity, but to him, it all seemed like unreasonable outbursts, stubbornness, and hopelessness.

Even so, I never dared to bring up breaking up. In fact, I was more afraid he would end things with me.

I had loved him too much. He had been my everything when I was younger.

How could I let go?

I had given so much. Why should Rebecca benefit?

But now, I didn't care anymore.

I was exhausted.

The fiery, brilliant love of my youth had faded.

I no longer loved him.

As expected, Jackson didn't notice I was gone.

A week had passed, and he was still grumbling about the mess in the house.

"There's a coworker's wedding tomorrow and a singles party tonight. You should come."

"I don't want to," I replied. I had always disliked these kinds of gatherings, and he knew it.

"I know you don't like them, but everyone else is bringing a plus-one. Who am I supposed to bring if you don't come?"

I almost told him to bring Rebecca but kept it to myself.

I ended up agreeing to go.

Men were so concerned with appearances, and I didn't want things to end on a bitter note.

I told myself it would be the last time.

After work, Jackson picked me up and actually seemed interested in my outfit for once.

"That dress looks great on you."

"Thanks."

He seemed to have forgotten that I used to care about fashion, too.

I had plenty of clothes, but since we'd been together, I'd mostly worn the same few outfits.

Now that I was back to living alone, I was starting to rediscover my old, confident self.

When I opened the passenger door, I noticed a woman's handbag inside.

I wasn't naive enough to think it was a gift for me.

I took a seat in the back.

Jackson started to explain, "It rained yesterday, and I gave her a lift partway. She must have left her bag."

I just nodded.

"Aurora, don't read too much into it. There's really nothing going on."

I closed my eyes, too exhausted to argue.

Since Rebecca came back, I'd often find her things in the passenger seat.

Each time, her clumsy attempts to act like the victim only made me seem petty and overreactive.