Farewell to My Deceptive PartnerChapter 1
At the bonfire gathering, my girlfriend and her ex-boyfriend shared a heartfelt duet, singing a love song that echoed with regret.
As they finished, their eyes locked in an intense gaze, drawing the attention of our mutual friends, who looked at me with a mix of pity and mockery.
I applauded them, leading the chant. "Give each other a kiss!"
——
On the seventh anniversary of our relationship, Ariana Lovato suggested a camping trip.
Surprisingly, she rarely remembered such milestones, so I was quite pleased.
However, upon arriving at the campsite, I realized it wasn't just the two of us; many old classmates were there too.
And to my dismay, Matt Depp, Ariana's ex-boyfriend, was among them.
Seven years ago, on this very day, they were in a flirtatious phase, not yet officially together.
It was the day Ariana wanted to confess her feelings, but Matt chose to break up instead.
It was also the day she called me, asking if I liked her, to which I replied affirmatively.
That led to her becoming my girlfriend.
We had truly loved each other, as the look of love was hard to conceal.
However, everything had changed since Matt's recent return.
Ariana began neglecting me over matters concerning Matt. Any inquiry from me was met with accusations of pettiness and distrust.
In the end, the blame always fell on me.
Yet, when I saw Matt at the bonfire, instead of anger, an unexpected calm washed over me.
Matt stood by the fire, saying, "Thanks for joining us on mine and Ariana's seventh breakup anniversary."
Everyone cheered as if I, the legitimate boyfriend, didn't exist.
They always saw me as the backup, believing Ariana only placed me on the wheel when Matt wasn't around, like a spare tire.
Ariana glanced at me, unconsciously releasing my hand.
She told me, "He's just joking."
I felt my hand empty, my heart too.
Not empty, but rather light.
I nodded, smiling, "I know, Matt always loved making jokes."
Then, I casually found a spot by the fire to sit.
They chatted as if I were invisible.
Someone suggested Ariana and Matt sing together.
Ariana hesitated, looking at me. "You're not angry, are you?"
Matt chuckled at me, asking, "Robert, you aren't that petty, right?"
"I'm fine with it, go ahead," I replied, sipping my beer, indifferent.
I noticed Ariana visibly relieved. It was evident that she was eager to sing with Matt.