Back to home town

Dragging my exhausted body back my apartment, I took a long, detailed look at this place where I’d lived for the past four years.

Every corner held memories of Ethan and me—once so beautiful, now stabbing into my heart like a thousand sharp blades. I cried that night, cried for every moment I spent with him.

I found a large cardboard box and, unable to sleep, spent the night erasing those remnants of happiness.

There were slippers with our "cat and dog" love diary design, the matching couple mugs that fit together, the keychains that sensed each other within ten meters and a whole box of photos and portraits. These were once the only proof of our relationship, especially in those times when I felt insecure.

Now, there was no need for any of it.

Till morning I nearly cleared out the entire house. I even disposed of the furniture I’d chosen myself, leaving the place as it was when I first moved in—black and white, so minimalist that you could see the entire room in a single glance.

Suddenly there was a knock at the door. When I opened the door, he was there, looking at me with concern.

I stared at Ethan, baffled by his sudden display. His intentions were obvious, so he was there to inform me about his marriage.

“Hey, I heard you didn’t come back all night? Are you all right?” There was concern in his tone. Before that he grabbed my hand, I jerked his hand away and turned my back on him.

“Lena, is everything all right? Are you mad at me?” he asked, following me into the room. Why was he acting like this? Why wouldn’t he just tell me the truth?

“Do you have something to say to me?” I asked, stopping in my tracks. “Are you here to invite me to your wedding?” I looked at him with a smirk on my face. The color drained from his face.

“H-How did you find out?” His steps faltered.

“It doesn’t matter how I know. What matters is, when were you planning to tell me? Were you planning to just disappear and leave me waiting like a fool?”

“No, Lena! It’s not like that,” he stammered. “I was going to tell you. I just…”

“Save it, Ethan,” I snapped. “I once loved you because I thought you were decent, someone I could admire. But I was wrong. You’re just a liar, hiding behind your fake charm.” I spat, his lips parted, but no words came.

“It’s not like that,” he stammered. “It’s just an engagement for now. My family wants me to marry someone of high status, or I won’t inherit a penny. You know how my brother is. I can’t let him take over the company. I don’t want to do this, but I have no choice.” Hearing him, anger boiled up inside of me.  

“So, it’s all about the money? You’re willing to betray me, betray your own brother, for power?” My voice was sharp, dripping with disgust. “You knew all along, Ethan. You knew you’d do this to me, and you still dragged me into your mess.” I clenched my fists, trying to stop my tears from falling.

“I didn’t want to hurt you,” he took a step forward. “Even if I marry her, I can keep you by my side—as my lover…”

“Shut. Up.” My hand raised before I could stop it, the sharp crack of the slap silencing him.

“How pathetic can you be?” I hissed, trembling with rage. “You think I’d let you treat me like a toy? No, Ethan. I’m done. I’m getting married.” His head snapped up, his wide eyes filled with disbelief.

“You’re… what?”

“Even though I didn’t know him but I am sure, he’ll respect me. He’ll value me. He’ll be someone who knows the meaning of integrity, unlike you.” I swallowed the lump in my throat, fighting back tears. “So don’t come looking for me again.” Before he could respond, I pushed him out of my apartment and shut the door. My heart ached, but I stood firm. I will not cry for a cheater. If this was the end, I’d make sure it was on my terms.

After an hour, I headed out with my suitcase for my flight.

As I left what was once my warm and cherished home, I felt nothing but overwhelming relief.

Just before boarding, my phone buzzed with countless messages. Some wished me great success; some wished me peace and happiness and some wished me a blessed marriage with a wonderful partner.

After replying to each one, I turned off my phone.

As the plane took off, I thought to myself: I will be happy! With so many blessings, I knew I would be.