After He Chose Her, I Chose Myself

Edward's eyes widened in surprise. I had actually turned down his attempt at intimacy—something I had once yearned for but could never attain.

Annoyed and a bit embarrassed, Edward slammed the guest room door shut and withdrew to the master bedroom. As soon as he left, I fell asleep almost instantly. Ever since I stopped overthinking, falling asleep had become so much easier.

The next morning, Stanley, the director of our dance company, called me unexpectedly. He'd somehow caught wind of my plan to move abroad and wanted to throw me a farewell party. I declined quickly, but not easily deterred, he then suggested a gathering with the entire dance troupe. With the invitation extended so openly, I found myself with no reasonable excuse to say no.

What I didn't anticipate was Edward showing up that evening. It made sense, though—he was Stanley's nephew, after all. Much to my dismay, Ruby, Edward's ever-present companion, was with him. Not even a reunion among classmates seemed to deter Edward from bringing Ruby along.

Upon noticing me, Edward gave a subtle nod, indicating I should join them. I deliberately ignored him. They looked like the perfect couple, and I decided not to disrupt their moment.

Ruby noticed me and flashed a smug smile. Her condescension quickly morphed into feigned sincerity as she said, "Sorry for gatecrashing your reunion. I was just so bored, and Edward thought it would be cool to bring me along."

Stanley had organized a lavish meal for us in the main hall of a famous restaurant known for its Victorian charm. Dinner rolls accompanied pulled pork and spiced honey cake. Instead of the usual teas, richly brewed coffee in elegant cups filled the air with warmth and comfort. The evening felt akin to Thanksgiving, full of shared stories, laughter, and the promise of new beginnings.

Edward's subtle nod lingered in my mind as I watched him and Ruby across the room, her Victorian-style dress blending seamlessly with Edward’s classic attire. I took a sip of my coffee, feeling nostalgic about the times we spent together, wondering if this European adventure might finally help me move on and find a fresh start amid the majestic beauty of the Alps.