Choosing New Love Over Ex

I followed the crowd into the venue, my dress catching under my heel as I moved along the edge of the stage, causing me to stumble slightly. Panic surged through my mind. If I fell flat on my face, it would surely become headline news again.

Out of nowhere, a strong hand caught mine. "Easy there," came a voice, calm with a tinge of familiarity that sent a shiver down my spine.

Instinctively, I tried to pull away, but his grip tightened gently instead. I turned my head to meet the deep, familiar gaze of Oscar Lane.

"Meredith," he said softly, "it’s been a while."

Was this really the time for chit-chat?

The internet was already abuzz with the story of my past with Oscar. Cameras honed in on us, capturing every moment.

In the blaze of flashing lights, I forced a perfect smile, the kind sharp enough to cut glass, and managed to hiss through clenched teeth, "Oscar, let go."

His cool fingers lingered on my wrist for a moment longer before he finally released me. Yet, the warmth remained, leaving my thoughts in a tangled mess.

In the past four years, Oscar and I had barely crossed paths. Even when attending the same events, we pretended not to know each other. Why was he making such an open gesture now?

Predictably, as soon as the gala ended, Oscar and I were trending online once more. A media outlet captured a photo that fans called iconic. In the picture, Oscar and I locked eyes—me in a deep blue Victorian-style gown, him in a dark suit, exuding elegance and chemistry. A beam of light highlighted our clasped hands.

Oscar's eyes showed undeniable emotions.

Fans went wild:

[These two are a sight for sore eyes.]

[I just became a fan yesterday, and today they’re giving us sweet moments! This is a treasure trove!]

[Meredith! Oscar! Rekindle the romance, right here, right now!!!]

[Oscar's look, seriously, if he gave me that gaze, I'd drag him straight to the altar.]

[Come on, it's obvious they haven’t moved on. Get back together already, and I’ll chip in for the wedding!]

[Doesn’t anyone wonder why they broke up in the first place?]

I didn’t expect that while scrolling through Twitter to gauge the buzz about us, I’d receive a direct message from Oscar.

Oscar: [Are you there?]

Me: [What’s going on?]

We had deleted each other’s contact information after our breakup four years ago. Now, the only way he could reach me was through Twitter.

Oscar: [Meredith, I’ve always wanted to ask, do you regret breaking up?]

...Do I regret it?

This question has haunted me on many sleepless nights. Memories of my past with Oscar play out like a carousel in my mind. Yet, they always freeze on the moment when he said, "You’d do anything for money. How is that any different from selling yourself on the street?!"

It was like a brutal punch, shattering a mirror, the beautiful moments falling to pieces.

Me: [I don’t regret it.]

Oscar: [But I do.]

I couldn’t help but smile wryly: [You’re using your main Twitter account to chat with me. Aren’t you worried I might expose you or use it to stir up gossip for publicity?]

Oscar: [I’m not worried, because you wouldn’t.]

True. Although our breakup wasn’t amicable, we haven’t tangled or bad-mouthed each other over the years. We’re quite dignified exes, really.

I was about to go to sleep when my phone buzzed again.

Oscar: [My mom's anniversary is coming up. Will you come with me? Just to give her peace.]

I glanced at the calendar on my phone:

November 25th—Create event—Visit Sapphire Green's memorial.

I replied: [Okay.]