Ex-Girlfriend's Downfall

I returned to the house where Laurel and I once lived. The once cozy home now felt as cold and empty as a barren cave. I found myself sitting in the living room, lost in thought, surrounded by the lingering scent of Laurel’s perfume. We had been together for five years, living under the same roof for three. Yet, I had always respected her boundaries.

After graduating college, my parents pressured me into an arranged marriage. I outright refused, my pride never allowing my love life to become a bargaining chip in business dealings. When I didn't comply, my mother cut off my financial support.

I met Laurel while job hunting. During that challenging time, she was a constant source of encouragement. Eventually, we both landed jobs we were happy with, and gradually, we grew closer. I finally managed to save enough money to put down a deposit on a small house, which was under Laurel's name. She moved in with me, citing her family's strict values and her stance against premarital intimacy. I loved and respected her deeply, always honoring her boundaries.

But now, the countless nude portraits of Laurel felt like daggers piercing my heart, mocking my years of commitment and beliefs. Glancing at the pile of gifts in the corner of the room, I let out a bitter laugh. I had carefully selected items I thought my mother would appreciate, hoping to win her approval for Laurel. But when Laurel saw their value, she was displeased.

"How much do you even earn in a month to buy such pricey gifts? Besides, your mom's a homemaker. Would she even understand these luxury items?" she had remarked.

Yet she didn’t hesitate to spend $5,000 on a luxury watch for Curtis Wagner’s birthday. I questioned the need for such an expensive gift, but she dismissed my concerns.

"I can't give him anything cheap. Curtis, being a renowned artist, deserves a watch that matches his status," she had insisted.

In hindsight, it seems my family and I simply didn’t make the cut.

I loaded the gifts into my car and drove back to the family estate. As soon as I walked in, my mother, Julianna, greeted me excitedly.

"Jamari, come quick! I've got several wedding plans lined up for you. See which one you like best."

I briefly scanned through them and then looked down. "Mom, you choose. I'm fine with anything."

She nodded, satisfied. "Alright, I'll handle it then."

As I was heading to my room, she stopped me with a concerned tone. "So, it’s definitely over between you and Laurel?"

A sigh escaped me, deep and weary. "Yes, it’s over."

"I knew a girl like her wasn't right for you. You've dodged a bullet."

There was a time I would have argued back, but now I was too drained to contest her words. The person I once defied the world for was now by someone else's side.

Back in my room, I picked up my phone. Curtis Wagner’s latest post appeared on my screen.

"Tonight's gala was truly a gathering of the greats. Thank you to my muse for staying by my side," the caption read. Accompanying it was a photograph of Curtis kissing Laurel's hand, her face radiant with a shy smile, happiness shining in her eyes. The comments beneath the post were constantly updating.

"Wow, what a legendary gathering. Truly a sight for sore eyes."

"The young artist and his muse of inspiration—how can you not think they’re a perfect match?"

"My ship has to be real. They're sweeter than any relationship I've been in."

Curtis had left a comment: "Thanks, everyone. Laurel and I are just friends, don’t misunderstand."

A thinly veiled denial if ever there was one.

I liked the post out of habit and then exited his feed. Just then, a friend request popped up on my phone.