Farewell to My Deceptive Partner

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.

They gazed at each other, singing a melancholic love song to mourn their past regrets.

After they finished, their eyes still locked, the affection palpable.

Others suddenly remembered my presence, looking at me with either pity or ridicule.

I chuckled, saying, "Since the mood has been built up, why not seal it with a kiss?"

The mood chilled.

Ariana's expression shifted from slight embarrassment to anger. "Robert, must you spoil the fun?"

"I wouldn't mind your duet; why get upset over my little joke?" I retorted with a smile.

"I..." Ariana was speechless.

I didn't bother saying more, opening my phone to review client data.

They all glared at me with hostility, as if blaming me for ruining the mood.

Eventually, they all left in their cars, leaving only Matt's behind.

But Ariana and Matt were nowhere to be found.

I sighed, pulling out my phone and calling her. I asked, "Did you forget about your boyfriend?"

"Sorry, Robert, Matt suddenly felt unwell, so I took him to the hospital. You can catch a ride back with someone else," Ariana explained.

"No cars left," I replied.

Ariana's voice rose sharply. "You're an adult; can't you call a cab to get home?

"Robert, stop making things difficult for me over Matt. We really have nothing going on, and this is just so disappointing!"

With that, she hung up the phone.

I shook my head with a wry smile, not particularly fazed. This was how every argument over Matt ended.

Ariana always knew she was hurting me and stepping on my dignity, but she never changed her ways. Instead, she'd turn things around and accuse me of being the problem.

Every time, she'd go cold, only thawing out when I made the first move—calling her, buying her gifts to smooth things over.

It was a pattern I was used to, and she seemed to be as well.

But this time, I felt an unexpected calm. I was surprisingly at ease, not stirred by her usual games.