I Don't Love You Anymore, Please Be A Qualified Ex

When I got home, it was already late.

Jackson still hadn't come back, and seeing my phone with no new messages, I couldn't help but laugh bitterly at myself.

After a shower, I went to the spare room to sleep. As I was drifting off, I felt a pair of large hands roaming over me, and the cold made me jolt awake.

I looked up to find Jackson, smelling of alcohol, his face flushed, and his shirt wide open.

"Darling, my head is pounding."

I was fed up with this man.

Out partying and drinking, never considering anyone else's feelings when he got home, and always focused only on himself.

"Why didn't you wait for me?"

"Don't even think about sleeping. Get up, I need some hangover soup. Why didn't you have it ready?"

His alcohol-soaked head was right in my face, making me feel nauseous.

I was done.

I pushed him away. "Jackson, you're stink. Stay away from me."

But he didn't get the hint and kept right on, so I got out of bed and threw off the covers.

"You're an adult. If you can't handle your drinks, don't drink! There's no hangover soup, so order takeout yourself."

"I'm too dizzy to order."

"Seriously?" I was so frustrated I almost laughed.

When I was sick with a high fever and asked him to order me some porridge, he told me I must be dizzy, and my hands must be broken.

"So, what about your hands? Did they break? Can't you order for yourself?" I threw his own words back at him.

"Aurora, are you still mad?"

He stopped pretending, no longer acting drunk. He steadied himself and took a few steps.

"Sorry, Aurora. This time it's my fault."

"When is it not your fault?" I snapped.

Jackson's face darkened. Normally, I'd accept his apologies, but not this time.

"Rebecca has an important interview. She just came back to the country, and her job situation is unstable. This job is crucial for her."

"So?"

"As a friend, I couldn't just ignore her situation, so I…"

"So, you chose her over your fiancée and your first love."

"Aurora, don't be like this."

"Jackson, are you some sort of expert or fashion guru? Why does it matter what she wears to her interview? Are you the interviewer? I didn't know you had such a thing for carrying women's bags."

"Aurora, she just came back and doesn't have many friends. Can't you understand?"

"And what about me? I sat alone in the bridal shop for three hours, being talked about by the staff. Did you ever consider my feelings?"

"Jackson, do you really believe what you're saying? How many times has this happened? Do I need to remind you? You picked her up from the airport, skipped dinner with my parents, gave away the wedding ring I loved, and now you're helping her find a place instead of being with me. Do I need to spell it out for you?"

"What about next time? On our wedding day, if she tells you she's sick and wants to have a wedding with you, will you drop everything for her?"

"Aurora! Enough! You're acting like a harpy. How many times have I told you that Rebecca and I are just friends? Is it wrong for me to help her out?"

Is she your only friend? All your old classmates are around. Why does she always come to you?

But before I could say more, Jackson's phone rang. His annoyed expression shifted instantly to one of tenderness.

"Rebecca, don't worry. Take your time and tell me everything."

I could hear Rebecca's cries coming through the phone.

"Jackson, I'm in so much pain. My head feels like it's going to burst, I think I have a fever. I'm feeling terrible and I'm really scared. Can you come over and be with me?"

"Hold on, I'm on my way!"

I watched Jackson's every move with a detached curiosity. How would he handle this?

He turned to me, full of apologies. "Aurora, stay calm. I need to step out for a bit. Don't wait up for me."

"Next time, I'll be with you to try the wedding dresses next time."

He said this and rushed out, practically running.

I couldn't believe a word he said anymore.

I took another shower, letting the water cascade over me.

It was strange. I wasn't sad, and I didn't feel like crying.

I suddenly felt drained.

I wanted to give up on this one-sided relationship that seemed to only matter to me.