I Paid Off My Boyfriend's Debt, Then He Betrayed Me

I listened to his voice drifting from the other room, then closed my eyes, sinking into the sofa, exhaustion washing over me.

A laugh escaped my lips—dry, bitter. What did he just say?

He said even if she were fat, she’d still be his little princess.

And me?

What am I?

I couldn’t help but think back to when we first got together. I’d dressed up beautifully that day, full of excitement, eagerly looking forward to seeing Deacon. I imagined his eyes lighting up when he saw me, his face full of admiration.

But when I finally stood before him, shy and hopeful, I was met with his frown.

"How dare you dress like this? You’re so fat. Lose some weight."

The words hit me like a punch. I nearly cried right there. After that, I stopped eating full meals, terrified of gaining another pound, terrified of seeing that disgust in his eyes again.

Yet here he was, telling Daphne that even if she were fat, she’d still be his little princess.

A sharp, hollow laugh escaped me.

What am I?

I’m nothing but a joke.

I glanced at my reflection in the faint light from the TV screen. My hair, disheveled and tangled, framed a face hollowed by exhaustion. Dark circles hung beneath my eyes like bruises, and my once-full cheeks had grown gaunt, sharp enough to resemble a ghostly figure.

I almost laughed at the thought—children would probably burst into tears if they saw me now. My clothes were wrinkled, lifeless, much like the woman wearing them.

I stared at myself, dazed, fingertips brushing my hollow cheeks. How long has it been since I cared about my appearance? Since I took time to feel like me?

I thought back to that day, the day I stormed out of my parents' home, full of righteous anger and certainty. I had vowed to them—confident and proud—that love could overcome anything. I believed in Deacon, in his character, in us.

We would build a life together, a happy one. I could see it so clearly back then.

He held my hand, hugged me tightly, and promised with sincerity that I felt unbreakable, "I will treat you well for a lifetime. We'll have a beautiful, happy family."

But the truth is staring at me in the face now, clearer than ever.

I was wrong.

Love can withstand difficulties, but only when it's real—when both hearts are in it. Deacon doesn’t love me.

I feel a strange calm as the realization sinks in. If they’re the couple in love, then so be it. I’ll give him back to Daphne.

Deacon, this is where our story ends.

All these mistakes, all this hurt—it ends here.

I stared at the half-eaten mutton on the table, the oily spots reflecting the dim light. Daphne's voice floated from the e-sports room, sweet and pampered, while my mind replayed the images of the condoms and lace underwear I’d found in Deacon's car.

I couldn't take it anymore.

With trembling hands, I dialed a number I hadn't called in a long time. The moment the call connected, I heard my parents’ familiar voices. It hit me like a wave, and all the hurt, the anger, the humiliation I had bottled up for months came rushing out. My throat tightened, and I could barely speak past the lump.

Tears streamed down my face as I listened to their worried voices.

"Mom... Dad... I was wrong," I finally choked out. "I think... studying abroad and enjoying life sounds good."