When Betrayal Struck, Love Faded

Each photo, perfectly framed, featured Leigh, her presence unmistakable. The comments section erupted with excitement.

“Congrats, class rep! You’ve finally ended up with Leigh, the campus beauty.”

“True love always finds its way. Best wishes to both of you.”

“I’ve always said it—you're a perfect match.”

“Class rep, when’s the wedding banquet? We’ve been waiting forever!”

***

At home, I sat on the sofa, staring out at the snow that gently fell outside, frozen in place for the entire afternoon.

As darkness fell, the sound of keys turning in the lock echoed from the entryway.

Leigh had returned.

She paused for a moment when she saw me on the sofa.

“Harris, it’s dark. Why didn’t you turn on the lights?”

I lifted my gaze to her briefly but said nothing.

Leigh kicked off her high heels and walked over, sitting beside me.

“What, still mad at me?”

As she leaned in closer, I caught the sharp mix of cigarette smoke and men’s cologne on her.

Her crimson lips brushed toward mine, but I pulled back ever so slightly.

Leigh froze.

In the past, no matter how heated our arguments had been, her tenderness and kisses always soothed my anger.

But now, not only had I rejected her, but she also saw the disdain in my eyes.

Her brow furrowed. “Harris, how long are you going to keep this up?”

“It’s the New Year; I don’t want to argue with you.”

I pressed my lips together, remaining silent.

Her expression softened slightly. “I admit, leaving you both stranded on New Year’s Eve was thoughtless.”

“But Wendell had a serious stomach issue; I couldn’t just leave him alone.”

“Besides, I promised I’d apologize to your mom personally.”

“And just because of something so trivial, you and your mom missed the dinner.”

“Do you have any idea how much effort my parents put into that New Year’s dinner?”

“Do you know how disappointed and angry they were when you didn’t show up?”

“If it weren’t for Wendell speaking up for you, our engagement might’ve been off the table.”

Leigh pulled a gilded red invitation card from her bag and placed it on the coffee table.

“The engagement party is already set for the Portland Winter Light Festival. My parents have everything arranged.”

“I’ll call your mom right now; I’m sure she’ll be thrilled.”

I took a deep breath, struggling to keep my emotions in check. “There’s no need. We’ve already broken up.”

“And she won’t answer your call.”

Leigh’s brows furrowed even deeper. “Harris, you’re an adult. Can you stop acting like a child?”

“Do you know how much your mom dotes on me?”

“She’s told me she dreams of the day I marry you.”

“How could she possibly not answer my call?”

Her words pierced through me like an invisible hand, tightening around my chest until I could barely breathe.

She wasn’t wrong. My mom truly adored her and treated her as if she were her own.

If Leigh casually mentioned craving soup, my mom would be up before dawn, buying the freshest ingredients.

If Leigh complained about a cleaning service, my mom would show up herself, rain or shine, to tidy up.

When Leigh fell ill while I was away, my mom rushed her to the hospital, pushing herself to the brink of exhaustion despite her heart condition.

After seven years of living together, my mom had showered Leigh with as much love as she had given me.

So, when the Ellis Family invited us for New Year's dinner, my mom didn’t hesitate for a second.

Wanting to leave a lasting impression on her future in-laws, she began her preparations at the crack of dawn:

Styling her hair, applying foundation, carefully drawing her eyebrows…