You chose her, I chose to leave

I sat in the room, staring blankly at the window. The sky was getting dark, but I stayed here, silent. Everything that happened today felt so absurd.

Malik and Bella are getting married.

I chuckled, but it felt more like my breath was caught in my throat. All the effort, all the tears, all the hurt-in the end, I was just a fool who let myself continue to be toyed with.

Mom came into the room with a glass of hot tea. "Didn't you eat, Ruby?" she asked gently.

I shook my head. "Not hungry, mom."

Mom sighed softly, then sat down beside me. "I won't force you to tell me, but don't torture yourself like this. Malik is not the only person in this world."

I bit my lip. "I'm not hurt because of him, mom. I'm hurt because I let this happen myself."

Mom stroked my hair lovingly. "You're not stupid, Ruby. You just trusted the wrong person."

I closed my eyes, trying to swallow the emotions raging in my chest. "I have to get up, right?"

Mom gave a small smile. "You have to."

I took a deep breath. Yes, I have to get up. I won't let myself fall deeper just because of someone like Malik.

***

The next morning, I was determined to get back to living my life as usual. I woke up early, took a shower, and prepared for work.

When I arrived at the office, I was immediately immersed in my work. I didn't want to give my mind a chance to think back to Malik and Bella.

However, at lunchtime, someone suddenly stood in front of my desk.

"Ruby."

I lifted my face and immediately felt my heart skip a beat.

Malik.

The man stood there with a face that looked a little tired. His eyes looked at me with an expression that I couldn't read.

I sighed, trying to remain calm. "What are you doing here?"

"I want to talk," she said quietly.

I chuckled, though it was bitter. "Talk? After what I heard yesterday?"

Malik was silent. His eyes softened a little, but I didn't want to be fooled again.

"I... I didn't mean to say that. I was drunk," she said in a regretful tone.

I gave her a long look. "So, if you weren't drunk, you wouldn't say that? But still think that?"

She fell silent again.

I sighed. "You know what, Malik? I'm tired. I don't want to waste any more time with you. Congratulations on your marriage to Bella. I hope you guys are happy."

I stood up, grabbed my bag, and left without looking back.

This time, I really let go of everything.

I let out a long breath. I was already too tired to face Malik again, but he stood there anyway, looking at me as if I still owed him something.

"What else, Malik?" I asked, my tone flat.

He shifted his pace, approaching me. "I just want to talk."

I laughed sarcastically. "Talk about what? About how I'm just a loyal dog waiting for you to come home? Or about how your wedding is only a week away?"

Her face tightened. "Did you hear that?"

"I'm not a fool, Malik." I looked at her sharply. "And I've had it."

She stared at me silently, as if trying to find an opening to get inside my mind again. In the past, maybe I would have been tempted, but now I just feel disgusted.

"Ruby, I'm sorry," he said finally, his voice sounding desperate.

I chuckled. "I don't need your forgiveness, Malik. I just want you to stop interfering with my life."

He rubbed his face, frustrated. "I know I was wrong, I know I was a jerk. But I can't lose you."

I shook my head, stepping back. "You didn't lose me, Malik. You lost me. Big difference."

She wanted to say something more, but I didn't give her the chance. I turned around, stepping towards the door of my house without looking back.

For the first time in a long time, I felt free.

***

The following days felt lighter. I was busy working, spending time with mom, and trying to enjoy my new life without Malik's shadow.

However, life is never that easy.

That afternoon, while I was having lunch alone at a café near my office, a woman sat in front of me without permission.

I lifted my face, and instantly his face made my stomach churn.

Bella.

With a haughty smile, he crossed his arms on the table.

"We need to talk, Ruby."

I sighed, putting down my spoon softly. "I'm not interested in your ramblings."

Bella chuckled. "Oh, I'm sure you'll be interested."

I looked at her sharply, but said nothing.

He came a little closer, his voice quieter but full of menace.

"I want you out of Malik's life."

I smiled sarcastically. "I've already left. You're the one who bothered to come here."

Her jaw hardened. "Don't play games, Ruby. Malik is mine."

I shrugged. "Congratulations. Enjoy the asshole."

She looked at me hatefully. "I'm serious. If you still try to get close to Malik, I won't stay silent."

I chuckled. "Close? Are you kidding me? I don't even want to see his face anymore."

Bella snorted, then stood up haughtily. "Good then. Watch your language, Ruby. I can be meaner than you think."

Without waiting for my reply, she turned around and left.

I just stared at her back, then let out a long breath.

I thought everything was over. But apparently, Bella wasn't satisfied with ruining my life.

That night, I had just gotten home from work when my cell phone vibrated. An incoming message from an unknown number.

"Come out now. We need to talk."

I frowned. I didn't recognize the number, but somehow, my gut feeling immediately said this had something to do with Malik or Bella.

I typed a short reply.

"Who?"

Three seconds later, the reply came.

"Don't play dumb, Ruby. I'll wait outside."

I gritted my teeth. You guessed it.

With a heavy sigh, I walked out of the house and immediately saw a black car parked in front of the fence. The driver's window was open, revealing Bella's sardonically smiling face.

"It turns out that you do dare to come out," he said, his tone mocking.

"I have no reason to hide from you," I replied casually.

Bella looked at me sharply. "Come in. I want to talk."

I crossed my arms. "There's nothing to talk about."

He let out a long sigh, then got out of the car. This time, his expression was slightly different-still haughty, but also more serious.

"I want to talk about Malik," she said, more quietly.

I chuckled. "Bella, you should be talking to your future husband, not me."

"Shut your mouth," he snapped. "I just want to know one thing. Is Malik still looking for you?"

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

Bella clenched her hands into fists. "I know he's still contacting you. Don't lie, Ruby."

I sighed, getting annoyed. "Look, I don't care about Malik anymore. If he's still looking for me, that's your problem. I'm done."

Bella looked at me for a long time, as if judging whether I was being honest or not. Then, she chuckled.

"Good," he said. "Because if you still dare to approach her, I assure you that your life will be hell."

I snorted. "I'm not afraid of your cheap threats."

She smiled wryly. "We'll see."

Without saying anything else, Bella got back into her car and drove off, leaving me standing with mixed feelings.

I thought it was over. But as it turned out, Bella wasn't going to let me go easily.