You Were Once My Starry Sky

Emma saw the look on my face and quickly let go, panicking as she explained, "Avery, I was just so scared, I'm sorry..."

Before I could say anything, Jose jumped in to defend her, "She cut her hand, so..."

Before, I would've had a huge fight with Jose and told Emma to get out of here.

But now, I just smiled slightly, not caring at all.

I didn't wait for him to finish and just turned around, heading back to my room.

"Is Avery mad at me? It's all my fault for being so stupid. Please don't fight because of me; I'd feel so guilty.

"Maybe I should go apologize to Avery."

Emma looked pitiful. Her sweet, helpless words once again triggered Jose's urge to protect her.

"Ignore her; who knows what's gotten into her this time? Let me help you put on some ointment first."

Jose's impatient voice echoed.

I let out a cold laugh, turned around, and shut the door, shutting out their playful banter.

I leaned against the door, breathing heavily, unable to hide the sadness in my heart.

Why were we drifting further apart?

The ring on my hand dug painfully into my skin. I took it off and placed it in my palm, feeling a deep sense of irony.

We bought this ring from a little stall by the school gate right after we graduated college.

It was roughly made and looked a bit cheap.

I'd worn it for years. Even after I had money, I couldn't bear to replace it.

It was proof that we had once been in love.

But ever since Emma came between us, the ring had become a shackle.

I took it off and tossed it into the drawer.

I packed my things quickly and walked out of the bedroom, dragging my suitcase behind me.

Jose stood up from the couch, staring in shock at the things in my hands.

"Where are you going?"

I acted like I didn't hear him and turned to leave.

Jose quickly blocked my way, his tone accusatory. "What are you making a fuss about? I told you Emma was hurt, that's why I rushed back! Can't you show some sympathy, Avery?"

"Move."

I frowned and said coldly.

Jose had become quite skilled at turning things around, blaming me for lacking empathy and maturity, even though he was the one at fault.

As if everything was my fault, and he and Emma were perfectly innocent.

How utterly ironic!

I didn't care about them anymore. All I wanted was to get away from this cheating couple as fast as I could.

Emma ran over from the couch, holding her injured hand, tears in her eyes. "It's all my fault. If Avery doesn't like me, I'll leave right now. Please don't fight with Jose over me."

"Sure, then get out." I shook her off and crossed my arms, ready to watch the show.

If she wanted to leave, just go.

Emma hadn't expected me to react this way. She froze in place, biting her lip with an unwilling look and teary eyes. "If me leaving will fix things, I'll go."

She looked like a delicate little flower, unable to bear the slightest insult.

Jose was clearly holding back his anger, looking at Emma with pity before turning to blame me again, "I told you she's just staying temporarily..."

I simply grabbed my luggage and walked out without a word.

Jose still tried to come after me.

But Emma let out a small cry and conveniently fell into his arms.

"Jose, I twisted my ankle."

Jose panicked, quickly turning to catch her, taking off her sock to check the injury.

Emma clutched her ankle with a pained expression. When Jose turned his back, she shot me a mocking smile.

It was as if she was saying, "See? Jose cares more about me."

Such cheap tricks, but so effective.

In the past, I'd used countless tricks just like this to keep Jose from running to Emma.

He never cared. He'd look at me with disgust as I screamed myself hoarse, turning into a shrew for him.

But not anymore, and I moved into my new place.

The new place was actually the one I'd rented before moving in with Jose. I'd put it on hold when we moved in together.

I brought Zion back. It jumped around excitedly, wagging its tail like crazy.

Jose used to be allergic to dog hair and didn't like Zion.

For him, I'd sent Zion, who I'd had for two years, to live with a friend.

Looking back, I was a pretty irresponsible dog owner.

That night, I blocked Jose on WhatsApp. When he found out, he sent me a threatening text.

[Either unblock me, or we're done!]

I blocked his phone number too.

My phone wouldn't stop buzzing. When I checked, it was a message from my best friend, Zoey.

"Look at this!"

She sent me a screenshot. Emma had posted a photo of her and Jose holding hands on her social media, along with a caption.

"Your constant support is my biggest motivation. Today is date day with Jose!"

Jose had said they were innocent, that I was the one with a dirty mind.

But here they were, holding hands just a few days later.

I wonder if Jose's embarrassed by his own words now.

Zoey started calling me like crazy when I didn't respond.

"Jose actually cheated?! I'll kill him!"

"We broke up," I said calmly.