After a while, I dragged myself to the bedroom and lay down, staring at the red decorations in the room—the bridal chamber meant for me and Cindy's wedding night. I had been so excited, waiting for this day. But...
For the past three years, Cindy had refused any intimacy with me aside from hugs.
Now, it all made sense.
She had never loved me. Her heart had always belonged to her first love, Martin.
I should have seen the signs. For these three years, I had only been a stand-in for Cindy's first love.
The realization brought me a wave of sadness, but it also steeled my resolve.
I would cut ties with Cindy once and for all.
I reached for a cigarette but stopped. Cindy hated the smell of smoke, so I had quit for her. Over time, it became a habit, and now, I didn't even like it myself. Instead, I spent the rest of the night in the living room, playing video games but failing to beat any of the levels.
Finally, I texted Cindy: "Cindy, your stuff is still at my place. When are you coming to get it?"
