He shrugged, running his hand through his hair. "Mia, now you are being dramatic. Ella needed someone, and you know I have been helping her to establish herself. It’s not a big deal."
"It is to me!" I screamed, finally letting the frustration that had built over the year, crushing me down. "Ever since she returned, you always put her first. I was too stupid to ignore it even if I saw it. But now… I am done, Aiden. I can’t keep doing this."
He blinked, genuinely surprised. "Done? What are you talking about?"
"I am breaking up with you," I said, my voice firm, though my heart was breaking all over again. "I don't think I can stay in her shadows anymore."
For the first time, he looked taken aback, but not enough to change my decision. He had lost that power over me.
The next morning, I stood in front of the mirror, my eyes swollen from crying. I looked worn out from everything.
I checked her account again. She had posted a cute photo from her workout session. And then I saw Aiden had liked it. Of course!
The caption:
“A new chapter begins… #Happy #MovingForward!”
I closed my eyes, letting the tears fall as I thought about the annoyed tags.
Was this meant for me? Had Aiden already told her about our breakup?
Deep down, there was always a part of me that knew Aiden's heart had strayed, even if he wouldn’t admit it. And me, too. I had chosen to ignore the many signals, the excuses, the broken promises, the constant presence of her.
But now, I was done with all that. I no longer wanted to chase a mirage. And I was done competing for his love or attention.
"I am enough. And I will find my way, even if it means I am alone." I told myself as I started packing my belongings. When I left our shared apartment, well Adrian's apartment, he wasn't there again.
I moved to my old house, a small studio apartment that my parents had bought for me when I moved here during college. As soon as I entered it, old memories came flooding back to me.
It was strange being here again. Aiden had practically made me shift in a day because he thought living together would be easier and it would help us build a better relationship. I was filled with excitement, ready to start my life with my mate that day. Now, all that remained were the memories of a future that was lost to life.