In the early hours of the morning, my girlfriend was dropped off at home by her childhood friend, Martin Smith.

I noticed her stockings were scratched and couldn't help but tease her.

"Next time, have Martin buy you some better-quality stockings!"

She shot back, annoyed by my sarcasm, insisting that she couldn't tolerate someone like Martin, who struggles with depression.

What she didn't realize was that after we broke up, it would be her who was left heartbroken and in tears.

1

It was our third anniversary.

I had planned a special evening with a nice dinner, flowers, and a diamond ring I'd ordered all the way from France.

As I went downstairs to get the cake, I returned to find my girlfriend, Sonia Yates, anxiously on the phone with her childhood friend, Martin.

"Martin, okay, I'm coming over right now!" Sonia said hurriedly, hanging up.

She shot me a cold glance, grabbed her jacket, and headed for the door.

"Sonia, didn't we agree to celebrate our anniversary at home today? Where are you going?"

I grabbed her arm, my heart aching, though I already knew the answer.

"Martin is having a depressive episode and he's alone. I need to take care of him—I don't have time to explain! Let me go!"

She shook off my grip.

I touched the velvet jewelry box in my pocket. The small diamond inside felt like a reminder that today was supposed to be the day I proposed.

My heart ached as if it were being gnawed by countless ants. I couldn't remember how many times Sonia had chosen Martin over me.

I thought this time would be different...

I fought back the pain and stepped in front of the door, pleading with her, "Martin has family; he won't be alone for long. If it's urgent, we can call 911. Sonia, is it really fair to me that you two have this endless connection?"

I pulled out the diamond ring that had cost me all my savings and gently took her hand, hoping to warm her heart with this cold stone, wishing for even a hint of emotion from her.

As I placed the ring in her hand, surprise flickered across her face, quickly replaced by impatience. "A life is at stake, Usher Shane! Can't you see that?"

The million-dollar ring fell to the floor, rolling under the sofa like a discarded piece, and in that moment, the pain in my chest seemed to ease a little.

For someone like Martin, this ring was probably just pocket change for a mistress, but for me, it represented years of hard work and savings.

Realizing this, I felt a strange sense of acceptance wash over me. If she didn't value me, how could she possibly cherish my ring?

On that damp, rainy night, I stood quietly by the window, watching Sonia's hurried figure fade into the rain like a fluttering butterfly.

Maybe it was time for me to face the truth.

After Sonia left, I savored a steak by myself, paired with red wine, listening to the classical tunes I adore. A sense of contentment washed over me like never before.

In the past, whenever I played classical at home, Sonia would cringe and cover her ears, "Usher, what is this noise? It's awful, you're not even young!"

I'd reluctantly switch to the pop songs she and Martin both liked.

That wasn't the end of it. She'd call Martin and rant about my taste.

"Ha, Sonia, anyone who didn't know would think you were dating a fossil!"

"Basically! He's such a hick, only I can stand him. You have no idea, my friends call him..."

Sonia would crack up, clutching her phone.

In that moment, I felt like Martin was the one she really clicked with.

Not surprisingly, they grew up together.

If the Yates family hadn't fallen on hard times, with Sonia's dad jailed her junior year, plunging them into poverty, maybe they'd have ended up together.

I was a small-town overachiever, having worked tirelessly to get into a decent university despite my impoverished background.

In contrast, Martin had little academic ambition but effortlessly secured a spot in college thanks to family sponsorship. To Sonia, this was a sign of success.

It was during university that I met Sonia.

Surrounded by talent, I devoted all my time to the library and labs, determined to prepare myself for a successful future.

One week before finals, I arrived at the library only to realize I had forgotten my student ID. Without it, I couldn't enter, and my dorm room was locked. My roommates wouldn't be back for a while, leaving me without access to my important study materials.

Under the blazing sun, I paced anxiously outside the library.

"Hey, I know you! Come on in!"

At that moment, Sonia appeared.

Dressed in a blue denim skirt, she sparkled in the sunlight, her sweet voice like a refreshing breeze on a hot summer day.

"You know me?"

"Of course! You're Usher, the physics genius from Class 6. I've heard so much about you!" Sonia winked at me, playful and charming.

Sonia was two years older and worked part-time at the library. Since I spent so much time there, she had quietly taken notice of me.

Eventually, we naturally got together, starting our campus romance.

She was lively and outgoing, enjoying drinks and wild fun, like a vibrant rose.

I was quiet and reserved, preferring books and solitude, like a blank page.

Our differences made me cautious; I always tried to treat her well.

I feared losing her, so I cherished every moment.

I would study her course materials to help her avoid failing, give her my meager living expenses, and even take on tutoring jobs to buy her the iPhone that all the girls in her dorm had.

I thought this was love—until I overheard Martin call me a "simp," and Sonia didn't defend me; instead, she laughed brightly.

I was used to giving, while she was accustomed to being loved.

With the effects of alcohol kicking in, I lay back on the sofa and fell asleep.

I don't know how long I slept, but I was awakened by the sound of keys in the door. Sonia had returned, and she was with Martin.