On Thanksgiving Day, I prepared a feast, waiting for Edward to come home. Without a glance at the spread, he went straight to packing his bags and said coolly, “I won't be spending Thanksgiving with you this year.”

I remained silent, nibbling on the pulled pork on my plate.

At midnight, Ruby, his old flame, posted a picture on Instagram. She was beaming, perched on Edward's back, with a full moon shining through the window behind them. Her caption read, “Toasting the moon, two shadows become one.”

I didn’t fire off a barrage of questions like I might have before; instead, I just hit 'like' on the post.

Edward called, sounding flustered, “Don’t read too much into it. I swear I’ll spend next Thanksgiving with you…”

I paused, then chuckled softly without replying.

Next time?

Oh, Edward.

There will be no next time.

----

When Edward returned home, Thanksgiving was a distant memory. I used to wait for him in our garden, but not this time.

He texted me, “Where are you?”

I was finishing lunch and casually replied, “Eating at home.”

Edward soon walked in, dragging his suitcase behind him. As he changed his shoes, he said, “I’m starving. Make me some pasta and a soft-boiled egg.”

In the past, I’d dash to the kitchen without a second thought, but now I coolly replied, “I’ve eaten already. You should order takeout.”

Edward gave me a disgruntled look but swallowed his irritation and said, “I know you’re still mad about Thanksgiving, but can you let it go for now? I’m really hungry.”

I met his gaze and smiled faintly, “I’m not upset.”

He didn’t believe me. “Ruby was all alone in New York, and it just happened to be Thanksgiving. I was being a good host.”

I answered calmly, “I know.”

Edward stared into my eyes as if trying to read my thoughts, then looked down and suppressed his frustration, asking, “Does this really have to be a big deal? I’m tired and not up for a fight. Can you just be reasonable?”

Meeting his gaze, I patiently explained, “I’m not fighting. Are you done? I need to wash the dishes.”

Edward stood silently for a moment, then pulled a necklace from his pocket and handed it to me. Glancing at me, he simply said, “A gift.”

The necklace came without packaging, a stark contrast to the beautifully wrapped one Ruby showcased on Instagram. I didn’t show any excitement, just politely said, “Thank you.”

That was it.

Edward's eyes flickered with irritation, and he asked sharply, “Is that all?”

I replied serenely, “That’s all.”

His expression darkened as he held out his hand expectantly, “And mine?”

It was then I remembered and apologized, “Sorry, I forgot. I'll send you a gift card. Buy what you like.”

I grabbed my phone and sent him a $30 gift card. Edward's eyes widened in disbelief, as if stunned I could forget. After all, I valued traditions, and exchanging gifts during the holidays was our routine. Over the years, I kept this tradition alive, always delighting Edward with gifts, even when he sometimes forgot to reciprocate.

The air turned awkwardly silent. I went to the closet to change and headed to the door.

Edward called out urgently, “Where are you going?”

I answered with calm indifference, “Meeting a friend.”

I closed the door behind me, ignoring his calls.

Being with Edward, his disapproval of my social life made me decline invitations, and my friends saw me as dull. They knew I was tightly controlled at home, so they stopped inviting me.

Now, I finally get to enjoy a fun gathering with my friends.

As the night was coming to a close, my girlfriends gave me a big hug one by one, teasing, “We almost thought you’d traded us for a guy! Remember, no man is more important than your girls. Don’t pull that again.”

I nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly, “From now on, if you guys are hanging out and I’m free, I’ll definitely be there. You can count on it.”

Since I began seeing Edward, I’d built my entire world around him. Work, social events, everything seemed to orbit around Edward, leaving my own circle of friends in the dust. Looking back now, it was a choice I came to regret.

I glanced at my phone. Edward had returned a virtual gift I’d sent him earlier.

By the time I got home, it was already three in the morning. I flipped on the lights to find Edward on the couch. For a moment, I was taken aback, almost unsure if I was imagining things.

Edward didn’t offer to help my tipsy self. Instead, he shot me a frustrated look, more disappointed than worried. “Sabrina, get a hold of yourself. If you’re upset, just say it. But staying out drinking like this isn’t what a married woman should be doing.”

My head swam as I made my way unsteadily to the couch, using the wall to keep my balance.

Edward caught a faint smell of alcohol and barely suppressed a frown. “Haven’t I told you I’m not fond of those friends of yours? Yet here you are, partying with them again.”

He added, trying to justify, “Ruby and I are just friends now. There’s no need to drink yourself silly over her.”

I held my head, sighing, “You’re reading too much into this. I was just enjoying a night with my friends and went a little overboard.”

His voice rose, tinged with irritation, “This is enough. I’ve been patient, but what more do you want from me? Don’t test my patience. I’m not a saint who can indulge you forever.”

His words made my head throb even harder. I massaged my temples, “Are you finished? If so, I’m going to bed.”

Edward took a deep breath, trying to keep his cool before stepping forward to assist me. Yet, I managed to hold onto a bit of clarity and stepped aside from him.

I stumbled into the guest room, locking the door behind me and ignoring Edward’s knocking. That night, I fell into a deep and unusually serene sleep.

The next morning, Edward sat silently on the living room couch, looking as stormy as the weather outside. I could tell he was seething, but I didn’t make an effort to smooth things over. I just got ready for the day and headed out.

I visited the ballet company to submit my resignation. I had been dancing there primarily because it was close to home, making it easier to look after Edward. But that’s no longer a concern. The ballet instructor tried several times to persuade me to stay, but I stood my ground. Just last week, I received the acceptance to my international application—it's a dream of mine that I've cherished since childhood. I once turned it down for Edward, but thankfully, it's not too late to pursue my dream now.

After resigning, I completed the remainder of my responsibilities and called my best friend to share the exciting news. She was overjoyed for me and paused before asking, "What about Edward? Is he okay with you going overseas?" I chuckled softly, "He doesn’t need to know. This time, I’m doing it solo."

After wrapping up my role at the ballet company, I began organizing the paperwork needed for the move abroad. My parents are divorced, and aside from a few childhood friends, Edward was my only anchor here. I used to believe that wherever Edward was felt like home to me. But now, I feel untethered. Like a dandelion seed floating on the breeze, wherever I settle will be my new home.

When I returned home, Edward was just about to leave. He was sharply dressed, sporting a dark green tie that complemented his confident demeanor. Holding a spiced honey cake, I realized immediately—today is Ruby’s birthday, and Edward was off to celebrate with her. On the phone, his voice was buoyant, "Come on, stop guessing. I can’t spoil the surprise by telling you what the gift is! Just wait till I arrive."

I couldn’t hear the response on the other end, but Edward let out a hearty laugh, displaying his charismatic smile. It was a rare sight for me—his smile. Yet, as soon as he caught sight of me, his smile faded. Edward would go out of his way for Ruby’s desires but was stingy with even a smile for me.

His expression darkened instantly. He turned away from me abruptly, his disdain evident. He quickly slipped off his shoes, with the door slamming behind him.

I knew Edward was giving me the cold shoulder again. Previously, whenever these silent standoffs occurred, Ruby was always at the center. During those times, I’d go out of my way to appease him, even if he ignored my messages. I’d still persistently reach out.

But now, instead of worrying, I simply browsed online for some international recipes and began practicing them at home. It’s time to start adapting to new experiences ahead.