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.

Lying in bed, I scrolled through Ruby’s Instagram post: “Another birthday gift from you this year. Thanks for always being here for me.” In the comments, Edward’s friend Lewis wrote, “So sweet. Seeing Ruby happy makes my day.” I noticed all of Edward's friends and their girlfriends had liked Ruby’s post.

Edward’s circle has always looked down on me, viewing me as an outsider between him and Ruby. Without me, they believed Edward would be much happier. As I read Edward's comment on the post, for once, I couldn't help but see their point. He had commented, “Happy birthday, my princess.”

I stared blankly at their affectionate exchange and noticed another comment from one of Edward's friends: “Stop posting, or Sabrina might see it. You know how she is; she'll make a fuss.” In the past, I had gently suggested that Edward maintain some distance from Ruby since they were close friends of different genders, to prevent any misunderstandings.

Edward’s friends mocked me, calling me jealous and accusing me of being too controlling, even denying him the simple right to have friends. Edward just nodded along with them and turned the blame on me, saying that I should be more understanding.

Contrary to what his friends expected, I didn’t react. I quietly logged out of Instagram and switched to Pinterest, eventually falling asleep.

By the time Edward came home, I was already fast asleep. He woke me up, frustrated and yelling, “Sabrina, your boyfriend’s out late, and you don’t even care? My friends’ girlfriends call them non-stop, but you didn’t call me once. What’s going on with you?”