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?”

I looked at Edward, puzzled by what was making him so upset. In the past, when I did similar things, he'd say, "We're in a relationship, not in chains. Please, give me some space; I can barely breathe."

Now, when I’m not all over him, he wonders why I’m ignoring him. Honestly, I have no idea what he wants anymore. But I didn't bring up past issues. I simply said, "You're out with friends. If I kept calling, it wouldn't make any sense, right? You and Ruby are friends, so there's nothing for me to worry about."

A look of disbelief crossed Edward's face, maybe surprised that I could mention Ruby so calmly. He quickly composed himself and explained, "That post was just a keepsake, nothing more. Don't overthink it."

I shook my head, ready to say something, but Edward cut me off, "What now? Do you think I shouldn't go to Ruby's birthday party? We've known each other for over ten years. We dated briefly, but now we're just good friends. A birthday's worth showing up for."

I gave Edward an understanding look and said, "I get it. It's late; you should get some rest."

Edward fell silent, looking at me like he was trying to figure out if I was really not upset. After a while, he found no clues on my face. He reached out like he was going to hug me, but I quietly stepped aside.

I calmly asked, "Are you sleeping in the master bedroom or the guest room?"

Edward paused before responding. His expression softened. Maybe he was finally starting to understand that, whether or not Ruby had her famous spiced honey cake at Thanksgiving, I trusted him completely. His friendships didn't threaten our relationship; they were just part of the bigger picture, like choosing between dinner rolls or pulled pork at a cookout.

He took a deep breath and said, "I think I'll sleep in the guest room tonight. It might give us both a chance to clear our heads."

I nodded, offering him a small smile, and turned toward the soft hum of the coffee machine in the kitchen. It was time for a comforting cup, the warmth of the coffee a gentle reminder that some routines remain constant amidst change.