Milla POV

My lover, Alfa Briston, was arrested for drinking and fighting in a nightclub. To protect his coworker, Emilia Scout, from the temptations of other men.

Then the police called me to pick them up.

Ultimately, I had to end my lecture early to help them. However, when I arrived at the location, I noticed a lipstick stain on Alfa's shirt.

Staggering slightly, he was busy calming Emilia down. She was crying while swearing at someone's name in a loud voice.

“Why are you in a nightclub, Alfa?”

“Emilia just lost her job. She was very sad, so I consoled her by having a little fun, Milla. But that bastard came out of nowhere,” he said with the smell of alcohol, messy hair, and sleepy eyes.

If I thought the world would end without Alfa, maybe I would ask for an explanation and forgive his actions. But I realized that this couldn't go on any longer. I had to stop being a stupid lover.

Maybe I wasn't pleasant enough, so Alfa sought that pleasure in Emilia. Well, if that's what he wanted.

Not wanting to linger, I quickly signed their release papers.

“Are you his lover? It says 'my love' on the contact,” said the police officer with a curious expression.

I laughed sadly and shook my head, “No! We're just coworkers.”

Then I took the ring Alfa had given me off my finger and put it unceremoniously in the trash can. If he loved me, he wouldn't have done this to me.

Since they were both drunk, I was in charge of driving the car.

As Alfa carried Emilia to the car, sadness was reflected on her face. She muttered that she didn't want to lose her job.

Not wanting to be with them any longer, I immediately started the car. But Emilia suddenly pulled the handbrake, causing us to stumble.

My head almost hit the steering wheel.

Without guilt, Emilia looked at my lover.

“Alfa, why is she in our car? Her face is similar to the person who made me lose my job. I became even sadder,” she said in a whining voice like a spoiled child.

She even forgot that she was drunk with my lover. And they can't drive.

Then I glanced at her, “Then come with the police car.”

“Right? She's evil like that woman. She wants me to go to jail.” Her lips curled downward, and her eyes glazed over. Even though I didn't yell at her.

Then Alfa held both her shoulders gently. Emilia is like an antique urn that is fragile and must always be protected.

“Milla, can't you just have a little empathy for Emilia? She's sad because she just lost her job, and a stranger is bothering her! Why are you scolding her?!”

“Alfa, I'm just---”

“Shut up! You're unreliable!”

Alfa leaned Emilia's head carefully, then got out of the car with a slight stagger. Opening the steering wheel door, then unlocking the seat belt, and pulling me out like a goat.

Then pushes my back until I fall and both knees bleed. I growled in pain, but he didn't care.

He opened the back door and moved Emilia to the front seat. Then wiped away the remaining tears that had rolled down her cheeks.

“I'll drive. Now don't cry anymore.”

It was a perfect match. Two drunken couples who complement each other.

Emilia nodded obediently with an innocent face, “Alfa, you can understand me. Thank you very much.”

After closing the steering wheel door, Alfa looked at me sharply. With me still sitting on the ground with bloody knees.

“Here's your bag!” He threw it at me until there was a cracking sound. “You're just making Emilia sadder and more depressed! Go home by yourself!”

I rushed to open the bag and found my laptop for work cracked. They left without a thank you, and I could see Emilia resting her head on my lover's arm.

For the first time, I felt like a third person when I was the victim. My tears fell as I clutched my bag, and then the rain came down.

Staggering, I took shelter in front of a closed shop and rubbed my bloody knees. As painful as my heart. Alone and cold, I remembered my conversation with Mom last week.

She said that her best friend liked me and wanted to set me up with her son. Mom was happy with the offer and sent me a picture of the guy.

Lucas Osborn, the dashing, blue-eyed man of Mom's choice.

My finger was already free of Alfa's love ring. So, I decided to accept Mom's offer.

“Mom?”

“What, Milla?”

“Is the offer to marry Lucas still in effect?”

“Of course, dear. Of course.” Mom said with a happy laugh, “I'm fine with you being with Lucas. He's a responsible man, and you didn't make the wrong choice.”

“Yes, Mom.”

“When are you coming home? They must be happy to see you, Milla.”

“In three days, Mom.”

While listening to Mom talk at length about Lucas, I half-dreamed and stared at the raindrops falling to the earth.

Mom had set me up many times, but I always refused. She just didn't want me to have the same fate as her, rejecting the man of her parents' choice for the sake of my father, but in the end, Mom was dumped for his past love.

Then I met Alfa. He was a humble, sweet, and understanding man. I thought, what Mom thinks is wrong, and I will introduce him shortly.

For three years we were together, everything was fine, and Alfa was always by my side to support each other.

But lately, when I talked about our best friend's wedding, Alfa always said that he wasn't ready.

“We should at least prepare a large amount of money to get married, have a place to live, and enough savings.”

And I believed his logical words without suspicion. But in reality, he had other intentions, and I was sick of being with him.

After the rain stopped, I ordered a taxi to my flat.

I carefully took out the cracked laptop and arranged it on the table. I didn't expect that after helping Alfa, he would destroy my heart and laptop.

The next day, he came to my flat and saw that the black bag containing my clothes was ready.

“Why are you putting clothes in the bag?”

“There will be a business trip with my colleagues.”

“How long?”

Was he planning the best time to have fun without me?

“Three days. Why?”

“Just asking.”

Then he sat on the sofa, playing with his phone while smiling to himself. Didn't say sorry or thank you to me.

Just looking at his face made me sick, and I'd rather he didn't have to come to my flat.

Milla POV

“Take this business trip as a chance. You’ve been too stressed lately. I mean… you broke your own laptop.”

I turned my head in disbelief.

He was the one who smashed my laptop last night. Drunk. Angry. Careless.

And now, he was acting like none of it had happened.

“Spending time with some friends might help you relax,” he continued casually, like we were just a happy couple making weekend plans. “When you get back, we can talk about the engagement. What do you think?”

I curled my right hand into a fist behind my back, hiding the fact that I’d already taken off the ring he gave me.

I forced a small smile and steered the conversation away.

“I’ve got morning lectures today. And I need to get my laptop repaired.”

Before he could say, I headed into the bedroom to change. I didn’t care about the confusion on his face. I didn’t want to talk about us.

I used to be so cheerful—smiling through every little moment we shared. But not this time.

All I felt was the weight in my chest and the sting just behind my eyes. I nearly cried.

But I didn’t. Because my tears weren’t worth falling for a man like Alfa.

Then I walked into the kitchen and started eating the toast I had made. Just one slice. I didn’t bother offering him any.

“You didn’t make me any?”

I checked the time on my watch and took a quick bite.

“I overslept.”

“What? That’s not like you, Milla,” he snapped.

I didn’t respond. Just packed up my broken laptop—carefully, quietly—like every movement was a goodbye I couldn’t speak out loud.

Then I headed for the door.

He followed behind me, grumbling under his breath like a charging bull.

I walked quickly down the long, deserted hallway. Even inside the elevator, I kept my eyes fixed on my phone, pretending to be busy—anything to avoid looking at Alfa.

When we reached the lobby, I headed straight for the bus stop. But Alfa grabbed my wrist and steered me toward his car.

I sat in silence, scrolling through my phone. Hoping he’d get the message. But he didn’t say a word. Just drove on, and I was hurting.

When he turned the car around at the gas station, his phone lit up near the handbrake.

‘Emilia.’

I hesitated… then picked it up.

[Emilia: Alfa, I have two interesting destinations: the Maldives or Bali?]

[Alfa: How about 3 days in Bali?]

Then she sent a love emoji right after.

[Alfa: Calculate everything and send me the cost. Let me pay.]

The dates—they were exactly when I’d be away visiting Mom.

He’d planned everything behind my back.

I had already let him go for Emilia. But I didn’t think it would hurt this much.

He said that he wanted to save money for our engagement and wedding. He would say the same thing even if I offered to travel using my money.

“Save your money. Don't be wasteful, Milla.”

No wonder — a month ago, when I asked him to go to the beach just sixty kilometers away, he said he was working overtime with his coworkers.

“I can't go, Milla. I could get fired if I don't get my work done.”

It was the weekend, and no company or agency was hiring employees. But I was too trusting.

Then, Emilia recently sent a message showing a breakdown of their trip costs, from departure to return. It was really expensive, about five times my salary.

“Don't touch my phone!”

Alfa suddenly snatched his phone roughly. He stuffed it into his trouser pocket and pulled the car over.

“I have a lot of important work to do on my phone! I'll be fired if I lose all of it because of your carelessness!” He snapped with both eyebrows raised.

I shook and didn't dare to look at his face.

Then Alfa gripped my arm until his fingernails pricked.

“What are you reading, huh?! Tell me!”

“I... I just--- “

He jerked my arm so hard that it hurt from hitting the door.

"I've told you before — don't touch my stuff without permission. It drives me crazy! You're acting like I'm cheating on you or something!"

I nodded with a frightened face, “Sorry, Alfa.”

“I trusted you, Milla—I never doubted you. Can’t you do the same? Three years… isn’t that enough to prove how much I care?”

"I'm sorry, Alfa. I was such a terrible partner—I doubted you. I truly am sorry."

I blamed myself, which was unlike me. Then, Alfa was speechless.

“Um… Emilia asked me to help cover the cost of her trip. The plan is—once her severance pay comes in—she’ll pay me back.”

I just nodded, staring at the floor.

“She just got fired, Milla,” he continued, trying to justify himself. “She needed a break and lift her spirits. I was just doing her a favor.”

Emilia and Alfa had been colleagues for years—long before I ever became part of his life.

Now, they were too close. So close that when she lost her job, Alfa rushed to comfort her like his world revolved around her.

He was willing to lie to me. To risk our relationship. Even to spend his own money—for her.

“Can we go to campus now, Alfa? I’m… almost late.”

Later that afternoon, I headed to the electronics center to get my laptop repaired. But I saw Alfa with his arm casually draped around Emilia’s shoulders.

Helping her pick out the latest smartphone, smiling like nothing was wrong.

Emilia, with her oversized shirt that looked like someone who appeared helpless.

“Milla, I’m just helping Emilia—”

“Of course you are. Good friends always come before girlfriends. Isn’t that right, Alfa?”

Alfa’s face turned red. He grabbed my arm roughly and yanked me away from the crowd.

His hand struck my cheek, and his fingers clamped around my jaw.

“You wanna humiliate me in public? You want people talking trash about me because of your jealous tantrum?!”

He shoved me hard against the wall.

“I’m just comforting a friend who’s going through a tough time! What’s so wrong with that? At least Emilia doesn’t whine and nag like you do!”

I stood there, lips trembling, tears threatening to spill.

“Hey, man! Don’t treat a woman like that!”

Alfa quickly let go of me, panic flashing in his eyes as several people stared at him.

“Milla… I’m sorry. I wouldn’t act like this if you hadn’t pushed me.”

Still blaming me—for his actions.

That was the last straw. I couldn’t do this anymore. I wouldn’t.

“Alfa… I think our relationship should—”

“Alfa.”

We both turned. Emilia stood a few steps away, holding a sleek paper bag with a brand-new phone inside. In her other hand … was Alfa’s wallet.

Just friends, huh?

“Yes, Emilia?” he asked, his voice softening instantly.

Her eyes welled with tears. Without a second thought, Alfa rushed to her side.

“Can I stay at your place for a few days?” She asked quietly. “My landlord just kicked me out … right after I lost my job.”

Milla POV

“Why does everything always go wrong for me? No one understands,” Emilia murmured, tears welling in her eyes.

Alfa gently placed his hands on her shoulders, offering a comforting squeeze.

“Em, please don't cry. You're not alone—you have me.”

He turned to me, seeking affirmation.

“Right, Milla?”

“Of course,” I replied, my voice devoid of warmth.

Emilia looked up, hope flickering in her eyes.

“Then... could I stay at your place for a while?”

“Stay as long as you need,” Alfa interjected before I could respond.

He always went above and beyond for Emilia, regardless of how it made me feel.

Did he realize the pain it caused me? Or did he choose to ignore it?

“In that case, could you help me pack before my landlord throws out my stuff?”

They hurried off, Alfa's hand protectively on Emilia's waist. After a few steps, he paused and turned back.

“I have to go. It's important. If there's anything you want to tell me, just text me, okay?”

I nodded, forcing a smile.

“It's nothing urgent. Go ahead.”

I watched them leave, swallowing the words I had intended to say—the words about ending our relationship.

Emilia's problems took precedence over everything else in Alfa's world.

The next day passed without a single message from him.

Feeling discarded, I decided it was time to move on.

I spent the morning packing away memories of Alfa—bags, clothes, gifts—all destined for donation.

As I handed the boxes to the workers, a delivery truck pulled up.

Alfa and Emilia stepped out, approaching me.

“Milla, you're not at work?” Alfa asked, feigning surprise.

“Not feeling well,” I replied, quickly hiding the donation receipt, “What brings you here?”

Before they could answer, a mover inquired about Emilia's new apartment.

They headed upstairs, leaving me behind.

To my astonishment, Emilia had rented the unit next to mine.

Her new furniture, still wrapped in plastic, was luxurious, unlike anything Alfa had ever bought for me.

“Your home should be your sanctuary,” he once told me.

So, this was why he took the day off—a rarity when it came to me.

“Miss, you dropped this,” a worker said, handing me the donation receipt.

Alfa glanced at it, then at me.

“Donating something?”

“Just some old clothes,” I replied, folding the paper and tossing it into the trash.

“By the way, what did you want to tell me yesterday?”

Before I could answer, Emilia emerged, beaming.

“Hi, Milla! We're neighbors now!”

She extended her hand, but I hesitated.

“Sorry, my hands are dirty,” I said, avoiding her gaze.

“Alfa thought it would be good for me to be close to someone kind like you, at least until I find a new job.”

Or perhaps it made it easier for him to see us both.

“I'll be busy with college and research, Emilia. I might not be around much.”

I turned to enter my flat, but Emilia's sobs stopped me. Alfa wrapped his arms around her, whispering soothing words.

“I'll handle everything. Don't cry,” he said, casting a sharp glance in my direction.

Emilia nodded, wiping her tears.

“Milla, don't you see how hard things are for Emilia? She lost her job, and you're too busy to be a good neighbor!”

Emilia stepped back, shaking her head.

“It's not Milla's fault, Alfa. He's important and busy. I must seem like a burden to him. It's natural if she resents me.”

“Oh, Emy, come on. I already consider you like a sister. It's just Milla who misplaced her jealousy.”

Emilia's sobs intensified as she clung to Alfa. I stood there, the invisible third wheel, watching my partner embrace another woman right before my eyes.

Alfa's voice cut through the tension. “Most women are empathetic to another's pain, Milla. But you? You're just... indifferent.”

I bit my tongue, knowing any defense would be twisted against me. Without a word, I turned and walked toward my apartment.

“Milla!” Alfa's shout echoed down the hallway. “You're just going to walk away? Is this how an educator behaves? Shame on you!”

The movers paused, their eyes darting between us. Humiliation burned my cheeks.

I stopped, turned slightly, and said, “I didn't realize you were speaking to me. Your attention seemed... elsewhere.”

“Milla, I was comforting Emilia!”

“Alfa, please,” Emilia interjected, her voice trembling. “Don't let me come between you two.”

As she stepped back, tears streaming down her face, Alfa grabbed her hand and marched toward me.

“Apologize to Emilia,” he demanded, eyes blazing.

I looked at Emilia, her gaze fixed on the floor. “Apologize? For what? I haven't insulted her.”

“You've made her cry!”

“Because I didn't drop everything to comfort her? Alfa, I have responsibilities. If she needs constant company, perhaps you should hire someone.”

“Milla!” His hand rose, but Emilia swiftly stepped between us.

“Don't,” she whispered. “Milla's right. I'm imposing.”

Alfa's finger pointed inches from my face. “You're the coldest woman I've ever known. How did I end up with someone so heartless?”

His words pierced deeper than any blade.

Emilia's sobs resumed as Alfa led her into her new apartment, leaving me standing alone, painted as the villain.

Back in my nearly empty apartment, I watched the last mover leave, leaving Emilia and Alfa alone next door. The thought gnawed at me.

Jealousy and despair clouded my mind. I feared it would affect my lectures, my students.

I needed help.

The psychiatrist listened patiently as I poured out my heart. Her advice was grounding.

Later, seeking solace, I visited a café, hoping a cappuccino might lift my spirits.

But fate had other plans.

There they were—Alfa and Emilia—sharing lunch. He fed her bites, her laughter ringing out as she leaned into him.

I sighed, the weight of it all pressing down.

Nearby, a woman whispered to her friend, “Isn't it lovely to have such a caring boyfriend? He must never hurt her.”

If only she knew.