You chose her, I chose to leave

I should be happy today.

I had just received an award as the best lecturer on campus. Everyone greeted me, congratulated me, and even gave me small gifts as a token of appreciation. But there was one thing that stuck in my heart-Malik didn't come.

I stare at the large bouquet on the table. A small card was tucked among the red roses.

["Congratulations, honey. I'm proud of you."]

That's all.

I let out a long breath. Flowers and text messages? I want more than that. I wanted him to be here, to see me standing on stage, smiling proudly at me. But all I got was a few words on a card.

I took my cell phone out of my bag and dialed the number.

The dial tone sounded several times before finally connecting.

"Hello, darling," Malik said softly on the other end.

"Can't you come for a while? It's an important day for me," I asked, trying to hold back the disappointment that was starting to creep up.

Malik was silent for a moment before replying, "Sorry, Ruby. I'm still busy. I haven't finished my business."

Just as I was about to speak again, there was a faint sound of female laughter in the background. I frowned. That voice sounded familiar.

Bella?

I swallowed. "Who are you with?"

"Oh, this is Bella," he replied lightly. "She just stopped by for a while."

My heart was beating uncomfortably.

Bella was not only our old schoolmate but also Malik's new secretary—the girl who had once liked Malik.

I tried to brush off the bad thoughts that were starting to intrude, but the bad feeling was hard to ignore.

The event was over, and I went home with a heavy heart.

But instead of finding peace, I had to deal with my mother's ramblings.

"Ruby, it's time for you to think more seriously about the future," Mom said as she handed me a cup of hot tea.

I just stared at her without interest. "What does that mean?"

"Malik is not the right person for you," she said, matter-of-factly.

I sighed. "Mom, we've discussed this many times."

"But you're still stubborn." Mom took a sip of her tea, then continued, "Alexander is much better off. He's successful, well-established, and now owns the apartment where you'll be living in Norway."

I snorted softly. Alexander Mahendra-my childhood friend who I'd been set up with. I had rejected the arranged marriage years ago, but my mother still hadn't given up.

"Mom, I'm not interested in Alexander," I insisted.

Mom shook her head. "You're just caught up in the illusion of love with Malik."

I chose to remain silent. It was useless to argue with my mother.

***

That night, I went to Malik's apartment. I needed to talk to him. Needed to make sure that everything was okay between us.

But as soon as I opened the apartment door, the world seemed to stop spinning.

Malik was there. With Bella.

They sat on the sofa, so close. Too close. Their gazes were full of warmth, and Malik's hands were wrapped around Bella's waist.

I choked up.

Malik turned his head and smiled. "Ruby, are you home yet?"

I didn't answer right away. My breathing was heavy.

Bella looked at me with an awkward expression, but she didn't move.

"I thought you were still busy out of town," my voice almost trembled.

Malik scratched the back of his neck. "I left earlier. Bella happened to have some business around here, so I invited her to stop by."

I looked at her sharply.

So, can Bella stay the night?" he asked suddenly.

I held my breath. "What?"

"It's late, and he's too tired to go home," she said casually, as if it was normal.

I know I can resist. I know I should be angry. But for some reason, I was tongue-tied.

In the end, I just nodded. "As you wish."

I went to the kitchen.

I needed time to think, to calm down. But instead of feeling better, my mind became more chaotic.

I turned on the stove, trying to focus on the dishes I was preparing for Malik. At least, I could do something that made me feel useful.

But as soon as I returned to the living room, Malik was gone.

I frowned.

I searched the entire apartment, until finally my steps stopped in front of Malik's bedroom door.

And right then and there, my chest seemed to be crushed.

From behind the slightly open door, I saw her.

Malik and Bella.

They kissed each other passionately.

Malik stared intensely at Bella, his hands wrapped tightly around her waist, pulling her closer. Bella threaded her fingers through Malik's hair, returning his kiss with passion.

I feel like the world is spinning.

My body was stiff, wanting to move but couldn't. I wanted to scream but the sound was stuck in my throat.

Slowly, I retreated. Moving away from the sight that broke my heart.

I went back to the kitchen, trying to compose myself, even though my tears fell without me being able to hold them back.

Moments later, the sound of the bedroom door opening.

I wiped away the tears quickly.

Footsteps could be heard approaching.

I turned around, and there was Bella standing, tidying up her messy clothes.

I looked at him sharply.

Bella gasped in surprise when she saw me.

I folded my arms across my chest. "Why did you come out of Malik's room?" I asked, my voice cold.

Bella looked confused, but I could see the guilt in her eyes.

Bella swallowed. "I... I just-"

"Just what, Bella?" I cut in quickly.