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.

I sat on the living room sofa, staring at my phone screen with a bad feeling. Bella had just come out of Malik's room, her face looking a little panicked when she saw me.

"Where are you from?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

Bella smiled slightly. "I just borrowed a blanket from Malik. I'm not feeling well," she replied lightly.

Followed by Malik coming out of the room."Honey, where's the food you made earlier?" he asked, as if he hadn't done anything wrong.

"I have it on the table. Take it!" I replied briefly before hurrying off to my room. I was fed up with their game.

***

The next morning, after Bella came home, Malik suddenly invited me to the inauguration of his new office tonight.

"Stay with me, okay?" he said as he straightened his tie.

I smiled a little. "Yeah, after I get home from college, I'll come straight after."

He nodded, then pecked my forehead before leaving.

I still believe that everything is fine.

Later that evening, I arrived home after teaching at the college, but Malik was nowhere to be found.

My phone vibrated.

["I already went with Bella. Couldn't wait for you."]

I stared at the message for a long time. My little heart told me this wasn't trivial, but I tried to think positively.

Without thinking, I quickly got ready and went alone to the inauguration ceremony.

Once at the event, I started looking for Malik among the crowd of guests.

But my steps stopped when I heard a familiar voice.

I turned around and saw Malik, Bella, and some of her friends talking and laughing.

"So, Malik told Ruby he had a business trip?" One of their friends laughed sarcastically.

Bella smiled triumphantly. "Oh my gosh, just trust him. In fact, this is our first anniversary. I didn't expect to be able to celebrate it calmly."

My heart sank. A year?

So they've been together that long?

I looked at Malik, hoping he would deny it.

But he was just silent. He didn’t say anything.

"And Ruby didn't even realize it either, poor thing," Bella's friend added with a laugh.

My chest felt tight. I couldn't hear any more. I backed away slowly, away from them before my tears fell on this place.

I walked aimlessly, my mind in turmoil.

Suddenly, a waiter came from the opposite direction, carrying a tray of hot soup. I didn't see her because my mind was still drifting.

"Miss, watch out!" the waiter shouted.

I gasped, but before I could react, someone pulled my arm hard.

I lost my balance, my body was pushed back, and my head hit the corner of the table.

"Akh!" I winced in pain.

Meanwhile, Bella, who had pulled me earlier, had spilled hot soup.

"Ouch!" Bella cried out, her face tightening with pain.

Within seconds, Malik was already running towards us.

"Bella! Are you okay?" He immediately grasped Bella's hand in a panic.

I waited for him to turn to me.I was also injured; my blood was rushing out of my forehead, and my head was still throbbing. But not a single care was taken for me.

"Oh my God, what's wrong with your hand?" Malik was busy blowing on Bella's hand. "I'll take you to the hospital."

I sat quietly, staring at the two of them. .

That night, I went home without saying anything. I had seen enough of everything. Tomorrow, I would leave. I will leave all this behind. And I won't look back anymore.

The next morning, I stood in front of the immigration office, clutching the documents I had prepared since last night. My breathing was heavy, but I didn't hesitate. This had to be done.

I submitted my passport renewal and identity change forms. My hands trembled slightly as I wrote down my new name. It's no longer the same Ruby—I wanted to leave everything that hurt behind.

When everything was done, I stared at my new name on the document. This was a new beginning. No more Malik, no more hurt. I had to leave and start my own life.

It's been two days since Malik came home. He was busy taking care of Bella at the hospital. I tried to understand at first, but it started to feel awkward. When he finally returned, I had hoped he would sit down and explain everything. But as it turned out, he only came to get Bella's clothes.

I leaned back, looking at him sharply. "You have no intention of sitting down and talking to me, do you?"

Malik sighed, as if I was the one making things complicated. "Ruby, I have a lot to do. Bella still needs me there."

I chuckled, but it was bitter. "Yes, I know. You were always there for her."

He was silent. I knew he wanted to say something but chose not to speak in the end.

"I'm tired, Malik." I swallowed, trying to contain my emotions. "I don't want to be the one who just waits for you to come home, who takes care of this apartment like a maid. I want us to end this."

He immediately shook his head. "No, Ruby. We can't just end this. I promise, I won't be like this again."

I wanted to believe it, but reality said otherwise.

One week passed...

Malik grew distant. He only came to pick up clothes, without ever really staying. I stopped caring. I occupied myself with work, taking on more clients, more projects.

As a wedding dress designer, I knew every detail of the perfect dress. I poured all my energy into work, trying to forget this heartbreak. I didn't even have time to think about Malik anymore.

But apparently, my indifference made him suspicious.

I just read his message without replying. What did he expect? Me to stay faithful while he was busy with another woman?

And that day came. I received an invitation from one of my VIP clients who wanted me to attend her wedding as a token of appreciation for the dress I had designed.

I came confidently, feeling proud of my work. I was even curious to see who the bride was—the woman wearing my creation on her special day.

But once I saw who was standing on the stage, wearing a wedding dress I designed, the world seemed to stop.

Bella.

I looked at her with widened eyes. Then, Malik was beside her.

I designed Bella's wedding dress. I spent days making it perfect—without knowing that it would be worn by the woman who stole the man I once thought was mine.

I stood among the guests, my body tense. Everyone was clapping, praising how beautiful the couple was. But I could only stare blankly.

I held my breath.

At that moment, I realized... I had really been replaced.

I stepped back, wanting to get out of here. But in a careless move, I bumped into an assistant carrying a tray of food.

The sound of breaking dishes clinking echoed throughout the room. Everyone turned around, surprised to see food scattered on the floor.

I froze.

Bella looked at me in shock. Malik—for the first time since this event started—was genuinely surprised to see me.

I didn't care. Without saying anything, I turned around and walked out quickly.

"Ruby!" Malik's voice called out to me, but I didn't stop.

I heard his steps chasing me. I knew he would try to stop me. But this time, I wouldn't let him do it.