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.

I walked quickly out of the building, my breath catching, but the sound of heavy steps behind me let me know that Malik was after me.

"Ruby, wait!" he called out.

I didn’t stop, but he had already grabbed my hand, stopping me in my tracks. His eyes were sharp on me, but I didn’t care.

"I can explain," he said.

I let out a short laugh. "Oh? What exactly are you trying to explain? That you just got engaged to Bella in front of everyone? Or about how you kissed her passionately right before my eyes?"

Malik sighed, his face tense. "It’s not what you think. Bella’s mom is sick, she needs a kidney transplant, and—"

I scoffed. "Don’t use that excuse, Malik. I know you two have been together for a long time. So please, don’t pretend."

He rubbed his face in frustration. "I’m not pretending, Ruby. I—"

I raised my hand, stopping him. "I don’t want to hear it."

With the last bit of strength I had, I swallowed the pain in my heart and braced myself. I would not cry in front of him. Not now.

"Alright," I said, trying to sound more determined. "I’ll stay professional until this event is over."

Malik was silent, speechless as I stepped back into the room.

The engagement party was still going on, and Bella, with her sweet, fake smile, suddenly approached me.

"Ruby, I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you," she said in a soft voice.

I rolled my eyes inwardly. Her acting was truly impressive.

"But since you’re already here, how about a photo of the three of us?" she continued, then turned to Malik. "Honey, come here."

My hands clenched at my sides.

Bella grabbed Malik, pulling him next to me, then handed her phone to one of the guests.

"Take a few photos, please. I want a memento with Ruby too."

Small giggles could be heard all around.

"Malik must be embarrassed to have a girlfriend like Ruby."

"Obviously, he prefers Bella."

I swallowed, but I stood there anyway. Malik said nothing. He didn’t defend me. He did nothing but stand beside Bella.

***

It wasn’t long before things got worse.

Malik’s parents arrived, and I realized something they had no idea who I was. Malik had never introduced me to his family.

On the contrary, they were very close to Bella’s family, talking warmly as if they had already become one big family.

Mrs. Malik smiled at me. "You’re a photographer, right? Please take a picture of our family with Bella’s family."

My chest felt tight, but I picked up my camera and took their photos anyway.

As I looked at them through the lens, I realized one thing.

I wasn’t one of them. I was just an outsider.

As the cheers of the guests grew louder, someone from the crowd shouted:

"Kiss Bella, Malik!"

I looked over, seeing some of Malik and Bella’s friends from their trip to Newcastle screaming with excitement.

Bella pretended to blush. "Don’t be like that, guys. Our parents are here."

But Malik, without the slightest hesitation, pulled Bella closer and said in a low voice, "Why not, baby?"

And in front of everyone, he kissed her.

In. Full. View.

I could feel the world around me collapsing.

All the guests cheered, clapped, toasted the "perfect" couple.

I stared at the long table full of food and drinks in front of me.

Without thinking, I grabbed the center of the tablecloth and pulled it hard.

Plates, glasses, and food crashed to the floor, shattering into pieces. All eyes were on me.

I picked up one of the wine glasses, raised it high, and smiled sarcastically.

"Congratulations to the two most shameless people I’ve ever known," I said, then gulped down the contents in one go.

After that, without looking back, I walked out.

***

I had just gotten home when the door slammed open. Malik stood in the doorway, his face flushed with anger.

"What the hell, Ruby?" he snapped. "Do you realize you embarrassed me in front of everyone?"

I looked at him coldly. "But you kissed Bella in front of everyone. That didn’t embarrass me?"

Malik exhaled harshly, frustrated. "It was just an act, Ruby! Our families are close, their businesses are connected. I had to—"

I cut him off with a cold laugh. "Oh, an act, huh?"

I folded my arms across my chest. "Then explain one thing to me."

Malik clenched his jaw. "What?"

I looked him straight in the eyes. "Why did you lie about the trip to Newcastle?"

Malik’s face immediately tightened.

I nodded slowly. "It wasn’t a business trip, was it? It was a vacation. A vacation to celebrate your anniversary!"