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!"

I looked at Malik, who was standing in front of the apartment door with a face full of lies. I already knew everything. About Newcastle.

"Why?" My voice trembled, holding back the emotions I had been trying to suppress.

Malik sighed, a frustrated look on his face. "Ruby, it's not what you think."

I laughed sarcastically. "Oh yeah? I don't care about Newcastle, I don't care about you meeting Bella. I just want to know, why did you lie?"

He rubbed his face, his expression turning annoyed. "So, this is the case? Okay, I apologize. I should have told you from the beginning. But I didn't want you to get jealous, so I didn't tell you."

I sneered. "Jealous?" I leaned closer, looking him in the eye. "If I was jealous, would you stop seeing Bella? No, right?"

Malik averted his eyes, not answering. I laughed bitterly. "I guess we better break up."

His eyes widened. "Ruby, don't!" He grabbed my hand, his grip tight. "I can't live without you! I know I'm wrong, but I promise, you're my priority now."

Empty promises. Just like before.

But this time, I just smiled a little. "Alright, Malik."

I saw the relief in his eyes. He hugged me tightly, thinking that all was well again.

In fact, I was just pretending.

***

The following days, I stayed in the apartment. As usual, Malik came home less and less. I didn't ask. Didn't care anymore. I just waited for the right time.

However, one night, he came home drunk.

"Ruby..." his voice was heavy, hisbreath smelling of alcohol. He limped over to me, who was sitting on the sofa.

I sighed softly. "You're drunk, Malik. Go to sleep."

He shook his head, instead sitting beside me, his fingers touching my face. "You're so beautiful..." he whispered, then leaned in and kissed me.

I brushed him off. "Malik, don't."

But he didn't listen. His hand tightened on my arm, then suddenly he carried me to the bed.

"Malik, stop!" I tried to resist, but he was stronger. He kissed me again, this time lustfully.

However, he suddenly fell silent. I saw his face change, his eyes seemed empty.

"Bella..." he murmured.

I froze.

"Bella..." herepeated, more clearly this time.

My blood was boiling. I immediately broke away and slapped him hard.

Malik gasped, then looked at me with angry eyes. "Why did you slap me?" he snapped.

I didn't answer. I got up, grabbed my bag, and ran out of the apartment.

I didn't care anymore. Didn't care about Malik. Didn't care about anything we had before.

***

The next morning, I stopped by a café to grab a coffee before heading to work. However, my steps stopped when I heard a very familiar voice.

I looked over. Malik was sitting with his friends in the corner of the café.

"Ruby must still be expecting you," a man's voice sounded dismissive.

Malik laughed. "Let it go. She'll be back to her usual self."

"Do you still want to be with her?" his friend asked dismissively.

"Enjoying? Yes. But loving? No," Malik replied lightly. "I just need someone I can do things for. Come home and there's always someone waiting, cooking food, cleaning the apartment. Like a loyal dog."

Without thinking, I turned toward the door. However, just as I exited the café, someone confronted me.

Bella.

She smiled sweetly, but I could see the arrogance in her eyes.

"We need to talk, Ruby."

I folded my arms, looking at her sharply. "There's nothing to talk about."

Bella chuckled. "I just want you to know that I love Malik."

"And I want you to give up." Her eyes looked at me triumphantly. "After all, we're getting married in a week."

I froze.

"So... that whole thing about your mom being sick was a lie too?" I asked quietly.

Bella smiled. "Yes, Malik does love me."

My hands clenched into fists. Without thinking, I slapped her.

Bella was silent, holding her flushed cheek.

Without another word, I turned around and left.

That day, I went home to my mom's house.

I left everything behind. Malik, Bella, and all the memories that once existed.

I sat in the room, staring blankly at the window. The sky was getting dark, but I stayed here, silent. Everything that happened today felt so absurd.

Malik and Bella are getting married.

I chuckled, but it felt more like my breath was caught in my throat. All the effort, all the tears, all the hurt-in the end, I was just a fool who let myself continue to be toyed with.

Mom came into the room with a glass of hot tea. "Didn't you eat, Ruby?" she asked gently.

I shook my head. "Not hungry, mom."

Mom sighed softly, then sat down beside me. "I won't force you to tell me, but don't torture yourself like this. Malik is not the only person in this world."

I bit my lip. "I'm not hurt because of him, mom. I'm hurt because I let this happen myself."

Mom stroked my hair lovingly. "You're not stupid, Ruby. You just trusted the wrong person."

I closed my eyes, trying to swallow the emotions raging in my chest. "I have to get up, right?"

Mom gave a small smile. "You have to."

I took a deep breath. Yes, I have to get up. I won't let myself fall deeper just because of someone like Malik.

***

The next morning, I was determined to get back to living my life as usual. I woke up early, took a shower, and prepared for work.

When I arrived at the office, I was immediately immersed in my work. I didn't want to give my mind a chance to think back to Malik and Bella.

However, at lunchtime, someone suddenly stood in front of my desk.

"Ruby."

I lifted my face and immediately felt my heart skip a beat.

Malik.

The man stood there with a face that looked a little tired. His eyes looked at me with an expression that I couldn't read.

I sighed, trying to remain calm. "What are you doing here?"

"I want to talk," she said quietly.

I chuckled, though it was bitter. "Talk? After what I heard yesterday?"

Malik was silent. His eyes softened a little, but I didn't want to be fooled again.

"I... I didn't mean to say that. I was drunk," she said in a regretful tone.

I gave her a long look. "So, if you weren't drunk, you wouldn't say that? But still think that?"

She fell silent again.

I sighed. "You know what, Malik? I'm tired. I don't want to waste any more time with you. Congratulations on your marriage to Bella. I hope you guys are happy."

I stood up, grabbed my bag, and left without looking back.

This time, I really let go of everything.

I let out a long breath. I was already too tired to face Malik again, but he stood there anyway, looking at me as if I still owed him something.

"What else, Malik?" I asked, my tone flat.

He shifted his pace, approaching me. "I just want to talk."

I laughed sarcastically. "Talk about what? About how I'm just a loyal dog waiting for you to come home? Or about how your wedding is only a week away?"

Her face tightened. "Did you hear that?"

"I'm not a fool, Malik." I looked at her sharply. "And I've had it."

She stared at me silently, as if trying to find an opening to get inside my mind again. In the past, maybe I would have been tempted, but now I just feel disgusted.

"Ruby, I'm sorry," he said finally, his voice sounding desperate.

I chuckled. "I don't need your forgiveness, Malik. I just want you to stop interfering with my life."

He rubbed his face, frustrated. "I know I was wrong, I know I was a jerk. But I can't lose you."

I shook my head, stepping back. "You didn't lose me, Malik. You lost me. Big difference."

She wanted to say something more, but I didn't give her the chance. I turned around, stepping towards the door of my house without looking back.

For the first time in a long time, I felt free.

***

The following days felt lighter. I was busy working, spending time with mom, and trying to enjoy my new life without Malik's shadow.

However, life is never that easy.

That afternoon, while I was having lunch alone at a café near my office, a woman sat in front of me without permission.

I lifted my face, and instantly his face made my stomach churn.

Bella.

With a haughty smile, he crossed his arms on the table.

"We need to talk, Ruby."

I sighed, putting down my spoon softly. "I'm not interested in your ramblings."

Bella chuckled. "Oh, I'm sure you'll be interested."

I looked at her sharply, but said nothing.

He came a little closer, his voice quieter but full of menace.

"I want you out of Malik's life."

I smiled sarcastically. "I've already left. You're the one who bothered to come here."

Her jaw hardened. "Don't play games, Ruby. Malik is mine."

I shrugged. "Congratulations. Enjoy the asshole."

She looked at me hatefully. "I'm serious. If you still try to get close to Malik, I won't stay silent."

I chuckled. "Close? Are you kidding me? I don't even want to see his face anymore."

Bella snorted, then stood up haughtily. "Good then. Watch your language, Ruby. I can be meaner than you think."

Without waiting for my reply, she turned around and left.

I just stared at her back, then let out a long breath.

I thought everything was over. But apparently, Bella wasn't satisfied with ruining my life.

That night, I had just gotten home from work when my cell phone vibrated. An incoming message from an unknown number.

"Come out now. We need to talk."

I frowned. I didn't recognize the number, but somehow, my gut feeling immediately said this had something to do with Malik or Bella.

I typed a short reply.

"Who?"

Three seconds later, the reply came.

"Don't play dumb, Ruby. I'll wait outside."

I gritted my teeth. You guessed it.

With a heavy sigh, I walked out of the house and immediately saw a black car parked in front of the fence. The driver's window was open, revealing Bella's sardonically smiling face.

"It turns out that you do dare to come out," he said, his tone mocking.

"I have no reason to hide from you," I replied casually.

Bella looked at me sharply. "Come in. I want to talk."

I crossed my arms. "There's nothing to talk about."

He let out a long sigh, then got out of the car. This time, his expression was slightly different-still haughty, but also more serious.

"I want to talk about Malik," she said, more quietly.

I chuckled. "Bella, you should be talking to your future husband, not me."

"Shut your mouth," he snapped. "I just want to know one thing. Is Malik still looking for you?"

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

Bella clenched her hands into fists. "I know he's still contacting you. Don't lie, Ruby."

I sighed, getting annoyed. "Look, I don't care about Malik anymore. If he's still looking for me, that's your problem. I'm done."

Bella looked at me for a long time, as if judging whether I was being honest or not. Then, she chuckled.

"Good," he said. "Because if you still dare to approach her, I assure you that your life will be hell."

I snorted. "I'm not afraid of your cheap threats."

She smiled wryly. "We'll see."

Without saying anything else, Bella got back into her car and drove off, leaving me standing with mixed feelings.

I thought it was over. But as it turned out, Bella wasn't going to let me go easily.