Scarlett had strung me along for seven years. Then she said she was bored and went after a younger, more handsome college guy. This time, I didn’t make a scene. I tossed the diamond ring I’d bought for her and cut up the wedding dress I’d picked out. Late that night, I boarded a plane and left NYC. Her friends were all placing bets on how long it would take for me to crawl back. Scarlett just smiled, arrogant as ever: “Alex will be back begging like a dog in less than a day.” But day after day passed, and I remained out of touch. She couldn’t sit still anymore and called my phone: “Alex, had enough fun? Come back…” A soft, shy female voice cut her off: “Ms. Reed, you should apologize early, or someone else will snatch him away.” Scarlett gripped her phone, her voice trembling: “Who is this? Let Alex take the call!” Serena leaned in and kissed me: “He can’t. He needs his rest. If it’s important, you’ll have to wait for me to kiss him awake.” It was my seventh year with Scarlett. I’d bought a diamond ring and her favorite wedding dress, mustering up the courage to propose. But bad luck, I arrived a few minutes late to the party that day. Just in time to overhear her chatting with her friends. “Alex? Oh, that guy’s so predictable. I got bored ages ago.” Scarlett sipped her red wine, a haughty smile on her face: “Seven years. Wouldn’t you be tired of it?” Her friends all burst into laughter: “You’ve got a point. Seven years, even the hottest guy would lose his flavor.” “But Alex really is handsome.” “And his body’s great too. At Scarlett’s birthday last time, he wore a full black suit, looked even better than those movie stars!” “Seriously, Scarlett, you used to be so obsessed with him. Can you really let him go?” Scarlett’s voice was flat: “Have I ever lied?” Her friend immediately changed tack: “Then… if I went after Alex, you wouldn’t mind, right?” “Go for it,” Scarlett took another sip of wine, speaking slowly. “As long as you’re not grossed out.” “Seriously? Aren’t you ashamed? Taking her sloppy seconds, someone Scarlett’s already bored with?” Another wave of laughter. I didn’t go into the private room that night. I made up an excuse and went home early. Scarlett hung up the phone without asking a single question. I guess that night, my burning heart finally died out.
Within a couple of days, the gossip started flying around our social circle. Scarlett was seeing a sophomore college guy. Maybe he was sheltered, but faced with money and vanity, the guy fell for it in no time. At a friend’s gathering, Scarlett showed up with him. The moment they walked in, everyone went quiet. A few of my closer friends looked at me with concern. I smiled. “Why’s everyone so quiet? What are you looking at me for?” Scarlett wrapped an arm around the guy and sat down, then finally looked at me directly: “Alex, today’s a good chance, so I’ll just lay it all out.” “Okay, go ahead.” “These years of breaking up and getting back together have been meaningless. The feelings faded long ago.” I clenched my hand tightly, the ring hidden in my palm digging deep into my skin. But I couldn’t feel the pain. “You’re not as young as him, and not as cheerful. I truly like him.” Scarlett held the guy’s hand, her eyes full of affection. I nodded lightly: “Okay, I get it.” “We can still be friends in the future. If you need anything, you can always find me.” “No thanks.” I chuckled softly and stood up: “Since we’ve broken up, let’s make it a clean break. Save people from getting the wrong idea.” Scarlett raised an eyebrow, surprised, then after a moment, said: “Fair enough.” “Then you guys can hang out. I’ll head back.” “Want me to walk you out?” “No need, I’ll just take a taxi.” As I walked out of the room and closed the door, I heard someone ask, “How long do you think Alex will last this time?” “Two days?” “He seems genuinely angry this time. I’ll bet five days.” Scarlett glanced at the door, which wasn’t fully closed, and smiled dismissively: “Alex will definitely come back like a dog in less than three days.” “Hasn’t it always been like this for years?” The people inside chimed in: “True, how could Alex leave you? Everyone knows he loves you like crazy…” I gave a self-deprecating laugh and hurried towards the elevator.
Back at my apartment, I pulled out the wedding dress she had always loved. And simply cut it up. After all, keeping it here would only be an eyesore for Scarlett. When I finally left, I thought for a moment and left her a note. This apartment and everything in it was hers to dispose of as she pleased, no need to ask me. I booked a red-eye flight, leaving NYC behind and returning to that familiar city.
My buddy, Jake, got the word and threw a gathering that night. It was all old classmates and friends. A few rounds in, the door opened again. A couple of guys immediately brightened: “Serena? You’re a rare sight!” “Yeah, Ms. Serena, what brings you here tonight?” Serena’s cheeks were slightly flushed. “I was just doing some business next door, heard about the old classmates gathering, so I came to join the fun.” As she spoke, her gaze lingered on me for a moment before slowly moving away. Jake nudged me quietly: “Alex, Serena’s here for you, isn’t she?” I forced myself to look at her. She was a little taller than Scarlett, and had a better figure. I squinted for a bit, then looked away and shook my head: “No way. We haven’t kept in touch for years.” But Jake ignored me and called out to Serena directly: “Hey, campus queen, could you give Alex a ride later?” “We’ve all been drinking, and we don’t want him to get ripped off by a ride-share.” Serena’s gaze crossed over everyone and landed on my face. After about two seconds, I saw her nod: “Okay.” “Thanks, campus queen.” Jake sat down with a grin and whispered to me: “Alex, why should Scarlett be able to play the field, but you can’t have a second chance at love?” “Besides, a beauty like Serena, it’d be a crime not to go for it.” “How do you know she’d be interested in me?” Jake gave a mischievous grin: “The way she looked at you just now, it was like she wanted to devour you!” “Trust my experience, man.” 4 The gathering ended, and Serena drove me back to my hotel. When we arrived downstairs, I unbuckled my seatbelt, And thanked her: “Thanks for the ride tonight.”
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