After He Chose Her, I Chose Myself

On Thanksgiving Day, I prepared a feast, waiting for Edward to come home. Without a glance at the spread, he went straight to packing his bags and said coolly, “I won't be spending Thanksgiving with you this year.”

I remained silent, nibbling on the pulled pork on my plate.

At midnight, Ruby, his old flame, posted a picture on Instagram. She was beaming, perched on Edward's back, with a full moon shining through the window behind them. Her caption read, “Toasting the moon, two shadows become one.”

I didn’t fire off a barrage of questions like I might have before; instead, I just hit 'like' on the post.

Edward called, sounding flustered, “Don’t read too much into it. I swear I’ll spend next Thanksgiving with you…”

I paused, then chuckled softly without replying.

Next time?

Oh, Edward.

There will be no next time.

----

When Edward returned home, Thanksgiving was a distant memory. I used to wait for him in our garden, but not this time.

He texted me, “Where are you?”

I was finishing lunch and casually replied, “Eating at home.”

Edward soon walked in, dragging his suitcase behind him. As he changed his shoes, he said, “I’m starving. Make me some pasta and a soft-boiled egg.”

In the past, I’d dash to the kitchen without a second thought, but now I coolly replied, “I’ve eaten already. You should order takeout.”

Edward gave me a disgruntled look but swallowed his irritation and said, “I know you’re still mad about Thanksgiving, but can you let it go for now? I’m really hungry.”

I met his gaze and smiled faintly, “I’m not upset.”

He didn’t believe me. “Ruby was all alone in New York, and it just happened to be Thanksgiving. I was being a good host.”

I answered calmly, “I know.”

Edward stared into my eyes as if trying to read my thoughts, then looked down and suppressed his frustration, asking, “Does this really have to be a big deal? I’m tired and not up for a fight. Can you just be reasonable?”

Meeting his gaze, I patiently explained, “I’m not fighting. Are you done? I need to wash the dishes.”

Edward stood silently for a moment, then pulled a necklace from his pocket and handed it to me. Glancing at me, he simply said, “A gift.”

The necklace came without packaging, a stark contrast to the beautifully wrapped one Ruby showcased on Instagram. I didn’t show any excitement, just politely said, “Thank you.”

That was it.

Edward's eyes flickered with irritation, and he asked sharply, “Is that all?”

I replied serenely, “That’s all.”

His expression darkened as he held out his hand expectantly, “And mine?”

It was then I remembered and apologized, “Sorry, I forgot. I'll send you a gift card. Buy what you like.”

I grabbed my phone and sent him a $30 gift card. Edward's eyes widened in disbelief, as if stunned I could forget. After all, I valued traditions, and exchanging gifts during the holidays was