After He Chose Her, I Chose Myself

I looked at Edward, puzzled by what was making him so upset. In the past, when I did similar things, he'd say, "We're in a relationship, not in chains. Please, give me some space; I can barely breathe."

Now, when I’m not all over him, he wonders why I’m ignoring him. Honestly, I have no idea what he wants anymore. But I didn't bring up past issues. I simply said, "You're out with friends. If I kept calling, it wouldn't make any sense, right? You and Ruby are friends, so there's nothing for me to worry about."

A look of disbelief crossed Edward's face, maybe surprised that I could mention Ruby so calmly. He quickly composed himself and explained, "That post was just a keepsake, nothing more. Don't overthink it."

I shook my head, ready to say something, but Edward cut me off, "What now? Do you think I shouldn't go to Ruby's birthday party? We've known each other for over ten years. We dated briefly, but now we're just good friends. A birthday's worth showing up for."

I gave Edward an understanding look and said, "I get it. It's late; you should get some rest."

Edward fell silent, looking at me like he was trying to figure out if I was really not upset. After a while, he found no clues on my face. He reached out like he was going to hug me, but I quietly stepped aside.

I calmly asked, "Are you sleeping in the master bedroom or the guest room?"

Edward paused before responding. His expression softened. Maybe he was finally starting to understand that, whether or not Ruby had her famous spiced honey cake at Thanksgiving, I trusted him completely. His friendships didn't threaten our relationship; they were just part of the bigger picture, like choosing between dinner rolls or pulled pork at a cookout.

He took a deep breath and said, "I think I'll sleep in the guest room tonight. It might give us both a chance to clear our heads."

I nodded, offering him a small smile, and turned toward the soft hum of the coffee machine in the kitchen. It was time for a comforting cup, the warmth of the coffee a gentle reminder that some routines remain constant amidst change.

Edward's eyes widened in surprise. I had actually turned down his attempt at intimacy—something I had once yearned for but could never attain.

Annoyed and a bit embarrassed, Edward slammed the guest room door shut and withdrew to the master bedroom. As soon as he left, I fell asleep almost instantly. Ever since I stopped overthinking, falling asleep had become so much easier.

The next morning, Stanley, the director of our dance company, called me unexpectedly. He'd somehow caught wind of my plan to move abroad and wanted to throw me a farewell party. I declined quickly, but not easily deterred, he then suggested a gathering with the entire dance troupe. With the invitation extended so openly, I found myself with no reasonable excuse to say no.

What I didn't anticipate was Edward showing up that evening. It made sense, though—he was Stanley's nephew, after all. Much to my dismay, Ruby, Edward's ever-present companion, was with him. Not even a reunion among classmates seemed to deter Edward from bringing Ruby along.

Upon noticing me, Edward gave a subtle nod, indicating I should join them. I deliberately ignored him. They looked like the perfect couple, and I decided not to disrupt their moment.

Ruby noticed me and flashed a smug smile. Her condescension quickly morphed into feigned sincerity as she said, "Sorry for gatecrashing your reunion. I was just so bored, and Edward thought it would be cool to bring me along."

Stanley had organized a lavish meal for us in the main hall of a famous restaurant known for its Victorian charm. Dinner rolls accompanied pulled pork and spiced honey cake. Instead of the usual teas, richly brewed coffee in elegant cups filled the air with warmth and comfort. The evening felt akin to Thanksgiving, full of shared stories, laughter, and the promise of new beginnings.

Edward's subtle nod lingered in my mind as I watched him and Ruby across the room, her Victorian-style dress blending seamlessly with Edward’s classic attire. I took a sip of my coffee, feeling nostalgic about the times we spent together, wondering if this European adventure might finally help me move on and find a fresh start amid the majestic beauty of the Alps.