After four years of marriage, James Lawson, who had never posted anything on social media, unexpectedly updated his status: “What an adorable little foodie!”
The attached photo showed a young woman wearing pink cat ears, eating at a Korean BBQ restaurant.
Her cheeks were flushed red from the spicy food as she stuck out her tongue. It was Sophie Jones, a new content creator at his company.
Within a minute, our mutual friend commented: “Dude, you forgot to switch accounts!”
Just like that, James’s new post disappeared as quickly as it had appeared, only to show up moments later on Sophie’s feed.
Then James’s name lit up my phone screen. In the past, I would have already taken screenshots and called him first to confront him. It would have inevitably ended in a heated argument.
But this time, I calmly watched his call go to voicemail without answering.
—
When James got home, I was nearly asleep on the couch.
He took off his coat and bent down to change his shoes.
“Why didn’t you answer my call?”
James rarely tested the waters like this, unless he knew he’d done something wrong.
Without looking up, I mumbled dismissively, “Accidentally fell asleep, didn’t hear it.”
“Had to work late, that’s why I’m late. You don’t need to wait up every time, don’t make yourself feel so insignificant.”
In the past, I would have passionately argued that I did it because I loved him.
But now, there was no point in arguing anymore.
James handed me a square velvet box, gesturing for me to open it.
Today was his company’s IPO day.
To celebrate, I’d left work early as usual, bought groceries, cooked dinner, and waited for James to come home.
But after waiting most of the night, there was no sign of James, who had promised to come home early.
I pretended not to notice the strong Korean BBQ smell on him and placed the box carelessly on the coffee table.
I recognized this box – it was the same one from when he missed my birthday.
Even the designer logo hadn’t changed.
