"Jason, stop right there!" I called out, my voice desperate.

He paused, turned around, and gave me a look full of disdain like I was beneath him. "Emma, stop making a scene. The more you act like this, the more I’ll hate you."

Tears began to fall without warning. They felt hot against my cold skin, and I could taste the bitterness on my lips.

I fought to stand, my legs unsteady as I stumbled toward the mirror.

The reflection staring back at me was unrecognizable: messy hair, pale skin, eyes swollen from crying. I looked like a mess—nothing like the confident woman I once was.

I had been with Jason for seven years.

From elementary school to college, we were inseparable. Everyone saw us as the perfect couple, destined to get married right after graduation.

I gave up my chance to study abroad for him, chose to stay in the city, and dedicated my whole life to building a future with him.

I thought our love was unbreakable. I thought he was my rock. I thought...

But now, it was all just an illusion. A ridiculous dream.

Seven years. Over a thousand days and nights. I gave him my heart, my youth—everything. And for what?

I had been such a fool.

Emma's POV