I hadn’t been.
I’d just been playing a role.
The Party
Saturday came. The apartment filled with people, laughter, music.
But it didn’t feel like my party.
At five, the doorbell rang.
Everyone went quiet.
Derek moved—but I got there first.
Nicole stood outside. Beautiful. Confident.
“Hi! You must be Maya.”
“Come in,” I said warmly.
Inside, Derek lit up around her in a way he hadn’t with me in months.
Jenna whispered, “You okay?”
“Watch,” I said.
The Shift
For the next hour, I was perfect. Smiling. Hosting.
Derek kept checking me—waiting for a reaction.
I gave him none.
It unsettled him.
At one point, I found him and Nicole alone, laughing together.
I walked over with wine.
“Let’s make a toast,” I said.
The room quieted.
“To Derek,” I said, smiling. “For showing me exactly what I deserve.”
Confusion spread.
“And to Nicole—for the clarity.”
I paused.
