Derek froze. “What?”

“Just being mature,” I said.

I addressed the room calmly.

“A mature person knows when they’re not valued. And leaves.”

“You’re embarrassing yourself,” he snapped.

“No,” I said. “I’m embarrassing you.”

I turned to Nicole.

“He’s all yours.”

Then I walked out.

The Exit

In the bedroom, Derek tried to stop me.

“You’re overreacting.”

“No,” I said. “I’m finally reacting correctly.”

He grabbed my arm lightly.

“Don’t do this.”

“Let go.”

He did.

I walked out for good.

Aftermath

I stayed with Ava, found my own place, and ignored Derek’s messages.

They followed the usual pattern—anger, denial, apology.

I didn’t respond.

Weeks later, he showed up.

“I made a mistake,” he said.

“You made a choice,” I replied.

And I closed the door.

Six Months Later

I heard he and Nicole broke up.

For the exact reasons you’d expect.