Chapter 1

Eight years, six months, and 25 days after I started dating Ryan.

We broke up.

The reason?

While we were having dinner, he placed his phone face down on the table.

The buzzing vibration sounded like a countdown to the end of our relationship.

I put down my knife and fork. "Ryan, let's break up."

Sitting across from me, he seemed to finally breathe a sigh of relief.

He didn't even bother to ask why, just said, "Okay."

He finally didn't need to pretend anymore.

All because of what he said in front of all the teachers and students back in high school.

"Aria, I will never break up with you in this lifetime."

So.

He was waiting for me to say it.

It took him less than ten minutes to pack up his things.

As if he had already decided in his mind what to take and what to leave behind.

Just like our relationship.

There were clearly problems long ago.

But because of that vow, he still took meticulous care of me, playing the role of the perfect boyfriend.

But while his body could do it.

His heart.

Couldn't.

He would unconsciously smile when he opened his phone.

When buying sanitary pads with me, he'd instinctively recommend another brand, saying it was less likely to leak.

He even started to take an interest in cooking.

Unfortunately, he never made the dishes I liked.

I watched him, from loving me.

Gradually detach from this relationship.

Finally, when he even forgot my mother's death anniversary.

I said we should break up.

And he.

Agreed without hesitation.

So quickly.

I thought it was an illusion.