Boyfriend Chooses Another Over Me

Synopsis

The crystal-blue water of the Caribbean surrounded us as Zachary adjusted his scuba gear, his tanned shoulders gleaming under the afternoon sun. Our fourth anniversary celebration had started perfectly—a private bungalow on this secluded island, tropical drinks with tiny umbrellas, and plans for an underwater photography session to capture memories we'd cherish forever. "Ready for our dive?" I asked, adjusting my mask. "I can't wait to see the reef up close." Zachary smiled, that half-dimpled smile that still made my heart skip after four years. "Just need to check my equipment one more time. You know how I am about safety." That's when his phone rang. The shrill sound cut through the gentle lapping of waves against our private dock. I watched his expression change as he looked at the screen. "Sorry," he muttered, already answering. "Leila? What's wrong?" My stomach tightened at her name. Leila Harris—the perpetually helpless underclassman who'd been orbiting Zachary since sophomore year. "I can't talk now," he said, his voice dropping to that concerned tone I rarely heard directed at me anymore. "Noemi and I are about to—" Whatever she said next made his face drain of color. "A panic attack? Where are you? Hold on—" He turned away from me, lowering his voice further. I stood there in my bathing suit, weight belt in hand, watching as my boyfriend of four years forgot I existed. The resort staff hovered nearby, ready to escort us