Ex's Violent Reappearance

Synopsis

I stared into my whiskey sour, watching the ice cubes melt and blur like my future. Seven years. Seven fucking years of my life, and Ryan had ended it all with a text message while I was at work: *It's not you, it's my career. I need space to focus on my professional growth.* The dim lighting of Roxie's Bar mercifully hid most of my puffy eyes as another tear slid down my cheek. "That spineless, gel-haired corporate puppet," Chloe fumed beside me, her third martini sloshing dangerously as she gestured. "Who breaks up with someone after seven years with a goddamn text? Did he even give you a real explanation?" I shook my head, the movement sending a dull throb through my temples. The bar's ambient music seemed to pulse with my headache, the bass line matching my heartbeat. "Just that he 'needs to prioritize his career trajectory' and 'we want different things now.'" My voice cracked on the last word. "Seven years, Chloe. I thought he was going to propose this year." Chloe's face softened as she squeezed my hand. "Maddie, I hate to say this, but maybe... maybe it's for the best. You deserve someone who—" "Don't," I whispered, cutting her off. "I can't hear the silver lining speech right now. I just need to feel this." My phone buzzed on the sticky bar top. I glanced down, hoping irrationally that it was Ryan coming to his senses. Instead, it was my boss asking if I could come in early tomorrow. I switched it to silent and slid it into my purse. "You know what the worst part is?" I said, tracing the rim of my glass.