The Best Thing You Ever Did Was Leave

Synopsis

It is the seventh summer Killian Reed and I have been together. I have just given him one of my kidneys in secret, yet there he was, showing up at his own promotion party with a brand new girlfriend on his arm. I survive the brutal post-op recovery entirely on my own. During that time, Killian sends me a text message: [I wired a hundred grand to your account. Consider it compensation for the years we spent together.] Another text reads: [I am getting married. Her family is well-connected, and she has the resources to help me get my health back on track. Do not contact me again.] I sit in silence, watching him clear out his things from the apartment we used to share. He posts his lavish engagement photos on Instagram. Meanwhile, a severe infection from the transplant sends me back to the ER time and time again. I nearly lose my life. Two years later, my health finally stabilizes. I run into Killian at a mutual friend's wedding. He chases me down the hall and grabs my arm, tears welling up in his eyes. "Eva, I looked everywhere for you. Where did you go?" His voice cracks as he tells me his marriage has been nothing but a business transaction. He says it is over, begging me to forgive him so we can start over. I slowly pull my hand from his grip and shake my head. "Killian, I have someone who actually takes care of me now."