Chapter 1

On Christmas Eve, I prepared a feast and waited for Eric Johnson.

He didn't even glance at the food; he just packed his bags and said, "I can't celebrate with you this year."

I said nothing, silently eating my pie.

That night, his first love, Emily Grant, posted a timely photo.

In it, Emily was smiling, piggybacking on Eric with a big Christmas tree outside.

She said, "Raise our glasses for love."

I didn't rage. I just liked the post.

Eric called, voice panicked, "Emma, don't overthink it. I'll make it up to you next year."

I was silent for a moment, then laughed softly.

Next year?

Eric, there won't be a next time.

*****

By the time Eric finally came home, the festival was already over.

Normally, I'd be waiting for him in the little garden, but this time, I wasn't there.

Eric texted me: [Where are you?]

I was having lunch and shot back a quick reply: [Just eating at home.]

Moments later, Eric walked in, dragging his suitcase behind him.

As Eric was changing his shoes, he called out to me, "I'm starving. Go make me some food."

Normally, I'd have jumped up to make food for him without even thinking about it, but this time, I just answered coolly.

I just said, "I'm done eating. You can order takeout for yourself."

Eric shot me an annoyed look, but held back his anger. He said, "I know you're still pissed about Christmas, but can you not start with me right now? I'm seriously starving."

I just smiled at him. "I'm not mad."

But Eric didn't believe me. "Emily is all by herself in the city. I just kept her company for the festival. That's all."

I answered flatly, "Yeah, I know."

Eric stared into my eyes, like he was trying to read my mind.

Then he dropped his gaze, trying to keep his annoyance in check. He said, "Is this really worth it? I'm wiped out today. I don't want to argue. Can't you just chill for once?"

I met his eyes, explaining calmly, "I'm not arguing with you. Are you finished? I need to wash the dishes."

Eric stood there quietly for a long moment, then pulled a necklace out of his pocket and held it out to me.

He looked down at me from above, his voice almost indifferent. He said, "It's a gift."

The necklace didn't have any wrapping at all; it couldn't have been more different from the fancy box Emily flaunted on her post.

I didn't even crack a smile. I replied, keeping it polite, "Thanks."

And that was all.

A flash of irritation flickered in Eric's eyes. He said, "That's it? That's all you have to say?"

I answered, totally unfazed, "Yes."

Eric's face turned stormy. He held out his hand in front of me and asked, "What about my gift?"

I'd totally forgotten about that. I gave him an apologetic look and replied, "Sorry, I totally forgot. I'll just give you some cash; go buy yourself something nice."

With that, I took out my phone and transferred the amount to him.

Eric's eyes widened in shock, like he honestly couldn't believe I'd forgotten.

After all, I was all about making every holiday special; exchanging gifts was our tradition.

I'd kept it up, year after year.

I was always coming up with new ideas for Eric's gifts, even when he forgot to get me anything.

The air was thick with awkwardness. I headed to the closet, changed into something else, and walked to the door.

Eric called out, sounding urgent, "Where are you going?"

I replied coolly, "Just meeting up with my friends."

With that, I closed the door behind me, ignoring Eric calling after me.

Ever since I started dating Eric, I stopped going out and having fun, just because he said he didn't like me partying.

My friends all thought I was a buzzkill. Since they knew Eric kept me on a tight leash, they just stopped inviting me to anything.

But now, I could finally hang out with my girls again.