A Joke Proved He Never Loved Me

The news of Jared Foley and me breaking up completely stuns our social groups.

After all, we've been together for ten whole years. Even the invitations to our wedding are printed.

When faced against our friends' doubts and questions, I merely reply, "We broke up over a joke."

At a classmates' reunion on the day before, the drunken Chuck Garner, the class president, suddenly asks Jared a question.

"Heather's your fiancee, whereas Paige is your first love. Who would you rescue if both of them fall into the sea at the same time?"

Jared doesn't even bother glancing at me as he answers immediately, "Paige, of course!"

For a moment, the atmosphere in the private room becomes awkward. Soon, someone quickly eases the tension.

"Have you all forgotten that Heather used to be the swimming champion back then? She doesn't need Jared to save her!"

Jared shoots it down immediately. "Nah. It's because Heather talks too much."

A pause later, Chuck bursts out laughing.

"It's been ten years! To think that the top scorer has picked up a sense of humor!"

Everyone else joins in on the laughter except for me. After all, I know that Jared is speaking the truth.

He's already sick and tired of me rambling on and on when I share every little detail that happens in my life with him every day. That's why he mutes my chatbox on WhatsApp.

I've always thought that this is a part of Jared's personality. That is, until I accidentally stumble upon the chat history between Jared and Paige.

He even makes sure to take photos of what he has for breakfast and sends them to Paige every morning.

Only then do I realize that Jared isn't cold and aloof by nature. He's just cold and aloof toward me.

In that case, why should I stubbornly cling to the ray of light that has never illuminated my life?

Shortly after I posted on Instagram, my best friend, Tara Starr, called me.

"Heather, did Jared cheat on you? I'll buy a ticket back to Lunaton right now and help you settle the score with him!"

I was slightly taken aback by her intensity.

Cheating? It probably hadn't reached that point yet.

But cheating wasn't the only reason to break up with Jared Foley.

Ever since I saw those long, elaborate messages Jared sent to Paige Sherwood—while all I ever got from him were replies like "Okay," "Oh," or "Got it,"—I had come to realize something painful. When it came to matters of the heart, one could give it one's all, but it wouldn't make a difference if the feelings weren't mutual.

Since that was the case, why should I keep holding on?

With that thought, I replied, "No, Jared didn't cheat on me. I just suddenly realized that he and I have nothing left to say to each other. By the way, I've already found a job in Southville. I won't be coming back to Lunaton anymore. We'll talk more when I get back."

After hanging up, I started packing my clothes.

My phone rang again. This time, the name flashing on the screen was Jared.

I stared at it for three seconds before pressing the answer button.

"Hello?" His voice was as bland and indifferent as always. "I'll be away on business for a few more days. Just handle the wedding stuff however you see fit."

It took me a few seconds to process his words.

Jared thought I talked too much, so he had long ago muted my Instagram posts. Naturally, he hadn't seen what I had just uploaded.

Before I could speak, he continued, "Oh, by the way, Paige said she wants to be your bridesmaid, and I already agreed on your behalf."

I froze. "What did you just say?"

"I know you've already finalized all four of your bridesmaids, but Paige means well. It's no big deal for you to swap one out now," he replied matter-of-factly, as if it were the most ordinary request in the world.

I almost laughed out of sheer disbelief. "Jared, you do know she's your ex-girlfriend, right?"

Impatience crept into his voice. "That's all in the past. Why do you care so much? She means well. She just said she wants to give you a special wedding gift."