"If you knew your boyfriend had betrayed you, would you still hold on, refusing to let go?” Miranda’s voice was light, mocking, her gaze fixed on Emily with a smirk.
But Emily didn’t even glance at Jeremy, who sat beside Miranda, looking uneasy. Instead, her reply was dry and resolute, cutting through the tension like a blade. “Why would I cling to trash?” she asked. “Sometimes, letting go is the only smart choice.”
Without waiting for a response, Emily stood up, grabbed her wine glass and drained it with a single, smooth motion. She set the empty glass down firmly, her gaze unwavering. “Excuse us,” she said coolly, nodding to Cara, who looked ready to burst into applause. “We have more important things to do.”
With that, Emily strode out of the room, Cara close behind, barely containing her smile. Once they were out in the hall, Cara gave her a thumbs-up, laughing. “Now that’s how you shut them down, Em. That was incredible!”
But before Emily could respond, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from behind. She turned and there was Jeremy, his face twisted in irritation as he caught up with them.
“Emily,” he snapped, his voice laced with frustration. “What exactly was that all about? You show up, throw accusations around and now you’re leaving without an explanation?”
Emily raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. “An explanation? For what, Jeremy? For finally seeing you for what you are?”
He stared at her, still wearing his typical look of superiority. “This isn’t just some game, Emily. If you’re trying to prove a point, at least make it clear.”
Emily smirked, glancing at Cara. “Cara, wait for me outside?”
Cara hesitated, her gaze flicking between them before nodding. She shot Jeremy a glare, then walked ahead, leaving Emily and Jeremy alone in the hallway.
Emily turned back to Jeremy, her voice calm but sharp. “You think I’m causing a scene? You’re the one who keeps hiding behind excuses and acting like I owe you an explanation for every move I make. That question earlier—the one about a two-timing jerk? That was for you. I just thought I’d finally spell it out.”
Jeremy’s face flushed with anger and he took a step forward, reaching out as if to grab her arm. But before he could, Miranda appeared beside him, stepping in with her usual innocent look.
“Oh, Jeremy, this is all my fault,” Miranda cooed, her voice soft and laced with fake regret. “I never meant to come between you two. It’s just… a game, Emily. I’m sure you understand.”
Emily gave her a long, unimpressed look before replying, her voice laced with sarcasm. “Oh, I understand perfectly, Miranda. You two go right ahead and enjoy yourselves. I don’t mind at all.”
She turned back to Jeremy, her tone cold. “After all, I know how ‘innocent’ your friendship is, right? You’re practically family. Who am I to stand in the way?”
Jeremy’s jaw clenched, something unreadable flickering in his eyes as he took a step forward. “You really think that?”
Emily’s smile widened, though her eyes were sharp. “Absolutely. I have every reason to trust you both. After all, who wouldn’t believe in a friendship as pure as yours?”
Her words left him visibly frustrated, but before he could respond, Miranda gave a sudden, dramatic gasp and stumbled, clutching her ankle as if she were in pain. She whimpered, looking up at Emily with wide, accusing eyes.
“Emily,” she said with a quivering voice, “I just wanted to say goodbye. You didn’t have to push me!”
The entire act was laughably obvious, but Jeremy’s expression turned dark as he immediately leaned down, wrapping an arm protectively around her. “Miranda, are you alright?” he murmured, his voice filled with concern. Then, his gaze shot up to Emily, filled with irritation. “I can’t believe you’d do this, Emily. I thought you were better than this.”
Emily laughed, the sound soft but filled with disbelief. “Are you seriously buying this? Jeremy, she’s faking it. I didn’t even touch her.”
Miranda put on a pitiful expression, a tear forming at the corner of her eye as she clutched her ankle. “Jeremy, it hurts… I think I twisted it. Can you help me?”
Jeremy shot Emily a withering glare as he helped Miranda stand, his voice filled with disdain. “You know, I really overestimated you, Emily. You clearly can’t handle anyone else in my life but yourself.”
Emily’s calm mask finally cracked, but she kept her voice even. “Well, Jeremy, you don’t have to worry about me ‘handling’ anyone in your life anymore.” She took a deep breath, gathering the strength to say the words she’d been holding back. “In fact, I’m done with this entirely.”
But before she could say more, Miranda whimpered louder, leaning into Jeremy’s chest. “Jeremy, please… let’s just go. I don’t want to cause any more problems.”
Jeremy’s face hardened as he glared at Emily, his words cold and final. “You know what, Emily? Just get out of here. We’re done.”
Emily stood still, feeling a final pang of hurt twist in her chest, but she held her ground. “Trust me, I’m not planning on sticking around,” she replied, voice steady.
With that, she turned and walked away, not bothering to look back. She pushed through the door and found Cara waiting for her outside, eyes full of concern.
“Em, you okay?” Cara asked softly.
Emily nodded, finally letting out a shaky breath. “Better than ever, actually.” She glanced over her shoulder once, taking in the last image of Jeremy with Miranda, who was still clinging to him, her face the picture of victory. But Emily felt no urge to fight, no desire to turn back.
Cara wrapped an arm around her, guiding her away from the building and into the cool night. “You know, Em, that was brave. Not everyone can walk away like that.”
Emily gave her friend a grateful smile, feeling the weight of years lift from her shoulders. “Thanks, Cara. I guess I just finally realized I’m done wasting my time on someone who never valued me.”
Cara smiled, squeezing her shoulder. “That’s the Emily I know. Now, come on—there’s a bottle of wine waiting for us at my place and I think it’s time to toast to your freedom.”
As they walked down the street, Emily felt lighter with every step, leaving the pain, the betrayal and the toxic remnants of her old relationship behind. For the first time in years, she felt a glimmer of hope for the future, one where she could finally live for herself.
And as she glanced at Cara, laughing as they talked about nothing and everything, Emily knew she was finally ready to embrace that future—without Jeremy and without regrets.
