I walked quickly out of the building, my breath catching, but the sound of heavy steps behind me let me know that Malik was after me.
"Ruby, wait!" he called out.
I didn’t stop, but he had already grabbed my hand, stopping me in my tracks. His eyes were sharp on me, but I didn’t care.
"I can explain," he said.
I let out a short laugh. "Oh? What exactly are you trying to explain? That you just got engaged to Bella in front of everyone? Or about how you kissed her passionately right before my eyes?"
Malik sighed, his face tense. "It’s not what you think. Bella’s mom is sick, she needs a kidney transplant, and—"
I scoffed. "Don’t use that excuse, Malik. I know you two have been together for a long time. So please, don’t pretend."
He rubbed his face in frustration. "I’m not pretending, Ruby. I—"
I raised my hand, stopping him. "I don’t want to hear it."
With the last bit of strength I had, I swallowed the pain in my heart and braced myself. I would not cry in front of him. Not now.
"Alright," I said, trying to sound more determined. "I’ll stay professional until this event is over."
Malik was silent, speechless as I stepped back into the room.
The engagement party was still going on, and Bella, with her sweet, fake smile, suddenly approached me.
"Ruby, I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you," she said in a soft voice.
I rolled my eyes inwardly. Her acting was truly impressive.
"But since you’re already here, how about a photo of the three of us?" she continued, then turned to Malik. "Honey, come here."
My hands clenched at my sides.
Bella grabbed Malik, pulling him next to me, then handed her phone to one of the guests.
"Take a few photos, please. I want a memento with Ruby too."
Small giggles could be heard all around.
"Malik must be embarrassed to have a girlfriend like Ruby."
"Obviously, he prefers Bella."
I swallowed, but I stood there anyway. Malik said nothing. He didn’t defend me. He did nothing but stand beside Bella.
***
It wasn’t long before things got worse.
Malik’s parents arrived, and I realized something they had no idea who I was. Malik had never introduced me to his family.
On the contrary, they were very close to Bella’s family, talking warmly as if they had already become one big family.
Mrs. Malik smiled at me. "You’re a photographer, right? Please take a picture of our family with Bella’s family."
My chest felt tight, but I picked up my camera and took their photos anyway.
As I looked at them through the lens, I realized one thing.
I wasn’t one of them. I was just an outsider.
As the cheers of the guests grew louder, someone from the crowd shouted:
"Kiss Bella, Malik!"
I looked over, seeing some of Malik and Bella’s friends from their trip to Newcastle screaming with excitement.
Bella pretended to blush. "Don’t be like that, guys. Our parents are here."
But Malik, without the slightest hesitation, pulled Bella closer and said in a low voice, "Why not, baby?"
And in front of everyone, he kissed her.
In. Full. View.
I could feel the world around me collapsing.
All the guests cheered, clapped, toasted the "perfect" couple.
I stared at the long table full of food and drinks in front of me.
Without thinking, I grabbed the center of the tablecloth and pulled it hard.
Plates, glasses, and food crashed to the floor, shattering into pieces. All eyes were on me.
I picked up one of the wine glasses, raised it high, and smiled sarcastically.
"Congratulations to the two most shameless people I’ve ever known," I said, then gulped down the contents in one go.
After that, without looking back, I walked out.
***
I had just gotten home when the door slammed open. Malik stood in the doorway, his face flushed with anger.
"What the hell, Ruby?" he snapped. "Do you realize you embarrassed me in front of everyone?"
I looked at him coldly. "But you kissed Bella in front of everyone. That didn’t embarrass me?"
Malik exhaled harshly, frustrated. "It was just an act, Ruby! Our families are close, their businesses are connected. I had to—"
I cut him off with a cold laugh. "Oh, an act, huh?"
I folded my arms across my chest. "Then explain one thing to me."
Malik clenched his jaw. "What?"
I looked him straight in the eyes. "Why did you lie about the trip to Newcastle?"
Malik’s face immediately tightened.
I nodded slowly. "It wasn’t a business trip, was it? It was a vacation. A vacation to celebrate your anniversary!"
