I looked at Malik, who was standing in front of the apartment door with a face full of lies. I already knew everything. About Newcastle.
"Why?" My voice trembled, holding back the emotions I had been trying to suppress.
Malik sighed, a frustrated look on his face. "Ruby, it's not what you think."
I laughed sarcastically. "Oh yeah? I don't care about Newcastle, I don't care about you meeting Bella. I just want to know, why did you lie?"
He rubbed his face, his expression turning annoyed. "So, this is the case? Okay, I apologize. I should have told you from the beginning. But I didn't want you to get jealous, so I didn't tell you."
I sneered. "Jealous?" I leaned closer, looking him in the eye. "If I was jealous, would you stop seeing Bella? No, right?"
Malik averted his eyes, not answering. I laughed bitterly. "I guess we better break up."
His eyes widened. "Ruby, don't!" He grabbed my hand, his grip tight. "I can't live without you! I know I'm wrong, but I promise, you're my priority now."
Empty promises. Just like before.
But this time, I just smiled a little. "Alright, Malik."
I saw the relief in his eyes. He hugged me tightly, thinking that all was well again.
In fact, I was just pretending.
***
The following days, I stayed in the apartment. As usual, Malik came home less and less. I didn't ask. Didn't care anymore. I just waited for the right time.
However, one night, he came home drunk.
"Ruby..." his voice was heavy, hisbreath smelling of alcohol. He limped over to me, who was sitting on the sofa.
I sighed softly. "You're drunk, Malik. Go to sleep."
He shook his head, instead sitting beside me, his fingers touching my face. "You're so beautiful..." he whispered, then leaned in and kissed me.
I brushed him off. "Malik, don't."
But he didn't listen. His hand tightened on my arm, then suddenly he carried me to the bed.
"Malik, stop!" I tried to resist, but he was stronger. He kissed me again, this time lustfully.
However, he suddenly fell silent. I saw his face change, his eyes seemed empty.
"Bella..." he murmured.
I froze.
"Bella..." herepeated, more clearly this time.
My blood was boiling. I immediately broke away and slapped him hard.
Malik gasped, then looked at me with angry eyes. "Why did you slap me?" he snapped.
I didn't answer. I got up, grabbed my bag, and ran out of the apartment.
I didn't care anymore. Didn't care about Malik. Didn't care about anything we had before.
***
The next morning, I stopped by a café to grab a coffee before heading to work. However, my steps stopped when I heard a very familiar voice.
I looked over. Malik was sitting with his friends in the corner of the café.
"Ruby must still be expecting you," a man's voice sounded dismissive.
Malik laughed. "Let it go. She'll be back to her usual self."
"Do you still want to be with her?" his friend asked dismissively.
"Enjoying? Yes. But loving? No," Malik replied lightly. "I just need someone I can do things for. Come home and there's always someone waiting, cooking food, cleaning the apartment. Like a loyal dog."
Without thinking, I turned toward the door. However, just as I exited the café, someone confronted me.
Bella.
She smiled sweetly, but I could see the arrogance in her eyes.
"We need to talk, Ruby."
I folded my arms, looking at her sharply. "There's nothing to talk about."
Bella chuckled. "I just want you to know that I love Malik."
"And I want you to give up." Her eyes looked at me triumphantly. "After all, we're getting married in a week."
I froze.
"So... that whole thing about your mom being sick was a lie too?" I asked quietly.
Bella smiled. "Yes, Malik does love me."
My hands clenched into fists. Without thinking, I slapped her.
Bella was silent, holding her flushed cheek.
Without another word, I turned around and left.
That day, I went home to my mom's house.
I left everything behind. Malik, Bella, and all the memories that once existed.
