Chapter 4 The group chat was buzzing about our first reunion since graduation. Jake never responded. Too busy, probably. So I went. Figured I'd catch up with old friends, clear my head. The restaurant I'd always wanted to try. Jake could never find the time before. Same crowd, same topic-him. "You two were like campus royalty back then. Same company after graduation too-you must be married by now?" "You guys are so cute together. Saw his post yesterday, that silhouette shot of you stargazing. Why didn't he come tonight?" I checked Jake's social media. Nothing. He'd blocked me. About to tell everyone we'd broken up when someone pointed outside. "There he is! I knew it-you two were attached at the hip in college." Through the window, Jake in the white hoodie I'd bought him. That soft, warm smile. For a second, I was back in that perfect summer when we were everything to each other. Then I saw Mia behind him. Matching hoodies. Like some cute college couple. Bandage gone, arm healed. le clearly hadn't known about the reunion. Held the door for her: Canceled work drinks to meet your friends." le froze when he saw me. Tried to look away. ut our classmates spotted him: Jake! Get over here-who's this?" ll eyes on them. ven the college kids at the next table were staring. ake looked straight at me, like he wanted to explain. ut Mia went red, tugged his sleeve: My friends are watching. Please don't embarrass me." lis jaw tightened. After a long pause, he made his choice. One guilty glance at me, then looked away. My girlfriend, Mia." When did he stop caring about my feelings? At work, with friends-always choosing her over me. Watched him introduce her around while everyone awkwardly called her "Ms.Reed," shooting me worried looks. I didn't belong here. Light rain outside. I stood under the awning, flagging down a cab. Someone grabbed my arm. Jake, eyes down: "It's raining. Let me drive you." "Your girlfriend's inside. Don't bother." His face tightened, impatient. "She's chatting with everyone. I'll come back for her. Let me take you home first." No explanation. I didn't need one. I stared out the window while he rambled: "After I fired her, things got rough. I felt guilty, wanted to help her out." "Calling her my girlfriend was just to save face. Don't worry-when we send out wedding invites, everyone will understand." "Once this blows over, we'll do the parent meeting again…" "Jake." I cut him off. "If you'd known firing her would hurt her, would you still have chosen me?" Silence. Jake regretted picking me. I closed my eyes, pretended to sleep. Heard him sigh, barely a whisper: "Either way, I won't abandon you." But love needs certainty. One choice. Jake, you couldn't give me that.