“Let's Talk Tomorrow” Was the Softest Goodbye I've Ever Heard

We'd been dating for seven years, but my fiancé had never brought me into the close-knit circle he was always talking about.

I pestered him for ages, and he finally agreed to take me to meet his friends.

That day, everyone started playing a story-building game.

My fiancé, Yan Yi, began: "I have someone..."

His childhood friend quickly added: "...a last-minute stand-in."

The whole table exchanged knowing smiles.

Someone else continued: "...beautiful, but incredibly stupid."

"Not exactly the one you love most."

"Honest, but can't take a joke."

"So suspicious that no one wants to hang out with her."

The second-to-last person was Yan Yi's unattainable first love from years ago.

Her cheeks flushed as she continued: "...just someone to fill the space I left behind."

In that instant, I suddenly came to my senses.

This circle, which I barely knew but had always wanted to join,

had long since made me the butt of their jokes over drinks and tea.

When it was my turn to finish the story, I smiled faintly and said:

"Ex."