Chapter 2: Breaking Free 

The threat of ‘we’re through‘ had hung over Amelia’s head for the entirety of their three–year relationship. Three years of putting him on a pedestal, of dropping everything for him, of contorting herself to fit his every whim. 

His friends even called her “Robot Girlfriend,” joking that only a robot could cater to Marks very need without complaint. 

But it was never enough. The slightest inconvenience, the smallest disagreement, and he was ready to throw away their relationship. And every time he threatened to leave, the tried harder to please him, terrified of losing him. 

But looking at him now, his arm wrapped possessively around Vivian, his tenderness reserved for someone else, Amelia felt a weight lift from her shoulders. It was time to stop being blind. 

She met Mark’s gaze, a ghost of a smile playing on her lips. “Okay.” 

His jaw dropped, eyes widening in disbelief. “Say that again!” 

He took a step toward her, reaching for her hand, but Vivian clung to him, tears welling up in her eyes. “Mark, please don’t be mad. Don’t fight with Amelia. It’s my fault.” She buried. her face in his chest, sobbing dramatically. “Please, Mark, don’t break up with her. Amelia 

loves you so much.” 

Amelia had to hand it to her, Vivian played the victim well. Mark immediately turned his 

attention to her, comforting her as if she were the most precious thing in the world. Amelia 

was invisible. 

As Amelia walked out, she spared them one last glance. Mark was oblivious to the stages of 

the other guests, lost in his own little world with Vivian. She felt a strange hollowness, not quite pain, but a dull ache in her chest. Seven years of chasing after him, three of being his girlfriend, and this was it. He’d given all his affection and attention to someone else. 

years 

It was time to say goodbye to this charade, to this one–sided, degrading, messy excuse for a relationship.