Five Years, A Beautiful Placeholder

hovering over Liam's social media page. He had posted a photo of us from a year ago, a pro

va, you make every day better than the last. I can't im

!" "So happy for you two!" "He's a keeper, Ava!" The hypocrisy was staggering. He was building

hen came the texts. "Ava, where are you? I'm worried." "Baby, please

s manufactured concern was pathetic. I stayed s

. The front door opened with a frantic burst of energy. "

m, surrounded by packed boxes.

I was so worried." He rushed to my side, tryi

m. My expression was flat, my voice devoid of a

tation of concern. "What are you talking about? I was

ou seemed busy too." I let a small, bitter smile touc

n him, his charming mask slipped. He looked genuinely shocked, cau

you think. Sophia is just a friend. She's pregnant, yes, but the baby

t. "You're a very good friend, Liam," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm he cou

ted we attend together. He begged me to go, to maintain appearances. "Please, Ava. Ju

rfect, doting partner, his hand always on my waist, his smile never faltering for the cameras. Sophia was there, of

e threats. But as he delivered his speech on the importance of family and integrity, I glanced down at their table. Underneath t

It was just... boring. The whole elaborate game was tedious and pathetic. I felt a profound sense of weariness, a deep, soul-crushing boredom with his lies, with her v