Part 2New Focus

I got up and left the coffee shop. I didn't want to stay and watch him comfort her.

I couldn’t believe our eleven-year relationship was ending like this.

That night, my friends had planned a murder mystery game night. I didn't want to make it awkward for everyone, so I forced myself to go.

I was a few minutes late, and I could hear them talking inside.

“Is Clara bailing? Don't tell me they're fighting again.”

“It’s because of that Instagram post.”

Someone laughed. “She’s seriously mad about that? Ethan, you’re the president of the photo club. You take pictures. That's... what you do. Clara needs to chill.”

“Seriously. Remember last time? She got mad because Ethan got the 'Lovers' script with someone else and she sulked all night. Ruined the game.”

“If I had a girlfriend, I’d want someone sweet. Someone who doesn't fly off the handle. You know, like Sophie.”

I heard Ethan sigh.

“It’s my fault. I spoiled her. She’s just… like that.”

“Well, you’d better keep spoiling her,” a guy joked. “No one else will put up with that. You’re stuck with her.”

A soft, sweet voice cut in.

“Clara is so lucky. If I had someone who doted on me like that, I would never, ever get mad at him.”

So, Sophie was here too.

The group erupted. “Ooooh! Then you two should be the 'Lovers' tonight!”

“Really?” Sophie giggled. “Can we pick the script where you have to give me a romantic confession?”

Ethan’s voice, full of amusement.

“Fine. Just for tonight, I’ll indulge you.”

He then added, “But seriously guys, don’t tell Clara. You know how she gets.”

I let my hand fall from the doorknob. The laughter inside sounded so sharp.

He knew. He knew I hated when he did that. He’d say one thing to me, then do the exact opposite, all because he was so sure I’d never actually leave.

He’d miscalculated.

Later that night, Sophie posted on her Instagram story.

“First time playing a murder mystery! I never knew ‘growing old together’ could be so romantic. Thank you for one perfect night that healed me. I used to think there was nothing left for me in this world, but now… now I have a new dream to chase.”

Tucked in the corner of a group photo was a close-up: two hands, fingers interlaced.

Ethan wasn’t in the photo, but I’d know that hand anywhere.

I swiped up to see the comments. Ethan’s was at the top.

“Don’t be so pessimistic. There’s still so much beauty in the world waiting for us.”

I turned off my phone and knocked on my dad’s study.

“Dad, I want to apply to UCLA.”

He stopped typing and closed his laptop, motioning for me to sit.

“What’s this? A sudden change of heart? I thought you were set on NYU, to be with Ethan.”

“Your firm is moving its headquarters to LA, isn't it? I want to be closer to you. And I want to study finance. The job market is better on the West Coast.”

My dad saw the sadness on my face, but he didn't push.

“I support you, Clara. Prioritizing your own future is never the wrong move. To be honest, I was worried about you being so far away for the first time. This… this is a relief.”

Looking at his kind, supportive face, I knew I’d made the right choice.