reunion

Reunited with my ex in the cramped basement apartment we shared right after college. We walked out, a silent agreement hanging between us, neither of us mentioning getting back together. She went off to Europe with her childhood sweetheart for grad school, and I stayed, grinding away at my job.

Seven years later, she was a rising star designer, future bright, family perfect. Me? Still at the same company.

When we met again, she was arm in arm with her now-husband, looking down at my slightly disheveled appearance. "Long time no see," she sneered. "What happened? You look like a bum."

I ignored her.

Later, at a gala, when the world's leading female design CEO, Sarah, took my arm and playfully leaned against me, my ex’s composure cracked.

"Mark!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with disbelief. "How can you be so cozy with another woman?"

It all started at a class reunion organized by Professor Williams. Olivia, my ex, was back, transformed into a design icon. When I walked in, everyone was praising her talent.

"Olivia, you're a legend in our field now!"

"We knew back in school you were gifted. We'd spend a week on a project, you'd nail it in two days."

"Heard you even set up the 'Olivia Grant' at the university. Amazing! Wish I'd stuck with you back then."

"Not only talented, but gorgeous too. I hear Olivia's boyfriend is a real catch. Tell us, how did you two get together?"

Olivia gave a modest smile. "Just fate!"

Then someone brought me up. "How did you and Mark break up? You two seemed so in love. I totally shipped you guys."

Olivia's brow furrowed, her smile faltering. "We weren't right for each other."

Everyone, sensing her reluctance, quickly steered the conversation back to her and Ethan, her picture-perfect fiancé. I brushed off the dirt from my clothes and walked in, head held high.

The class president spotted me. "Look! Our campus heartthrob has arrived!"

"Mark! Come on, let's have a drink!"

"What happened to you? Take a tumble?"

I exchanged pleasantries, then my eyes met Olivia's. She rolled them, her entire demeanor radiating disdain. She was impeccably dressed, a walking Dior advertisement, looking every bit the princess. Ethan, in his tailored suit, had his arm around her shoulder. They looked like they belonged on a magazine cover.

Me? I still had mud stains on my clothes. I looked a mess. But I didn't care. I nodded to Olivia as a greeting and turned to chat with other classmates.

"Remember Sarah Miller?"

"Of course! The ultimate 'it' girl back then. Beautiful, rich, talented. A total queen bee."

"She was Professor Williams' student too. She'll be here later."

"Heard she's doing incredibly well. She's even funded some of Professor Williams' projects..."

They continued their conversation. I checked my phone. Professor Williams was still a while away. My muddy clothes were uncomfortable. I texted someone to bring me a change of clothes, and I went to the restroom to change.

Olivia was pacing outside when I came...