We were playing an escape room game in a haunted house when the actor popped out, scaring both me and my best friend Bella. Instinctively, we both lunged for my boyfriend, Maxwell.

Without a second's hesitation, he pushed me aside and wrapped Bella in his arms.

He kissed her forehead softly and whispered, "I've got you."

Then, he turned around and left me behind, trapped in the room with the actor.

I was trembling so hard I could barely stand.

We were supposed to get married in a few days.

He'd always told me how much he couldn't stand Bella.

For the past four years, from when we first met to falling in love, I had believed he was my only salvation, the light in my life. I kept compromising, giving up parts of myself to keep us together.

But at that moment, everything came crashing down.

It was time to walk away.

1

When the group suggested we play an escape room, I felt uneasy from the start.

"I'm not good with the supernatural stuff. Maybe I'll just sit this one out..."

But my classmates laughed it off. "You don't need to be brave. Maxwell's here, just stick with him. You'll be fine."

"Exactly! You two are practically married already. You'll be the first couple from our class to tie the knot!"

Blushing, I lowered my head slightly.

Maxwell Hayes, though, said nothing. His silence stretched on far too long.

I glanced over at him and noticed he was staring intently at Bella Collins, not even blinking.

Bella's eyes were glistening, on the verge of tears, as she gazed back at him.

They looked like two forbidden lovers sharing a moment, as if the world around them had melted away.

A knot twisted in my stomach.

I remembered when Bella forgave her player ex yet again, Maxwell had said he couldn't stand how pathetic she was.

But right now, looking into his eyes, I didn't see a hint of that disdain.

Before I could fully process the unsettling feeling creeping up on me, the escape game began.

I stuck close to Maxwell, but he made sure to stay just the right distance from Bella, always hovering near enough for her to spot him the moment she got scared.

My unease was growing by the second.

And then, we entered one of the rooms.

An actor jumped out from under the bed without warning.

I screamed, heart pounding, and instinctively moved to throw myself into Maxwell's arms for comfort.

But Bella did too.

And in that split second, Maxwell chose her—pulling her into his arms, while shoving me away like I was nothing.

I slammed into the wall, pain shooting through my shoulder as I stumbled, the sharp sting of the impact throbbing beneath my skin.

Gasping in pain, I looked at Maxwell, searching for an explanation.

But he didn't even glance my way. His attention was solely on Bella as he stroked her hair gently, like she was some fragile thing he needed to protect. Then, he pressed a tender kiss to her forehead.

The way he held her—it was too easy, too familiar. It wasn't the first time.

I stood frozen, the numbness spreading through me.

At that moment, I wasn't sure what hurt more—the bruises forming on my skin or the gaping hole tearing through my chest.

I slid down the wall, clutching my shoulder, too shaken to stand.

Maxwell didn't even notice. He just scooped Bella into his arms and walked out, leaving me locked in the room with the actor.

Tears blurred my vision, streaming down my face uncontrollably.

People would reveal their true selves in moments of panic.

And only now did I realize it.

He had always loved her.

The actor saw me crying and mumbled a clumsy apology.

I wiped my tears, staring blankly ahead.

At that moment, I finally understood.

I'd been the third wheel in their relationship all along.

2

After the game ended, one of the staff members unlocked the door and let me out.

I must have looked awful—my face was pale, completely drained of color.

My friends rushed over, worried.

"You've always been so scared of these things, how did you end up locking yourself in there?"

I raised my eyes slightly, catching Bella's guilty look.

"Oh? I locked the door?"

Bella hurried toward me, her voice shaky as she tried to look innocent. "Chloe, are you okay? I'm really sorry. I was just so scared and..."

One of the classmates whispered, "Wait... So it was her after all? She told us it was Chloe who locked herself in."

I stared at Bella, feeling a wave of disgust wash over me.

For the first time in my life, I found her repulsive.

"Bella, how did my boyfriend's lips taste?"

Her face went bright red and then ghostly pale. She stammered, "I..."

I turned my gaze toward Maxwell, who was standing just behind her, my voice shaking with barely restrained fury.

"We're done," I said, my words cutting through the tension. "We're over."