He Asked Me To Leave The Party Early So His Friends Wouldn’t See Me—So I Did

near the kitchen island with a drink I hadn’t asked for. I made small talk. I smiled. I nodded. Each interaction confirmed the same truth: I wasn’t meant to be there.

At 9:30, Bobby appeared beside me. “You look tired,” he said softly. “Maybe you should head home.”

I wasn’t tired. I was erased.

But I nodded. I kissed his cheek, thanked Ava, and walked continue reading …