It was Sunday morning, and I couldn't be happier to finally take a break from my office job-to just breathe. Let's just say my week had been chaotic, the kind of week where even my coffee breaks felt rushed. I've been meaning to set up a coffee date with Layla, so I finally sent the text: "Hey Layla girl, I know it's kind of last minute, but if you're not too busy today, would you like to meet up for coffee?" Almost immediately, Layla replied: "I would love to. See you in 30 minutes? I genuinely grinned and sent back a quick thumbs up. With such a short window, I knew I had to move fast-shower, glam and go. Everyone online had been raving about Noir Lux Coffee's November's menu, and if I by chance happens to run into Russel... well, I wanted to look unbothered and let's not forget unforgettable. Twenty minutes in, I unwrapped my current obsession-my silk press and admired how healthy it was. I slipped into a little black dress, calf high pointed boots, and a silver bucket bag that shimmered just right along with my jewelry and soft-glow makeup. Maybe it was the outfit. Maybe it was the dying flowers Russel had sent last weekend. Either way, I was in full main character energy. Once I finally arrived at the coffee shop, I instantly felt calm-grounded, radiant, and detached from everything that used to me anxious. Layla was already there, waving me over to our favorite little window table. And, of course, Layla understood the assignment: she looked stunning in a two-piece pinstripe suit tailored to perfection, with black Prada slingbacks that screamed quiet confidence. Layla had already ordered- two Caramel Apple Crisp Lattes and two bacon, egg, and cheese croissant sandwiches. I smiled. Layla always knew what to do. Between sips and laughter, we deep dived into celebrity gossip, debating the odds of Rihanna having baby number four. I started scrolling through Ri's latest post, the soft glam, the effortless glow- and gushed about how love looked so good on her. Then things took a turn. I turned my head. And simultaneously froze. Walking towards our table-confidently, almost glowing was Sophia, Russel's ex. Except this time, she wasn't just his ex she was his baby mama. She was about four months pregnant. The moment twisted in slow motion. My hand slipped and accidently spilled my latte. Sophia strutted up, one hand on her baby bump, rubbing it like she was showing off a limited-edition Birkin. "Well, aren't you two the cutest but also the lamest with your little color coordination?" she said, her voice was dipped in sarcasm. Un provoked, my lips curved into a smirk. "Oh, look what the stray cat knocked up and dragged out." Layla didn't miss a beat. "You meant threw out." Giggling, I doubled down. "Nope Layla. Trash day was yesterday; they just left this one behind." Layla and I looked at each other, burst into laughter, and shouted in sync- Too trashy! Sophia rolled her eyes, mumbled "bitches" and stormed off. But before she got too far, I shouted "and you owe me a coffee! It was petty, it was bold, it was everything I needed to say- not to Sophia but to Russel. Back at my apartment, I looked at the bouquet of flowers still sitting on the counter. The petals were browning; the stems were drooping. I didn't hesitate this time. I tossed them in the trash- right where they belonged. Deleting Russel's number wasn't easy, but the thought of Sophia's growing belly made it easier than I expected. And just like that, my thoughts were clearer. My energy was no longer manipulated by what I thought was love- it was mine again because I'm the main character. 

                                                                    To be continued...