I wheel in my suitcase, and I’m about to set it down in the hallway when I notice them—a pair of leopard-print kitten heels. I saw them on display in a store window recently and knew I had to have them, but they didn’t come in my size. Silently I take off my own shoes and creep across the wooden floors, terrified that the pounding in my chest will give me away. I grip the handle of my bedroom door and pause, knowing I don’t want to witness what I’m about to see, but my body ignores my screaming protests. I throw open the door and find Ben, my fiancé, in our bed with one of my coworkers, Claire. He looks at me, wide-eyed, while she attempts to appear demure. “Lexi, I wasn’t expecting you until tomorrow.” “Clearly. I came home early to surprise you, but I guess the surprise is on me.” I hastily make my way from the room. I’m numb with shock, but my adrenaline is on overdrive, helping me put one foot in front of the other. I can’t believe this is happening. The reality of his betrayal sinks in and the pain envelops me like a dense, dark fog. It’s hard to think clearly, but I know I need to get the hell out of here. “Let me explain,” Ben pleads, following me as he attempts to put some clothes on. “Oh, I don’t think there’s anything to explain. It’s pretty clear what’s been going on.” He places a hand on my arm. “Wait—let’s talk about this.” “Don’t touch me,” I say, with such contempt that my voice is almost unrecognizable. “I don’t want to see you— not now, not ever. It’s over.” He runs a hand through his hair and looks at me miserably. “Please...wait,” he says softly. I look into his familiar hazel eyes, and I’m tempted, but I can’t. I don’t want to hear any explanation. All I know is that the man I thought I’d spend the rest of my life with broke my trust—and my heart. I look at him one last time then walk out of the apartment. It’s weird how one defining moment can alter the course of your life so drastically. Just a few minutes ago, my life was perfect, and now I have no idea what my future holds or where to go from here. Once I’m outside I let the sobs escape and call my friend Jamie. Thank God she answers. When she hears my voice, she says, “Lexi, what’s wrong?” “It’s a long story. Can I come stay with you for a bit?” “Of course. You can stay as long as you need.” I hail a cab and slam the door just as Ben runs down the front steps. He approaches my window, and I turn away as he presses his forehand against the glass, willing me to look at him. “Ma’am?” the cabdriver says. “You can go,” I tell him as I meet Ben’s gaze. Through my haze of tears, I see him mouth, “I’m sorry” as we pull away. I look back and watch his retreating figure until he fades from sight, and I wonder when we started to move in such different directions. When I arrive at Jamie’s, she’s waiting in the lobby. “Lexi, what happened?” It’s hard to get the words out, but I manage to tell her the gist. “I can’t believe it. Ben, of all people!”