His Cheating Ended Us

Today marks the third anniversary of my relationship with Chip Johnson. We picked that highly praised Western restaurant downtown. When I pushed open the glass door, Chip Johnson naturally took my hand. The warmth of his fingertips was just like before—comforting and reassuring. I smiled and told him I'd been wanting to try this place for a long time. Chip Johnson ruffled my hair and said he already knew, so he'd booked a table in advance. We'd barely sat down when a familiar voice came from the next table. I looked up and, to my surprise, it was Kathy Murphy. Kathy is Chip Johnson's childhood friend; the three of us used to eat out together a lot. She saw us and immediately walked over holding her wine glass. "What a coincidence—you're eating here too?" Kathy smiled, but her eyes kept drifting to Chip Johnson. Chip Johnson nodded, stood up, and pulled out a chair for her. "Sit for a bit; let's chat together." I felt a little uncomfortable but said nothing. The waiter quickly brought the dishes, including my favorite poached shrimp. Chip Johnson knew I easily hurt my hands peeling shrimp, so he always peeled them for me. He picked up a shrimp, skillfully removed the shell and vein, then placed it on my plate. I was just about to pick up my chopsticks when Kathy Murphy beat me to grabbing that shrimp. She chewed the shrimp and mumbled, "Chip Johnson's shrimp-peeling skills are still as good as ever. I've loved eating the shrimp he peeled since we were kids." I froze and looked at Chip Johnson. Chip just smiled and said Kathy Murphy was still as straightforward as ever. Then, Chip peeled a few more shrimp and put them all on my plate. But Kathy Murphy acted like she didn't notice and kept taking shrimp from my plate to her own bowl. I clenched my chopsticks tightly, trying to suppress the anger boiling inside me. Kathy seemed unaware of my displeasure and even smiled as she said, "Janice, don't take it personally. Chip and I have been inseparable since we were kids; I just use whatever belongs to him whenever I want." I couldn't hold it in anymore. I put down my chopsticks and said, "Kathy, Chip is my boyfriend, not something to be shared casually." The smile on Kathy's face froze for a moment, then she quickly returned to her indifferent expression. "I was just joking with Chip. Why are you taking it so seriously?" I looked at Chip, hoping he would say something to stand up for me. But Chip frowned and said to me, "Janice, why are you being so petty? Kathy was just saying whatever—don't overthink it." I couldn't believe my ears. He actually called me petty? I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. "Chip Johnson, I'm not petty; I just don't like others talking about my boyfriend like that." "Oh, it's not a big deal." Kathy Murphy grabbed Chip Johnson's arm, her tone ambiguous. "Besides, it's not just about sharing those things with Chip Johnson; even in that department, he's satisfied me." The moment those words left her mouth, the entire restaurant fell silent. I looked at Chip Johnson; his face flushed bright red, but he couldn't utter a single word. I didn't cry or make a scene; I just felt a sudden wave of nausea. I pulled out my cell phone, opened the hospital appointment app, and right in front of them, scheduled check-ups for gynecology and andrology. "Since you two are so close, why not get checked?" I turned the phone screen toward them. "I'll also notify those friends who've hung out with you. I'm covering the check-up costs—as my anniversary gift to you." Chip Johnson's face instantly went pale. He tried to grab my phone, but I dodged him. Kathy Murphy lost her earlier arrogance, her eyes darting away, too scared to meet mine. I stood up and grabbed my bag. "This meal's on me. Take your time and eat." After saying that, I walked out of the Western restaurant without looking back. The wind outside was a bit chilly, but it cleared my mind quite a lot as it brushed against my face. I took out my cell phone and called my best friend. As soon as the call connected, I couldn't hold back anymore and started crying. My best friend on the other end got really worried and asked me what had happened. I choked up as I told her everything that had just happened. My best friend angrily cursed Chip Johnson and Kathy Murphy, calling them awful, and told me to go find her right away. After hanging up, I grabbed a taxi and headed toward my best friend's place. I knew that from today on, my relationship with Chip would never be the same. I stayed at my best friend's for over two hours, and my emotions finally started to calm down. My best friend kept urging me to end things with Chip for good. Honestly, I already had my answer—I just needed a little more time to accept it.