Game Over: Goodbye, Cheater

Scott Barlow's disdainful voice came through the speakerphone, "Vince Cline, you can't even hold on to a woman—just like your father."

Emma Kemp laughed as she hung up the phone. She then leaned in and wrapped her arms around me.

"What's wrong? Don't tell me you're actually angry? It's not like this is the first time."

I lowered my eyes, hiding all the emotions deep inside, and shook my head. "No."

Emma frowned slightly, sensing something was off.

Normally, I would've thrown a fit. But today, I was as calm as the sea on a clear day.

She reached into the side cabinet, pulling out a ring box. Then, she casually tossed it onto the bed in front of me.

"I got a surprise for you."

I froze for a moment.

Emma leaned against the headboard, eyeing me. "Weren't you always pressuring me to marry you? Well, I'm willing to grant your wish today."

My nose stung and my eyes grew hot. I clenched my fists, nails digging deep into my palms.

All these years, Emma refused to use protection. But she didn't want kids either, so she demanded that I get a vasectomy.

"Vince, can you please get a vasectomy? I'm scared."

But just one month after the surgery, Emma cheated on me with Scott.

I let out a self-deprecating laugh. Then, I picked up the ring box and opened it. Inside was the pull-tab from a soda can.

I held up the tab and looked at her. "This is the surprise you got for me?"

Emma clearly froze for a moment, then burst out laughing.

"Scott took the ring out and wore it for a while the last time he was here. He may be a grown man, but he's still a kid at heart. I'll go find him this afternoon to get the ring back."

Completely unruffled, she reached out to tousle my hair. "You're so generous, understanding, and love me so much, so I'm sure you won't mind, right?"

I dodged to the side. Thinking about how not long ago she and Scott had been sleeping together in this very bed, I bolted into the bathroom and vomited until the world spun.

Emma's expression shifted instantly. She rushed in and grabbed hold of me.

"Vince, are you okay?"

I washed my face with cold water and pushed her hands away.

Emma asked tentatively, "What's the matter? Is work stress getting to you lately? If it's really too much, just quit. I'll take care of you. After we get married, I'll give you a child, and you can just stay home and look after the baby."

Looking at her, I suddenly found myself utterly pathetic.

I swallowed the bitter ache in my heart and pressed the ring box into her hand.

"Emma, let's break up."