Goodbye, My Love You’re the Obstacle on My Dream Path Novel – A week before college started, my boyfriend canceled his flight to New York. He’d decided to go with Emily—his childhood sweetheart—to a community college in Texas instead. His friend had asked him, “So you’re going with Emily now? What about your girlfriend?” “Haven’t you two been planning since junior year to study abroad at Columbia University?” Ethan Carter just smiled. “Madeline? She’ll understand.” “I posted it on Instagram.
She’ll see it and know.” “Besides, when I booked the flight to Texas, I used her phone number. She’ll get the confirmation text and follow me there.” I looked down at the strange flight confirmation text message on my phone. The question I hadn’t even had the chance to ask already had its answer. I pretended I didn’t know anything. I didn’t confront him. And I didn’t buy a ticket to Texas. He could throw away his dreams for some spoiled girl if he wanted. But I wouldn’t.
I had my own goals, my own future. Everything I’d worked for over the years had never been just for him. … Ethan and I had been together for three years. From high school onward, we’d planned to go to UBC to study artificial intelligence, then return home to work on cutting-edge projects. That school was a decision we came to after countless conversations. But now, he’d canceled his flight to New York. Without even offering a single explanation. He was so sure that once I saw the message, I’d chase after him without a second thought.
But I didn’t want to anymore. My dream won’t kneel to any man’s trail. Just as I was about to leave, I heard his friends talking again from inside the booth. “You’re way too confident. She’s been busy sorting out her visa, classes, and housing—does she even have time to see your post?” Ethan laughed even louder. “Come on, stop joking around.” “We’ve been together so long. If it has anything to do with me, she always cares.” “Our departure date’s coming up.
She’ll definitely double-check the ticket info.” Then one of them asked, “Aren’t you worried she’ll be mad? What if she doesn’t go to Texas with you?” “What if Madeline doesn’t chase after you this time?” Ethan raised an eyebrow, full of confidence. “She won’t.” He waved his phone as he spoke, half sighing, half bragging. “Once we started dating, she clung to me like a koala. Wherever I go she has to know.” “Even her phone case has a picture of me on it. You really think she could bear to leave me?” Someone chimed in, “Ethan’s right.
Madeline treats you like a god.” “Remember SAT cram season? We were running on empty, yet she still hauled your favorite breakfast to school every morning.” Ethan tapped his screen with a smirk. His tone dripped with pride. “You pack of lone wolves wouldn’t understand—having a girl who’d orbit your existence like a lovesick satellite.” “Though, to be honest, it can be kind of annoying sometimes.” “If she finds out I’m going to Texas just to keep Emily company, she’ll definitely pick a fight.” “But Emily and I have been together since we were kids.
She’s spoiled and clingy—she can’t live without me.” The laughter in the booth grew louder. “Your childhood sweetheart, Emily—she’s got the looks. Compared to Madeline, she’s definitely a step above.” “That strappy mini dress she wore to your graduation party? We couldn’t take our eyes off her.” “And she’s got that soft, flirty voice. No wonder you can’t let her go.” The whole booth erupted in teasing. Outside, I clenched my fists so tightly my nails dug into my palms. The pain in my hand spread to my heart. I blinked hard, forcing the tears back, and left without saying a word.