Allergic to His Betrayal

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My boyfriend has a cat co-parent.

Rain or shine, they walk the cat together for two hours every single day.

Live comments flashed before my eyes:

Lol, little miss knows how to play the game. Co-parenting a cat is basically like raising a kid together, right?

Clueless girl doesn't know tonight's the night the hero devours little miss right in front of the cat. Hehe.

"I heard cats understand what's happening. So spicy!~"

Right then, Liam Johnson was heading out: "My co-parent says the cat threw up. I gotta go check on him."

After a moment of silence.

I handed him a box of ultra-thin condoms: "Go ahead."

I'm severely allergic to cat hair.

When Liam showed up covered in cat hair again.

I quickly backed away.

He realized, took off his jacket, explaining: "Chubbs is shedding pretty bad lately. I'll go wash it off in the shower."

That's when the live comments appeared.

"Here we go again with the drama queen act. A few cat hairs? I practically snort my cat daily, no issues."

"Silver lining, she won't smell that other woman's perfume on him~"

"By the time she figures out the 'cat co-parent' is a girl, their genius baby will be on the way. Love this sneaky backstabbing!"

I was stunned.

His phone, left on the table, pinged with messages.

I'd always respected his privacy, never snooped.

This time, I opened it.

It was a girl with a cute avatar saying: "Got the chicken breast! Come over and make Chubbs' dinner!"

Scrolling up, I saw they'd been messaging daily for the entire year they'd been co-parenting.

She often sent voice notes, her voice light and flirty: "After you left, Chubbs kept crying. Misses his daddy already?"

She sent a photo of cat hair all over her sweater, accusing:

"Like father, like son! Pay up for a new one!"

Liam sent her a $680 La Perla lingerie set, joking: "Two little debt collectors."

Later that night, the girl sent a video.

She was wearing onlythat lingerie, the cat kneading on her.

"Oww, your son's claws hurt! Come control him."

Liam didn't reply.

But the video was marked 'Seen'.

My hands started trembling.

The buzzing in my ears grew louder.

I always knew he had a cat co-parent, that they were close.

I'd even probed once, jealous: "Male or female? Getting pretty cozy?"

Liam had laughed, ruffling my hair: "When have you ever found long woman's hair on me?"

Now, seeing the video, I knew.

The girl had short hair.

He couldn't even be bothered to come up with a decent lie.

When Liam came out of the shower, the phone was back where he left it.

He glanced at the messages, a smirk playing on his lips.

He turned to me: "We're out of that fancy cat food. Order more and ship it to my co-parent's place."

I let out a bitter laugh.

Back when we moved in together, my allergies were so bad Liam had to board Chubbs.

I'd felt awful.

So I'd insisted on covering all the cat's expenses.

Those premium cans, 0-000 for a case of 24? I bought them every month.

At first, the girl would send videos holding the cat, using a cutesy voice, saying to the camera:

"Chubbs, look! Daddy bought you food! Give a meow, thank Daddy!"

Liam would reply: "My girlfriend bought those."

She went silent, just: ""

After that, she started inviting Liam over more often to buy ingredients and cook meals for Chubbs.

Like today.

Liam was already gathering his things to leave.

I stopped him: "Can you not go?"

Liam looked surprised.

"Why? Is it some anniversary or something?"

His phone dinged. He glanced at it.

Any hesitation vanished.

"My co-parent says Chubbs threw up. I need to go check on him."

The live comments exploded.

"Lol, thought he might actually stay for her."

"Little miss knows how to play. Using the cat as an excuse? Totally, co-parenting is just like raising a kid together."

"Clueless girl doesn't know tonight's a Big Deal. Hero's gonna devour little miss right in front of the cat. Hehe."

"I heard cats understand. So spicy!~"

Liam put on his jacket, not even looking back. "Go to bed early. Don't wait up."

After a moment of silence.

I handed him the box: "Go ahead."

Liam stared at the box, realization dawning:

"You went through my phone?"

I nodded: "Take them. Heading to another woman's place late at night? Bound to come in handy."

"What are you implying?" His voice rose, angry and defensive. "She's just my cat co-parent. You know that!"

Live comments scrolled:

"Cat co-parent now, baby co-parent later."

"Hero won't admit it, but he's totally hooked on little miss."

I gave a thin smile.

Quietly, I countered: "Does a 'cat co-parent' message daily, sharing their lives?"

Liam froze.

"She's just like that. Super outgoing. Stop making everything dirty."

My voice finally trembled.

"Is that so? Then stop seeing her. Board Chubbs somewhere else."

Liam's face darkened instantly.

"You think I wantthis?"

His voice was tight. "You think I enjoy burdening someone else? Enjoy showering constantly, terrified a single hair might set you off?"

He looked genuinely pained.

"Luna Evans, you're acting like a stranger right now!"

He shot me a disappointed look.

And slammed the door.

The crash made me flinch.

I stood frozen, feeling like that abandoned kid again.

I grew up shuffled between divorced parents, an unwanted burden.

Liam was the one who said he loved me.

He'd stayed longer than anyone else.

When I moved in, I had a severe allergic reaction and ended up in the hospital.

Liam stayed all night, eyes red, swearing: "I'll never let you suffer like this again!"

Eight years of mutual respect, building a life.

Next year, we were supposed to get married.

Now I got: "You're acting like a stranger."

I leaned numbly against the wall.

For a moment, I doubted myself.

The comments reveled:

"Bless her cat allergy, brought the OTP together. Fate."

"Let her throw her tantrum. Pushing the hero away is exactly what we need."

"Wait, what? Hero didn't go to little miss's? He's drinking alone?"

"Uh oh. Is hero feeling guilty?"

"Chill. Queen of the slow burn will reel him back in. She's a pro!"

I didn't want to know about their push-and-pull.

Pretending I wasn't hurt was impossible.

Liam had become my comfort zone.

I didn't know how much resolve it would take to leave.

Liam returned on the third day, reeking of smoke.

His voice was flat: "You cooled off?"

I turned away, my face buried in a pillow damp with tears.

We used to fight; he'd always apologize first.

If that didn't work, he'd give me space, then explain.

"I know you're upset the co-parent's a girl. I hid it because I knew you'd overthink... I lost my temper, said things I didn't mean. I'm sorry."

I stayed silent.

Thinking of all the years, maybe we could talk it out.

I turned back, ready to speak.

But my gaze landed on the short-haired girl standing in the doorway.

Chloe Williams piped up, her voice innocent with a hint of reproach:

"Hi Luna! Heard you guys were fighting 'cause of me? Had to come clear things up!"

"Seriously, don't stress! Liam and I are just co-parent buddies, joint pooper-scoopers for Chubbs! Right, Liam?"

She nudged him playfully, grinning.

It felt like sandpaper on my eyes.

I looked at Liam: "This is your explanation?"

Liam nodded, earnest.

"She's just like that. I picked a co-parent, didn't care about gender. She treats me like one of the girls."

"Stop being so insecure. Don't assume the worst. Be friends, get to know her."

"Insecure?" I repeated the word.

Chloe, oblivious to my frostiness, plopped down on the bed.

She scanned the room, her tone exaggerated. "Your place is so tidy! Liam always moans about my messy apartment, full of cat toys. He ends up tidying every time!"

Liam sighed, playing along. "Well, someone's gotta."

She pouted, shooting me a 'see what I mean?' look.

Then she asked, feigning curiosity: "So, you're really allergic? That means you can't cuddle Chubbs? Too bad! We've fattened him up nicely. His belly is super soft!"

She pulled out her phone, flipping through photos like we were besties.

"Co-parenting is so fun! Look, this was when I spilled litter down the toilet! Liam had to come unclog it!"

"And this one! Liam teaching me to bathe Chubbs. He called me dumb! Luna, you gotta back me up here!"

I watched the video: Liam shirtless, Chloe in a tiny tank top, both wrestling a wet, angry cat in the bathroom.

Water splashed everywhere.

Their shared laugh, the easy intimacy, felt like a physical blow.

Liam watched, his earlier irritation softening.

Live comments surged:

"Whoa! Eye candy overload! Gimme that slow burn!"

"I was the soap dish! Can confirm, tension was THICK!"

"Hot-blooded adults, whatcha gonna do? ;)"

"See? Isn't it fun?" Chloe's smile widened.

The unspoken pity, the blatant challenge in her eyes, was unmistakable.

I met her gaze: "Even more fun stuff, I saw it in your texts to Liam."

Chloe froze, scrambling to her feet.

She plastered on a look of panic. "You don't think... you don't think I'm into Liam, do you?"

"Relax! To me, he's just Chubbs's dad!"

Liam ruffled her hair, soothing her like a child, looking exasperated. "Chill. She gets it now. Won't misunderstand."

"Really? Phew!" Chloe dramatically patted her chest. "I was so scared you'd break up over this! You guys livetogether. Splitting up... wouldn't that be kinda like a divorce?"

Comments flickered:

"Whoa, that sounded shady. Like she's marking her territory?"

"Stop being sexist! When a guy fights for love, you call him passionate. When queen does it, you call her a homewrecking b??? How?"

"My queen's only rule: don't break the law. A little tea, a little spice? So what? What are you gonna do?"

"Ugh, jealous side chick needs to exit stage left. Who wants to watch her mope?"

Yeah?

Everyone thought I was the problem.

I was being kicked around again.

I looked at Liam, gently reassuring Chloe.

Suddenly, I felt bone-deep tired.

Letting go was a slow, constant ache. I'd wanted to run from this pain countless times before.

Just forgive him. Keep coasting along.

Now, I couldn't lie to myself anymore.

I let out a harsh laugh, my voice raw. "You two are hilarious."

"One flirts with someone else, calls it innocent, thinking everyone's as dumb as you?"

"The other plays dumb, does disgusting things, then brags about it?"

Liam turned, annoyed: "What's your problem now?"

I shook my head, calm. "No problem. I did the math. I spent 0-03,598 on that cat. Since you're the 'real parents,' guess you don't need charity."

I stared at Liam. "Pay me back."

The air froze.

Liam looked genuinely shocked.

Chloe reacted first, eyes welling up instantly.

"This is because of us? He can't have friends because you're dating? Stop being so codependent!"

Her voice grew indignant. "Fine! My fault! I'll bring Chubbs back! All yours!"

She made a half-hearted move towards the door.

Liam grabbed her arm, his face thunderous as he glared at me.

"What the hell is wrong with you?"

"I brought her here to explain! What more do you want?"

"Do you wantto break up?"

Despite expecting it, the words were a punch to the gut.

Images flashed.

Birthday cakes every year: "Wish for happiness, Luna."

His hand in mine, faces young then weathered: "We're growing old together. Never letting go."

Warm, vivid memories.

Then twisting into his furious face.

Fine. So be it.

He was the one who rotted. Not my feelings.

I couldn't pretend anymore. Couldn't close my eyes and keep loving.

"Then let's break up."

Liam froze.

Then gave a disbelieving laugh. "Throwing that around? Real mature."

He thought I was fishing for an apology.

But I was leaving.

"Pay me back."

The smile vanished from Liam's face. He stared, searching for regret.

He found none.

Liam looked furious.

"Fine. Take your time. Think it over!"

His voice turned cruel. "Your own parents didn't want you. Who else will put up with you?"

He grabbed Chloe and stormed out.

Comments erupted:

"She agreed? Is she leaving? Finally!"

"So we get to the OTP fluff now?"

"Wait, hero looks... conflicted? He doesn't seem happy?"

"Uh oh. Guilt trip? Not the plan!"

The room smelled of stale smoke and Chloe's perfume.

Everything was different.

Yet, I felt strangely calm.

No more doubt. No more indecision.

Once decided, sunk costs couldn't change my mind.

My company had offered me a transfer before C manager at the new Southern branch. More room to grow.

I'd refused.

Thinking about next year's wedding, the pain of long distance.

Now, I went straight to my boss: "That Southern transfer? Still open? I want it."

My boss replied instantly: "Kept it warm for you! You're perfect. Paperwork fast-tracked. Should be sorted next week!"

"Thanks."

I breathed out.

New city. New job. New life.

Good.

While waiting for the transfer, I packed, said goodbye to close friends.

Visits would be rare after the move.

Meeting my childhood friend, Chloe Adams (different Chloe, for coffee, she suddenly gasped.

"Luna! What the hell? Who's this girl with Liam?"

She shoved her phone at me.

Liam's latest post: Lake Tahoe.

Chloe Williams in a white sundress, holding Chubbs, beaming.

Caption: "Taking the kids on an adventure."

Scrolling down, he'd posted several, all featuring Chloe.

Goofy photos in matching floppy hats.

Playing in the lake, wearing coordinating swimsuits.

The worst one.

At that windchime-covered cafe.

The one bookmarked in ourshared travel app for two years.

We'd planned: "First stop on our honeymoon. Coffee, windchimes, staring at the lake all day."

Now, Chloe sat in ourwindow seat, chin in hand, looking blissful.

Comments flew:

"Iconic scene! OTP's Lake Tahoe moment came early!"

"No side chick slowing things down? Amazing! Baby arc loading!"

"The VIBES! I'm deceased! Camera loves her!"

Chloe (my friend) sputtered: "This looks... not platonic? What's going on?"

I was calm. "We broke up."

Chloe nearly choked. "Broke up?! Seriously?! Eight years! Talking marriage! Everyone's waiting for invites! Just like that?"

It wasn't just her.

My phone blew up.

Mutual friends asking.

Our lives were too intertwined. We were the stable couple everyone envied.

"Talk to him! Don't be rash! You know Liam! Is this girl trouble? Fight for him!"

Chloe pleaded.

I cut her off. "Not impulsive. He fell for someone else."

Chloe stopped dead.

Another friend called: "Luna? Liam said you fought? What's up? You guys are solid! Talk it out!"

"Problems can be fixed! If he messed up, make him fix it! Don't be stubborn! You'll regret it! Guys need coddling!"

I listened, numb.

Hung up, opened my feed.

Posted.

No photo. Just text:

"It's over. Please respect that."

I put the phone down.

I didn't look, but comments filled me in:

"Hero deleted all the Tahoe pics after seeing her post? Wut?"

"Why the guilt? Ruined queen's mood!"

"Side chick can't let go. Playing games to get attention!"

"Ugh! Buzzkill! Making hero call her..."

My phone rang.

Comments lamented Chloe's "hurt feelings."

I answered.

Liam paused. "Saw some cool little trinkets. Thought of your collection. Bringing them back."

A light voice chimed in: "Liam! I'll help pick! That cute boutique we found?"

I laughed, sharp and cold. "No need. Outgrew that hobby."

Liam paused, softening his tone like granting a favor:

"Okay, fine. I'll take younext time. You pick. Deal?"

"But Chloe meant well. You were rude last time. Apologize first."

His brain must be Tahoe-soaked.

"Pass. You two trampled it. Feels dirty."

Liam started to speak.

I cut him off, louder: "Using myhoneymoon plans? Pathetic. Leave me alone!"

I blocked him.