The Partner Swap Game That Broke Us

At a college reunion, my boyfriend's freshman flame draped herself over his shoulder, drunkenly suggesting a real-life partner swap game. The room fell quiet. Everyone exchanged uneasy glances, their eyes darting toward me. But Jax couldn't stand to see her look disappointed. Before I could even open my mouth, he shot me a look, his eyelids lifting lazily. ""It's just a game, Ivy. Don't be a buzzkill."" And just like that, his best friend became my new boyfriend. His old flame became his new girlfriend. They went on dates, held hands, and hugged right in front of me. Then, behind my back, they moved into the house we were supposed to share, kissing, their passion igniting. No one took my objections seriously. Seeing the blood drain from my face, Jax just took a drag from his cigarette, unconcerned. ""You agreed to this, Ivy. Don't be a sore loser."" The day the game was supposed to end, he came back to me, telling me it was time for us to get married.