Chapter 3: Taking Back Power

This was the first time I hung up first since discovering Jason’s affair.

The line went dead, and for once, I was the one who ended it. I stared at my reflection in the window, searching for the girl who used to beg.

It felt strange and satisfying, like winning a game I’d never wanted to play. Before, I was the one who bombarded him with calls and texts. I used the harshest words to curse him, and also pleaded with the saddest voice.

But every time, Jason would say impatiently,

"Can you stop acting crazy? Talk to me when you’ve calmed down."

Then he’d hang up without mercy. No matter how many times I called or texted, he ignored me.

I wanted to control myself, but when I thought about our years together ending like this, I just couldn’t.

I wanted to question Jason: why did you betray me?

I wanted to beg him: please come back, I’ll forgive you.

But after all the resentment and waiting, Jason never changed.

And I gradually became anxious and insecure, just as he said—like a crazy person.

I muddled through a long, tormenting period like this, stuck in this painful relationship.

Until three days ago.

I came across a street interview by a YouTuber called “Time Capsule.”

The channel has this hip, artsy vibe—old film filters, lo-fi music, quick edits. I usually scroll past, but that day I let it play.

His question was: "What would you like to say to yourself from five years ago?"

Someone said to study hard. Someone said they wished they’d spent more time with family. Someone said their future self was excellent and hadn’t let themselves down.

…

Among all these answers, I saw Jason and his little girlfriend, Emily.

They looked almost like celebrities, the city sunlight catching in their hair, Emily’s smile so bright it hurt my eyes.

That’s when I knew this wasn’t staged. With Jason’s current status, even top journalists would need to book an appointment to see him. But this YouTuber really seemed to just pull people off the street—and happened to interview Jason.

At first, Jason looked annoyed by the interview. It was Emily beside him, her face full of surprise and curiosity.

"This is so interesting, Jay, let’s do it!"

She shook his arm, acting cute. Jason looked helpless, but indulged her.

The YouTuber introduced himself and asked the standard question.

Emily hesitated, thinking hard. Seeing her struggling, Jason answered for her.

"If possible, I wish the Jason Carter from five years ago could have met Emily Parker first."

As he said this, he pulled her close. His voice was cool, but it wasn’t hard to hear the affection for the girl.

Emily looked at him in surprise, then covered her mouth shyly and echoed,

"Me too."

Her voice was soft, barely above a whisper, the sound swallowed by the city noise. Still, you could feel the giddiness between them.