It was nearly afternoon and I had no will to stand up from my couch. The television was blaring some news station as I ate my breakfast since I'd just woken up.

"Yesterday was Annabeth Chase and Percy Jackson's one year anniversary of dating, but it looks as if Chase has eyes for another."

I nearly dropped my plate as I turned up the volume on my television and watched it intently.

A picture of Annabeth eating lunch with some blond guy flashed on the television, instantly making me feel sick.

"This picture that surfaced a few hours ago shows Annabeth eating breakfast with another man. The man in question is Chase's previous boyfriend Luke Castellan," the reporter said.

Annabeth had left that morning early, claiming she had a business meeting. Was this her meeting? Cozying up at breakfast with ex boyfriends?

The picture changed to show another photo taken that same day, this one showing their hands intertwined.

"Castellan and Chase broke up two years ago, with no confirmed cause of breakup, but many suspect a cheating scandal," the reporter continued. "There's been no comment from either Chase, Jackson, or Castellan as we reached out to all of their managements."

My head started pounding as I clicked off the television and instantly stood up. After pacing alone in my apartment for what seemed like hours, Annabeth arrived home.

"Sorry I'm home so late, I went grocery shopping after my meeting," she said as she placed a few bags down on my counter. "I got that ice cream that you like!"

I stared at her intensely, my expression cruel.

"What's wrong?" she asked as she started unloading the groceries. "Did I get the wrong kind? I swear you liked that flavor, but I can go back if you'd like—"

"The ice cream is fine!" I exclaimed. She frowned. "The part I'm upset about is, I dunno, you having breakfast with your ex and not telling me."

She froze. "What are you talking about?"

I crossed my arms. "I dunno, but I was just watching the news and saw you and that Luke guy, holding hands over breakfast!"

"What? I was at a meeting this whole morning!" she exclaimed.

I laughed coldly. "It's bad enough to learn your girlfriend cheated on you through the news, but to have you come home only to lie to me about it?"

She shook her head as she pulled out her phone and started scrolling through it. She gasped. "This is from years ago! I can't believe it, The Daily Mail has always hated me! It's not true, Percy! Look, I'm not even wearing the same outfit!"

As I stared at her I knew she was right and instantly felt filled with guilt. "Then...what took you so long?"

"Grocery shopping! Are you losing it?!" she asked as she continued to unload groceries. "Besides, even if that was real if you get to see other people, I can, too!"

My heart dropped and she instantly turned red. "What do you mean, see other people?"

She bit her lip. "I...I didn't mean to say that. It's just, when we started dating, you can't make me believe you weren't seeing that Rachel."

"I wasn't," I shot back. "And if I was, I would've broken it off for you. I'm exclusive, Annabeth. Are you meaning to tell me you haven't been?"

"No! I have been too!" Annabeth practically screamed. "I'm just saying, it's not fair for you to judge me on seeing other people when you get to!"

I shook my head. "You know what's not fair? You sending all these people to constantly tell me how you're too good for me like Thalia and your mother!"

Annabeth narrowed her eyes as she placed her hands on her hips. "You think I sent them to say that to you?! Do you think I'm some sort of monster?!"

"You're acting like it!" I yelled. "Going out to breakfast with your ex—"

"That never happened!" she screamed. "If you're going to be this insecure the media makes shit up about me, we shouldn't be together!"

"Then maybe we shouldn't!" I yelled back. "Because apparently the media does this all the time because you're so much more popular and better than me!"

She stormed out of the kitchen, grabbing her phone and coat. "I never said that! You know what, Percy? We're over!"

Annabeth slammed the door behind herself.

"Fine!" I screamed at the empty apartment. "It's not like I care!"

After waiting a few moments, I slowly opened the door to see an empty hallway. She'd really left.

And as I fell down on my couch, tears welled on my eyes and ran down my face. Soon I was sobbing and unable to stop.

Why did I do that? I thought as I hugged my knees and pulled them closer to my chest. All I wanna do is be with her. But I blew it. Athena and Thalia were right, she's too good for me...