Belly initiated the breakup with Conrad after realizing his lack of genuine engagement in their relationship, particularly during their prom night, and discovering that his presence at the event was primarily motivated by his mother Susannah's wishes rather than his own desire.
The Prom Night Realization
The climax of their relationship, leading directly to the breakup, occurred at their senior prom. Belly had long envisioned this night as a magical experience, but Conrad's detached behavior quickly shattered her expectations. She confronted him during the dance, frustrated by his apparent disinterest and unresponsiveness.
During the prom, Conrad's actions deeply disappointed Belly:
- Lack of Engagement: He barely danced with her.
- Poor Communication: He made little effort to make conversation.
- Disinterest in Activities: He showed no enthusiasm for any of the prom activities Belly had been looking forward to.
It was during this confrontation that Belly had a pivotal realization: Conrad had only attended prom with her because his mother, Susannah, had wanted him to. This revelation underscored a deeper issue of his emotional unavailability and the conditional nature of his participation in their shared moments. This moment of clarity led Belly to understand that their relationship was not fulfilling her needs for genuine connection and effort, ultimately prompting her to end things.
Factors Leading to the Breakup
The breakup was a culmination of growing tensions and Conrad's struggles with vulnerability and commitment, particularly as he grappled with personal challenges. Belly's decision was a direct response to her feeling undervalued and secondary to external pressures on Conrad.
| Factor Contributing to Breakup | Description |
|---|---|
| Conrad's Detachment | At prom, Conrad's obvious disinterest in dancing, conversing, or participating in the event highlighted his emotional distance. |
| Susannah's Influence | Belly discovered Conrad attended prom not out of his own will, but because his mother, Susannah, desired it, making Belly feel like an obligation rather than a cherished partner. |
| Belly's Disappointment | The prom, a significant milestone, failed to meet Belly's romantic expectations due to Conrad's behavior, leading her to question the future of their relationship. |
This critical evening served as the catalyst, making it clear to Belly that despite her deep feelings for him, the relationship was not sustainable under these conditions.
