She saw her bf through the difficult process of a developing a creative work, and eventually he completed it, won a prestigious reward... and he broke up with her.

He got invited to the White House because of the award, and I think missing out on that recognition and experience, where she could've attended as the partner, was symbolic for her.

It wasn't that he was upgrading, since she was an all-around catch, including probably being fabulous at whatever kind of cocktail party circles he entered.

It did seem like awkward timing, to decide that a relationship wasn't going to work out, after all.

(Don't worry, she's OK now: highly accomplished in her own career and creative side, and is also raising a family with a better match.)