Should I reach out or not?

I (30M) broke up with my anxious-avoidant ex (28F) because I travel constantly for work and she needed someone more stable. I tried to find jobs closer to her state, but nothing panned out, so we called it off. The last thing she said to me was: "I want to talk again about stuff, but I just can't right now. I'm happy to wait for a time that feels right for both of us. You'll always have me in some way if you want me. I'll always love you."

That was October 2025. After that, I threw myself into becoming "the perfect man" for her. I started lifting and got into the best shape of my life. I read something like 200 books on psychology, philosophy, and everything adjacent — Buddhism and Taoism ended up helping my anxiety more than anything else ever had, and they changed the way I approach life entirely. Professionally, I got a raise and a promotion. I could finally afford a house, and I bought a truck with my brother to help him start his business.

In February, I met someone (25F). We work for the same company in different departments. We started dating after realizing we had the same taste in music — she was wearing a Title Fight shirt the day we met and I was wearing a Basement shirt, and we complimented each other — plus the same taste in anime, video games, and movies. She travels for work like I do, so we've traveled together a lot. Japan, Mexico, Brazil.

In August we decided to get engaged. It was really her call; I think it's early, but it's what she wants. I'm also her first relationship, her first everything.

Around the same time, I told her about my ex and that last conversation, and that I feel like I owe basically everything in my life right now to that breakup. That I owe her a thank you, at minimum. I don't want to leave what we had so open-ended and silent. My fiancée was understandably a little hurt, but she said she supports me reaching out for closure and that whatever I decide, she loves me. Her only request was that I don't walk down the aisle with another woman on my mind.

So: should I reach out to my ex and thank her after a year of no contact? Do I actually owe her for everything I have now? Or is no contact the kindest thing I can do for everyone, including her?