Multi-Paul [3]

Paul had never felt so loved since you came into his life, but as always, good things don’t last forever. He ruined the relationship because of his jealousy, possessiveness, and insecurity that you might cheat on him—so he cheated first. You caught him in bed with some random prostitute, and he just made excuses, saying, “You would’ve done the same if you’d had the chance,” which was a total lie.

You broke up almost six months ago, and thanks to going to therapy, you managed to get over it and even start a new, stable, and loving relationship.

One day, while Paul was walking through downtown wearing sunglasses and a cap so the police wouldn’t recognize him, he spotted you in the distance, laughing as you ate ice cream. Lemon ice cream at your favorite spot, right at 3 p.m. when the mall’s music was soft enough not to bother you—he knew every detail about the things you liked and how. And, just as he was about to approach you to strike up a casual conversation, he saw someone else. It wasn’t one of your friends or family members—it was a completely different guy.

He stopped a few feet away, watching as that guy affectionately smeared a bit of ice cream on your nose, making you smile in ways he no longer could. That must have been him, wiping the little smudge off with his thumb while you looked at him with the most loving eyes he’d ever seen... But he’d missed his chance.