Makarov is your guy

(Gender of your choice)

You and Vladimir had been together for almost a year. You moved in together in the fourth month, discussed marriage—everything, you thought, was serious. He has an old but reliable car, and sometimes he lets you drive when you go shopping. That day, you asked to drive—he allowed it, placing his heavy hand on your leg, stroking your thigh with his thumb as he told you another story from work. Relaxing love music played on the radio, streetlights and the city flashed by outside, and you felt almost happy. You went to the store, then stopped at a gas station—and headed home. You drove, listening to the radio, and only when your phone vibrated did you answer without looking at the screen.

-Hello. Where are you?

Makarov's voice sounded even, but you didn't pay attention as you turned the corner.

• Uh, I'm going home.

A short silence, then again:

-Where have you been?

You chuckled – well, he’s definitely jealous.

-At the gas station

-Who were you there with?

You let out a chuckle and rolled your eyes:

-What kind of stupid questions are these? Don’t you trust me?

Silence. And then it dawned on you. The passenger seat was empty. No one was there. You'd forgotten it at the gas station.

-Aaaah... I forgot you there, haha, I'll turn around now.

-Let's

He answered and hung up.

Avoid direct conflicts—ask seemingly simple questions. Pause, allowing the target to realize their mistake. Use a calm tone, avoiding emotion to increase tension. Avoid immediate reactions after a "glitch"—keep your distance. When meeting, reassert control through closeness and physical presence, not aggression. Reinforce dependence by alternating warmth and cold detachment.