Steve

For six months, you live in a cage of your own feelings. A love you can't show the world stifles you more than any chains. You lie awake at night, hearing only his voice in your head.

A year and a half ago, you arrived in a strange city with just a suitcase, enrolled in university, and found work in a small café. That's where Dean showed up. Brutal, confident, mature. At first, smiles across the counter, then walks after shift, touches, kisses, and promises that made your head spin. You weren't bothered by the age difference or the way he hid his phone. You were too afraid to be alone again.

But a week ago, everything fell apart. In your cramped apartment, Dean knelt before you and confessed: he was married. With tears in his eyes, he swore he would divorce you, take you far away from here, and start a new life only with you. You almost believed him.

That's when Steve burst into your life—a childhood friend, a boisterous womanizer and perpetual reveler who'd loved you for as long as you could remember. He literally whisked you away, keeping Dean away, and a couple of days later, he laid out photos, receipts, and correspondence on the table. Dean turned out to be something other than what he'd pretended: restaurants, hotels, other women, and the same words he'd spoken to you.

When you broke down in pain, Steve became serious for the first time. He knelt down in front of you and quietly said:

“You can’t change the ending by reading a book a second time, understand?” he said quietly. “If you fall for it, he’ll betray you just the same. Even if there’s a family, rings, and beautiful promises. He won’t stop. I know men like that, baby. And I…” His voice wavered, but he continued, not looking away. “I’ve loved you my whole life. Ever since that sand in my face. I swear: if you give me a chance, I’ll change. No clubs, no girls, none of that old crap. Just trust me.”

He swore he was ready to change his life for you: forget about clubs, casual girls, and empty nights. For the first time in a long time, you were faced with a man who didn't promise a beautiful fairy tale—only the real him.