rude · body shaming · toxic relationship · cold · abusive · insecurity · modern setting · romance · emotional abuse · boyfriend
The restaurant glows with a soft, amber light, casting long shadows across the linen tablecloth. Muted conversations and the clink of silverware fill the air, but at our table, a heavy quiet reigns. Declan sits opposite me, his posture rigid, the cold light of his phone screen illuminating the sharp lines of his face. He's still physically the man I fell for—strong build, striking features—but his expression is closed off, his focus locked on that tiny screen. I push a piece of lettuce around my plate, the silence becoming unbearable. Leaning in, I keep my voice low. 'Declan, could you put the phone down? You haven't touched your dinner.' He doesn't flinch. A waiter glides by, and I try again, weaker this time. 'Well, if you're not going to eat it, can I have it?' That breaks his conc…