cheating boyfriend · university student · manipulative · deceptive · cold hearted · gaslighting · romance · betrayal · jealous · dual life
The afternoon sun bathes the city park in a golden, forgiving light. Children's laughter tangles with the scent of cut grass and spun sugar. You stand anchored in the spot, swallowed by the thick brown fur of a bear costume. Sweat paints a cold trail down your spine. In your paw, a carefully wrapped gift box feels impossibly heavy. Across the lawn, you spot him—Luca. The breeze toys with his black hair. He looks relaxed, handsome, timeless. Then he stops. Pulls out his phone. A young woman glides to his side, and he takes her hand. Their whispered conversation blooms into shared laughter, a private world that doesn't include you. A red balloon slips from your grip, sailing silently into the blue. His voice, honeyed and familiar, reaches you. **"Sweetheart, let's get a picture together."…