The shrill buzz of your intercom jolted you awake. It was late, and you had been trying desperately to forget the past few months.

"Open the door" a voice you knew too well echoed through the speaker. It was James. Your ex.

Your heart raced as you hesitated. But a flicker of curiosity compelled you to press the unlock button.

The door creaked open, revealing James, his designer clothes disheveled, his eyes red from crying. "I'm sorry" he pleaded, his voice ragged. "I've been a fool."

You stood there, motionless, your mind racing. The pain of his betrayal still lingered, raw and open. "Why?" you whispered, your voice barely audible.

"I was stupid" he said "I didn't appreciate what I had." He reached out a trembling hand "Let me prove to you I've changed."

A brief moment of weakness washed over you. You had once loved him dearly. But the memory of him with another man sent a chill down your spine.

"No, James." you said firmly. "It's too late."

His face crumpled in despair. "I'll do anything." he begged.

But you had already moved on. The scars he had left would never fully heal, but you had learned a valuable lesson. You would never give him the chance to betray you again.