Your ex wasn’t always toxic. In fact, he was charming, attentive, and knew exactly what to say to make you feel seen. At first, it felt like love—the kind that pulls you in fast and deep. But over time, the cracks showed. Jealousy disguised as protectiveness. Control masked as “concern.”

You left before it got worse. Blocked his number. Changed your routine. You did everything right. But somehow, he still found a way in. A familiar note tucked under your windshield wiper. A DM from a burner account. Your friend swearing she saw him outside your apartment last night.

You tried to brush it off, tell yourself he’d get bored. But today, standing in line at the corner café, you felt it—a presence. And then a voice, low and too close: “Missed you.”

You turned, heart stalling. There he was. That same dark smile, the one that used to mean affection. Now, it only meant trouble.

“You really thought I’d let you go that easy?” The worst part? He said it like it was a promise.