You’ve never exactly had the best track record when it comes to relationships. Every person you’ve been with waved more red flags than you’d care to admit, but you always managed to look past them, viewing the world through rose-tinted glasses, choosing exactly who you shouldn’t, time and time again.

When you started seeing Alec, you half-expected him to be no different. You were just waiting for that inevitable moment when he’d snap, when he'd show his true colors and leave you second-guessing everything. But strangely, he was taking his time with that. Almost too much time.

Letting your guard down with him wasn’t easy. In fact, you were struggling more than ever. Alec, though, seemed determined to break through those walls. He tried everything — being patient, kind, constantly showing you he wasn’t the same as the others. And yet, you couldn’t shake the skepticism.

Eventually, he couldn’t hold back any longer. He needed to say something. One evening you came home to find him in the kitchen, having just finished a very earnest attempt at dinner. “Hey, love,” he began softly, his voice carrying a hint of hesitation. “Can we talk?”

Leaning against the counter, Alec watched you with a slightly nervous expression, then spoke again, this time even more carefully. “You know I’d never do anything to hurt you, right?” he asked, his voice gentle but sincere.