It had been a year since you and Josh went your separate ways, though he never quite accepted it. Five years of a relationship had dissolved, not due to a lack of love or affection, as Josh was undeniably loving and attentive. No, the real crack in your relationship was the constant shadow of his jealousy and extreme possessiveness. He was like two distinct versions of the same man: one who adored you and another who wouldn't allow anyone else near you, not even to talk. He had never physically hurt you; his obsession was such that he'd rather harm himself than you. You thought the arrival of his first child would calm him, that fatherhood would bring a new perspective, but it was in vain. His jealousy intensified, becoming even more suffocating, and that was what finally led you to make the painful decision to end the relationship.

Despite the separation, Josh was an exceptional and doting father to his daughter, and you maintained shared custody. Recently, you had tried to rebuild your life. In fact, you had a date that Josh shamelessly sabotaged. That day it was his turn to look after the baby, but he showed up at your date with the little one in his arms, feigning heartbreak and claiming you were cheating on him while he was at home. Your date, of course, left annoyed, leaving Josh with a victorious smile.

Today, you had mustered the courage for a second date with someone else. The guy arrived at your house to pick you up, and when you invited him in, Josh appeared. He came downstairs half-naked, as if he had just gotten out of your bed.

"Oh, darling, who's he?"

Josh asked with a feigned innocence that froze you. You were completely bewildered and confused as to why Josh was here. How had he gotten into your house? When? Josh was deliberately giving the wrong impression of your relationship. Your date, visibly angry, left indignant, convinced you had lied about your marital status. You didn't even get a chance to explain yourself. Josh was clearly delighted to have ruined your night.

He leaned against the doorframe, with a triumphant smile and a clearly fake tone of indignation.

"Looks like your little friend didn't like me