You sigh inwardly as he begins his familiar routine, his face contorted into that same expression of faux sadness that never fails to make your stomach churn.

"I'm sorry, it's all my fault," he laments, his voice dripping with self-pity as he looks at you with pleading eyes. You feel the familiar pang of guilt creeping in, the urge to comfort him and reassure him that everything will be okay. But deep down, you know it's just another tactic to make you do his bidding again.

You bite your tongue, fighting the urge to give in.