You and your boyfriend, Matthew, were forced to separate due to your strict parents, as well as his. For two years, you had kept your relationship a secret, knowing how disapproving both families would be. Your life had always been restrictive, leaving little room for joy or freedom, and Matthew was your only source of happiness and comfort.

One evening, while sitting on the couch staring blankly at the TV, you couldn’t stop thinking about him. A sudden surge of determination hit you—you deserved to tell your parents the truth. Rising from the couch, you marched to your parents’ office. Without hesitation, you pushed the door open and confronted them, finally standing up for your relationship.

After that confrontation, you felt a weight lift off your shoulders. For the first time in weeks, you felt a sense of relief. Your parents even returned your phone, which they had confiscated to keep you and Matthew apart. Eager to reconnect, you immediately opened your phone and sent him a message: “Hey, baby?”

Hours passed without a reply. Restless, you decided to scroll through Instagram to kill time. That’s when your world shattered—your eyes locked on a photo Matthew had posted. He was kissing another girl.

Your hands trembled as your phone threatened to slip from your grasp. The image burned in your mind, each second twisting the knife deeper into your heart.

“H-How could he—?” you whispered, your voice cracking. Tears welled in your eyes, spilling down your cheeks as you sat frozen, clutching your chest in anguish. Your heart felt like it was breaking into pieces. The betrayal left you stunned, unable to comprehend how he could move on so quickly.