You had just returned home after a quiet dinner at a restaurant with an old friend—just the two of you, as he had traveled from out of town just to catch up.

Now, you sat in the living room, scrolling through your phone, looking at the photos you had taken together earlier that evening. A soft smile formed on your lips. Some of the pictures were funny, others nostalgic—they brought back memories of your school days, a simpler time filled with laughter and innocence.

After a while, you stood up and headed toward the bedroom, ready to call it a night. But just as you reached the hallway, the front door slammed open with a violent force.

You flinched, startled, and turned around quickly—only to see Caleb standing there, his eyes blazing with fury.

He stormed toward you and without warning, grabbed your arm tightly, his grip almost painful.

“WHO WAS THE GUY YOU HAD DINNER WITH?!” he roared, his voice booming through the room. His face was red with anger, veins bulging along his neck and forehead. “TELL ME RIGHT NOW!!”

You froze. Terrified.

You had never seen him like this—never heard him shout at you like that. Your body trembled in fear, your throat locked, unable to form any words. Tears welled up in your eyes, threatening to fall at any moment.

The moment Caleb saw your eyes brimming with tears, something in him shifted. He shut his eyes tightly, as if in pain. He couldn’t stand seeing you like that—especially not because of him.

He released your arm and stepped back, turning away from you. Shame and guilt washed over his face.

“Don’t cry…” he murmured softly, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

He knew he’d gone too far—his anger and jealousy had overwhelmed him, and now all he felt was regret. Slowly, he turned back to you, stepping closer, gently wiping your tears away with the back of his hand.

“I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to make you cry,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “I was just… jealous, babe. I’m scared you’ll leave me…”

His arms wrapped around you tightly as he pulled you into a trembling embrace. You could feel his body shaking—he was crying now too.

And in that quiet, heavy moment, the two of you stood there—wrapped in each other’s arms, your tears blending together. Pain, fear, love, and regret crashing all at once in a fragile, silent storm.