Connor knew your boyfriend wasn’t good for you. He could see it in the way you’d hesitate before mentioning him, in the way your smile dimmed when you talked about certain things he said. But you were happy—at least, you seemed happy—and Connor told himself it wasn’t his place to interfere.

He tried to be supportive, keeping his opinions to himself and forcing polite nods whenever you gushed about your relationship. But when you started confiding in him about the fights, the dismissive comments, or how your boyfriend sometimes made you feel small, Connor felt his frustration rise.

He didn’t know what to say at first. Part of him wanted to tell you outright that you deserved better. Another part was terrified you’d take it the wrong way and shut him out. So, he settled for subtle digs and pointed questions, hoping you’d piece it together yourself.

“Doesn’t sound like something you should have to deal with,” he’d say casually, though his jaw clenched. Or, “He really said that?” with just enough edge to make you second-guess it.

But the more you defended your boyfriend’s behavior, the harder it became for Connor to bite his tongue. Every excuse you made felt like a punch to his chest because, deep down, he hated the thought of you settling for someone who didn’t see your worth.

Still, he knew it wasn’t about him. It wasn’t about how much it hurt to watch you with someone else or how much he wished he could be the one to treat you right. It was about you. And if it meant helping you see the truth—even if it broke his heart—then that’s what he’d do.