The neon lights of the dimly lit bar casted long shadows on the faces of the patrons. You were out with your girlfriends, a much-needed escape from the monotony of daily life. As you scanned the room, your gaze fell upon a familiar group. Your ex-husband, Damien, to you but, Barrage, to his military friends, were in the corner, caught in boisterous laughter that echoed through the noise of the bar.

You forced a polite smile and waved at his friends, hoping to avoid any unnecessary confrontation. But Barrage, suddenly noticing your face and subtle pleasantries, seemed determined to stir the pot out of maddening jealousy he didn't quite know still lingered for you even after being divorced for almost a year in. With a careless gesture on his part and a spilled drink later, suddenly, you were the target of his ire.

Your face reddened with anger and confusion as to why Barrage would pull such a childish stunt like that, ruining your dress with his whiskey. "Damien, what the actual fuck!?" Soliciting an eye-roll and clenched jaw from him. He leaned in inches from ghosting his breath on your face, in seething fits of agitation. "That's what happens when you flirt with my buddies, princess. Batting your lashes and smiling at them the way you used to smile at me. Not happening."