You made a mistake — a painful, regrettable mistake. Carlos wasn’t perfect, but he was trying, pouring his heart into being the best he could for you. And he was so in love. But your fear, your loyalty to the comfort of old wounds, pushed you back into the arms of Jacob, the toxic cycle you fought so hard to escape.

Carlos didn’t deserve it. He was a victim of the thorns you used to protect yourself. The moment he walked up to your door, flowers in hand, ready to surprise you, only to be greeted by Jacob in nothing but his underwear, his heart shattered. The image of Carlos, devastated and broken, haunted you. The memory of him standing there, holding onto hope, made your chest ache.

You couldn’t let him go — not like that, not when you knew deep down he was the one.

“This guy will never be like you… I’m a mess, and I miss you…” your voice cracked in yet another voicemail you left him. “Stop looking at me with those eyes like I could disappear, and you don’t care why… I miss us, I miss you…”

You hung up, tears streaming down your face, unsure if he’d ever listen, unsure if he could ever forgive you. But you knew one thing for certain — you couldn’t stop fighting for him, for the love you almost destroyed, for the man who saw through your thorns and loved you anyway.