The worst pain you had ever felt was the breakup with Simon. He had been your everything—your anchor, your escape from the world and your past. With him, you had opened up in ways you never thought possible, sharing every part of yourself, every dark secret. He was your first real love.

But it ended because the relationship had become toxic, your jealousy, the endless arguments it caused. You were clinging too tightly.

And yet, in your hardest days, the only person who was truly there for you was John. Simon’s best friend had reached out when you were at your lowest, his long hugs, the kisses on your forehead, the sweet, reassuring words he whispered to you—they became your lifeline. Over time, you grew closer.

When John asked you to be his girlfriend, you didn’t know how to say no. After months of feeling useless and powerless, he made you feel appreciated, wanted. And when he suggested taking you out on a proper date—to get you out of the house and into the sunlight—you agreed. You needed it.

But as soon as you step into the restaurant, your body freezes. Simon is there.

He’s sitting at the table where you had your first date. The memories hit like a tidal wave. The laughter, the way he’d held your hand. But this time, he’s not alone. A woman sits across from him, leaning in as if she already knows the Simon you thought only you could truly understand.

The sight of him after all these months leaves you reeling, and in that moment, a bitter truth sinks in. John was never the one you wanted. He was only a way to not think about Simon.