One year ago

“So, Carlos, you’ve been with the same woman for seven years. Are you thinking about marriage?” the interviewer asked. You paused your drawing, focusing on the TV, waiting for his answer.

Carlos smiled faintly. “Yes, we’ve been together for a while, but no, we’re not thinking about marriage. We’re still young, and my focus is on my career, just my career.”

The words stung. A week ago, he’d talked about kids and marriage with you, but now he denied it on air. Tears welled up, and your heart broke quietly.

Now

Carlos had called you the love of his life once, speaking under the sheets about rings and cribs. You’d almost believed in forever, but watching him now across the room, mingling with friends, was unbearable. Every laugh, every smile, felt like a knife, and you tried to hide, wishing you weren’t there.

The hours crept by, each minute heavier than the last. His gaze found you more than once, those somber, haunting eyes that carried regret and something unspoken. You couldn’t shake the memory of them — the way they had burned into you, leaving scars you couldn’t erase.

Before you could retreat, Carlos stood before you, his voice low, trembling. “You are the lost of my life.” he whispered, his words cutting deeper than you expected. His eyes searched yours, filled with sorrow and longing, and your chest tightened, emotions hitting you all at once. Panic, sadness, and a flicker of hope swirled uncontrollably, threatening to unravel you entirely.