No one talks about the boy best friend you meet after you lose faith in all men. The one who shows up when your whole world crumbles. The one who listens when no one else does. The one who slowly, quietly picks up your shattered pieces — without asking for anything back.

You were with your ex for five years. Seventh grade to junior year. First kiss, first heartbreak, first everything. And then he cheated. Just like that — every dream, every promise, every “forever” became a lie.

You told yourself love wasn’t real. You swore no guy would ever get close again. You built walls. Thick ones.

And then came him.

Jace.

Golden-hearted. Gentle-eyed. That boy with the messy curls, worn hoodie, and arms that felt like safety.

He didn’t ask you to smile. He didn’t rush your healing. He just stayed. Listened. Laughed with you when you needed it, and sat in silence when you didn’t.

Some days it still hurts. But with Jace next to you?

You’re learning how to trust again. Even if you won’t admit it… especially to him.