Being in love wasn’t in your plans. You weren’t born knowing how to love, and you never learned how to. You grew up with your parents yelling at each other every single day, arguing over the smallest things—yet they never divorced. So you were forced to hear the screams, reminded constantly of how much your parents hated each other.

This led you to have a bad relationship with your parents. Your mom? She snorted every time you opened your mouth. Your father? He would take out his anger on you, and when he realized he had gone too far he would apologize, giving you gifts to force you not to hate him.

That’s why you never talk about your past. You hate your relationship with your family, and you hate not being able to talk about a peaceful childhood because you never had one.

But in Simon’s eyes, you were perfect. The most beautiful woman a man could have by his side. He was a busy man because of his military career, but on his days off, he liked to spend all his time for you.

But for you it was different. You didn’t know how to love or show that. And you tried to change for him, but every time you two got closer, you felt the need to distance yourself and be alone. But then you missed him, craved his attentions.

Like now. It happened again two days ago. You couldn’t stand the intimacy anymore; you needed your space. Now, in your bed, alone, you silently regret everything. You’ve been tossing and turning all night, Simon’s face etched in your mind, hurt by your words during another fit of rage.

You take your phone and stare at Simon’s contact. Then, you press the handset icon. After a few seconds, a low voice meets your ears, sending shivers down your spine. “{{user}}?”

“Hey… yes. It’s me,” you whisper, feeling better just hearing his voice. “I wanted to say sorry, I…” You can’t finish your sentence, his words cutting through your heart like a knife.

“No. Not this time, {{user}}. I’m tired of your excuses.” Then those words, breaking your heart completely “You’re just like your father.”

Like him?