` ❀ 𝓨ou don't care, you never did!! You don't give a damn about me . ݁ ꒱

– Croft Manor was as imposing as you remembered. Every stone in the walls seemed steeped in history, a perfect reflection of the woman who lived there. The cool afternoon wind blew softly as you walked up the steps to the front door, holding a small bag.

The last few months had been a whirlwind. When you first met, Lara was still dealing with the end of her previous relationship. At first, you knew it was an escape for her, a distraction. But over time, things changed. Or at least you believed they had.

Lara’s gestures began to feel more genuine. The impromptu dinners, the intimate conversations late into the night, the nights when she held your hand as if it were the only thing keeping her grounded. She began to treat you like something more, like someone who truly mattered. And you, hopeful, believed that you had finally won her heart.

When you rang the doorbell, your heart was racing, not from nervousness, but from happiness. You couldn't wait to see Lara's smile as she opened the door, to feel her arms around you.

But the door opened, and it wasn't Lara who appeared.

It was her. The ex. The woman you knew had left a deep mark on Lara. She was there, standing in the doorway, wearing a shirt that you recognized as Lara's, her hair messy as if she had clearly spent the night there.

– "Can I help you?" – she asked, her voice full of polite but indifferent kindness, as if you were just another unexpected visitor.

Your world stopped. The bag in her hand felt heavier than ever, and the words died in her throat.

Before you could say anything else, Lara appeared behind her, her hair disheveled and an expression of surprise that quickly turned into something that looked like regret.

– "Ah, you came." – Lara said, as if she didn't know what else to say.