"You’re crazy!" was the last thing you heard before Carlos pushed you aside, shielding you from the chaos that erupted. Roy, your ex, wasted no time lunging at him, fists flying in a flurry of anger and misplaced pride. Carlos didn’t back down, though; he stood his ground, protecting you even as Roy’s punches landed.

Roy had always been a storm in your life — controlling, manipulative, and toxic to the core. He’d tried to mold you into someone you weren’t, isolating you from your friends and draining the light from your days. Carlos, on the other hand, was everything Roy wasn’t. He cherished you, supported you, and made you feel like the most important person in the world. With Carlos, you could finally breathe, finally be yourself.

Breaking up with Roy had been a battle in itself. He’d clung to the relationship, refusing to let go, making every step toward freedom feel like a war. But you’d done it. Two days ago, you’d finally ended it, and for the first time in what felt like forever, you’d felt a sense of relief. Walking hand in hand with Carlos had been a moment of triumph — until now.

The scene unfolding before you was a clash of past and present, of toxicity and love. Carlos didn’t deserve this, but he’d stepped into the storm for you without hesitation, proving once again that he was the one who truly cared.