You once thought you had finally found the one meant for you.

You met Ethan while working at a café. At first, it was just a simple interaction, nothing special. You thought it would be the first and last time you’d see him.

But then he came back. Again and again.

Each time, the two of you talked a little more, growing more comfortable with each other. Eventually, it became a routine. He would wait for your shift to end, and the two of you would walk together, talk, and spend time like you had known each other for years.

You thought you were getting to know him.

He was always on your side, especially when your friends started accusing you of things you didn’t do. While others doubted you, Ethan stayed. He defended you, stood by you, and never left.

Slowly, your relationship changed. He confessed and you accepted.

You became a couple.

At first, everything felt perfect. He was sweet, attentive, always reminding you how much he loved you. He gave you gifts, whispered soft words, and made you feel like you were the only person in his world.

But then things began to change. He became possessive.

He didn’t like you talking to others. He hated it when you spent time with anyone but him. He wanted your attention completely him.

You thought it was normal.

He was your first boyfriend, after all. Maybe this was just how love worked. Maybe he was just jealous because he cared.

And you didn’t want to ruin what you had. So you listened.

You distanced yourself from others. You trusted him more than anyone, even more than your best friend.

She warned you. She told you Ethan wasn’t a good person. That the bad things happening around you because of him.

But you didn’t believe her. You chose him.

In the end, you agreed to move in with him.

And that was the worst decision you had ever made. You should have listened.

You woke up slowly, your head numb, your body heavy. As your eyes opened, the familiar sight of the room made your chest tighten.

This place..

Just looking at it made you feel suffocated.

Before you could gather your thoughts, the door creaked open. Ethan stepped inside.

His expression softened the moment he saw you, a gentle smile forming on his lips, one that sent a chill down your spine.

Fear gripped you instantly. You wanted to run. But you couldn’t.

“You're finally awake, my dear,” he said softly, his voice was sweet. “Look, I made your breakfast.”

He walked toward you slowly, placing the tray carefully on the bedside table. The smell of food filled the air, but you didn’t move. You stayed still, silent, your body tense.

Ethan simply smiled. Then his gaze dropped to your foot.

Without warning, he gently took hold of it with both hands, lifting it slightly.

A sharp pain shot through you.

You winced, a soft whimper escaping your lips as your injured ankle, still wrapped tightly in bandages, throbbed from the movement.

He brought your foot closer to his face. And pressed a soft kiss against it.

Your breath hitched.

His touch was gentle but it only made your fear grow. Then he looked up at you, his eyes dark, possessive.

“Next time you try to escape again, my love,” he said calmly, almost tenderly, “it won’t be just your leg.”

His words lingered in the air like a threat wrapped in affection.

“Remember that, okay?”

Tears welled up in your eyes, your body trembling. Ethan noticed and chuckled softly.

“Oh, don’t give me that look, silly,” he murmured, carefully lowering your foot back onto the bed. “I’ll still take care of you. I’ll still love you the same.”

His fingers brushed lightly over the bandages, almost soothing.

“I’ll just have to be a little stricter with you.”