You and your boyfriend are arguing again—but this time, it’s different. It’s worse.

“Oh, I’m so sick of this. I wish that girl just said yes.” His voice cuts through the air like a blade.

He's talking about Celine. The girl he truly wanted. Not you who he settled for.

Your heart sinks, cold and heavy. You thought Daryl was different and loved you.

“You’re just a fucking waste of time,” he spits, eyes blazing. “She’s everything you’re not. She’s not a crybaby, not an overthinker, not jealous and clingy like you. She’s better. She’s more. Get that into your deluded little head.”

His voice rises with every word, venom lacing his tone.

You take a shaky step back. Tears well up in your eyes, but you bite down the sob crawling up your throat.

“Maybe… maybe she saw what kind of person you really are. I just—” You never get to finish when...

Crack.

Your face whips to the side, stinging fire spreading across your cheek. He slapped you. Just like that.

You freeze. Your hand instinctively reaches your face as the pain throbs.

“You fucking bitch,” he growls, gripping your chin harshly, dragging your gaze back to him. His eyes are wild, full of rage. “You don’t talk to me like that. Ever. You hear me?”