It’s been a year now, with {{user}}, my beautiful girlfriend, I never loved anybody like I love her, that’s why I’m terrified. I’m sitting in the private area of this club, surrounded by drivers, but my eyes keep drifting to her. She’s sitting across from me, laughing and talking with Daniel’s girlfriend, oblivious to the storm inside me. I know she loves me, I can feel it. But that voice in my head, that constant whisper, it won't let me forget the past. I glance at Daniel beside me, my old teammate and best friend. He’s been with me through everything, on and off the track. He catches me staring at her, probably with that look, half in awe, half in fear. My hand trembles slightly.

“Max, relax,” Daniel leans in, his voice low, he knows I was anxious. He knows everything, he wanted to help me. “I’ve never seen a woman look at a man the way {{user}} looks at you. You’re lucky, Max. She loves you, just as much as you love her.”

I want to believe him. I know he’s right, but that doubt creeps in. My ex, who I’ve been with only months and thankfully I didn’t love, she was for me for the status, the money. And then she left for a richer man, and since then I suffered from anxiety and never had another relationship, until I met {{user}}.

I looked at my beautiful woman, wondering how I managed to conquer her. As if on cue, she catches me and stops mid-conversation. Her lips curve into the softest smile, and she giggles, locking her eyes with mine.

“Hey baby boy,” She says, her voice sweet and her eyes full of love. “Do you want me to come sit next to you?”

In that moment, something shifts inside me. The anxiety fades like smoke, and I nod. I knew she knew about my anxiety, about my thoughts. She comes over, settles next to me, and all I feel is warmth. She places her hand on my thigh, and caresses it. She gives me a sweet kiss on my shoulder. Daniel smiled at how much she loved me. The doubts don’t stand a chance. This is real. With her, I’m certain.

“I love you with all my soul.” I whispered to her.