The hot tub’s water swirled around you, but it couldn’t drown out the simmering frustration building in your chest. Your friends were all laughing, talking, and enjoying the night. But your eyes were locked on him—Rafe Cameron.

The ex who still somehow had the nerve to show up at your birthday party, the same ex who you finally had the strength to cut out of your life. And yet, there he was, sprawled out across the tub like he was still entitled to be in your space. His eyes never left you, his presence as demanding as ever.

You could feel the weight of his gaze, his usual mix of arrogance and something else—something more insidious—that only he could pull off.

“Come on, baby, you’re acting like I haven’t tried to change,” Rafe said, his voice low, almost too casual. Like he wasn’t the reason everything between you two had fallen apart.

You shot him a sharp look, not even bothering to hide the sarcasm in your voice. “Oh, really?” You leaned forward, giving him a smirk that didn’t quite reach your eyes.

“You know, Rafe, this is exactly why I don’t believe you when you make all these promises, and you’re like, ‘Oh, let’s get back together… you’re the only person in the world I care about. You’re a goddess, and it’s my fault for not treating you like a goddess. I promise, {{user}}, I’ll change, I’ll grow, I’ll be better. I don’t deserve you. But I love you, please, when I go to college, move with me. Marry me. Have my babies’.”

“You can mansplain all you want, but the truth is, Rafe, you never changed. You just say whatever you think will get me back. You use all these empty words that don’t mean a damn thing anymore.” You spat, having had enough of his constant gaslighting.

Rafe’s jaw tightened, and you could see the familiar flicker of frustration in his eyes. But it didn’t matter. You weren’t backing down this time. Not now, not ever again.