{"id":1895,"date":"2024-12-06T08:37:15","date_gmt":"2024-12-06T08:37:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/?p=1895"},"modified":"2024-12-06T08:37:18","modified_gmt":"2024-12-06T08:37:18","slug":"i-went-to-care-for-my-sick-boyfriend-but-what-i-found-changed-everything-and-brought-someone-unexpected-into-my-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/archives\/1895","title":{"rendered":"I Went to Care for My Sick Boyfriend, but What I Found Changed Everything and Brought Someone Unexpected into My Life"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class='\"entry-header\"'>\n<div class='\"entry-content\"'>\n<header class='\"entry-header\"'>\n<div class='\"entry-content\"'>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36' contentrenderer_paragraph-first___d_vf>I went to check on my boyfriend, worried he was too sick to even text me back. But what I found shattered my trust and sent my world spinning. Days later, the last person I ever expected showed up at my door, and together, we started something that changed my life forever.\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>One crisp autumn day, I sat alone in my small, cozy apartment, the sunlight streaming weakly through the windows.\n</p><div class='\"code-block' code-block-1>\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/tQ_aPfpN-Qn-PhmwDyYb4dZhQ2gxwec6An9N9GNFAyA\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNWNhNmFmMTAzZTAxZTIwMTNmZWU5NzNkZTFmYTEzZjIwZWQxZTJmNjg1YWRkNzg1MWIwNmZlNzU2NzIwZmU3NC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/5ca6af103e01e2013fee973de1fa13f20ed1e2f685add7851b06fe756720fe74.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The orange and red leaves outside seemed to mock my restlessness as I stared at my phone, waiting for my boyfriend, Jace, to finally show up.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He hadn\u2019t visited in days, claiming he was just tired, but something about his excuses didn\u2019t sit right with me.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I fiddled with the hem of my sweater, tapping my foot anxiously against the hardwood floor. Finally, I gave up and dialed his number. The phone rang a few times before he answered.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/AFAeycR2sseSTsTFbhwyv22LVgoBdfd_hErqXdz0fMU\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYTgyOTJjNWY0YzIwNjIwMWFiNjkxOWY1MDk4YTIzY2E2NGY3ZWRlOTYzNTQ3MmUzYmRkMWFjZGYxMmE1ZGI4NS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/a8292c5f4c206201ab6919f5098a23ca64f7ede9635472e3bdd1acdf12a5db85.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cHello?\u201d Jace answered, his voice low and groggy, like he\u2019d just woken up.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cAre you sleeping?\u201d I asked, trying to hide the edge in my voice.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cYeah,\u201d he said, pausing for a second. \u201cSorry I didn\u2019t text you. I just fell asleep. I\u2019m not feeling great\u2014might have a fever or something.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cOh\u2026\u201d I said softly, not sure what else to say.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He coughed hard into the phone, making me wince. \u201cLook, I\u2019ll text you later,\u201d he muttered, his words rushed.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/L9mwnvHCAkjqtDPne6TXE9WY6VzozJ6I-4WYpt-gBrk\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNTIwNDA5NDUyZjk0YWQ1YWY3M2ViNWU0N2U3ZTQyZWY2ODM2MTg4MWRhZWU1Zjc2MDgxMDY5NDQzN2EzYTYwNS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MjQwMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTM0NQ.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/520409452f94ad5af73eb5e47e7e42ef68361881daee5f760810694437a3a605.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"2400\"' height='\"1345\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cFeel bet\u2014\u201d I started, but the line went dead before I could finish.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Frustration bubbled up as I tapped my fingers on the table, my thoughts racing. If Jace was really sick, I couldn\u2019t just sit there doing nothing. I\u2019d take care of him, whether he liked it or not. That\u2019s what girlfriends do, right?\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Grabbing my coat, I headed out into the crisp autumn air, determined. The walk to the store was brisk, the kind that makes your cheeks tingle.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g' image_wrapper-vertical__pwzar>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/BLojCLMZj_VkmbsXlXJ868aut2bUsJ0AP0RF0prpvwc\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vN2ZhYTA2ZDk3ZTVhMGM2MTlkMDY4OTk1ZWMzNDlhOTlmNDJlMjM0YmEzZWRhYjA4ZGY0YjhiYWUxNjM2ZGNmYi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9ODE2JmhlaWdodD0xNDU2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/7faa06d97e5a0c619d068995ec349a99f42e234ba3edab08df4b8bae1636dcfb.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"816\"' height='\"1456\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Inside, I picked up fresh fruit, tea, and a box of throat lozenges, imagining how grateful Jace would be when I showed up.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Back at his building, I pressed the elevator button, adjusting the heavy bag on my arm. Usually, I took the stairs, but not today.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The elevator hummed softly as it descended, and I distracted myself by humming along to a tune stuck in my head.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/_3Eux98gdoJwPEjccSVXU6H_ek-FtCsmlY0bZWWA-OQ\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZTY2OGMwYmUxNGMyMTE1ZTMwYzlmYzk1YTJjNTgzNTJlNmQyNWRiZTlmMTkzMzZjZDQzMTFjNWVmYmE4NjEzNy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/e668c0be14c2115e30c9fc95a2c58352e6d25dbe9f19336cd4311c5efba86137.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>When the doors slid open, my heart stopped. There he was\u2014Jace\u2014with his arms around a woman I didn\u2019t recognize.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Her face pressed against his chest, and they were so close it made my stomach churn. This wasn\u2019t just a hug. It was something more.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cLooks like you\u2019re feeling better,\u201d I said, my voice louder than I intended, cutting through the quiet hallway.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/GLgGDljvKjPaSO_eObHrfityMY0iPXXs3c-qIM9_1JM\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMWI5YTAzOTVjY2ZiNzFkYmJjMzIxYmI4ZjBkMjY5MWI2NmZkYTJlNDVlYWVkYzc0MDA5MDZjODcxYmJhMzE0Yi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/1b9a0395ccfb71dbbc321bb8f0d2691b66fda2e45eaedc7400906c871bba314b.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Jace\u2019s head whipped toward me, his face draining of color. \u201cKate\u2026\u201d he stammered, his arms falling away from the woman. He stepped toward me, his hand reaching out like that would somehow fix things. \u201cI can explain.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>His mouth opened, but I held up a hand to stop him. \u201cDon\u2019t. Just don\u2019t. If you take one more step or say one more word, I swear I\u2019ll make you regret it.\u201d I hurled the bag of groceries at him, the fruit spilling across the floor.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/6i4a1cIWY3jR9iPnr-ZQVRKMNks8VM2V1JJpGvigwEM\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOTgxZTAzMzYzOTFhMzc5ZTZmNjJmZTAwODAzOWJkOTZjYmIyOWJiODY3NWM1NWE4OTM5YTA4YTJjNzRhY2E4Ni5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/981e0336391a379e6f62fe008039bd96cbb29bb8675c55a8939a08a2c74aca86.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Without waiting for his reaction, I turned and walked away, my heart pounding with anger and disgust.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He didn\u2019t call after me, didn\u2019t try to stop me, and for that, I was glad. He wasn\u2019t worth it. Not anymore.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>A few days had dragged by since I\u2019d caught Jace in the elevator with another woman. He hadn\u2019t bothered to call, text, or even send a pathetic apology.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/cNO04afbHuj3NOwOiP8a849qJ1FRcuFmBdMb9FBudeQ\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYzhlMGQ4ZGE4ZjQ2NDU3MTBlNWNlZDMyOTMwZTAxZTQ3ZDdlOTY5NmIxNDI1OGI4NmQ2N2Y0ZjQzZmJmNDg2ZS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/c8e0d8da8f4645710e5ced32930e01e47d7e9696b14258b86d67f4f43fbf486e.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Not even a simple \u201cI\u2019m sorry, I\u2019m a jerk, and I don\u2019t deserve you.\u201d Was that too much to ask?\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>It gnawed at me, this unfinished business. I couldn\u2019t move on, couldn\u2019t let go, because it felt like he was still lurking in my life, like a shadow I couldn\u2019t shake.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I decided I needed closure, even if it meant facing him. So, I texted him, my fingers trembling with anger. After a few minutes, he replied.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g' image_wrapper-vertical__pwzar>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/t-psd2gPhqj-j_3ZaKOJhJMusRrIDhaZuVMDMDvq4yU\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMjI5NWEyODM0YTQ0ODBlZjE0NmQ2ODVlYjZmNzdmMzkyNTU1YjAxNjEwMzhhM2JlZjI5NjM0ZmMzY2Y2OTI3YS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9ODE2JmhlaWdodD0xNDU2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/2295a2834a4480ef146d685eb6f77f392555b0161038a3bef29634fc3cf6927a.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"816\"' height='\"1456\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><strong class='\"ContentRenderer_bold__Fo6Iz\"'>@Jace:\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>Let\u2019s meet tonight at 6 p.m., at our caf\u00e9.\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Our caf\u00e9. The place where we had our first date. The nerve. Still, I agreed.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>At 6 p.m., I sat in the corner booth, the one we always chose. The warm smell of coffee and pastries surrounded me, but it brought no comfort.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Every time the door opened, I glanced up, expecting to see him. But Jace didn\u2019t show.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/alb7VRmsUZeNz5nSE3SA9BVzU5CAP6Efp52po1uQ1_s\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMWZiMmE3MDliZDYyNjU5ZmM1MmE1YWE3NDFlNjQzMGI0OWE2MDBmNmNjYjVhYTdkMDFkMjg3NzU5OTI2NzNmMi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/1fb2a709bd62659fc52a5aa741e6430b49a600f6ccb5aa7d01d28775992673f2.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>By 7 p.m., I was tapping my foot under the table, staring at the cold tea I hadn\u2019t touched. By 8 p.m., I was furious. Finally, my phone buzzed.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><strong class='\"ContentRenderer_bold__Fo6Iz\"'>@Jace:\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>I can\u2019t come. I can\u2019t stand seeing you so sad like this.\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I stared at the screen, stunned by his cowardice. What did that even mean? He couldn\u2019t stand\u00a0<i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>seeing me?\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He was the one who had cheated, yet he was acting like the victim. My anger boiled over.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/5B3COD6TRVSTxutX5PnXY4q0Rt7yV8EfsrfRC3xG0w4\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNzhmZWQzNGE2ZjZmMzhlOTBkNDM2OWI0MzYxYTBmM2Y4ZDkwZGY4ZGUxMDRhMWU0ZWI0MGE5OTE5ZWIwYjE5Yy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/78fed34a6f6f38e90d4369b4361a0f3f8d90df8de104a1e4eb40a9919eb0b19c.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>When I finally got home, the fury still burned in my chest. I stomped up the stairs, muttering under my breath.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Then, as I turned the corner, I froze. Standing outside my apartment was\u00a0<i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>her. The woman from the elevator. She looked nervous, like she\u2019d been waiting for me.\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhat the hell are you doing here?!\u201d I shouted, my voice echoing in the hallway. I couldn\u2019t believe she had the nerve to show up.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI want to talk to you,\u201d she said, her tone calm but uneasy. \u201cI feel like I owe you\u2026 more than just a conversation.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g' image_wrapper-vertical__pwzar>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/jPCmgsxEzGtBOYvQT8iKOCaga532BMJla_Kyj66YxAw\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYzUxNGQwYTk0OWNhNzY5OGI2ZjU3M2UyNWUzMDIyZTY2YzIxZWZjYjYwOTI3ZDAzNWM4ZjA5OTNiN2FhZmMxYi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9ODE2JmhlaWdodD0xNDU2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/c514d0a949ca7698b6f573e25e3022e66c21efcb60927d035c8f0993b7aafc1b.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"816\"' height='\"1456\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I folded my arms tightly, glaring at her. \u201cYou\u2019re a few hours late,\u201d I snapped. \u201cI don\u2019t want anything to do with that jerk. You can have him.\u201d Turning away, I fumbled with my keys, determined to shut this conversation down.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cThat\u2019s the thing\u2014I don\u2019t want him either,\u201d she said, her voice firmer this time. It stopped me cold. \u201cI finally realized what he\u2019s really like, and I wanted to talk to someone who understands.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/9dGZbGRhJGz-ST-k3ypqBYnRofG1nyGm00K_ViISPds\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYzA3MDNhOTY4ODI2ZTExMjIwM2JjMTM1NjVkZjFiNDBjNjA4OGJhMjg1ZWExNTYwMDg5YTk2ZTk1NzhmNTgwYS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MjA0OCZoZWlnaHQ9MjA0OA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/c0703a968826e112203bc13565df1b40c6088ba285ea1560089a96e9578f580a.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"2048\"' height='\"2048\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I hesitated, my hand still on the doorknob. This was absurd, completely insane. But a part of me was curious.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>With a deep sigh, I turned back to her. \u201cFine. Come in,\u201d I said, pushing the door open and stepping aside.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>As she entered, I asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s your name, anyway?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cAshley,\u201d she said softly, her eyes darting to the floor.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g' image_wrapper-vertical__pwzar>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/dOBpEgCGHX46R2s-821ACcEMvTxhUw2PXNskq_SCsoc\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNjMyODk2NzQxMDUyNzA2ZjJmN2U1MTU1MmJiYWI5YzBkOThjMTBhZDNmOTBlODk5MzY2MDFhMzg4ZWYxM2Q5YS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9ODE2JmhlaWdodD0xNDU2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/632896741052706f2f7e51552bbab9c0d98c10ad3f90e89936601a388ef13d9a.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"816\"' height='\"1456\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cKate,\u201d I said, introducing myself reluctantly.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI know,\u201d she admitted, guilt written all over her face.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I walked to the kitchen, motioning for her to follow. \u201cCome on,\u201d I said. \u201cI\u2019d offer you tea, but I think this calls for something stronger.\u201d I grabbed a bottle of wine from the counter and set it down.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/ZqoC3PfHjxBrb2ugNFAk3daKom7TwQ9axO-Z7mzBEsA\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMTg1NzczMmVkZTFjMmVmYWIyNTJlODcxYTg5MDIyODA2NWU3MDcxMWEyNjgyZjgwMDE5N2ZlZGFlNmRjZjcwZC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/1857732ede1c2efab252e871a890228065e70711a2682f800197fedae6dcf70d.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Ashley sat at the table, folding her hands nervously. \u201cYou didn\u2019t know about me,\u201d she began. \u201cBut I knew you existed. Jace told me he had a girlfriend, but he said you were awful to him. He claimed you ignored him, flirted with other men, made him feel worthless.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhat the\u2014?! That\u2019s exactly what he did to me!\u201d I burst out, anger flaring.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Ashley nodded slowly. \u201cI see that now, after what happened when you caught us. But back then, I believed him. I thought he was going to leave you and be with me.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/OGpe_OkshUs2kGGdng0oA1C_Ppekz9N4HKevqLhBeYE\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZmI2MTkyMWU5NWU1MDllZmNhZWE4NzBkY2IzNWJmYzJjZjM2ODAwNDFkMWRhNzg0YWY3MmZhYTA0ZDA5NWEzZS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTQ1NiZoZWlnaHQ9ODE2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/fb61921e95e509efcaea870dcb35bfc2cf3680041d1da784af72faa04d095a3e.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1456\"' height='\"816\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cLooks like the jerk fooled both of us,\u201d I said bitterly, pouring the wine.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m here. I don\u2019t want him to get away with it,\u201d she said, her voice steady.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhat are you suggesting?\u201d I asked, narrowing my eyes.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Ashley smiled, a sly, mischievous grin. \u201cRevenge,\u201d she said simply. \u201cYou know how much of a homophobe Jace is?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/EObgFTJ3zMtqdvr3SpovL__FAOTzyjLi10GmxNAPuMA\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDkwNGJmYWVhMzFjZWI0YTQyM2QzNjE3MGI0M2VjMGYyYTYyZmE3OTZjNDQxNjczZTQ0OWI5ZjQyZGM0MWUzZi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/d904bfaea31ceb4a423d36170b43ec0f2a62fa796c441673e449b9f42dc41e3f.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Her words made me pause, curiosity sparking despite my anger. And that was how it all began.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Ashley and I wasted no time setting our plan into motion. We created several profiles for Jace on popular dating sites, carefully crafting his \u201cinterests\u201d and uploading photos we had saved from his social media.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>We sent flirty messages to men who seemed eager to connect, pretending to be Jace himself.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/1dMmWVitZiuIBYwg1R4xrYWyhGwl_g6wDY0SNZ7C0JQ\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vODMxMGQ2MmZkNDYxYTEwYzJlYzcxNjIwMDc2NDIzNWU0Y2ZhY2ZjMTIwNzZmN2Q1ZGUyMGVlZDM4ZGQ5M2Q3My5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/8310d62fd461a10c2ec716200764235e4cfacfc12076f7d5de20eed38dd93d73.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI\u2019m looking for someone special,\u201d we wrote, ending with a winking emoji. We even set up meetups at his apartment, choosing times when we knew he\u2019d be home.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The thought of him opening his door to confused strangers made us laugh until our sides hurt.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>On another site, we posted his phone number with the tagline: \u201cNight owl? Call me between 2 and 4 a.m. for some fun.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/QzrnFi6Z_ReV_tL0EgeBcToUKCxYc45_ZF06ej76cvI\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNWMzZGYzNWU0Y2QzYmI0MWE2MDQ2YTZmMTVlNzVkMjJmZTRlYmNhMjQ5NTUzNDE5MTcwYzNiNDUwODU3MDVmNS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/5c3df35e4cd3bb41a6046a6f15e75d22fe4ebca249553419170c3b45085705f5.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Though we couldn\u2019t track the exact number of calls, the texts we received from Jace told us everything we needed to know.\u00a0<i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>\u201cWho are these people?\u201d \u201cWhy won\u2019t my phone stop ringing?\u201d\u00a0His desperation fueled us to keep going.\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The billboard idea was the final touch. We found ad space in the busiest parts of town and designed a bright, eye-catching poster featuring Jace\u2019s smiling face with the caption: \u201cLooking for a man to support and cherish.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/7NIO0p28NsKQdIIqVmroJ8Zr8aSHmcQHmebY-wa-Jak\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZjg0NGE3OGY1MGRkZTc5Mjg3MmZhYWJlNzJjOGZhMjc4OGI4Y2YwODhkMWEwNGMxYmVlYTRjOGVkNzFjOTI5ZS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/f844a78f50dde792872faabe72c8fa2788b8cf088d1a04c1beea4c8ed71c929e.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Seeing the first billboard go up was priceless. We high-fived in the car, imagining his face when he spotted it.\n\n</p><div>\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Our phones buzzed nonstop with texts and calls from Jace.\u00a0<i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>\u201cYou have to stop this,\u201d\u00a0he wrote.\u00a0<i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>\u201cPlease, I\u2019m begging you!\u201d\n\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Eventually, we responded.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><strong class='\"ContentRenderer_bold__Fo6Iz\"'>@Me:\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>We can stop, but there\u2019s one condition.\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/Gg1jhv949BImjFwBr4e5WvYwCYbemn1NRJ6onQlPNlQ\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMWFkZGFiMWQ5OGQ0NzQ3YWQ3NWVlYmIxNTkwM2UxYmE2NzczOTM5ODM3YmQ1MzI4NjEyYWIyN2NiMjE1NWUzMC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/1addab1d98d4747ad75eebb15903e1ba6773939837bd5328612ab27cb2155e30.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><strong class='\"ContentRenderer_bold__Fo6Iz\"'>@Jace:\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>I\u2019ll do anything. Just stop.\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I sent him the amount\u2014enough for a two-week vacation to Spain. When the transfer hit my account, I sent him one last text.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><strong class='\"ContentRenderer_bold__Fo6Iz\"'>@Me:\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>Oops, we forgot the passwords to the accounts, and the billboards are prepaid for two months\u00a0\ud83d\ude42\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/Al6idlDLj-krndBCKhvm7YC0G-z4abfVln2STSCU8KU\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMmI0M2YwZjFhZWI4ZDZlMzM3N2Y4OGZlNTFjY2JhZTUwNWNiYWM3NDFhZWUyNDEyYjdlYjRhMmViODA0YmFiMC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/2b43f0f1aeb8d6e3377f88fe51ccbae505cbac741aee2412b7eb4a2eb804bab0.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>After sending that final text to Jace, Ashley and I blocked his number. There was nothing more to say. The moment felt oddly triumphant, like closing the chapter of a bad book I\u2019d been stuck reading for far too long.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>We immediately turned our focus to planning the trip. A few days later, Ashley and I landed in Spain.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The sun was bright, the air warm, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore was the perfect soundtrack to our newfound freedom.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/m-5FqMCWntPCEadZLTPhuquUGrtLtNSLAoSFEVHPw9M\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNzlmN2E0OTE5MjkyMzgxOGUxNDdhNGUxZmZjMzk4ODAwNjQ4ZTQ2M2U3YTQ1N2Y2ZGRmMjA3Y2U0YjhjYTkzZC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MjQwMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTM0NQ.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/79f7a49192923818e147a4e1ffc398800648e463e7a457f6ddf207ce4b8ca93d.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"2400\"' height='\"1345\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>We found a spot on the beach, stretched out on lounge chairs, and ordered cold sangria.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Ashley turned to me with a grin. \u201cBest team effort ever,\u201d she said, raising her glass of sangria. I smiled, knowing she was right.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I\u2019d lost a terrible boyfriend but gained one hell of a friend. Revenge never tasted so sweet.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/5trrRuDv5ov8zluiWoqG2n8Tug5U-Jkw72pqODhUYQU\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vODc3MmExY2Q3ZDVkMzEwMjVkNTFhMzk1ZWZjOTU1NDA5ZjM5Yzg0MzcyNjM0MzhmNjg4ZmQ4ZjdiOTJjN2NkNy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/8772a1cd7d5d31025d51a395efc955409f39c8437263438f688fd8f7b92c7cd7.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n</div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></i></p></div></strong></p></div></div></i></p></div></strong></p></div></picture></div></div></div></div></i></p></div></strong></p></div></div></i></i></p></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></i></p></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></i></p></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></i></p></div></i></p></div></strong></p></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></i></p></div></strong></p></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></header></div></header>