After I started dating Leon, life felt calm and loving. I would often go on dates with him, sometimes staying at his place for a week, two weeks, or even a month. I cooked for him, cared for him, and gave him my all because I truly loved him. My family also supported our relationship, which made it even more special. Whenever we had issues, we made sure to resolve them immediately. We communicated well, and that made our bond even stronger.
A few months into my relationship with Leon, Peter came back. But this time, it wasn't to be a friend—it felt like he came back to disrupt my peace. He was my first love and best friend, and even though I had moved on, part of me still held on emotionally. It's not easy to completely forget your first love.
Peter and I started talking again, casually. Sometimes I asked him for little favors, and he would send me small amounts of money—not much, especially compared to what Leon did for me. Peter never knew I was dating Leon; I never told him. The only person he knew I had dated was Raymond. My mom still liked Peter and hoped we'd end up together, but I knew better. Peter caused me so much pain—emotional abuse, heartbreak, and trauma. He changed me in ways I didn't even realize until later. I developed anger issues, became distant, and would often lash out or isolate myself.
Still, Peter tried to re-enter my life like nothing had happened. But I was no longer the same girl he left behind. I had grown, healed, and I knew better than to let him break me again
That chapter of my life with Peter taught me how to love, but it also taught me how to walk away from what no longer serves me. And for that, I'm grateful. Because in the end, it led me to someone who loved me for who I am, not who I was.