When Paul ushered his date into the family home, his father froze, eyes wide, a thin sheen of sweat gathering on his brow.
The first betrayal Paul would never shake off, a lesson etched forever.
From the moment he could walk, Paul felt dwarfed by his own stature. In the little nursery in Manchester he was the tiniest kid even the girls seemed taller than him. He had no friends, spent recess alone, and when older children snatched his toys he kept his mouth shut, swallowing the hurt without ever whining to his parents.
Primary school offered no respite. He was christened the runt, taunted day after day, his fists clenching tighter with each jab. When the ridicule grew unbearable, he begged his parents to enroll him in a local sports club.
Years later he was a different man. Muscles replaced the lanky frame, confidence swelled in his chest. By the time he reached Year 9, girls began to notice him, but the sting of childhood slights kept his heart guarded.
First love, first heartbreak.
University life in London sparked a change. Paul moved through crowds with ease, his smile attracting attention, and girls leaned in, eager for a word. Thats how he met Evelyna fellow student who rented a flat near the campus. At first he simply walked her to the lift, but one evening she invited him in, and their intimacy blossomed.
It never felt like true happiness. One night, following the pull of his heart, Paul blurted out,
Lets get married.
Evelyn laughed, a sharp, breezy chuckle.
Paul, youve got your whole life ahead. Youre handsome, fit, and trust meyoull have a line of girls after you. Date anyone you like, then pick the best one.
His voice turned ice cold.
Are you serious?
She shrugged, nonchalant. Of course. Ive got a fiancéhandsome, wealthy, sends me money so I dont have to stay in the dorms. We meet on holidays; you get the nighttime.”
The words cut him to the bone.
So Im just a spare for you? he asked, bitterness licking his throat.
Paul, I do like you, but you know the drill
He rose, gathering his coat.
Are you offended? Evelyn teased, watching him go. Good thing you learned the truth now. Dont trust a girl right awayget to know her before you hand over your heart.
Paul left feeling used, his chest a hollow echo.
Home, a brief sanctuary from shattered illusions.
He tossed his suitcase by the doorway.
Son, whats wrong? his mother, Margaret, asked, worry creasing her forehead. No wedding then?
Just my luck, Paul muttered, pulling a simple silver ring from his pocket. Herekeep it. Youll need it more than I do.
Margarets eyes softened.
What a lovely ring, she sighed, slipping it onto her own finger. Come to the kitchen, Ive baked your favourite scones and brewed mint tea. Lets sit, talk.
The warmth of her voice and the comfort of the tea seeped into him, a rare balm after days of cold.
Another blow to his pride.
At university Paul avoided Evelyn, but she carried on as if nothing had happened. She shuffled arminarm with Konstantin after lectures, whispered conspiracies, then vanished down unknown corridors.
Paul realised shed treated him as a temporary amusement, a placeholder until something better came along. The thought lodged in his gut like a stone.
A few days later a new test appeared.
Paul, come to my birthday! Tamara, one of the most striking students in his year, called out, surprising him with a bright smile.
Was this a chance at something genuine or just another snare?
The tension lingered, the night air heavy with unspoken possibilities.
