A Love Story

Chapter 6

Kryzella

I decided to take a break from my dating site adventures and focus on my work. But it wasn't long before I found myself back in the online dating world, this time on a new site called Enchanted Flirts. As I explored this new platform, I began chatting with a man who had clearly created an account to pose as a military officer. We exchanged emails, but something about the situation felt off, and I couldn't shake the feeling that this might end up being another failed attempt at finding love.

Determined not to be fooled again, I started researching ways to spot catfish. I gathered useful information and tips to protect myself from more heartbreak, aiming to get better at handling the tricky parts of online dating..

Even with my precautions, I almost fell for another trap, this time by someone named Yliam. He said he was a politician and a romantic, with a profile picture showing a handsome man with wavy dark hair and soulful eyes.

One evening, while scrolling through Enchanted Flirts, I saw Yliam's profile. His photo showed a man with a friendly smile and deep eyes.

I swiped right, and a moment later, my phone buzzed with: "IT'S A MATCH!"

Feeling a mix of excitement and caution, I decide to send a message.

Hi Yliam! I couldn't help but notice your profile. Your smile is contagious. What made you join Enchanted Flirts?

After a few moments, I see the typing indicator appear.

Hi Kryzella! Thanks for the kind words. 😊 I joined Enchanted Flirts because I'm looking for something real. It's hard to find genuine connections these days. How about you?

I can relate. It feels like a lot of people are just looking for a fling, but I'm hoping to find something deeper. Your profile says you're into politics. That must be interesting!

It is! It's challenging but fulfilling. I like feeling like I can make a difference, you know? What about you? What do you do?

I work in marketing. I love the creativity involved in designing campaigns. It's always exciting to see something I've worked on make an impact.

That sounds fascinating. Marketing is such a dynamic field. I'm sure you're amazing at it. What do you like to do in your free time?

Thanks! In my free time, I enjoy attending concerts, violin playing and voluntary services. There's something really calming about being in nature and expressing myself through art. How about you? Any hobbies?

I love attending concerts too! There's nothing like a long hike to clear the mind. I also enjoy reading and cooking. Trying out new recipes is a passion of mine.

That's awesome. Maybe you can share some of your favorite recipes with me sometime. What's the last book you read?

Sure, I'd love to! The last book I read was "Eternal Shadows" by Lila Hart. It's a gripping romance with a chilling horror twist. Have you read it?

I haven't! I want to read it. I hear a lot of good review about that.

Same here. It's always inspiring to meet someone who appreciates that book. We seem to have a lot in common, Kryzella. Would you like to continue our conversation over email? It might be easier than chatting here.

I hesitate for a moment, but Yliam seems genuine, and the conversation has been flowing well.

Sure, that sounds good. My email is kryzella@beeping.com. What's yours?

Great! Mine is yliam@milidat.com. Looking forward to chatting more with you, Kryzella. Have a wonderful day!
You too, Yliam. Talk soon!

Yliam showered me with compliments, calling me "the most beautiful woman" and saying we had an instant connection. He talked about our future and how excited he was to meet me and introduce me to his family.

At first, I was flattered, especially since I was going through a tough time. But soon, I felt something was wrong. Yliam was moving too quickly.

I decided to test him. I told him about my past experiences with catfishing and asked if he was genuine. Yliam said he was real and admitted he had doubts about his online persona but had changed.

I mentioned "love bombing" to see his reaction. He admitted to using it before to win over women.

I was upset and felt deceived. I told him I wouldn't tolerate manipulation and unmatched with him.

A few days later, I got an email from Yliam apologizing and begging for another chance. The email was full of flattery, saying things like "you are my one and only" and "I can't live without you." It was clear he was trying to get me back.

Subject: My Dearest Kryzella

Kryzella,

I hope this email finds you well. I can't express how deeply sorry I am for my behavior on Enchanted Flirts. I've never met anyone as incredible as you, and I let my insecurities get the best of me.

From the moment we matched, I felt a connection unlike any other. You are the sunshine in my life, the reason I wake up with a smile every day. Please, Kryzella, find it in your heart to forgive me. I can't bear the thought of losing you.

With all my love,
Yliam

But I wasn't going to fall for it. I had learned my lesson. I deleted the email and blocked Yliam's contact.

A week later, another email arrived, this time from a different address. He had a sob story about a financial crisis and how he needed money urgently to get out of it. He claimed he had no one else to turn to and that he trusted me implicitly.

Subject: Urgent Help Needed

Dear Kryzella,

I'm in a dire situation, and you are the only person I can turn to. I've run into financial trouble, and I fear I may lose everything. I need a loan to get through this difficult time, and I promise to pay you back as soon as I can. Please, Kryzella, I'm begging you for your help.

With all my love,
Yliam

I was tempted to respond out of empathy, but a nagging feeling told me to be cautious. I decided to consult with a friend who had experience in online dating scams.

A friend of my dad confirmed my suspicions: this was a classic case of a scammer trying to exploit my emotions and extract money from me. I sent him one last email voicing my anger and disappointment toward him.

Subject: My Thoughts, My Anger, and You!

Yliam,

You know what, I am at a loss for words now. I can't even think of anything or any possible reason you'd lie to me. But when I least expected it, an angel was sent to me by God, and I was led to something that I would believe about you.

Now, many questions are racing in my head already. Should I trust you? Should I give you my time and effort? And why did you lie about who you are to me?

How many people did you lie to? Which of them did you really love and care for? Whose identity did you steal? Which names did you use? How much money did you get from all your victims? What is your motive for doing this? Will you also use my identity? Will you show your true identity? (If you really have the love and care for me just like what you said, then you will stop.)

You have harmed other people, especially the owner of that photo you are using. Please stop. If you are really a real and genuine person, you'll stop doing this.

I deleted the email and blocked all communication with Yliam.

As I closed my laptop, I felt a mixture of relief and pride. I had unmasked another online shadow, and this time, I had done it before my heart could be broken.