GUILTY (Mxm)

4

Memories of my time with Declan now bring only sorrow and regret. What began as a bet had unexpectedly blossomed into genuine love. Yet, blinded by my own ego and influenced by my friends, I took Declan's devotion for granted.

Declan showered me with affection, lavishing me with gifts and attention. He spoiled me rotten, catering to my every whim. His love was unwavering, despite my increasingly cruel behavior. I would lash out at him, criticizing his choices and mocking his friends. Still, he stood by me, his patience and understanding only growing stronger.

Financially, Declan supported me without hesitation. He covered my expenses, bought me luxurious items, and even helped my family in times of need. His generosity knew no bounds, and I exploited it, continually testing his limits.

My friends, however, were a different story. They resented Declan's influence over me, ridiculing him behind his back and to his face. They saw him as weak, a pushover, and I did nothing to defend him. In fact, I joined in, laughing along with their jokes and insults.

Declan's friends, too, suffered at our hands. We belittled them, excluding them from social gatherings and mocking their interests. Declan would try to bridge the gap, but I'd silence him, prioritizing my friends' opinions over his feelings.

The pain in my chest grows as I recall these moments. Why didn't I stand up for Declan? Why did I let my friends poison our relationship?

One particular incident still haunts me. Declan had planned a surprise birthday party for me, inviting all our mutual friends. But when his friends arrived, my friends mocked their gifts and attire. I watched, silent and complicit, as Declan's eyes filled with tears. He had done so much for me, and this was how I repaid him?

That night, Declan took me aside, his voice trembling. "Jerome, why do you let them treat me like this? Don't you care how I feel?"

I brushed him off, dismissing his concerns. "You're being too sensitive, Declan. It's just a joke."

Now, I realize the depth of my mistake. Declan's love was pure, unconditional, and I squandered it.

Tears stream down my face as I confront the truth: I broke Declan's heart, and my own, through my thoughtless actions.

Monday's scorching sun mirrored the turmoil brewing within me. Unbeknownst to me, Declan's patience had reached its limit. His best friend, Lala, unwittingly became the catalyst for our impending doom.

That fateful day, Lala stumbled upon my infidelity – caught in the act with another man. I shrugged off her discovery, knowing she'd rush to tell Declan. Our relationship was already on shaky ground, and this would be the final nail in the coffin.

Declan's friends, particularly Michael and Lala, had grown to despise me. My actions had eroded their trust, and they saw me as a toxic influence on Declan's life.

But Lala's departure didn't bring the expected satisfaction. Instead, a sinister plan formed in my mind. I goaded my friends into teaching Lala a lesson she'd never forget.

They pounced on her, fists flying, as we cornered her in a deserted alley. Lala's cries were muffled by the sounds of my friends' laughter and jeers. I watched, detached, as they stripped her bare, her clothes torn and scattered.

The darkness within me had consumed all reason. Just as my friends were about to cross a heinous line, a voice cut through the chaos.

"Stop!" Michael yelled, his face pale.

Behind him stood Declan, his eyes vacant, his expression a mask of death. The man I once loved had been replaced by a hollow shell.

Lala's battered body trembled, her eyes pleading for mercy. Declan's gaze never wavered, his focus fixed on me.

"You've crossed a line, Jerome," he whispered, his voice devoid of emotion.

In that moment, I realized the depth of my depravity. Declan's patience had been worn thin, and I had crushed his spirit.

As Declan helped Lala to her feet, a glimmer of comprehension dawned on me. Our relationship was irreparably damaged. The love we shared had been ravaged by my indifference and cruelty.

Panic erupted as Kelly, one of my friends, pulled out a gun. A single shot cracked through the air, and Michael crumpled to the ground, clutching his shoulder. Chaos ensued, and we fled in terror.

That day marked the beginning of my hiding. Fear gripped me, as I anticipated Declan's retaliation. I had never imagined he would take it this far – imprisoning me, torturing me, mirroring the pain I had inflicted upon him.

As I hid, memories haunted me. Lala's battered face, Michael's wounded shoulder, and Declan's empty eyes tormented my conscience. My actions had unleashed a maelstrom of consequences.

Days blurred together in hiding. I couldn't shake the feeling of being hunted. Every creak of the door, every footstep outside, made me jump.

And then, the inevitable happened. Declan found me.