GUILTY (Mxm)

13

Declan couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss with Jerome. The café incident had been a turning point. Jerome's grip on his hand, the intense gaze, and the probing questions about Sarah from HR had left Declan uneasy.

But it wasn't just that moment. Declan recalled the birthday celebration at their home, when La-la's brother Carl had hugged him warmly. Jerome's reaction had been startling – clenched jaws, tightened fists, and a look that screamed possessiveness.

That evening, Jerome's mood had shifted. They were lounging on the couch when Jerome suddenly spoke up, his voice laced with accusation.

"You're too friendly with Carl, aren't you?" Jerome's eyes narrowed. "I saw the way you smiled at him."

Declan's confusion turned to alarm. "Jerome, what are you talking about? Carl's just a friend."

Jerome's voice rose. "Don't lie to me! I know what I saw. You're always flirting with others, making them think you're available."

Declan's defenses kicked in. "That's not true! You're being paranoid."

Jerome's face reddened. "Paranoid? You think I'm paranoid? You're the one who's always making me feel insecure!"

The argument escalated, with Jerome's words cutting deep. "You're mine, Declan. You belong to me. Why can't you just be faithful?"

Declan felt suffocated. "Jerome, stop. This isn't about faithfulness; it's about your possessiveness."

Jerome's expression twisted. "You're just trying to make me feel guilty. You're always doing this, making me feel like I'm the problem."

The argument ended with Jerome storming out of the room, leaving Declan shaken.

Though they made up later, Declan couldn't shake off the feeling that Jerome's behavior was escalating. The possessiveness, the accusations, and the control – it was all becoming too much.

Declan began to notice other signs: Jerome's constant questioning, the need to know his every move, and the anger when Declan didn't comply.

A creeping sense of dread settled in. Was he trapped in a toxic relationship?

Declan's anger simmered as he watched Jerome scroll through his phone, his face a picture of entitlement. "What are you doing?" Declan asked, his voice low and even.

Jerome looked up, nonchalant. "Just checking for any important messages."

Declan's eyes narrowed. "Without my permission?"

Jerome shrugged. "I was just trying to help."

Declan's fury boiled over. "Help? You call invading my privacy help?"

Jerome's expression turned innocent. "I didn't mean to upset you."

Declan's voice rose. "Upset me? You're controlling me, Jerome. Always checking my phone, questioning my every move."

Jerome's face reddened. "I'm just trying to protect you."

"Protect me?" Declan's laughter was bitter. "From what? From who?"

Jerome's eyes flashed. "From yourself. You're naive, Declan. You don't know what's good for you."

Declan's anger turned to disgust. "That's it, Jerome. I've had enough."

He snatched his phone back, his hands shaking. "I need space."

Jerome's face fell. "Declan, don't go."

But Declan was already out the door, leaving Jerome's protests behind.

He walked, his feet carrying him away from the toxic lover that was suffocating him.

"I need space," he repeated to himself, the words a mantra.

For the first time, Declan saw Jerome's behavior for what it was – controlling, possessive, and toxic.

He knew he couldn't fix Jerome, but he couldn't just give up on him

Note: Toxic relationships can be triggering. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please seek help from resources like the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).