"Man, you have to give this a try, you know? You can't just refuse to get married or see it as useless," Jadon, one of Alex's closest friends, said. "Give it a try, bruh."
Alex took a sip of the wine left in his glass and stared into the distance.
"I can't. I wanna live the way I do now. I love the life I live, having fun with different women, making them believe you love them, then dumping them. Isn't that fun?" he asked with a wide grin.
Jadon sighed, shaking his head in disappointment.
"Man, that's messed up. What about Shanty? I thought you two had something."
"We don't!" Alex replied almost immediately. "I know she's caught feelings for me... Imma dump her."
---
Shanty
Shanty was twenty-two years old and worked as a fashion designer. She wasn't exactly sure what she and Alex were, but one thing was certain she loved him and hoped he felt the same way. She was kind, sweet, and incredibly beautiful. Every man's dream.
Her phone rang.
"Hello," she answered with a smile.
"How are you, baby? Hope you're good."
It was Alex.
"I'm fine," he replied coldly. "I have something to discuss with you. Come over."
The warmth in her smile disappeared.
"O-Okay..." she answered, her voice trembling. "Imma be there shortly."
Less than an hour later, Shanty arrived at Alex's apartment.
He was still sitting on the balcony with Jadon.
Knowing exactly what Alex intended to do and wanting no part in it. Jadon quietly excused himself and went inside, leaving the two of them alone.
"Sup, Alex?" Shanty greeted cheerfully. "I missed you sooo much."
Alex didn't even look at her. He simply kept staring into the distance.
Silence hung heavily between them.
Finally, he spoke.
"It's over between us."
His voice was cold, almost emotionless.
Shanty blinked, convinced she had misheard him.
"W-What?"
"It's over between us," he repeated.
Before he could say another word
Slap!
Her palm landed hard across his face.
"You're very foolish!" she cried, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I knew this would happen. I haven't done anything wrong to you. I only loved you... Is that too much to ask? I hate you, Alex... I hatee you!"
Alex simply stared at her, completely unmoved.
"I hate you too, hoe!" he spat with an evil grin before turning around and walking away, leaving her standing there.
Heartbroken, Shanty broke down in tears. She cried until she had no strength left before finally walking away, her heart shattered.