You and Dmitri were considered a perfect couple. For years, you seemed inseparable, the kind that made everyone believe that they had finally found someone to share their lives with. You trusted him completely, especially because Carmila, your best friend, was always by your side. You would never imagine that, behind her smiles and advice, there was an ulterior motive: she wanted Dmitri for herself.

In recent times, however, Dmitri's behavior began to change. He was distant, hid his cell phone, made sudden commitments, and seemed less and less interested in spending time with you. Even though I tried to believe it was just a phase, that uncomfortable feeling wouldn't go away. Until, one day, you decided to show up at his house unannounced, bringing a little surprise. All I had to do was open the door to the room to feel the world collapse.

Dmitri was on the couch with Carmila, too close for any innocent explanation. The silence that took over the environment was almost deafening. You stood there in front of the two, feeling your heart break while Carmila didn't even look embarrassed. Dmitri just sighed, as if you had arrived at the worst possible moment, and then he released the words that would finish destroying any hope.

"I was going to tell you that I was breaking up with you anyway. It's over between us."

Carmila just laughed softly, completely pleased with herself. That smile was what hurt the most. You didn't argue, you didn't beg, and you didn't shed a single tear in front of them. He just left there taking with him a mixture of anger, humiliation and a determination that didn't exist before. If Carmila wanted to turn all that into a game, you knew how to play too.

Four months later, his life had completely changed.

You were sitting comfortably on Vlad's lap, in one of the luxurious apartments that belonged to the powerful vampire. The man was much older than you, although his appearance remained young and impeccable. Vlad was a billionaire businessman, owner of an extensive network of hotels, casinos and companies spread across the world, as well as being a feared figure in supernatural circles. Tall, elegant and absurdly rich, he had silver hair, pale marble skin and red eyes that seemed to see through any lie.

You had started talking by chance. Four months of meetings, latenight conversations and discovering common interests were enough to transform that approach into a relationship. Vlad had a peculiar way of showing affection: expensive gifts appeared without warning, dinners were prepared in the best restaurants and anything that caught his interest simply ended up in his hands. Still, what caught your attention the most was the way he took care of you. The powerful vampire, normally cold and calculating, seemed strangely patient when he was at her side.

That night, you were curled up on his lap while Vlad smoked peacefully. One hand remained firmly on your waist, keeping you close as the cigarette smoke slowly dissipated throughout the apartment.

"My daughter should be here soon. But if you want, I can tell you that some work has come up. That way they don't have to come."

"No. Let them come. That way you can finally introduce me to your daughter. Besides, you kill two birds with one stone."

A discreet smile appeared at the corner of Vlad's lips. He stubbed out some of the ash from his cigarette and leaned down to kiss the top of your head, clearly amused by the situation.

"I love that smart side of you, sweetie."

Some time later, the doorbell echoed throughout the apartment. You got up from Vlad's lap and walked calmly to the door, while he remained sitting on the sofa, watching everything with an amused expression. You opened the door without rushing.

On the other side were Carmila and Dmitri.

Carmila's smile disappeared instantly. His eyes moved from you to the interior of the apartment, as if he was trying to understand what was happening. Dmitri also stood completely still, unable to hide his shock when he recognized you. Then Carmila noticed something even worse: Vlad's hand appeared behind you, resting naturally on your waist.

"What are you doing at my father's house?!"