The evening sun dipped low, casting a warm orange glow over the horizon as Alex sat on the beach, his heart heavy with emotions he could no longer suppress. The sound of waves crashing against the shore was usually soothing, but today, it only seemed to amplify the turmoil within him. He had come to this spot often with Aisha, back when they were inseparable—when love was simple, before everything fell apart.
Alex’s fingers toyed absentmindedly with the sand, his mind replaying every word of the message Aisha had sent earlier that day: “Please, let’s stop this back and forth. I’ve moved on.” It was brief, cold, and final. His heart had dropped as he read the words, but deep down, he had seen it coming. The signs had been there for months—her growing distance, the lack of communication, the arguments over nothing. He had been clinging to a love that no longer existed, a love she no longer felt.
He pulled out his phone, scrolling through her Instagram. Her photos were frequent now, each post a reminder that she was happy without him. Aisha had always loved capturing moments, but now, they felt like sharp blades slicing through his soul. Every smile she wore in those pictures felt like mockery, every sunset she posted reminded him of the countless sunsets they had watched together, hand in hand, dreaming of a future that would never be.
The pain was unbearable. “Block me already,” he muttered under his breath, his voice breaking. He couldn’t stand seeing her so carefree while his world was crumbling. But he couldn’t bring himself to block her. Not yet. Not while a part of him still hoped she would come back.
When they had first met, it was love at first sight—or so he had thought. She had a beauty that was effortless, a laugh that was infectious, and a heart that seemed to beat in sync with his. Their love was passionate, consuming, and for a while, it was perfect. But as time passed, the cracks began to show. Aisha’s desires grew, and with it, her dissatisfaction with their simple life. He worked hard, but it was never enough for her. She wanted more—more experiences, more excitement, more money.
Rumors had begun to circulate recently—rumors that Aisha had found someone new, someone who could offer her the life she craved. He had overheard conversations from mutual friends, whispers about a wealthy man who was now courting her. At first, Alex had refused to believe it, but the truth became undeniable when he learned she had been formally proposed to.
She hadn’t told him herself. He had heard it from a friend. The news crushed him. He had hoped, foolishly perhaps, that she just needed time. But now it was clear. She had moved on, and he was nothing more than a forgotten chapter in her life.
Alex stared out at the setting sun, tears stinging his eyes. How had it come to this? How had the woman he loved so deeply, the one he had given his heart and soul to, become a stranger?
“I want to come to your wedding,” he whispered, the words choking him. He knew it would be an unbearable experience, but it felt like the closure he needed. He pictured it—the sight of Aisha in her wedding gown, beautiful as ever, adorned in the happiness she had found with someone else. The image tore at his heart, but he would face it. He would hand over his gift to the groom, congratulate him, and then walk away, leaving the remnants of their love behind.
The thought of seeing her with someone else was like a knife twisting in his chest, but Alex was determined to mask his pain with dignity. He knew it would take all his strength to hold it together, but he had to. He owed that to himself.
Sitting there, the memories of their relationship played like a movie in his mind. He remembered the times they had laughed together, the moments of pure joy when it felt like nothing could break them. He had cared for her when she was sick, shared in her dreams, and made her feel like the most important person in the world. Yet, none of that seemed to matter now.
He closed his eyes, a single tear slipping down his cheek. “I still love you, Aisha,” he whispered into the wind, knowing that his words would never reach her. She was gone—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. All that was left was a ghost of the love they once shared.
As the sky darkened, Alex prayed quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. “God, give me the strength to move on. Help me find someone who will love me for who I am. Someone who will see my worth, and not just what I can give.”
He stood up, wiping his tears, and took one last look at the ocean—the same ocean that had once witnessed their love. His heart was broken, but he knew it was time to let go. He couldn’t hold onto the past any longer. Aisha had made her choice, and now he had to make his. He had to choose himself, his own happiness, and his own future.
With a deep breath, Alex turned away from the beach, walking toward a new beginning. It would take time to heal, but he had faith that someday, someone would come along who would love him the way he deserved. And when that day came, he would be ready.
About The Author
