When I was 20, I met a girl online who was 19, heartbroken, and carrying many scars. She shared how she had been used and betrayed by her friends. We started talking casually. She was immature and often acted childishly, while I, being more mature, would correct her. But there was something odd about her she seemed to be constantly seeking a relationship, just like in her past ones, even after we broke up.
I wasn’t completely honest with her either. I told her I was pursuing CA, but in reality, I had dropped out due to COVID, though I was doing well in my job. I lied because I wanted to connect with her on a deeper level, to understand her better and help heal her. I didn’t expect her to fall in love with me in just three days I only wanted to help her heal. A few days after we connected, I confessed the truth.
As we continued talking, she opened up more about her past, revealing things that deeply shocked me: sending private pictures to her brother’s friend as a teenager, her mother’s affair, her parents locking her phone for reasons that seemed suspicious, and her boyfriend cheating on her with her best friend. People had called her terrible names. She even shared how she had casual kisses and cuddles with a friend during computer classes.
She also mentioned receiving proposals from men in Dubai and the USA, which seemed odd since I hadn’t even asked. Despite all of this, I empathized with her. I comforted her, and slowly, she began developing feelings for me. When I asked why, she said it was because I was the only one who sympathized with her. She wanted a relationship with me and even spoke about getting married in five years.
I accepted her, flaws and all, but I still felt guilty about lying. So, I decided to come clean about my education. But instead of understanding, she got angry and blocked me on all her social accounts. Heartbroken, I begged her to unblock me. I tried reaching out through new accounts, but she blocked me again each time. It took a toll on me I couldn’t focus on work, I lost my appetite, and I couldn’t stop thinking about her.
A month later, I created a fake account to check on her. That’s when I discovered she was already with another guy. When I could accept her past without judgment, why couldn’t she accept me for who I am? Was it my fault for being honest and hoping we could grow together?