We walked out of the bank and made our way to the roadside, my boyfriend and I. We ordered an Uber, but the rider cancelled on us. Since we were in a hurry, we decided to walk to the roadside to hail a taxi or a trotro—whichever came first. The sun was up, and the weather was hot. There were no oncoming vehicles in sight until, much later, a private car pulled over next to us. When the window rolled down, I saw who it was.

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP CHANNEL TO RECEIVE ALL STORIES IN YOUR INBOX

He called my name and asked where I was headed. I told him, and he invited me to get in. Perhaps he didn’t notice I was with my boyfriend, so I said, “I’m with him. He’s my boyfriend.” He smiled and replied, “No problem. Get in. I’ll take you there.”

We both thanked him and got into the back seat. We didn’t talk much except for me giving him directions on where to go and where to stop. When we got out of the car, he told me to take care, and I assured him I would.

My boyfriend was thankful too—until he asked me where I knew the driver from. I didn’t want to be entirely honest, but I also didn’t want it to come back to haunt me later, so I admitted, “He’s my ex. The one I dated before I met you.”

He went berserk. “Your ex? Why didn’t you tell me? What kind of embarrassment is this?”

I apologized, but he wouldn’t accept it. He kept ranting and ranting until I finally asked what I should have done. We needed the help he offered. Thanks to him, we were able to get to our destination on time. Besides, I didn’t realize it was him until he rolled down the window. Everything happened so quickly that I couldn’t have done anything differently.

He jumped to conclusions, insisting that my ex was on a mission to win me back or to mock him. He claimed my ex had stopped to show off, and I had allowed it. I accepted everything he said and apologized unconditionally, but he still wouldn’t let it go.


He left me at our destination. I had to handle everything alone without him. He didn’t answer my calls or respond to my texts afterwards. It’s been five days, and I haven’t seen or heard from him. I’m trying my best, but every time I take a step forward, he takes three steps back. This is a difficult time for me, but I can’t help wondering: Is this the worst that could happen? Even after I’ve apologized?

—Paulina

This story you just read was sent to us by someone just like you. We know you have a story too. Email it to us at submissions@silentbeads.com. You can also drop your number and we will call you so you tell us your story.

*****