I spent all day cooking my girlfriend’s favorite meal — roasted garlic chicken, risotto, and lava cakes — before heading to work. After a long shift, she called and asked for pizza. Confused, I reminded her of the meal I’d made, only to hear, “I already threw it away.” That’s when I learned she’d been cheating on me for months.
Stunned and exhausted, I didn’t respond. I drove home slowly, staring at the untouched plates next to a Domino’s box. The effort, love, and care I’d poured into her vanished in a single sentence. The next two days were a blur — she acted like nothing happened. I realized I couldn’t keep giving to someone who didn’t appreciate me.
I packed a small bag and left for my hometown, Willowsend. Arriving late at night, my mom welcomed me with warmth and quiet reassurance. The next morning, pancakes and old memories reminded me of a simpler life. Running into an old friend, Marek, I began helping in his café, reconnecting with purpose through cooking, coffee, and small acts of care. Weeks later, a kind woman named Nina entered the café, leaving candles that smelled like cedar and clove. She became a quiet source of comfort.
Together, we built a friendship rooted in honesty and shared effort. Slowly, I rediscovered myself — my worth wasn’t defined by someone who discarded my care. Inspired, I opened my own café, “The Hearth,” serving food made with genuine love. Locals and travelers appreciated every dish. Over time, Nina and I grew close, naturally, without pressure or rush. Life felt full again, not because of someone else’s validation, but because I honored my own. One year later, my ex sent a letter praising my success. I didn’t reply. I had moved on, finding purpose, respect, and joy in the work I loved. The heartbreak that once crushed me became a catalyst for growth. Cooking, caring, and creating my own path reminded me that real love starts with valuing yourself.