Love Hurts

 

Richard sat on his bed, lost in thoughts of love, grappling with the ultimate question: What is love all about? Why does it hurt so much? A punch to the face stings, but love’s pain cuts deeper, like a slow death. He shook his head, frustrated with himself. Why had he ignored the red flags? No one is perfect, he thought. Love makes us embrace the imperfect parts of someone, hoping to nurture them into something better. But now, the weight of that hope crushed him. As Celine Dion’s “It’s All Coming Back to Me” played faintly in the background, memories of Sonia flooded his mind—their playful banter, late-night conversations, her teasing laughter, the way her eyes sparkled, and how she swayed her hips to music.

A tear rolled down his cheek, staining his shirt. He wiped it away and craned his neck, only to hear Diana Ross’s “Love Is All That Matters” start playing. Fury surged within him. How could she sing that love is all that matters? he thought bitterly. Doesn’t love cause this pain? What did Diana Ross know about his heartbreak? The audacity of musicians claiming expertise in love infuriated him.

Sonia had always been strong-willed, but some called her impressionable. She’d once run with a crowd of reckless men—those society deemed “useless,” chasing quick riches without effort. When Richard met her, he saw potential beneath her flaws. For eight months, he worked patiently to guide her toward a better path. Slowly, she changed, adopting a simpler, more grounded life. Her transformation brought joy to Richard and her family. He was ready to propose, to make her his wife despite her past and the whispers about her. No one is perfect, he reminded himself. Love demanded sacrifice, and he was willing to embrace her imperfections.

But just days before their wedding, everything unraveled. Sonia’s ex-boyfriend called, claiming urgency. She dropped everything to meet him. Suspicious, a friend overheard her conversation and alerted Richard. He tried calling her, but she didn’t answer. Desperate, he tracked her down to a rundown building, where he found her with her ex, caught in a moment of betrayal so raw it stole his breath. “SONIA!” he shouted.

She turned, frowning, unfazed. “Richard? What are you doing here?”

Her voice carried no remorse, no apology—just defiance. Richard’s anger flared. “What is the meaning of this?” he demanded.

“It’s whatever you want it to mean,” she replied coldly.

Her ex, still entangled with her, smirked. “You’re interrupting us,” he said, shrugging. “I was here before you. Let me have one last time with her.”

Richard’s heart shattered. “How dare you do this to the woman I love?” he said, his voice breaking.

“Don’t question me,” the ex replied nonchalantly. “You’ll have her to yourself soon enough.”

Reeling, Richard fled the scene, his world collapsing. Back in his room, tears streamed down his face as he clutched his chest, wondering if he’d survive this heartbreak. The radio mocked him, switching to Celine Dion’s “It’s All Coming Back to Me.” Enraged, he roared, “TURN OFF THAT DAMN MUSIC, OR I’LL LOSE IT TONIGHT!”

To those in love, hear this: love fades. Even couples married for decades admit it’s not what it used to be. Guard your heart, for heartbreak’s pain is merciless. It broke Richard—don’t let it break you.