Untill I Get It Right

She’d given up on love. Or at least, that’s what she told herself. Every guy she'd dated had ended in disaster. 

Alex, the charismatic entrepreneur, who spun dreams of startups and yachts—until the debt collectors came calling. Jamie, the soulful artist, who romanticized chaos but demanded control over everything—even her. Mike, the rugged adventurer, who claimed to chase sunsets but feared stepping outside his comfort zone. Three heartbreaks and counting....

Each ending left her a little more jaded, a little more convinced that love was just a beautiful illusion—one that vanished the moment you reached out to touch it.

And yet, here she was. A quiet café. Her fingers curled around the warmth of a latte she didn’t remember ordering. And across the table—Max.He was a writer. Charming. Witty. Max, with his unruly hair, and a gaze that made her feel... seen. Not just heard—but understood.

"So, Max," she asked cautiously, hiding her hope beneath a sip of coffee, "what’s your take on relationships?"

Max locked eyes with her. “It’s about finding someone who sees all of you,” he said. “The messy parts. The darkness. And chooses you anyway.” 

She felt a flutter in her chest as she listened to his words. Could this be it? 

She looked deeper into his eyes and felt the strangest pull. A spark of déjà vu.

His smile—she’d seen it before. That little head tilt—like Jamie.

The way he laced his fingers—like Alex. The softness in his gaze—like Mike.

"I… I know this is weird, but..." she began, voice barely above a whisper, "you feel familiar. Like I’ve met you before."

Max’s smile didn’t falter. In fact, it deepened. He reached across the table, gently covering her hand with his. “Maybe it’s fate,” he said, voice smooth, almost hypnotic. “Maybe,” he leaned in, his breath brushing her cheek, “this time… I’ll finally get it right.”

She froze. This time.

As his pupils dilated and shifted—just for a second—she saw them.

The eyes of Alex. Jamie. Mike. Not lookalikes. The same eyes.

Her world cracked open.

Every man she’d ever loved was and is a shapeshifter.

A creature who had worn every face she’d fallen for.

And this time, he was determined to get it all right for her. 

-The End

#shortstories #fiction #shortfiction #Romance #Thriller #Love