Years ago, I was in love with her. I adored everything about her — her face, her eyes, her hair, her body, her skin tone, even the scent of her hair and the taste of her mouth. I believed I was utterly in love and fascinated by her entire being. She was a beautiful woman, and I cherished every moment we shared.

When we were intimate, it would last for hours. I remember one time we were together all night long. By the end, we were both exhausted but completely satisfied.

That is what being in love feels like.

Then she broke my heart. She was supposed to spend a long weekend with me but ended up going away with her family and an ex-boyfriend to Florida instead. After that, she pretty much ended things between us, which led me into one of the darkest, most difficult periods of my life. I do not want to dwell on how desperate I was trying to get her back. Looking back, I realize I was not proud of how I acted.

So, what happened after the heartbreak?

Fast forward a few years, and we found ourselves spending time together again. We went out with her sister and my cousin. Afterward, we went back to my place, and we were intimate again. This time, things were different. I was not as emotionally present or connected as I had once been. I was not seeking a deep connection; I just wanted to be close and let the evening come to a natural end. We were together, but it did not feel like before.

Afterward, she looked at me and said, “Angel, that was different. It is not how you used to be. What changed?” I looked her in the eyes and told her, “I am not in love with you anymore. You hurt me, and I no longer have my heart to give.” She seemed surprised by my bluntness. I asked, “Does this surprise you?” She answered, “I guess not. I did hurt you pretty badly, did I not? I am sorry, Angel.” I smiled and whispered, “That is in the past.” I held her quietly, kissed the top of her head, and said, “You are still so beautiful.” We were together again after that, but since then, I barely recall us spending much time together. I helped her move once, and we caught up with our partners some years later, but that was the end of our romantic relationship.

That is what happened after the heartbreak.