Trapped in My Ex's Love

Bintang jolted awake from her deep sleep, her heart racing and her chest tightening painfully. She had just dreamt about Langit-about the moment she had cruelly ended their relationship without giving him a clear reason, leaving him devastated and disappearing as if swallowed by the earth.

Without realizing it, crystal-like tears slipped down her cheeks. After years of trying to forget him, tonight Bintang dreamt about Langit again. She raked her fingers through her hair in frustration, the traces of regret evident on her face.

"I'm sorry, El. I'm sorry for hurting you."

Remembering Langit's threat made every part of her body tremble with fear.

**

In Paris, France, Langit was still awake, standing near the glass wall of his apartment. He stared straight ahead, watching the expanse of Paris glitter beneath the night lights.

He had just remembered the moment when Bintang asked to break up with him. He still couldn't accept the reason she gave. To him, it was the most senseless excuse she could have come up with.

"Bored? Was your love that shallow that you could feel bored of me?" Langit smirked bitterly at the memory.

"I'll come back, but hope that we never meet again, Bin. Because if we do, I really will destroy you the way you destroyed and shattered my world."

Langit glanced at the star tattoo he had gotten a week after Bintang broke up with him-right before he left for Paris. He had it inked there to remind himself that he would never again be able to see or reach the love of the girl he once worshipped.

**

Bintang had prepared to go to the office earlier than usual. Ever since waking up from the dream, she couldn't fall back asleep, so she chose to check her documents and get ready for work.

"Morning, Mom." Bintang put on a cheerful expression, even though her mind was weighed with burdens.

"Good morning, Sweetheart." Annetha greeted her daughter with a warm smile, kissing both her cheeks.

Orion-Bintang's younger brother-had just arrived at the dining table, along with Arlan-their father, who was getting ready for breakfast before starting his day.

"Is there any issue with your work?" Arlan asked in between bites.

"Nothing, Dad. Everything is under control," Bintang answered confidently.

Arlan smiled in relief. Seeing Bintang's enthusiasm eased his worries. He used to fear that Bintang wouldn't be able to live her days like other girls because of her illness, but her spirit washed away all of his concerns.

"Don't push yourself too hard. If there's anything you can't handle, tell me," Arlan said, still unable to stop worrying even though Bintang was already twenty-five.

"Yes, Dad. Everything's fine!" Bintang replied with bright enthusiasm.

No-it wasn't genuine enthusiasm. She acted strong in front of her parents. She didn't want them crying over her again like they did eight years ago. It was enough that she had seen their tears once. Now, it was her responsibility to make them happy. She had to be strong, had to bury what she felt, had to wear a mask of joy to cover the sadness she hid deep inside.

Bintang drove her car to the company herself since she worked at a branch office and not the main headquarters.

The morning traffic was quite heavy. While she drove, her phone rang, showing the name of one of her staff members. She intended to answer, but the car in front of her suddenly braked, startling her. Her phone slipped from her hand, and she was late pressing the brake pedal-her car crashed into the bumper ahead.

"Oh God, I'm doomed!" Bintang panicked as she realized she had hit someone's car.

She quickly got out to check the damage and to apologize and take responsibility for it.

"What do I do now?" Bintang muttered as she saw the dented bumper. She ran her fingers through her hair again, her panic escalating.

While she was still overwhelmed by the damage, someone stepped out of the car she had crashed into.

Bintang turned, ready to apologize. But the moment she saw who had just gotten out, she froze. Her lips went numb, and her gaze locked in place, unable to move away.