Mabel had never been one to fall in love easily. After losing her parents, she had dedicated herself to taking care of her younger sisters, Cecilia and Phebe, putting their needs before her own. Love was something she had pushed to the back of her mind, something she believed would come later-when life was more stable, when she had time to think about herself.
But then Kenze came along.
He had slipped into her life so effortlessly, so smoothly, that she hardly noticed when she started falling for him. It began as harmless conversations at the restaurant, a place she had only visited for a meal but ended up returning to because of him. There was something about his confidence, the way he made her feel seen, that made it impossible to ignore him.
For the first time in a long time, someone was paying attention to her. And it felt good.
A Slow and Steady Pursuit
Kenze knew exactly what he was doing.
From the moment he met Mabel, he had recognized that she was different from the women he usually charmed. She wasn't easily impressed by flashy words or superficial gestures. She was strong, independent, and guarded. But he also knew that beneath that strength was a woman who had carried too many burdens alone, a woman who longed to feel safe and cared for.
And that was where he had his advantage.
Kenze didn't rush. He played the long game-earning her trust, making her feel special, waiting patiently for the right moments to draw her in. He would text her in the mornings, just to say, Good morning, beautiful. Hope today is kind to you.
He would surprise her with little things-a cup of coffee when she looked tired, a small note slipped into her bag with a joke or an encouraging word.
"You're always taking care of everyone else," he told her one evening when they sat on a park bench after a long walk. "But who takes care of you?"
Mabel hesitated. No one had ever asked her that before.
Kenze reached for her hand, his touch warm and reassuring. "I want to be that person for you, Mabel."
She had smiled then, a small, hesitant smile, but inside, something shifted.
For the first time, she allowed herself to believe that maybe-just maybe-she had found someone who truly cared.
The First Signs of Love
Mabel's sisters noticed the change in her before she did.
"You're smiling a lot these days," Cecilia teased one afternoon as they sat in the living room.
Phebe, the youngest, leaned in curiously. "Let me guess-it's Kenze, isn't it?"
Mabel rolled her eyes, but a small blush crept up her cheeks. "It's nothing serious."
Cecilia smirked. "Right. That's why you check your phone every five minutes?"
Mabel knew they were right. She was falling. Hard.
Kenze made her feel things she hadn't allowed herself to feel in years. He was attentive, thoughtful, and always knew how to make her laugh.
When she had a long day, he would show up at her place with dinner, insisting she relax while he set the table.
When she felt overwhelmed, he would pull her into a hug and whisper, You don't have to do this alone.
And when she doubted herself, he would hold her face in his hands and say, You are incredible, Mabel. And I'm lucky to have you.
It was everything she had ever wanted to hear.
The Trap Tightens
The first time Kenze asked for help, it was small.
"My phone bill is overdue," he said one evening, sounding embarrassed. "I hate to ask, but could you lend me a little? I'll pay you back next week."
Mabel hesitated for only a second before nodding. "Of course. It's not a big deal."
He had smiled, kissed her forehead, and said, "I knew I could count on you."
She didn't think much of it. After all, couples helped each other, right?
Then came the next request.
"My rent went up unexpectedly this month. I'm short by a little. I promise I'll pay you back soon."
Mabel had hesitated longer this time. But Kenze had looked so frustrated, so defeated, that she pushed her doubts aside and transferred the money.
"You're amazing," he had whispered, pulling her into a deep kiss.
And just like that, she was in deeper.
Blinded by Love
To Mabel, Kenze was everything she had been missing in her life.
He made her feel cherished, protected. He filled the empty spaces she hadn't realized were there.
So when he needed her help, she didn't see it as a red flag-she saw it as a chance to prove her love.
She paid for little things at first-groceries, new work shoes when his "old ones were falling apart," gas money when he "had an important job interview."
Then the requests grew.
He wanted to start a business but needed some capital.
His car broke down, and repairs were expensive.
There was always a reason, always a promise that he would "pay her back soon."
And Mabel believed him.
Because love meant trusting, didn't it?
Warnings Ignored
Cecilia was the first to voice her concerns.
"Mabel, don't you think it's strange that you're always the one paying?" she asked one evening as they cooked dinner.
Mabel frowned. "It's not like that. He's just going through a rough time."
Cecilia sighed. "And what happens when he's not going through a rough time? Will he still need your money?"
Mabel brushed off her worries.
Phebe was gentler. "We just don't want you to get hurt," she said softly.
"I won't," Mabel assured her. "Kenze loves me."
And she believed that with all her heart.
The Moment of No Return
The night Kenze told her he loved her, Mabel thought her heart might burst.
They had been sitting on her couch, a movie playing in the background, but neither of them had been watching it. Kenze had been unusually quiet, his fingers tracing circles on the back of her hand.
Then, suddenly, he turned to her, eyes filled with emotion.
"Mabel," he murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I love you."
Her breath caught.
No one had said those words to her in years-not since her parents died.
She hadn't realized how much she needed to hear them until that moment.
Tears filled her eyes as she whispered back, "I love you too."
Kenze kissed her then, slow and deep, as if sealing a promise between them.
And in that moment, Mabel was convinced-this was real.
She had found love.
She had found someone who truly cared.
What she didn't know was that Kenze's love was built on lies.
That behind his gentle touches and sweet words was a carefully crafted plan.
That she wasn't the one being taken care of-she was the one being used.
And by the time she realized the truth, it would be too late.