And now, she found herself in that same loop with Ethan. The way he masterfully gaslighted her accusations whenever she caught him in a lie, making her question her sanity. Or the way he abruptly disappeared every time they were supposed to meet, activating her anxiety attachment wounds, only to eventually reemerge with a compelling story that demanded her sympathy. That cycle paralyzed her. She could never leave. So, despite any lingering doubts or frustrations, she stayed.

