"She's played you for a fool again."

"That's not true." John said looking at his tortured reflection in the mirror.

"Yes it is! How convenient she had to suddenly go to New York. She's not coming back!

"You're wrong! Evangeline is coming back and things are going to be different this time," he said covering his ears.

"That's what you always say every time a woman dumps your ass. Then I have to come and pick up the pieces of your sorry life, while you send me back into darkness, until your next screw up. Well, not this time. You're right about one thing Johnny Boy. Things are going to be different. Because, I plan on sticking around for a long time."

"Evangeline and I are finally on the right track. So I don't need you anymore, Caleb!" he shouted as tears streamed down his face.

"I think you have that backwards Johnny Boy. If Evangeline is coming back like you say, then she's all mine and I don't need you anymore."

"She's a smart woman, you won't be able to fool her for long," John cried, trying to remain strong.

"I've been doing a good job so far and she's certainly been enjoying the ride."

"I won't let you hurt Evangeline! I love her," John said smashing the mirror.

"I have no intentions of hurting her, Johnny. Of all the women you've been with, she's the most exciting. We're going to have one hell of a life together."

"No!" John screamed, before slipping into darkness.

******************************************************************************

"John, I'm home," Evangeline called out, as she entered the condo. She placed her suitcase by the door and walked towards the light glowing from the bedroom. A trail of red rose pedals started at the door and continued to the bed. The flicker of scented candles placed around the room, set off a romantic atmosphere.

"Welcome home," he smiled, placing a single red rose in Evangeline's hand. "I've really missed you."

Before her trip to New York, Evangeline would have been seduced by the sight of John dressed in white silk pajamas. But since her conversation with Caitlyn, she knew her intuitions had been right about the subtle changes in his personality. She gently kissed him on the lips and softly whispered in his ear, "Hello, Caleb."

His body went completely still, as he slowly pulled away and looked at her with a twinkle in his eyes. "Johnny Boy was right. You are smart," he smiled. "So what gave me away?"

"They say the eyes are the window to the soul," she said, as tears streamed down her face. "But your insatiable sexual appetite was the real sign."

"You're really something in that department," he winked. "But if you sensed something was wrong, why didn't you end things?"

"Because I love you," Evangeline said softly. "I've been really selfish. I never realized how much I hurt you until now."

"Is that right?" he laughed bitterly. "You smashed John's heart into a million pieces, without giving it a second thought. Then you go back to your life, as if nothing had happened and I'm left to pick up the pieces."

"I understand now why you sent all those hateful letters," she said. "But it doesn't change anything. I still love you."

"No you don't!" Caleb shouted. "You're just saying that to soften the blow before you leave again. Just like all the others."

"No, I won't," Evangeline said lightly touching his arm. "I'm going to stay right here with you, baby. We'll get through this together.

"John is gone," Caleb said with less certainty. "He's never coming back. What will you do then?"

"I'll still be right here," Evangeline said, kissing his hand. "I promise. I'll never leave you again."

******************************************************************************

Six Months Later

With Evangeline's encouragement, John began receiving intense therapy. After five months, his therapist gave him a clean bill of health.

"This last month has been wonderful," she said, heading upstairs. "I know we still have some work to do. But I'm confident, we're going to have a wonderful life. Are you coming to bed?"

"I'll be up in a minute. I'm just going to bring up some wine and cheese."

"Okay."

He couldn't help but admire his reflection in the hallway mirror, as he made his way back up the stairs. "You're right Evangeline. We're going to have a wonderful life," Caleb whistled as he closed the bedroom door.