I dated Many Girls Throughout My 20s. Years Later, I Fell Truly in love with a woman, but I didn’t Realize Her Plans

I dated many girls throughout my 20s. Years later, I fell truly in love with a woman, but I didn’t realize until too late that she was one of the girls of my past who wanted revenge

Matthew, you can’t dump me just like that! We were getting serious,” Lola said. I had been seeing her for a few weeks, but her clinginess was off-putting, so it was time to cut her loose and go for someone else.

“I’m sorry, Lola. I never made you any promises. I’m young, and I want to explore life before settling down with someone,” I told her and left

Some of the girls I was with understood that it was just for fun, but others really thought we were going to get married. Meanwhile, I never understood men who got married in their 20s. It felt like they were leaving the party too early, and I was not ready for that.

Yes, many people called me a womanizer, but I never denied it. My “relationships” never lasted more than two weeks, as I always got bored by that time and moved on. It wasn’t personal. It was just my personality.

I needed variety, and I looked for it. At bars, women would leave their phone numbers on napkins. It was glorious. Unfortunately, I broke several hearts along the way, and I didn’t realize that one of them would find me years later.

My real passion was architecture. I wanted to be the best in the business, and when I wasn’t dating, I was studying until I got my undergrad degree and my master’s. After graduation, I landed a high-paying job at a big firm and attracted even more female attention than ever.

Life couldn’t have been better. But eventually, I grew tired of that life. Many of my friends had gotten married and started having children. They didn’t have time to hang out at the bar anymore. Maybe, it was time to settle down.

But I never met anyone interesting enough to keep dating, until Hallie. She was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen and a civil engineer, which meant we had tons of things to talk about. I fell madly in love quickly.

We dated for several months. She even attended my work parties, wowing my bosses with her knowledge and wit. This was the woman I had to marry. But first, we moved in together. Everything was going perfectly.

“Matt, listen. I’m giving you a huge chance with the Rochester project. This could make or break your entire career. Are you up for it?” my boss, Mr. Atkinson, asked me.

“Of course, sir! I’ve never been more ready! You can count on me!” I answered, seeming confident. But the truth is that I was terrified. These were the most important clients ever for the firm, and I would get a chance to pitch my idea to them.

“That’s what I like to hear. There’s a presentation on Friday. Be ready!” Mr. Atkinson added and left my cubicle.

I started working right away and stayed late. I was exhausted when I got home, but Hallie was there to cheer me up. “I made you your favorite dinner – spaghetti and meatballs!” Hallie said after I took my shoes off.

“Oh, honey. That’s wonderful. I’m sorry I’m so late, but I really want this opportunity,” I told her.

“It’s a big project. You think you can handle it alone?” she asked worriedly.

“I can handle it, but it’s going to be a lot of late nights until Friday and more if I get it,” I replied.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be your support, and I can help you with anything you need,” Hallie assured me. She was the best thing that ever happened to me, especially during this grueling week. I finally understood what it was like to have a partner.

Ready! My pitch is finally done! Tomorrow’s the big day, Hallie,” I told her when I exited my home office.

“That’s wonderful, Matt. I can’t wait to hear what happens tomorrow,” she said with a smile.

“Listen, if I get this project, I want us to talk about taking another step in our lives,” I started.

“What do you mean?” Hallie asked.

What do you think of us getting married?” I wondered.

“Oh, Matt! That would be amazing,” she said and hugged me fiercely. I was ecstatic with her answer and ready for anything tomorrow.

Unfortunately, I overslept a little the following day and had to run off to the office, but I got there in the nick of time. “Matt, my boy. You’re finally here,” Mr. Atkinson said and patted my shoulder.

Yes, sir. I’m ready for this meeting,” I assured him.

“Make me proud!” he said, and we entered the conference room. But when I opened my laptop, all my files were gone!

“Give me a second, gentlemen. I’m having some technical difficulties,” I said, hoping to sound confident amidst my panic. Where was my presentation? I knew I saved it. I check my email for a backup, but I found none.

Matt, what’s going on? We’re waiting,” Mr. Atkinson said impatiently.

“I’m sorry, sir. I can’t find my presentation. I don’t understand. I saved it right here,” I hedged. Mr. Atkinson forced a smile, but the partners of the Rochester projects were not pleased.

“Atkinson, we can’t stay here all day. I thought this presentation was ready,” one of the partners said, exasperated. “We’re done here. Thank you for wasting our time.”

Matthew! In my office now!” Mr. Atkinson yelled while the partners left. I went to his office expecting to be punished, but I never imagined that he would fire me.

“You’re talented. Matthew. But we might not get a big chance like this again, and that’s something the firm takes seriously. Pack your things,” my boss said finally. I packed my desk and left dejected. But Hallie would know how to cheer me up.

“Hallie! Hallie, I’m home! I have to talk to you,” I yelled when I got home. But there was no answer. Was she running an errand? I knew she wasn’t at work because she took the day off to celebrate with me after the meeting.

Dear Matt, almost ten years ago, you got me pregnant and ghosted me. You forgot me quickly, but I never did after losing that baby. I couldn’t let you get away with it and planned to destroy you. Now I have, and I’m done.

I’m ghosting you just like you did me. But I want you to know that I never loved you, and I hope you rot in misery for what you did to me and probably lots of women in the past. Sincerely, Hallie, although my real name is actually Ashley

I couldn’t believe it and broke down in tears right there. I vaguely remembered a girl named Ashley in the past. She tried calling me several times after hanging out for a few days, and I blocked her.

She planned this revenge for years and destroyed my life. But I understood right there that it was my punishment after years of treating women so awfully.

What can we learn from this story?

1. Date carefully. Playing with people’s feelings is never acceptable. Be open and honest about your intentions and take responsibility for your actions.
2. Karma has a way of finding you. Matthew thought that his womanizing days didn’t have consequences, but they did and caught up with him in the end.