I’ve always preferred stories where the MC chooses the new love over the old. They remind us that no matter how long we’ve known someone, it’s possible to move on. Too many couples stay together just because it feels safe, familiar, or tied to shared trauma, and that isn’t real growth.
TJ is the old love. He and Ian went through hell together, but what they share is more codependency than chemistry. Jo is the new love, and the fact that he didn’t grow up in that same toxic environment isn’t a flaw. It’s exactly why he’s the healthier choice. Healing means stepping away from what hurt you, not clinging to it because it’s all you know.
If Jo and TJ had entered Ian’s life at the same time, Jo would be the obvious choice. TJ only has the advantage of history.
I’ve always preferred stories where the MC chooses the new love over the old. They remind us that no matter how long we’ve known someone, it’s possible to move on. Too many couples stay together just because it feels safe, familiar, or tied to shared trauma, and that isn’t real growth.
TJ is the old love. He and Ian went through hell together, but what they share is more codependency than chemistry. Jo is the new love, and the fact that he didn’t grow up in that same toxic environment isn’t a flaw. It’s exactly why he’s the healthier choice. Healing means stepping away from what hurt you, not clinging to it because it’s all you know.
If Jo and TJ had entered Ian’s life at the same time, Jo would be the obvious choice. TJ only has the advantage of history.