I met a man on a dating site, invited him to my home for our first date — but as soon as I opened the door, I screamed in horror 

After my divorce from my first husband, I developed many insecurities. He kept telling me that I was ugly, that no one needed me, and that without him, nobody would ever love me. And I believed him. But after the divorce — or rather, after his betrayal — it was as if my eyes were finally opened. I realized who I had been living with all those years.

My friends advised me to sign up on a dating site — “it’ll help you take your mind off things,” they said. I didn’t really believe it would work, but one day, I decided to give it a try.

Suddenly, dozens of men started messaging me every day: compliments, attention, interest. I wasn’t used to it, but it felt nice.

With one of them, I started a special kind of conversation. He was very intelligent, educated, and had a subtle sense of humor. We would chat for hours, and I caught myself eagerly waiting for his messages.

The only strange thing was that his profile didn’t have a picture of his face. Only a few fragments: his eyes, his hands, a view from behind. But he seemed so sincere that I didn’t think much of it.

After a few weeks, he suggested we meet in person. I agreed. I cooked dinner, dressed up, cleaned the house — I wanted everything to be perfect. When the doorbell rang, my heart was pounding. I went to open the door… and screamed in horror.  Continued in the first comment 

Standing on the doorstep was my ex-husband’s brother. Holding a bouquet of flowers.

— “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier,” he said quietly. “I thought you wouldn’t want to talk to me.”

— “What are you doing here?” I whispered, stunned.

— “I’ve always been in love with you,” he said, lowering his gaze. “And it hurt to see how my brother, that fool, didn’t appreciate you, cheated on you, humiliated you. Now that you’re free… maybe we could have a chance?”

I stood frozen, unable to say a word. All these years, I hadn’t even noticed his attention. And now I don’t know what to do — stop talking to him or… give him a chance?