“Then as we shut the office down and lock the doors, we exchange goodbyes...and I watch him drive home to his wife.”

Note: This post mentions incest, sexual conduct with a minor, suicide, depression, and cheating.

"Looking back, I should have been stronger and told them to keep their money. There is an optimistic ending to our relationship, though.

He sent me a letter 15 years ago by way of a mutual friend thanking me for believing in him all those years ago and helping to get his life on track. He said no one had ever fought for him as much as I had and that even though it didn't work out between us, he is a better person for having been with me. Reading that was one of the most gut-wrenching and proud moments of my life. 

He now owns a very successful business in our hometown and is married with a beautiful wife, two kids, and a gorgeous house. I'm happy he got the life he deserved." 

"Most people find it hard to believe that he wasn't just some sort of sicko and that I wasn't being taken advantage of. Honestly, my eyes were wide open the entire time. I was smart and rather mature, and he had nothing but good intentions. 

I truly believe it is possible for people to find a kindred spirit at an inopportune time in their life trajectory."

Note: Responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.