My ex-husband wanted a fresh start, but his engagement seemed strange. A simple conversation at work revealed an unavoidable fact. He didn’t believe me, so I had to tell him the truth, no matter how hard.
Since I managed a restaurant, I had little free time.
A rare quiet period in the dining room—no customers wanting special meals, no kitchen bustle, no waiters scurrying with urgent concerns.
I breathed deeply, cherishing the brief silence.
My phone vibrated on the counter. Aaron, my ex-husband, appeared on the screen. Interested, I opened the message.
A snapshot appears. David, our kid, was grinning with a huge stuffed animal. He saw bright amusement park lights behind him.
My chest warmed. I was glad Aaron and David enjoyed themselves.
Two lively waitresses laughed nearby. Lindsey held up a diamond ring.
Claire grasped Lindsey’s hand, alarmed. “That rock is huge! Possibly moon-visible.”
Lindsey laughed, catching the light with her palm. I know, right? I won.”
Clair lifted an eyebrow. “Is he loaded?”
Lindsay smiled slyly. He has money, but not a billionaire. Anyway, enough.”
I frowned. Lindsey was dating kitchen worker Leo for almost a year. Don’t you date Leo? I requested.
“I am,” Lindsey said, admiring her ring.
I gazed, confused. Since when is Leo rich?
Lindsey looked at me. Leo’s not. My fiance. Actually, Leo planned it.”
Shocked, I blinked. “What?”
“It’s straightforward,” Lindsey added. Find a wealthy man, marry him, divorce shortly, grab the money. Then Leo and I live big.” Spin the ring on her finger. “Half there.”
Churned stomach. “Isn’t that heartless?”
Lindsey shrugged. No, I don’t love my fiancé.”
“But he might love you,” I replied. “He proposed, right?”
Lindsey dismissed me. “His error. He liked my youth.”
I stared at her, trying to understand.
I married young for love. Aaron and I once thought love was enough.
Our distinctions emerged over time. We sought different lifestyles, addressed issues differently, and saw the world differently.
Though painful, we knew it was correct. I still had no regrets.
Aaron was David’s loyal father and friend.
Aaron and David were at the door when I came home that night. My boy ran inside, beaming.
“Mom! Rode the largest roller coaster! He gasped, “I wasn’t scared!”
While tousling his hair, I smiled. The sound is amazing.”
Aaron remained tightly behind him. His face tensed.
“Is something wrong?” I requested.
“We need to talk,” he said. “In private.”
I nodded and led him to the kitchen.
Sitting at the table. Aaron anxiously stroked his hair.
Something was wrong. His tight stance and flashing eyes suggested he didn’t know where to start.
I leaned in. Aaron, you’re troubling me. What’s up?”
His sigh was heavy. “No, not bad. This is serious. But good.”
I frowned. “Serious but good? What does it mean?
Aaron hesitated. He suddenly said, “I’m getting married again.”
I blinked. “What? Wonderful! I smiled to calm him. “Why were you anxious?”
Aaron shrugged. «I feared you could be upset»
“Upset? Really thrilled for Aaron. You deserve joy.”
Relief lowered his features. He nodded. “Thanks. David will know later. I informed you first.”
Of course. I know he’ll be happy, I added.
Now relaxed, Aaron grinned.
“Who is she?” I requested. Got a photo? How did you meet?
Aaron chuckled. “Knew you’d ask.” He tapped his phone display. I’m ready.”
He showed me the screen. My stomach dropped. I couldn’t hide my astonishment.
“That’s Lindsey,” I answered flatly. I have a waitress.”
Aaron moved awkwardly. “Yeah. That made me anxious to tell you.”
My thoughts raced when I saw the snapshot. How did this happen?
Neck scratching by Aaron. As I picked up David from the restaurant, I met her. I met her on a dating app. We began conversing. So here we are.”
Swallowed hard. Under the table, I clutched. I couldn’t be quiet.
“Aaron, I need to tell you something,” I replied carefully. “And it’s bad.”
Face clenched, Aaron. “I know about the age gap. Eleven years. We don’t mind.”
Shaking my head. “Not that. Today, Lindsey discussed her fiancé. I didn’t realize she meant you.”
Aaron wrinkled brow. “What are you saying?”
“She said she’s marrying you to divorce and steal your money.”
Silence. Aaron’s face became black. “This is why I hesitated to tell you!” he shouted. “I can’t believe you invented this!”
Aaron, it’s true! I insisted. Why make this up?
Jaw constricted. Because you envy!
Oh, I gasped. “Jealous? I want to rescue you!”
“Right. Aaron snapped, “You can’t handle me finding a younger lover.”
He’s her boyfriend! Our kitchen worker!” A yell.
You lied! Face flushed with anger. “I can’t believe you stoop this low.”
“The truth!”
“Finished.” He bolted, slamming the door.
I couldn’t ignore this. I wouldn’t let Lindsey fake Aaron. He deserved less. Despite his anger, I had to tell him the truth.
My obsession lasted all night. Aaron wanted proof, not words. Proof without doubt.
Watching for Leo the following day. He was cutting veggies in the kitchen. I breathed deeply and approached.
“Hey, Leo,” I approached. “You and Lindsey are adorable. Why not surprise her with a romantic meal here after closing? She’d love it.”
Leo smiled. So you think?
“Definitely,” I answered. “She recently wanted something special like that.”
Excitement made him wash his hands on his apron. Wow, I didn’t know. It sounds ideal.”
I nodded. “Make a pretty table with flowers. The gesture would please her.”
Leo grins. “Great idea, Melanie. Thanks. May I do it tonight?
I grinned. “Absolutely.”
After that, I messaged Aaron. I hesitated to type.
He wouldn’t reply, I knew. He raged too much. No response was required—he simply needed to see it.
@Me
I know you think I’m lying, but visit the restaurant after 10 p.m.
I breathed after sending. Chest constricted. Would he appear? Would he ignore me? I knew nothing. All I could do was wait.
I opened my laptop that night after tucking David in. I entered the restaurant’s security system with shaky fingertips.
The cameras activated. I discovered the ideal perspective to reveal Leo’s table.
Low light illuminated candles. A tiny vase of flowers was in the middle. It seemed personal. A little too close.
I saw Leo and Lindsey sit. They laughed, spoke, and ate. Leo’s eyes shone with affection.
Totally captivated. Lindsey grinned, twisting her hair around her finger.
Her arm touched his as she leaned forward. Finally, she kissed him.
Winced, I swapped cameras. That was unwatchable. My stomach twisted.
Movement grabbed my attention on the exterior camera. Catching my breath. Aaron attended. He came. He entered the restaurant by pushing the door.
Heart pounding, I returned to Lindsey and Leo. Right on time.
Aaron emerged, enraged. Lindsay and Leo separated, their expressions changing from astonishment to terror.
Leo opened his mouth but said nothing. Lindsey looked about for escape.
Aaron roared. The words were unheard, but his fury was clear. He pointed at Lindsey, then Leo.
Lindsay crossed her arms and tossed her hair boldly, but Leo looked terrified.
Lindsay abruptly pulled off her engagement ring and threw it at Aaron.
Clattered upon the table. Aaron grabbed it up, pale. He turned and left silently.
I swapped cameras again. Outside, Aaron stood still, shaking.
His head sank into his palm. I could see him crying through a screen.
Swallowed hard. Did the proper thing. He needed honesty. Still, guilt lingered.
Later, the doorbell rang. I pondered opening it. Aaron stood with great sadness and stinging eyes from sobbing.
His voice was rough as he continued, “You were right.”
“This doesn’t feel good for me, just so you know,” I remarked. “I had no desire to be right.”
Aaron nodded, slumping. “I regret doubting you.” His breath was weak. “I should’ve trusted you.”
He approached and hugged me. “Thank you.”
I held him, feeling his agony.
