My ex-husband was ready to begin a new chapter, but something about his engagement didn’t set well with me. A typical talk at work turned into a realization I couldn’t ignore. He wouldn’t believe me, so I had to show him the truth.
I was seated at work, despite the fact that my job as a restaurant administration did not allow for much sitting.
My phone vibrated on the countertop. I looked at the screen—Aaron. My ex-husband.
A photo was loaded. David, our son, was grinning from ear to ear while holding a large stuffed animal.
A warmth spread through me. I was glad Aaron and David were having fun.
Claire raised an eyebrow. “Is he rich or something?”
Lindsey smirked. “He’s not a millionaire, but he has money. Enough to buy this, at least.”
I frowned. Lindsey had been dating Leo, one of our kitchen staff, for over a year. “Aren’t you with Leo?” I asked.
“I am,” Lindsey said, still admiring the ring.
I stared at her. “Since when was Leo rich?”
Lindsey finally looked at me. “Leo isn’t. But my fiancé is. That was Leo’s idea, actually.”
I blinked. “What?”
“The plan was simple,” Lindsey said. “Find a rich guy, marry him, divorce him in a few months, take the money. Then Leo and I live the good life.” She twirled the ring on her finger. “Halfway there.”
My stomach twisted. “Don’t you think that’s… cruel?”
Lindsey shrugged. “I don’t love my fiancé, so no.”
“But he might love you,” I said. “He proposed, didn’t he?”
Lindsey waved me off. “That’s his problem. He fell for the fact that I’m younger.”
I stared at her, unable to believe what I was hearing.
That evening, when I got home, Aaron was already at the door with David. My son bounced inside, his face glowing with excitement.
“Mom! We went on the biggest roller coaster! I wasn’t even scared!” he said, barely pausing for breath.
I smiled, ruffling his hair. “Sounds amazing.”
“Is everything okay?” I asked.
“We need to talk,” he said. “Privately.”
I leaned forward. “Aaron, you’re scaring me. Did something happen?”
He exhaled sharply. “No, nothing bad. Actually… it’s serious. But in a good way.”
I frowned. “Serious in a good way? What do you mean?”
Aaron hesitated. Then, in one breath, he said, “I’m getting married again.”
I blinked. “What? That’s great!” I smiled, trying to reassure him. “I don’t see why you were so worried.”
Aaron shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe I thought you’d be upset.”
“Upset? Aaron, I’m really happy for you. You deserve to be happy.”
Relief softened his face. He nodded. “Thanks. I’ll tell David later. I wanted you to know first.”
“Of course. I’m sure he’ll be happy for you too,” I said.
Aaron smiled, more relaxed now.
“So… who is she?” I asked. “Are you going to show me a picture? How did you two meet?”
Aaron chuckled. “I knew you’d ask.”
“That’s Lindsey,” I said, my voice flat. “One of my waitresses.”
Aaron shifted uncomfortably. “Yeah. That’s why I was worried about your reaction.”
I looked back at the picture, my mind racing. “How did this even happen?”
“I met her when I picked up David from the restaurant. Later, I saw her on a dating app. We started talking… and here we are.”
I swallowed hard. My hands clenched under the table. I couldn’t keep this to myself.
“Aaron, I need to tell you something,” I said carefully. “And it’s not good.”
Aaron’s face tensed. “If this is about the age difference, I already know. Eleven years. It doesn’t bother us.”
I shook my head. “It’s not that. Just today, Lindsey was talking about her fiancé. I didn’t realize she meant you.”
His jaw clenched. “Because you’re jealous!”
I gasped. “Jealous? I’m trying to protect you!”
“Right. You just can’t stand that I found someone younger who actually loves me,” Aaron snapped.
“She has a boyfriend! He works in our kitchen!” I shouted.
“You’re lying!” His face was red with anger. “I can’t believe you’d sink this low.”
“It’s the truth!”
“This conversation is over.” He stormed out, slamming the front door behind him.
The next day, I watched for Leo.
“Hey, Leo,” I said, stepping closer. “You and Lindsey make such a great couple. I was thinking—why not surprise her with a romantic dinner here after closing? She’d love it.”
Leo’s face lit up. “You really think so?”
“Absolutely,” I said. “She even mentioned wanting something special like that recently.”
“Wow, I had no idea. That sounds perfect.”
I nodded. “You could set up a nice table, maybe bring some flowers. She’d love the effort.”
Leo grinned. “That’s a great idea, Melanie. Thanks for suggesting it. Can I do it tonight?”
I smiled. “Of course.”
After that, I sent Aaron a message.
@Me
I know you think I’m lying, but if you want the truth, come to the restaurant after 10 p.m.
The cameras flared to life. I discovered the ideal angle, one that revealed the table Leo had set up.
Candles flickered in the gloomy lighting. A little vase of flowers rested in the center. It appeared romantic. Too romantic.
I observed Leo and Lindsey sit together. They ate, chatted, and laughed. Leo’s eyes glowed with affection.
On the exterior camera, I noticed movement.
Leo opened his mouth, but no words emerged. Lindsey’s gaze flew about, looking for an exit.
Aaron’s voice roared. I couldn’t hear what he said, but I could tell he was angry. He pointed at Lindsey and then at Leo.
Then, suddenly, Lindsey yanked off her engagement ring and threw it at Aaron.
It clattered onto the table. Aaron picked it up, his face pale. Without another word, he turned and stormed out.
I switched cameras again. Outside, Aaron stood still, his shoulders shaking.
His head dropped into his hand. Even from behind a screen, I could tell—he was crying.
“You were right,” he said, his voice hoarse.
“This isn’t satisfying for me, just so you know,” I said. “I didn’t want to be right about this.”
Aaron nodded, his shoulders heavy. “I’m sorry for doubting you.” He took a shaky breath. “I should have trusted you.”
He stepped forward and pulled me into a hug. “Thank you.”
