Although my ex-husband seemed prepared to go on with his life, there was something off about his engagement. What started off as a friendly conversation at work became information I couldn’t ignore. Even though it was painful, I knew I had to tell him the truth when he refused to believe me.
I was working as the restaurant manager and was taking advantage of one of the infrequent calm times in the dining area. No complaints from the kitchen, no special demands from visitors, and no last-minute issues with servers. I inhaled deeply, certain that the silence would not endure.
It buzzed on my phone. My ex-husband Aaron had left me a message. When I opened it, I saw a photo of our son David at what appeared to be an amusement park, holding a huge plush animal and grinning broadly. I also smiled at the brilliant lights behind him. That they were enjoying themselves pleased me.
Two waitresses were talking nearby. Claire’s eyes widened as Lindsey flashed a huge diamond ring.
“What a massive stone! Claire added, “It’s probably visible from space.”
“You know what I mean? Lindsey tilted her palm to catch the light and said, “I got lucky.”
“Is he wealthy?” Claire enquired.
Lindsey remarked, “He’s not a millionaire, but he has enough money to buy this.”
I scowled. For more than a year, Lindsey had been seeing Leo from our kitchen. “Are you and Leo not together?” I enquired.
“I am,” she answered, keeping her gaze fixed on the ring.
“When did Leo become wealthy?”
She eventually looked me in the eyes and replied, “Leo isn’t.” However, my fiancé is. Leo came up with that concept.
I gazed at her. “What?”
“It’s easy,” she stated. “Find a wealthy man, get married to him, get a divorce a few months later, and keep the money.” Leo and I may then enjoy life to the fullest. I’m halfway there.
I felt sick to my stomach. “Don’t you consider that to be cruel?”
“No,” she responded, “because I don’t love him.”
I said, “But he might love you.”
She gave a shrug. That is his issue. I’m younger, therefore he fell for me.
What I was hearing was unbelievable.
I married Aaron out of love years ago. We thought it was all we needed because we were young. We came to the realisation that we were too unlike over time. Although ending it hurt, it was the correct decision. He continued to be a wonderful parent to David, and we remained friends.
When I arrived home that night, Aaron and David were waiting at the door. With much excitement, my kid rushed in to tell me about the largest roller coaster he had ever experienced.
Aaron remained at the door, appearing anxious.
“Is everything all right?” I enquired.
He said, “We need to talk.”
He paused in the kitchen, then said something.
At last, he declared, “I’m getting married again.”
“That’s fantastic,” I informed him. “I’m glad for you.”
He appeared relieved. Later, I’ll inform David. First, I wanted you to know.
“So, who is she?” I enquired.
With a smile, Aaron took out his phone. My stomach fell when he turned the TV to face me.
I said bluntly, “That’s Lindsey.” “One of my servers.”
His body shifted uneasily. Indeed. I was hesitant to inform you because of this.
I inhaled. “You need to know something, Aaron. Furthermore, the age gap is not the issue. Lindsey brought up her fiancé just today. I was unaware that she was referring to you.
Aaron’s forehead wrinkled. “What are you attempting to express?”
“She told me that she is only getting married to you in order to get a divorce and steal your money.”
He remained silent for a moment. Then his face became stony. “I didn’t want to tell you for precisely this reason!” he yelled. “It’s unbelievable that you would invent something like this!”
I firmly stated, “Aaron, I’m telling the truth.” “Why would I make this up?”
He clenched his jaw. “Because you feel envious.”
I gazed at him. “Are you jealous? I’m attempting to keep you safe.
“Yes,” he replied sourly. “You simply cannot accept the fact that I’ve found a younger person who genuinely loves me.”
She is dating someone. I yelled, “He works in my kitchen.”
“You’re telling lies!” Now his face was crimson. “It’s unbelievable how low you’ve fallen.”
“It’s not a lie!”
“This discussion is over.” He swung around and shut the front door.
I was still. Even though he was furious, I couldn’t allow Lindsey to defraud him. That wasn’t fair to him. I had to let him see for himself.
I stayed up that night trying to come up with a plan. He wouldn’t be persuaded by words. He required unquestionable proof.
I waited for an opportunity to speak with Leo the following day. He was busy chopping veggies in the kitchen. I approached while speaking softly.
I said, “Hey, Leo.” “You and Lindsey are a fantastic duo. After closing, you ought to surprise her with a romantic meal here, I thought. She would adore it.
His expression brightened. “Do you really believe that?”
Yes, without a doubt. Recently, she even expressed a desire for something similar,” I remarked.
He appeared thrilled. “That sounds ideal.”
You may bring flowers and arrange a lovely table. She would be moved,” I continued.
Leo smiled. “Wonderful concept, Melanie. I appreciate you bringing it up. Can I do that this evening?
“Obviously,” I said.
I then took out my phone and sent Aaron a message via text. He didn’t have to respond, but I didn’t think he would. All he needed to do was read it.
Come to the restaurant after 10 p.m. if you want the truth, even though I know you believe I’m lying.
I sat back, my chest tense, and hit send. He may not pay attention to me. Or he could show up.
After David went to bed that night, I turned on my laptop and signed in to the restaurant’s security cameras.
I located the angle that revealed the table that Leo had arranged. The candles flickered. In the middle was a vase of flowers. It couldn’t be innocent; it was too romantic.
As they sat together, Leo and Lindsey laughed, spoke, and ate. He gazed at her as if she were the only human being on the planet. Playing with her hair, she returned the smile.
She then moved in to give him a kiss after touching his arm. My stomach churned as I looked away from the screen.
I noticed movement on the outdoor camera. Aaron was here. He entered.
He appeared just as I was returning to the dining room feed. Anger was distorted in his face. Leo and Lindsey stopped smiling and froze.
Aaron pointed to each of them while saying something I couldn’t hear. Leo appeared pallid. As if she didn’t care, Lindsey tossed her hair.
Then she threw her engagement ring at him after yanking it off. On the table, it clattered. With his face devoid of colour, Aaron scooped it up and left.
He stopped, and I saw it on the outside camera. His shoulders trembled. His head fell into his hand. He was crying, and I could see it even from a distance.
Even though I had fulfilled my obligations, remorse still surfaced.
Eventually the doorbell rang. Aaron was standing there when I opened it, his face tense with emotion and his eyes crimson.
His voice was scratchy as he said, “You were right.”
I whispered to him, “I’m not satisfied with this.” “I didn’t wish to be correct.”
He apologised for not believing him. “You deserve my trust.” He came forward and gave me a hug. “I’m grateful.”
Feeling the weight of everything that had just transpired, I returned his hug.
