The restaurant was unusually quiet that afternoon. I took a deep breath, savoring the rare calm. My phone buzzed—Aaron, my ex-husband. Curious, I opened the message. It was a photo of our son, David, beaming at an amusement park. Warmth spread through me seeing him so happy.

Nearby, Lindsey, one of our waitresses, showed off a massive diamond ring to Claire.
“Is he rich?” Claire teased.
“Not a millionaire, but he’s got money,” Lindsey smirked.
Confused, I asked, “Aren’t you with Leo?”
“I am,” she said casually. “But this was Leo’s idea—marry a rich guy, divorce him, take the money, and live the good life.”

That evening, Aaron dropped off David. After David ran inside, Aaron said, “We need to talk… I’m getting married again.”
“That’s great! Who’s the lucky woman?” I asked.
He showed me a photo. My stomach dropped. “That’s Lindsey. One of my waitresses.”
Aaron explained how they met, but when I told him about Lindsey’s plan, his face darkened. “You’re jealous,” he snapped. “You just can’t stand that I found someone younger.”
“I’m trying to protect you!”
But he stormed out before I could explain further.

The next day, I set a plan in motion. I invited Leo to surprise Lindsey with a romantic dinner at the restaurant after hours. Then I texted Aaron: If you want the truth, come at 10 p.m.

Hours later, I watched the security cameras. Lindsey and Leo were laughing, completely in love. When Aaron walked in, he caught them kissing. Her face went pale, and she threw the engagement ring at him. He picked it up and left without a word.

I found him outside, head in his hands. “You were right,” he whispered, his voice hoarse.
“I didn’t want to be,” I said softly.
“I should have trusted you,” Aaron said, pulling me into a hug. “Thank you.”

It wasn’t the ending he hoped for, but at least now, he knew the truth.