My ex-husband, Aaron, was ready to start a new chapter in his life, but something about his engagement didn’t feel right. A simple conversation at work turned into a revelation I couldn’t ignore. When he refused to believe me, I had no choice but to show him the truth—no matter how much it hurt.
I was at work, going through the usual chaos of running a restaurant as an administrator. The job didn’t allow much time for sitting, but for once, the dining area was calm. No customers with special requests, no kitchen disasters, no servers running to me with urgent problems. I took a deep breath, savoring the rare moment of peace.
Then, my phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen—Aaron. My ex-husband.
Curious, I picked up the phone and opened the message. A photo popped up. It was our son, David, grinning from ear to ear, holding a giant stuffed animal. The bright lights of an amusement park sparkled behind him.
A warmth spread through my chest. I was glad Aaron and David were having fun together. No matter what happened between me and Aaron, he was always a great father.
Nearby, two of my waitresses chatted, their voices full of excitement. I turned my head just in time to see Lindsey stretching out her hand, showing off a massive diamond ring.
Claire gasped, grabbing Lindsey’s hand for a closer look. “That stone is huge! Probably visible from space!”
Lindsey laughed, twisting her hand so the ring caught the light. “I know, right? I got so lucky.”
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 answered, still admiring the ring on her finger.
I stared at her. “Since when was Leo rich?”
Lindsey finally looked up at me. “Leo isn’t. But my fiancé is. That was Leo’s idea, actually.”
I blinked. “What?”
“The plan was simple,” Lindsey said, her voice casual, as if she were discussing weekend plans. “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 pointed out. “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.
I had married young and for love. Back then, Aaron and I believed love was enough. But as time passed, we realized we were too different. We wanted different things, handled problems in opposite ways, and saw life through separate lenses. Letting go had been painful, but we knew it was the right decision. I had no regrets.
Aaron was still a good friend, and most importantly, a wonderful father to David. And now, he was engaged to a woman who was planning to scam him.
That evening, when I got home, Aaron and David were already at the door. My son burst inside, full of energy.
“Mom! We went on the biggest roller coaster! I wasn’t even scared!”
I smiled, ruffling his hair. “Sounds amazing.”
Aaron, however, looked tense. He stood stiffly behind David, his expression serious.
“Is everything okay?” I asked.
“We need to talk,” he said. “Privately.”
I nodded and led him to the kitchen. We sat at the table, and Aaron ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply.
“Aaron, you’re scaring me. Did something happen?” I asked.
“No, nothing bad. Actually… it’s serious. But in a good way,” he said hesitantly.
I frowned. “Serious in a good way?”
Aaron took a deep breath. “I’m getting married again.”
I blinked. “What? That’s great! Why were you worried?”
“I don’t know. Maybe I thought you’d be upset.”
“Aaron, I’m really happy for you,” I assured him. “You deserve to be happy.”
Relief softened his face. “Thanks. I wanted you to know before I told David.”
“Of course. So… who is she?” I asked. “Are you going to show me a picture?”
Aaron chuckled. “I knew you’d ask.” He pulled out his phone and showed me a photo.
My stomach dropped. My voice came out flat. “That’s Lindsey. One of my waitresses.”
Aaron shifted uncomfortably. “Yeah… I figured this might be awkward.”
I clenched my hands under the table. “Aaron, I need to tell you something. And it’s not good.”
His 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. Lindsey told me today that she’s marrying you just to divorce you and take your money.”
Aaron’s expression darkened. “This is exactly why I didn’t want to tell you! I can’t believe you’re making this up!”
“Aaron, it’s the truth!” I protested. “Why would I lie?”
“Because you’re jealous!”
“Jealous? I’m trying to protect you!”
“She has a boyfriend! Leo, from our kitchen!” I shouted.
“You’re lying!” Aaron’s face was red with anger. “This conversation is over.” He stormed out, slamming the door.
I couldn’t let this go. Aaron didn’t deserve to be tricked. He needed proof.
The next day, I set a trap. I convinced Leo to surprise Lindsey with a romantic dinner at the restaurant after closing. Then, I texted Aaron:
If you want the truth, come to the restaurant after 10 p.m.
That night, I watched the restaurant’s security cameras. Lindsey and Leo sat together, laughing. Then, she kissed him.
Moments later, Aaron walked in. His face turned to rage as he saw them together. Lindsey’s eyes widened in panic. Leo looked terrified. Then, Lindsey yanked off her engagement ring and threw it at Aaron.
Aaron picked it up, his face pale. Without another word, he turned and stormed out.
Outside, he stood still, his shoulders shaking. Even through the screen, I could tell—he was crying.
Later that night, the doorbell rang. Aaron stood there, his eyes red, his voice hoarse.
“You were right.”
“This isn’t satisfying for me, just so you know,” I said softly. “I didn’t want to be right.”
Aaron nodded. “I’m sorry for doubting you. I should have trusted you.” His voice broke. “Thank you.”
He stepped forward and pulled me into a hug. I held him, feeling the weight of his pain. No matter what, I would always have his back.