My ex-husband was ready to start a new chapter in his life, but something about his engagement didn’t sit right with me. At first, I ignored my gut feeling. But a casual conversation at work turned into a revelation I couldn’t unhear. When I tried to warn him, he refused to believe me. I had no choice—I had to show him the truth, even if it shattered his heart.
It was one of those rare, quiet moments at the restaurant. As an administrator, my job kept me on my feet most of the day, juggling a million things at once. But right now, there were no upset customers, no last-minute kitchen disasters, and no servers running up to me in a panic. Just peace.
I leaned against the counter, savoring the stillness, when my phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen. Aaron. My ex-husband.
Curious, I picked it up and tapped the message. A photo loaded—our son, David, beaming from ear to ear, clutching an enormous stuffed animal. The bright lights of an amusement park sparkled behind him.
A warmth spread through me. I was glad Aaron and David were having fun. Whatever differences Aaron and I had, we always put our son first.
Nearby, two waitresses were chatting. Lindsey, one of our long-time servers, held out her hand, fingers stretched wide to display a massive diamond ring.
Claire, another waitress, gasped. “That stone is huge! Probably visible from space.”
Lindsey laughed, tilting her hand under 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, confused.
“I am,” Lindsey said, still admiring the ring.
I stared at her. “Since when was Leo rich?”
Lindsey finally looked up at me, her expression smug. “Leo isn’t. But my fiancé is. That was Leo’s idea, actually.”
I blinked, trying to process her words. “What?”
“The plan was simple,” she said with a shrug. “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.”
A sick feeling curled in my stomach. “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, horrified.
That evening, when I got home, Aaron was already at my doorstep 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 exclaimed.
I smiled, ruffling his hair. “Sounds amazing.”
Aaron, however, stood stiffly behind him, his face unreadable.
“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, his fingers drumming lightly against the table.
Something was off. His shoulders were tense, his gaze shifting, like he wasn’t sure how to start.
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. “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. “So… who is she?”
Aaron pulled out his phone and showed me a picture.
My stomach dropped. “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 took a deep breath. “Aaron, I need to tell you something, 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. Lindsey is scamming you.”
Aaron’s expression darkened. “This is exactly why I didn’t want to tell you!” he snapped. “You’re jealous!”
I gasped. “Jealous? I’m trying to protect you!”
Aaron stood up abruptly. “This conversation is over.” He stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
I couldn’t let it go. Aaron needed proof. Clear, undeniable proof.
The next day, I convinced Leo to set up a romantic dinner for Lindsey at the restaurant after closing. Then, I sent Aaron a message:
I know you think I’m lying, but if you want the truth, come to the restaurant after 10 p.m.
That night, I watched the security cameras as Leo and Lindsey sat together, laughing, holding hands. Then, she kissed him.
A movement outside caught my eye. Aaron.
He stepped inside just in time to see Lindsey and Leo tangled in each other’s arms.
Aaron’s voice boomed. Lindsey’s face paled. Leo looked terrified.
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.
Outside, he stood still, his shoulders shaking. Then, his head dropped into his hands. Even from behind a screen, I could tell—he was crying.
A while later, my doorbell rang. When I opened it, Aaron stood there, his face red from crying, his eyes filled with regret.
“You were right,” he said, his voice hoarse.
“This isn’t satisfying for me, just so you know,” I said softly. “I didn’t want to be right about this.”
Aaron nodded, his shoulders heavy. “I’m sorry for doubting you. I should have trusted you.”
Then, he stepped forward and pulled me into a hug.
“Thank you,” he whispered.
I hugged him back, feeling his pain.
I had done what I had to do. And even though it hurt, at least now, Aaron knew the truth.