When Aaron, my ex-husband, told me he was engaged again, I was genuinely happy for him—until I saw the photo. His fiancée, Lindsey, was one of my waitresses. That same day, I overheard her bragging about a scheme: marry a wealthy man, divorce him quickly, and split the money with her real boyfriend, Leo—our kitchen staff. I didn’t realize she was talking about Aaron until it hit me like a punch to the gut.
I tried to warn him. He accused me of jealousy. “You’re just bitter I found someone younger,” he snapped.
“No,” I said. “I’m trying to protect you.”
But he wouldn’t listen. So I stopped talking—and started planning.
I convinced Leo to surprise Lindsey with a romantic dinner at the restaurant after hours. Candles, flowers, wine—the works. Then I messaged Aaron: If you want the truth, come by tonight.
He did.
Through the restaurant’s security cameras, I watched Lindsey and Leo laugh, flirt, and kiss—just as Aaron walked in. His face shifted from confusion to heartbreak. Lindsey tried to explain, but the damage was done. She threw her ring at him and stormed out.
Later that night, Aaron came to my door. His eyes were red. “You were right,” he whispered.
It wasn’t a victory. It was a painful truth. But sometimes, protecting someone you once loved means doing the hard thing—even when they don’t believe you.
