Chapter 7
After Cedric finally signed the divorce agreement, I felt a wave of relief wash over
- me.
Josie was ecstatic when she heard the news and insisted on taking me out for a celebratory dinner at the city’s fanciest
restaurant.
As we sat outside, taking in the beautiful night view with cars whizzing by like a colorful river, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of freedom. The gentle evening breeze felt like a fresh start.
But even though he signed the papers, Cedric didn’t give up. Every morning, he showed up at my building with a
homemade breakfast and fresh flowers, just like the old days when he’d wait outside my dorm in college.
Back then, he was so thoughtful, keeping track of all my interests and the occasions
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special to me, always finding ways to surprise me. I really thought he was the one I’d grow old with.
After graduation, when he said he wanted to start a business, I was all in–supportive every step of the way, never backing down.
But now, with him successful, I felt like that genuine love was just a memory.
I refused to take the breakfasts and flowers he offered, watching him plead for a glance, hoping for a sign from me. But the truth was, we could never go back to what we once had.
At Josie’s company, I was assigned to a project that was picking up steam. The project lead turned out to be Wendell, a junior from my high school.
It had been years since I last saw him, and he was no longer that shy, withdrawn kid I remembered. He had grown into a tall, confident guy with a trustworthy vibe.
When we first met for the project, he
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recognized me right away. “Hey, it’s you! Remember me?” he said with a warm
smile.
I had to think for a moment before recalling him. Wendell had changed so much, and our business dealings quickly led to casual dinners where we reminisced about school days.
After one networking event, he offered to drive me home. I had a few drinks, but thankfully, my tolerance held up.
As we cruised along with soothing music playing, I realized it was one of my favorite.
songs.
“I’ve always been grateful to you, you know?” he said casually. “You stood up for me back when I was being bullied. You taught me to fight back and take care of myself.”
I smiled at the memory. I had intervened one day in the gym equipment room, scaring off the bullies. After that, I’d told
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him to protect himself and value who he
was.
It felt good to know he had remembered. “You’ve really changed, Wendell,” I said.
Then, his voice dropped slightly. “I’ve liked you for a long time, you know.”
I didn’t catch his words at first, my head spinning a bit.
Before I knew it, we were at my building. Wendell helped me out of the car, and as we headed to my door, a sudden loud voice. broke through the quiet night.
“Who the fuck are you?! Why are you with Astrid?”
I squinted into the darkness, the familiar figure stepping out–my ex–husband.
