He barely reacts, just flashes her an amused smirk, but I see her shrinking by the second.

“So,” Vic starts, his voice casual. “how long have you two been together?”

Krista perks up. “Three months,” she says quickly, forcing a smile. “but it feels like forever, doesn’t it, babe?”

“Yep, and we’re fresh out of the honeymoon phase.”

Krista lets out a light laugh, nudging him playfully. “Oh, don’t say that,” she pouts. “We’re still in the honeymoon phase.”

Cory shrugs. “I mean, you think you’re in love with the perfect person...”

Krista smiles.

“...until you start seeing their flaws.”

Her smile quickly fades.

I tense, recognizing the manipulation for exactly what it is—praise wrapped in a putdown. Krista swallows, her shoulders sinking ever so slightly, but not on my watch.

“You know,” I say, my voice light, “I don’t really believe in perfect people, but I do believe in the right people. The ones who make you feel safe, respected, valued. The ones who don’t just see your flaws but love you harder because of them.”

I glance at Vic, whose thumb strokes against my thigh. Then, I turn to Krista.

“The people who lift you up and don’t tear you down.”

Cory’s entire face darkens, and Vic smirks, completely amused by my words.

Cory leans forward, elbows on the table. “So, Kerry, I heard you’re homeschooling now?” His tone is too casual, but I hear the sharp edge beneath it, the way he’s digging for something.

I arch a brow. “And?”

“Well,” he shrugs, “I called around, tried to see who you were working for, but no one seemed to know.”

I laugh, sharp and humorless. “I don’t know what’s worse. The fact that you think I’d tell you anything about my life, or the fact that you actually went out of your way to call around like a damn stalker.”

“I just wanted to know how you were doing,” Cory says, raising his hands in mock innocence. “You were my wife, Kerry. I’ll always care about you.”

I scoff. “I’m not your business anymore. And I’ll never care about you ever again. Move on.”

“I have moved on.” His arm snakes around Krista’s shoulders, mimicking the way Vic holds me. “With the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.”

But when his hand trails down her arm, Krista flinches. It’s subtle, but we both notice.

“Hey,” I say, standing abruptly. “Come with me to the ladies’ room?”

Krista hesitates, flicking her gaze to Cory. “Oh, I’m okay—”

I don’t ask again. I just gently reach for her wrist and pull her along. “Come with me.”

Cory groans, shaking his head like she’s the difficult one. “Hurry back, babe. You know I hate being away from you.”

It’s meant to sound sweet, but it’s a threat.