Unknown: You were the most beautiful woman in the room this weekend.

Me: Who’s this?

Though we ended on a sour note, I really hope it’s Mr. Grey Beard.

Unknown: It’s your ex-husband, my love. I miss you so much. I’m ready to let you come home.

Great, the absolute last person I want to speak to right now.

Me: Leave me alone, Cory. I’m very happy. And very much moving on with my life. You should too.

Unknown: You see, I can’t do that until I get my wife back.

Me: EX-WIFE. Now please leave me alone before I call the police.

Unknown: Lol. We both know what’ll happen when you do that. Tell me something. Does your rich pretty boy lover know the real you? I’ll be happy to send him your mugshot. You need to dump him, Kerry. I’ll be damned if I let you run around town and embarrass me. You’ll never be with another man.

Me: Screw you Cory Martin!

Unknown: Lol. Gladly.

I shudder, every muscle in my body tightens at the memory of the past—the suffocating control and the sharp edges of his rage. He hasn’t changed.

But I have.

Though my fingers tremble as they hover over my phone screen, the fire that spurred me to leave still burns within me, fueling a resolve that has only hardened with time. His words are always venomous. His threats always cause pain. And his rage is still clearly unchecked. But the antidote to his evil is me. The journey through my trauma has led me to strength, and I’ll be damned if I allow him to undermine the life I’m trying to rebuild.

Drawing a deep breath, I steady my hands and my heart, then block his number yet again. I won’t let Cory’s threats deter me from my purpose. I’m finally back in my element, refocusing on my preparations and drowning myself in the promise of a future where he has no place.

It isn’t until much later that another notification appears—a tagged photo on the neighborhood social media page. It’s Vic and me frozen in time, staring at one another like we belong together.

We do make a convincing couple. I momentarily muse before shaking my head and diving back into my work.

I’ve got no time for distractions. And I’ve got no time for liars named Victor ‘Grey Beard’ Grimes.

Chapter 5

An Insufferable Surprise – Kerry

The weekend disappears in a whirlwind of productivity, lesson planning, and second-guessing every decision that’s led me to this moment. And before I know it, Monday morning slaps me awake with a vengeance.

Shit! I jolt upright at my desk, disoriented and sleepy. I must’ve fallen asleep working on today’s activities. Then, a quick glance at the clock sends me into full panic mode.