Postei uma foto minha e do meu parceiro no Facebook pela primeira vez e imediatamente recebi uma mensagem: ‘Você deve fugir dele. Agora’

As mídias sociais têm um jeito de se infiltrar na sua vida, tornando-se parte dos seus relacionamentos, quer você goste ou não. É inofensivo na maior parte — fotos fofas e atualizações para amigos e familiares. Mas às vezes, as coisas tomam um rumo que você nunca viu chegando.

Mark e eu estávamos juntos há quase um ano. Honestamente, ele era o namorado perfeito. Doce, carinhoso e sempre me fazendo rir, não importa se estávamos caminhando ou apenas assistindo TV em um domingo preguiçoso. Eu me senti tão sortuda por tê-lo em minha vida. Então, achei que era hora de oficializar as coisas no Facebook.

Um casal feliz em uma caminhada | Fonte: Midjourney

Um casal feliz em uma caminhada | Fonte: Midjourney

Estávamos em uma trilha de caminhada uma tarde quando tiramos uma foto juntos. Foi fofo — nós dois sorrindo com o sol brilhando atrás de nós. “Só eu e minha pessoa favorita em nossa última aventura!” Coloquei uma legenda, adicionando alguns emojis de coração. Compartilhei a postagem, animada para compartilhar um pouco da nossa felicidade com o mundo.

Então, dez minutos depois, recebi uma notificação que fez meu estômago embrulhar. Não era um like ou um comentário. Era uma mensagem: “VOCÊ DEVE CORRER DELE. AGORA.”

Uma mulher chocada olhando para o seu telefone | Fonte: Midjourney

Uma mulher chocada olhando para o seu telefone | Fonte: Midjourney

Olhei para o meu telefone, meu coração batendo forte. Quem enviaria algo assim? Cliquei no perfil, esperando por alguma pista, mas não havia nada — nenhuma informação, nenhuma foto, apenas uma página em branco e vazia. A mensagem em si era assustadora o suficiente, mas isso? Era como se um fantasma a tivesse enviado.

Olhei para Mark, que estava ocupado jogando nossas mochilas no carro, completamente inconsciente da tempestade se formando dentro de mim. Devo contar a ele?

Um homem desconhecido falando ao telefone | Fonte: Midjourney

Um homem desconhecido falando ao telefone | Fonte: Midjourney

Minha mente correu, mas antes que eu pudesse processar o que estava acontecendo, outra mensagem apareceu: “Não conte nada ao Mark. Ouça com atenção. Sorria, não seja agressiva com ele. Você não sabe do que ele é capaz. Entendeu?”

Eu podia sentir o sangue sumir do meu rosto. O que era isso? Quem estava enviando essas mensagens? E por que eles tinham tanta certeza de que eu estava em perigo?

Uma jovem preocupada olhando para o seu telefone | Fonte: Midjourney

Uma jovem preocupada olhando para o seu telefone | Fonte: Midjourney

Olhei para Mark novamente. Ele acenou para mim com aquele mesmo sorriso fácil de sempre. Ele não parecia perigoso. Mas as mensagens tinham um tipo estranho de urgência, e elas me assustaram o suficiente para que eu decidisse jogar junto, pelo menos por enquanto.

Forcei um sorriso e caminhei até ele, tentando manter minha voz firme. “Pronto para ir?”

“Está tudo bem?”, perguntou Mark, seus olhos procurando os meus.

Um homem preocupado no sofá | Fonte: Midjourney

Um homem preocupado no sofá | Fonte: Midjourney

Engoli o nó na garganta. “É, é só minha mãe. Vou mandar mensagem para ela mais tarde.”

Naquela noite, não consegui me livrar das mensagens. Elas se repetiam na minha mente várias vezes, me fazendo questionar tudo. Mark sempre foi tão doce, tão amoroso. Mas e se… e se eu realmente não o conhecesse? E se houvesse algo mais obscuro sob a superfície?

Uma mulher sem dormir em sua cama | Fonte: Midjourney

Uma mulher sem dormir em sua cama | Fonte: Midjourney

Nos dias seguintes, as coisas só pioraram. Eu o pegava me encarando, sem dizer nada, apenas observando. Era perturbador. Uma noite, eu estava lendo no sofá e, quando olhei para cima, lá estava ele, com os olhos fixos em mim. Quando perguntei se estava tudo bem, ele deu de ombros como se não fosse grande coisa. Mas parecia grande coisa.

Um jovem suspeito | Fonte: Midjourney

Um jovem suspeito | Fonte: Midjourney

Então, uma manhã, meu telefone vibrou com outra mensagem do mesmo perfil anônimo: “Encontre-me na Bayou Bakery amanhã às 14h. Eu lhe darei as evidências. Não conte ao Mark. Invente uma desculpa.”

Minhas mãos tremiam enquanto eu lia. Provas? De quê? O que eles poderiam ter sobre ele? Eu precisava saber. Mas como eu poderia mentir para Mark? E se ele estivesse me observando muito de perto? E se ele já suspeitasse de algo?

Uma figura secreta escrevendo uma mensagem | Fonte: Midjourney

Uma figura secreta escrevendo uma mensagem | Fonte: Midjourney

“Vou encontrar minha mãe para almoçar amanhã”, eu disse casualmente durante o café da manhã, tentando não deixar minha voz tremer.

Mark não levantou os olhos do café imediatamente. “Sério? Você não mencionou isso antes.”

“Ah, sim”, respondi rapidamente, meu coração disparado. “Ela ligou ontem à noite. Coisa de última hora.”

Mark finalmente encontrou meus olhos, sua expressão ilegível. “Tudo bem”, ele disse lentamente.

Tentei me concentrar no meu café, mas tudo que conseguia sentir era o peso do seu olhar, como se ele estivesse tentando ver através de mim.

Um homem conversando com sua namorada | Fonte: Midjourney

Um homem conversando com sua namorada | Fonte: Midjourney

No dia seguinte, saí de casa. Quando saí pela porta, pude sentir os olhos de Mark em mim. Tentei agir normalmente, mas meu estômago estava em nós. Toda vez que eu olhava para ele, havia aquele mesmo olhar ilegível em seu rosto. Ele estava desconfiado? Ele sabia que algo estava errado?

Cheguei cedo à Bayou Bakery. Meu coração batia forte enquanto eu estava sentado em uma pequena mesa perto da janela. O cheiro de café e bolos frescos não acalmou meus nervos. Toda vez que a porta se abria, eu pulava, esperando ver alguém misterioso com as respostas para todas as minhas perguntas.

Uma mulher sentada em um café | Fonte: Midjourney

Uma mulher sentada em um café | Fonte: Midjourney

Mas dez minutos se passaram. Então vinte. Nada.

Olhei para o meu telefone, me perguntando se tudo isso tinha sido algum tipo de piada cruel. Quando eu estava prestes a sair, a porta se abriu novamente, e meu coração quase parou. Era Mark.

“Ellie?” Sua voz era cautelosa, confusa. “O que você está fazendo aqui? Pensei que você fosse encontrar sua mãe.”

Um homem chocado em um café | Fonte: Midjourney

Um homem chocado em um café | Fonte: Midjourney

Minha garganta ficou seca. “Eu… eu pensei que você estava no trabalho. O que você está fazendo aqui?”

Ele andou até mim e sentou-se na minha frente, seus olhos examinando a sala. “Recebi uma mensagem. Alguém me disse para vir aqui. Disseram que eu precisava ver algo sobre você.”

Minha cabeça estava girando. “Você recebeu uma mensagem? Sobre mim?”

Ele assentiu, seu rosto cheio de incerteza. “É. Eu não acreditei no começo, mas então você começou a agir estranho. Eu não sabia o que pensar.”

Uma mulher conversando com o namorado em um café | Fonte: Midjourney

Uma mulher conversando com o namorado em um café | Fonte: Midjourney

Olhei para ele, meu pulso acelerado. Durante todo esse tempo, ele estava recebendo o mesmo tipo de mensagem que eu. Não fazia sentido algum. Por que alguém faria isso conosco?

Antes que pudéssemos dizer outra palavra, a porta da padaria se abriu novamente. Olhei para cima, e lá estava Andrew, um dos nossos amigos em comum, sorrindo como um idiota. Ele andou direto até a nossa mesa e puxou uma cadeira como se estivesse esperando por esse momento o tempo todo.

Um homem ruivo feliz entrando em um café | Fonte: Midjourney

Um homem ruivo feliz entrando em um café | Fonte: Midjourney

“Surpresa!” ele disse com um sorriso.

Mark e eu ficamos boquiabertos, completamente perplexos.

“Andrew, o que diabos está acontecendo?”, perguntei, com a voz tremendo de raiva.

Andrew se recostou na cadeira, seu sorriso se alargando. “Relaxa. Foi só uma brincadeira. Bem, mais como um teste.”

“Um teste?” O tom de Mark era frio como gelo. “Você nos assustou pra caramba, Andrew. Por que você faria algo assim?”

um homem chocado sentado em um café | Fonte: Midjourney

um homem chocado sentado em um café | Fonte: Midjourney

Andrew deu de ombros, parecendo um pouco menos presunçoso agora. “Já vi muitos relacionamentos desmoronarem por causa de boatos, mentiras e drama nas redes sociais. Queria ver se vocês dois realmente confiavam um no outro.”

Senti meu sangue ferver. “Você enviou essas mensagens? Você me fez pensar que Mark era perigoso, e agora está sentado aqui como se não fosse nada demais?”

Uma mulher furiosa falando com sua amiga | Fonte: Midjourney

Uma mulher furiosa falando com sua amiga | Fonte: Midjourney

Andrew levantou as mãos. “Ok, ok, talvez eu tenha ido longe demais. Mas falando sério, Ellie. Mark. Em vez de virem um para o outro e falarem sobre isso, vocês dois seguiram algumas mensagens anônimas. O que isso diz sobre o relacionamento de vocês?”

Olhei para Mark, e ele parecia tão furioso quanto eu. Mas havia algo mais ali também — uma verdade desconfortável. Andrew tinha razão, mesmo que estivesse enterrada sob camadas de crueldade.

Um homem desconfortável | Fonte: Midjourney

Um homem desconfortável | Fonte: Midjourney

O resto da conversa foi tensa. Andrew pediu desculpas, embora não parecesse o suficiente. Ele explicou que estava curioso para ver se confiaríamos um no outro quando enfrentássemos algo assustador, ou se agiríamos pelas costas um do outro.

E embora estivéssemos furiosos com ele por nos fazer passar por aquilo, havia uma parte de mim que percebia o quanto a situação havia revelado.

Um homem ruivo sentado em um café | Fonte: Midjourney

Um homem ruivo sentado em um café | Fonte: Midjourney

Quando Mark e eu saímos da padaria, nenhum de nós falou muito no começo. O choque da coisa toda ainda estava se instalando, mas o peso do que tínhamos acabado de vivenciar não passou despercebido para mim.

Finalmente, quebrei o silêncio. “Você acha que Andrew está certo?”

Mark suspirou, passando a mão pelo cabelo. “Odeio admitir, mas talvez. Quer dizer, não falamos um com o outro. Deixamos algumas mensagens anônimas entrarem em nossas cabeças.”

Um casal conversando na rua | Fonte: Midjourney

Um casal conversando na rua | Fonte: Midjourney

Nós dois sabíamos que confiança era algo que não podia ser dado como certo. E embora a brincadeira de Andrew tenha sido cruel, ela nos mostrou que a única maneira de manter nosso relacionamento forte era encarar nossos medos e dúvidas de frente — juntos.

Gostou desta história? Considere ler esta : Um jovem casal, Amber e Mark, era felizmente casado até que um dia Mark encontrou recibos estranhos entre as coisas de sua esposa. Essas compras eram para uma criança que eles não tinham. O que Amber está escondendo? Mark decide descobrir a verdade, o que mudará suas vidas para sempre.

Este trabalho é inspirado em eventos e pessoas reais, mas foi ficcionalizado para fins criativos. Nomes, personagens e detalhes foram alterados para proteger a privacidade e melhorar a narrativa. Qualquer semelhança com pessoas reais, vivas ou mortas, ou eventos reais é mera coincidência e não intencional do autor.

O autor e a editora não fazem nenhuma reivindicação quanto à precisão dos eventos ou à representação dos personagens e não são responsáveis ​​por nenhuma interpretação errônea. Esta história é fornecida “como está”, e quaisquer opiniões expressas são as dos personagens e não refletem as opiniões do autor ou da editora.

My Wife and I Hadn’t Spoken in 10 Years Until I Found Out She Was Getting Married Again – Story of the Day

My runaway bride reappeared ten years later in heels and a power suit, demanding I sign our divorce papers like we were just neighbors with unfinished business.

I consider myself a loner. Honestly, I still have a wife. She had just run away from our wedding ten years before.

Every year, I get the same envelope from her. New law firm name, new initials, glossy folder — just the way she likes it — a true aesthete, even in divorce proceedings.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I open it, read halfway through, sigh, and stash it in the drawer. There’s a whole collection, almost like a calendar, for every year of our “fake marriage.”

That morning, as usual, I was cleaning the barn. The snow had melted, the ground was soft, and the tractor refused to start again. My glove was torn; the dog had buried the other boot somewhere.

All, just as it should be. Quiet. Peaceful. The air smelled of fresh grass and smoke. I love that — it smells like life. Real life.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I reached into the metal mailbox. An envelope. Gold initials. Oh, something new. She switched firms. Progress.

“Well, hello, Mel.”

The dog barked. We understood each other without words those days.

“Would you sign it, Johnny?” I asked my dog, sitting down on the porch with my coffee.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

He sneezed. Wise dog. While I was thinking, Billy dropped by. My childhood friend, a farmer who always smells like apples and diesel fuel.

“So, she sent you another ‘love letter’?” he smirked, setting a basket of fresh bread on the step.

“Yep. Volume Ten. Might auction them off someday.”

“Still not gonna sign?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Nope. I’ve got a principle. If you want to end something — come and say it. No need to yell. Just be honest.”

Billy sighed, gave me a look like he wanted to say something — then changed his mind.

“I’ll get going. Looks like rain’s coming, and I didn’t bring a cover.”

“You’re wearing a leather jacket, Billy.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“That’s not a cover — it’s fashion.”

And he left, leaving me with my coffee, my dog, and yet another farewell letter.

I went back inside. Everything is in place. I tossed more logs into the stove. Scratched the dog behind the ear and turned on the radio — the only thing that hasn’t abandoned me over the years.

And then, I heard the sound.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

First — a low engine hum. Then — the familiar squeak of suitcase wheels. Then — high heels crunching on gravel. I stepped onto the porch. And saw her.

Melanie. Her hair was a bit shorter, but her eyes were the same. She had that look — like we saw each other yesterday, even though it’s been ten years.

“Hi, Jake.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I smiled. But something inside me clenched.

“Well. Finally decided to come and ask for an autograph in person?”

***

Melanie stepped across the threshold. Her eyes scanned the wedding photo on the mantel.

“You still keep that?” she nodded toward the frame.

“Yep. Nice photo. And the frame isn’t cheap either.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Her gaze drifted past the mantel to the plaid throw blanket on the armchair. It was the same one we used to fight over on rainy nights. Her fingers brushed it gently and then paused.

Melanie turned toward the kitchen shelves, where old jam jars stood in a neat row.

“Is that… blueberry?”

“Yeah. From that summer when the berries went wild behind the barn.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Melanie gave the faintest nod, but her eyes glistened before she looked away. Then she straightened her posture, smoothed her sleeve, and reached for her briefcase.

She sat at the table and pulled out the documents.

“Jake, I’m serious. My wedding’s in two months. I need everything signed.”

I sat down across from her.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“The groom wants to make sure you’re officially single?”

“He thinks I’m single. So don’t make this harder than it is.”

“Have you ever been honest with me, Mel?”

“Oh, don’t start.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Fine. Not starting. Just listening.”

She unfolded the papers and laid them out in front of me. I glanced at them.

“Old version. Outdated. Doesn’t even mention the farm.”

“Well, I thought…”

“That nothing had changed? Big surprise, huh?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

She flared.

“Jake, I didn’t come here for your passive-aggressive lectures. I came because I’m tired of playing silent. I want to end this like an adult.”

“An adult comes sooner than ten years later. An adult doesn’t run off the night before the honeymoon and hide behind envelopes.”

She stood up. Her hands were trembling.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“If it’s money you want — just say so. How much?”

“Money?” I laughed. “You think I waited ten years for a payout?”

“Then why, Jake?! Why haven’t you signed?”

“Because you still haven’t said why you ran. I have principles.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Oh, Jake, it’s been years. Everything’s changed.”

I stood.

“Yeah, it has. I got my life together. Built something. A business. And by the way, I earned everything I had while we were still married. Officially. Legally. Even the lakeside lot. And those two cow-show trophies? Still during our marriage.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

She stared at me silently.

“By law, half of it is yours,” I said. “But I’m not handing it over to someone who only dared to mail things once a year.”

“You… you’re blackmailing me?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“No. I’m giving you a choice. I’ll sign if you formally waive any claim. At a notary. All legal. But we’ll need to update the paperwork. That takes time.”

She sat back down. “Fine. How long?”

“A week. Maybe two. This isn’t New York. Around here, the internet runs through a tree.”

“Then I’m staying. Technically, it’s my house too.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“Technically — yes,” I sighed. “But you’re cooking dinner. I’m allergic to your flower petal salads.”

“And I’m allergic to dust and male ego.”

We stared at each other for a few long seconds. Then, I walked off toward the pantry to break eye contact. Melanie climbed upstairs — offended, with her briefcase under her arm like she’d come here to win, not to talk.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I knew she wouldn’t survive that silence.

Truthfully, the papers were just an excuse to keep her here a little longer. So I could finally knock some sense into our marriage.

Because I still loved that infuriating woman. Whoever she had become.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

***

Days on the farm passed quickly, but our silence moved painfully slowly.

Melanie spent most of her days in town, hunting for a decent Wi-Fi signal. Meanwhile, I cleaned the house and the yard and planted flowers on the porch.

Billy dropped by one afternoon.

“This place hasn’t looked this good since your wedding, pal.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Oh, I just… finally had some time for myself.”

“Careful, someone might fall for you.”

“Cut it out. Not Melanie. That’s long gone.”

Billy tilted his head and looked at me like I’d just said the sky was green.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Jake, don’t be a fool. She’s here. That means something.”

“She’s here because she wants a signature.”

“Then sign it. Or don’t. But for the love of bacon, talk to her. Ask her to dinner. Do something other than fixing fences and mumbling at your dog.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

That evening, I found Melanie in the pantry. She was holding my box of documents.

“What are you doing?” I asked, not even raising my voice.

“Looking for tea. But I stumbled on this.”

“You always break into places where you’re not invited?”

“And you always hide what matters instead of talking about it?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“I wasn’t hiding. I was postponing. It wasn’t time yet.”

“Not time?! I’m getting married, Jake! Married! To a real, present, grown man!”

“Oh, sweetheart, I’m sure he will be thrilled to hear his bride was digging through her legal husband’s pantry.”

“You just can’t accept that I left! That I changed! You hold on to the past like an old jacket that hasn’t fit in years!”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“And you hold on to some fantasy version of yourself until you have to look yourself in the eye. Have you ever actually thought about what you did? I can’t believe the Melanie I loved could sleep at night after running away like that!”

“Oh, I slept just fine! I didn’t have to crawl under three blankets because someone never fixed the windows!”

“You never said anything bothered you! Not once!”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Oh, maybe because it was obvious?! You never asked what I wanted! I wanted more! A career! The city lights!”

“You could’ve told me. We could’ve sold this place and moved to New York together.”

“Oh yeah? And what about the money you poured into building this farm the day before the wedding? You think I didn’t see the contract? That was the final straw, Jake! You said nothing.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“And you did? You said nothing, either! About your dreams, about the windows!”

“I’ve had enough! No wonder I ran. I haven’t even been able to answer my fiancé for two days because there’s no signal here!”

“Oh. You probably connected to the broken router. I have two — forgot to mention.”

“You! How dare you!”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

She slammed the pantry door. The house went black — total darkness.

“What was that?” I frowned.

“I… may have knocked that old switch.”

“That ‘old switch’ was the main breaker. It’s broken now. Congratulations, Mel, we’re in the dark.”

“Wonderful! Magical!” she shouted. “No light, no water, no reason to live!”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Let’s not overreact,” I muttered, grabbing a flashlight.

I headed outside and built a fire. Melanie sat on the bench, wrapped in my old flannel shirt. No makeup. Hair hastily tied up. For the first time in days, she looked real.

“You hungry?” I asked, skewering some chicken.

“Starving. But if you offer me canned beans, I’ll run to the nearest motel.”

“Barbecue. Real fire. Your dad’s old recipe, actually.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

She gave a slight nod.

“Mel…” I started but didn’t finish.

“Don’t. I don’t even know what to think. But it’s… peaceful here. Cozy, even. You’ve turned this place into something magical. I miss that in New York.”

“It’s not too late to stay. I always knew your soul was too wild and free for a city apartment, even if it’s a big one.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I chuckled. “Yeah… I only realized that after I got everything I ever wanted.”

“Well, there are plenty of forests and fields out here to calm the rebel in you.”

“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I ran because I was scared I’d stay here forever. That my dreams would die under diapers, early mornings, and a farm you decided to build.”

“Oh, sweetheart, I wasn’t going to make you a prisoner. I wanted to make you happy.”

We sat in silence. The fire crackled.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Then, Melanie suddenly laughed.

“Remember when I burned your favorite sweater?”

“It was hideous.”

“But warm!” she giggled. “And it smelled like you.”

“Melanie… All these years, I couldn’t understand… why? We were so in love. I still…”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Suddenly, headlights lit up the yard.

“You expecting someone?” I asked.

Melanie’s face went pale.

“No… No, it can’t be…”

Out stepped a tall man in a coat. Phone pressed to his ear. Slicked-back hair, judgmental stare. New York in human form.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Melanie! Finally, I found you!” he shouted. “What are you doing here with this…!”

Melanie opened her mouth to answer, but he cut her off.

“You’ve got meetings this week. My assistant’s been trying to reach you. And my mother’s freaking out about the seating chart.”

“This…?” I raised an eyebrow. “This is her legal husband. For now.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

He looked from me to her.

“What is this?! Some kind of joke?!”

“Oh. Sorry,” I said dryly. “Thought you knew.”

“Melanie! Pack your things. We’re leaving. We have a wedding to plan. Did you forget?”

Melanie stood frozen. Speechless.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I calmly took a piece of grilled meat from the skewer, bit into it, and added,

“No rush, Mel. You’re hungry — eat first. And, sir… have a seat. Help yourself. The night’s just getting started.”

***

Packing was fast.

While Melanie was arguing with her fiancé in my yard, I sat quietly in my office, signing the papers. Calmly. Steadily. Only my hand trembled a little. Before she walked out the door, I handed her the documents.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“Here. It’s all official now.”

She looked down at them. Then at me. Her eyes dropped.

“I’m sorry… I have to go.”

“Of course, sweetheart.”

Her hand was already on the doorknob when I stepped toward her.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“But just tell me one thing. One simple thing.”

She froze.

“Is this really what you wanted? Are you truly happy?”

Silence.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“I’m sorry. I have to go.”

And she left. But I already knew the answer.

I sat on the porch with my dog, watching the fire burn down.

Suddenly, I understood… I couldn’t make the same mistake twice. Ten years ago, I let her walk away. This time, I am going to fight. I grabbed my pickup keys and tore off into the night.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I took the shortcut I’d built over the years — a road that led straight to town and the highway. It turns out it wasn’t built in vain.

Thirty minutes later, I burst into the airport like a madman.

The flight to New York… had already taken off. Too late. She’s gone. Again.

“Jake?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I turned around. Melanie stood there. Backpack slung over her shoulder, with tears in her eyes.

“I thought you’d flown…”

“And I thought one time running was enough. Twice would just be stupid.”

“And what stopped you?”

“The dog. I forgot to say goodbye to Johnny,” she said with a tiny grin.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“The dog?” I laughed. “And here I thought it was my world-famous barbecue.”

“I realized halfway through the airport that I’ve never laughed with him. Not really. We make sense on paper. But we don’t… feel.”

We drove home together. On the way, she fell asleep leaning on my shoulder — like she used to back in college. On the porch, she pulled the divorce papers from her bag.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

She tore them in half. Then again. And again.

“Divorce officially canceled. But only if you promise never to wear sweaters in that color again. And help me move my stuff.”

“Man’s honor.”

The dog growled softly. And we walked inside. It was warm there. And quiet. And no one was in a rush to leave ever again.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

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If you enjoyed this story, read this one: I spent $30,000 trying to become a Mom, only to hear my mother-in-law call my adopted kids “fake” in front of guests. I stayed quiet then. But not for long.

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