7
417words
Lena and I got positions at HQ in New York and decided to settle there. But first, we went back to my hometown to deal with the property.
The day after we arrived, Lily found me.
Or more accurately, ambushed me at my door.
She didn't know where I'd been, but she knew I still owned the home. She'd bribed a security guard to tell her if I returned.
In her first 30 years, Lily only persevered in one thing: chasing Jake.
Now she had a second: finding me. Not sure if I should be flattered.
She looked tired—life had been hard.
When we were together, I handled everything. She never lifted a finger.
With Jake, it was the opposite—she became the family maid.
No wonder she looked miserable.
I didn't want her disturbing Mom or Lena, so I didn't let her inside.
“What do you want, Lily?”
Despite everything, she still acted superior.
“David, how could you disappear like that? Did you ever think about my feelings?”
I said, “Why would I report my life to my ex-wife?”
“David, I know you're still upset about me choosing Jake. But I did it out of compassion—to be with him in his final days.”
“But I've done my part. I can come back to you now.”
I pretended to be surprised. “Wait, Jake died? When?”
Lily scowled. “He's not dead. I just thought… you seemed lonely. We should cherish what we have.”
“Jake doesn't have long. I'd rather make a clean break now.”
“So I should be grateful?”
She missed my sarcasm. “You don't have to be grateful. Just treat me like you used to.”
It's funny—when you're over someone, their words just sound pathetic.
I didn't want to play along. “Lily, I'm not getting back with you. I've married someone else.”
Lily said, “You're just saying that to hurt me. I know you still love me. You'll wait for me.”
Her confidence was baffling.
To end it, I called for Lena. She came out to see what was happening.
“Lena, this is my ex-wife, Lily. She didn't believe I remarried.”
Then to Lily: “This is my wife, Lena.”
Lily was stunned. “David, we had an agreement. You said you'd take me back.”
“Whoa, I never said that. That was all you.”
“You remarried—why shouldn't I? Don't be unreasonable.”
Lily's eyes reddened. “David, I misjudged you. You're a traitor.”
Then she ran off. Like I was the one who'd wronged her.
