After the Betrayal My Cheating Ex Won't Let Me Go

After we divorced because he cheated, Jason Gilbert spent a year chasing me.

By year's end, he'd climbed to the top of some "Model Husband" ranking list.

"What man doesn't make mistakes? He admitted he was wrong, he's changed, and he treats you well now—what more do you want?"

"Even if you found someone new, he might not be any better. As long as Jason stays faithful from now on, that should be enough."

Even my best friend said this, worn down by how devoted Jason seemed. She kept pushing me to give him another chance.

So I put on the lace miniskirt he'd once bought me, grabbed my ID, and hid in the back of his car, ready to surprise him.

I don't know how long I waited. I was almost asleep when the car shook. I reached for the party poppers, ready to jump out—

And saw a woman pressed against the window by Jason Gilbert.

They kissed like the world was ending.

I froze. My whole body went cold.

Because I recognized her—Nora Sullivan. My best friend. The same woman who'd spent last night convincing me to remarry him.

…

Outside the window, they devoured each other like animals.

I cracked the window open and heard Nora's voice, teasing and mocking:

"Exciting, isn't it? I worked so hard yesterday getting Claire to take you back. Once you're remarried... can we keep this up?"

"As long as you want," Jason murmured, "we can keep this up forever."

"Mm. The girl next door really does taste better than strangers."

His lips trailed down her neck. Her moans grew louder. Clothes started coming off.

Finally, Jason couldn't wait anymore. He yanked open the back door.

The two of them, drunk on lust, were about to climb in—

I aimed the party popper straight at their faces.

Bang.

Streamers exploded in the air.

Nora screamed and threw herself into Jason's arms.

He stared at me, still in shock, eyes wide:

"Claire? Why are you here?"

I looked at him. Sneered. And hurled the bouquet—the one meant to be his surprise—right at them both.

"Why am I here?"

"Am I ruining your little moment? Is that it?"

My eyes burned as I glared at them:

"Is this fun for you? One of you chases me relentlessly, swearing you'll only love me. The other practically begs me to give him another chance. And all along, you two were fucking behind my back!"

"Playing me like this—does it feel good?"

Jason released Nora's shoulder and stepped toward me, reaching for my hand:

"Claire, let me explain. I can explain everything—"

His face was calm. Too calm.

I pulled out my phone and aimed it at him:

"Fine. Explain. I'd love to hear how the 'Model Husband of the Year' justifies cheating again and again. If this is just who you are, we could've stayed divorced. Why keep coming after me?"

"And now my best friend? If you two are so in love, just be together. Why hide it? Why tell me you want to remarry while sneaking off with her in parking lots?"

The moment Jason saw the camera, his expression hardened.

When I didn't back down, he grabbed my phone and smashed it against the ground.

"I said I'd explain. Do you have to make this ugly?"