Chapter 3

Tiffany was already there, and her eyes lit up when she saw me.

"Wow! Valerie, you look absolutely stunning today! Is that dress and bag new? Did Lucas finally figure things out?" Tiffany teased.

"I bought them myself," I replied, sitting down across from her and setting my new crocodile-skin handbag aside.

Tiffany grinned. "I bet you used his card."

She paused for a moment, then leaned in and lowered her voice. "You're really going through with the divorce?"

"Yeah," I said, picking up the menu. "We're filing the paperwork tomorrow morning."

Tiffany asked, "Why? Just because he didn't show up for your birthday last night? Did that bitch Rita stir up trouble again?"

"Sort of," I replied, not wanting to get into it. "It doesn't matter anymore."

Tiffany got worked up. "How can you say it doesn't matter? Valerie, you've been married to him for three years. You've always played by the rules, treated his parents like your own, and kept the house running.

"And what does he do? His heart's always with someone else, and he keeps ditching you for Rita! And this time, he didn't even bother to come home for your birthday! You're better off without him! I've got your back!"

I smiled, her words warming my heart just a little. "Thanks, Tiffany."

Tiffany looked at me with concern and said, "But what are you going to do now? You don't have a job, and with the Newman family..."

"I can take care of myself," I said, taking a sip of water. "Plus, I've got enough saved up to live comfortably. I'm planning to sell the old place and find somewhere new to live. Then... maybe do something I actually enjoy."

"What do you want to do?" Tiffany asked.

I thought about it and said, "I think I'll open a studio. Jewelry design. That's what I majored in at college. But after I got married, Lucas said Mrs. Newman shouldn't be working, so I gave it up. Now, I want to get back to it."

"That's awesome!" Tiffany clapped her hands. "I've always known you're talented! I'm with you all the way! Just say the word if you need anything!"

We were deep in conversation when suddenly, there was a stir near the entrance of the restaurant.

I glanced up, and my smile stiffened.

Lucas walked in, and Rita was right by his side.

She wore a crisp white Chanel-inspired suit, her arm linked with Lucas's as she flashed a charming, playful smile.

Lucas's expression darkened as he swept his gaze across the restaurant and saw me.

Our eyes met.

His look was a mix of anger, questioning, and a hint of panic.

Rita noticed me too. Her smile turned even sweeter as she tightened her hold on Lucas's arm. "Lucas, isn't that Valerie? What a coincidence."

Lucas didn't say a word. He just strode straight over to our table.

Tiffany instantly went on the defensive, sitting up straight like a mama hen protecting her chicks.

"Mr. Newman, what a coincidence," Tiffany said, her smile all teeth and no warmth. "Out to dinner with your 'friend'?"

Lucas ignored her, his eyes locked on me.

"Valerie, what the hell do you think you're doing?" he demanded.

I set down my water glass and looked up at him calmly. "What do you mean?"

"You blocked me. You used my card to go on a shopping spree. And posting those photos on your socials? What are you trying to do? You want everyone to know, huh? Feeling proud of yourself?" he snapped.

"Lucas, watch your mouth!" Tiffany shot back angrily.

I placed my hand over Tiffany's to calm her down, then stood up to meet Lucas eye to eye.

I said, "First, I blocked you because I don't want to get your junk messages anymore.

"Second, I maxed out your card because what's yours is half mine now. Should I save it for you and your little 'friend' to splurge on?

"And third, I can post whatever I want on my socials. If you're ashamed now, maybe you shouldn't have acted shamefully in the first place."

I said it all in one breath. My tone was calm, but every word hit where it hurt.

Lucas's face darkened, his chest heaving with rage.

Rita's eyes reddened, on the verge of tears.

She said, "Valerie, please don't be upset... It's all my fault. I shouldn't have come back... Lucas feels bad for me, that's why he takes care of me... Don't let me be the reason you two fight."

"Ms. Owens," I said, turning to her with a faint smile. "You don't need to apologize to me. You're not the one at fault. He is."

I continued, "He is a married man who doesn't know how to set boundaries, always humiliating his wife for another woman.

"And you keep claiming you two are just 'friends,' but act like you're more than that. You post suggestive photos, like you want everyone to know you two still have unfinished business."

I smiled coldly. "You two are a perfect match. For real. Just lock yourselves together and stop ruining other people's lives."

Rita's face turned pale, tears threatening to spill as she looked desperately at Lucas.

"Lucas, that's not what I meant... Valerie, you misunderstood me..." she pleaded, her voice trembling.

Lucas took a deep breath, his eyes blazing with anger and something unfamiliar I couldn't quite place.

"Valerie, is this really how you want to play it?" he asked.

I shot back, "What exactly am I doing wrong? Lucas, you're the one who gave up on our relationship first."