Chapter 2: Burning Bridges, Old Flames

I’ve never had patience for people who can’t mind their own business.

I always figured what happened behind closed doors should stay there—especially in these cookie-cutter neighborhoods where gossip travels faster than Amazon packages. I thought I’d closed every loophole, but life’s never that simple.

I never expected Melissa—a mutual friend of mine and Natalie’s—to be the one to butt in.

Melissa always seemed sensible, the type who avoided drama at barbecues and never aired dirty laundry online. But I underestimated how much she cared about Natalie—or maybe she just finally had enough.

The day after Natalie’s silent exit, Melissa called and tore into me.

My phone buzzed before breakfast. The second I picked up, Melissa’s voice blasted through the speaker, so sharp I had to pull the phone away.

"Derek, are you even human?"

Her words landed hard. I braced myself against the kitchen counter, staring out at the freshly mowed lawn, pretending I wasn’t rattled.

"Natalie married you when you had nothing."

She reminded me of things I’d tried to forget—Natalie working two jobs, patching my credit, standing by me when everyone else walked away.

"All these years, she took care of everything for you, and even helped build your company."

I pictured Melissa pacing her kitchen, cordless phone clamped to her ear, anger radiating.

"Don’t forget, every dollar your company makes now is thanks to her."

Melissa’s voice was raw, on the edge of breaking. I gripped the counter, knuckles white.

"Everything you have is because of her."

She let the accusation hang. I could hear the hum of her fridge, the clatter of a suburban morning continuing, even as my life fell apart.

"But you? You betrayed her, set her up so she’d leave with nothing, and now you don’t even want Emma. Are you even a person?"

Her voice cracked on Emma’s name. The words stung, but I forced myself not to flinch. I’d told myself a hundred times I deserved this new life.

Ever since I became the boss, no one’s dared talk to me like this.

People tiptoed around me at the office. Melissa’s honesty hit different—almost refreshing, in a way.

Because of our history, I kept my cool.

I took a slow breath, counting to five like Natalie taught Emma. My jaw clenched, but I kept my voice even.

"Melissa, listen:

First, I did what I did because I don’t want the money I worked so hard for split up. That’s just how people are. If you don’t get it, you’re too naïve.

Second, it’s true Natalie worked hard, but I never paid her less just because she was my wife. Tell me, what employee making $30,000 a month wouldn’t work hard?

Third, yeah, Natalie drove a lot of the profits, but she’s not irreplaceable. The business is solid. Anyone could do her job and we’d still be fine.

Fourth, I’m not heartless. I didn’t want to split my assets, but I let her keep her job. Thirty grand a month is more than enough for her and Emma.

Fifth—"

Melissa cut me off.

"Derek."

Her voice was flat, final.

"Go to hell. And don’t call me again."

The line went dead. I stared at the phone, the busy signal buzzing, my hand shaking with a mix of anger and something I refused to name.

I slammed the phone down, teeth clenched. The kitchen felt emptier than ever.

I squeezed the phone until my fingers ached, fighting the urge to throw it. Rage and shame tangled in my chest.

I really don’t get what’s gotten into Melissa.

We’d been friends since college. I thought she’d be the last one to turn on me.

Just then, Aubrey breezed in, wrapped her arms around my neck, and whispered, "Didn’t you say you’d take me back to relive our old campus days today?"

Her touch pulled me out of my funk, her voice soft in my ear. The past faded, replaced by her warm embrace.

My anger melted away. I kissed her forehead gently, letting myself enjoy the moment.

"Let’s go walk the old road together."

I grabbed my car keys, ready to leave the house—and all its ghosts—behind. For the first time in days, hope flickered inside me.