Ex-Wife Moving Wife Giving Birth? Congratulations, You’re Single Now novel Chapter 21

He was gentle, didn’t talk much, but super reliable at work.

We ended up working late together a lot, and gradually got close.

One day, he asked me: “Evelyn, have you ever thought about getting remarried?”

I froze for a second. “Why are you asking?”

“Because I think you’re great. Independent, strong, and you’ve got an awesome son.”

“Thanks.” I smiled. “But I’m not looking to date anyone right now.”

“Why not?”

“Because I’m scared.” I looked at him. “Scared of trusting someone again. Scared of being disappointed again.”

“I get it,” Ethan said. “But not everyone is Ryan.”

“I know,” I said. “But right now, I just want to be on my own.”

Ethan nodded and didn’t push it.

But after that, he was even nicer to me.

He’d print documents for me, order takeout for me, pick Jamie up from school.

I asked him: “Why are you being so nice to me?”

“Because I like you,” he said, straight up.

I was stunned.

“You don’t have to answer now,” Ethan said. “Take your time. I’ll wait.”

I didn’t say anything, just looked at him.

He smiled and walked away.

I sat at my desk, feeling all kinds of complicated.

Like me?

Could I even accept someone liking me again?

That same day, Ryan’s parents–who I hadn’t seen in forever–showed up at my door.

“Evelyn, can we see Jamie?” my mother–in–law stood there, eyes red.

I looked at them without saying a word.

“We’re Jamie’s grandparents. We miss him,” my father–in–law said.

Chapter 9

When I wanted a divorce, what did you say?”

They lowered their heads, silent.

“You said men having a mistress on the side was normal. That I should be understanding.” I stared at them. “Now you come here wanting to see Jamie. Why should I let you?”

“Evelyn, we were wrong.” My mother–in–law started crying, “We said those awful things back then. Can you forgive us?”

“Forgive?” I laughed. “I can forgive you, but I won’t let you see Jamie,”

“Why not?”

“Because I don’t want him exposed to your values,” I said. “You raised a son who cheats, lies, and betrays. You think that’s normal. I don’t.”

“Evelyn…”

“Leave. And don’t come back.”

I closed the door, leaned against it, and took a deep breath.

Jamie was in the living room playing with his toys. When he saw me come in, he ran over. “Mommy, who was that?”

“Nobody.” I crouched down and hugged him. “Want to build blocks with me?”

“Yeah!”

Honestly, I don’t hate Ryan’s parents. But I won’t forgive them.

Because their values created Ryan’s behavior.

And I don’t want Jamie influenced the same way.

But some people just won’t disappear. A few days later, I ran into Ryan at the grocery store.

He was pushing a cart filled with frozen meals and beer.

He looked exhausted–scruffy beard, dull eyes.

“Evelyn.” He spotted me and froze.

I didn’t say anything, just pushed my cart and started to leave.

“How’s Jamie?”

“He’s fine.”

“Can I-”

“No.” I cut him off. “Ryan, we’re done. Stop looking for me.”

“I regret it, Evelyn,” he said. “I really do.”

“Regret?” I stopped and looked at him. “Too late.”

“I…”

Chapter 9

Ryan’s face went pale.

I turned and walked away without looking back.

Ethan was waiting for me at the entrance. When he saw me come out, he walked over and took my shopping bags.

“Ran into him?”

“Yeah.”

“How’d it feel?”

“Nothing.” I smiled. “Like running into a stranger.”

Ethan smiled. “Let’s go. Jamie’s waiting for us at home.”

“Yeah.”

I looked at Ethan, and something inside me shifted.

Maybe I could try trusting someone again.

Try accepting someone, try starting over.

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