Semua Bab “Oops… That’s Your Loss, Ex-Husband” –: Bab 21 - Bab 29

MONALISA “It’s nothing,” Jason said when I asked what was wrong. Just like that. Two words. Two tiny words, and a smile that was way too perfect, way too practiced. It could fool anyone who didn’t know him, and for a second, I almost let it fool me too. I wanted to take that excuse, wrap it around the tight, restless feeling in my chest, and just let it go. But I couldn’t. I knew that smile. I knew it like I knew every line on his face, every way his eyes betrayed him. And his eyes… his eyes never lied. “Come on,” he said, reaching for my hand. “Let’s just go as we planned.” I looked at him. Really looked. At his hand, stretched out to me. At the tired set of his jaw. At the face I had driven across the city just to see. Something was wrong. I’d felt it the moment I stepped inside, and now, standing in front of him, I wasn’t guessing anymore. I didn’t know what you were supposed to do when the man you loved looked at you like that—like he wanted you to understand, but also wante

MONALISA "Aaron?" I blinked. "What are you doing here?" Aaron stood there with that signature grin of his, hands in his pockets, completely at ease. that was the way he always was, like he had never been caught off guard a day in his life. He was Jason best buddy and never like Madea for him so he supported our relationship from the start. More reason I liked him. " Don't worry I will make sure Jason stays with only you." He has assured me one time we hang out together. Him, Jason and I. And till now he had somehow managed to kept to the promise. I turned to Jason, who had the decency to look at least slightly guilty, his eyes sliding away from mine just a second too late. "You knew he was coming?" "I called him," Jason admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. I stared at him for a moment then looked back at Aaron. Something clicked. "How is that possible?" I said, my eyes fixed on Jason. "I have been with you all along.". Jason held my gaze without blinking. "Yes."

MADEA "Emmh—" I swallowed, taking his hands off me and reaching for my bag. "I think I should go." Matt set down his fork. "You just got here," he said, his voice low, careful. "I was here before you," I stated, already looking around for the waiter. I really should go. I really, really should. "But you haven't finished your meal." He gestured toward my plate, his eyes not leaving my face. "I know that too." I pushed my plate slightly forward like it was the problem. Like the food was what was making it hard to breathe in this restaurant. "I just need to go, Matt." "Madea—" He reached across the table. "Please don't." I pulled my hand back before he could reach it. Then I tried to stand, but my body wasn't cooperating — my legs felt like they belonged to someone else. He was already on his feet, reaching out to steady me, and somehow I fell right into his hands. Warm. He was still so warm. My eyes fixed on his and something in my chest did a terrible, treacherous thing. *What

MADEA "I know, Madea. I know you deserve better." I raised my head, the movement feeling heavy, as if my neck could barely support the weight of my own grief. I stared at him, my vision blurring for a split second before I hardened my gaze. "What do you know about what I deserve?" I asked. My voice didn't shake, but it felt hollow, like an echo in an empty room. I let out a sharp, jagged scoff. "Really? You don’t know the first thing about me. So, please... excuse me." "Madea, don’t go," he pleaded. The sound of my name on his lips felt like a bruise. I ignored him, turning on my heel and walking out into the humid air. Every step felt like I was wading through deep water. As the taxi hummed toward home, my mind was a chaotic loop of paranoia. *Who told him?* The humiliation tasted like copper in the back of my throat. Was our misery that loud? Was the rot in my marriage so visible that a man could fly across the ocean from Africa and smell the decay the moment he landed? I