The open-air restaurant at night had a dreamy vibe. The warm ambient lights wrapped everyone in a gentle, cozy glow.

Zachary walked over with a smile, looking at me politely. “Mr. Hallman said he didn’t want to cook at home alone, so I invited him to join us. I hope you don’t mind, Ms. Murphy.”

I knew Zachary and Melissa were always the first to look out for me, and I really liked how they made me feel respected. I glanced at Nathan, and he gave me a nod.

When there were other people around, Nathan actually knew how to keep his distance. I would give him credit for that.

After that, we started ordering food. Nathan and Zachary chatted about work, while Melissa shared some wild stories from her side. Finally, Nathan looked at me and asked, “How have you been lately?”

I smiled and said, “I'm doing alright.”

Nathan’s eyes flashed with a hint of disappointment.

I knew exactly what he was feeling, but I wasn’t about to give a guy hope or promises I couldn’t deliver.

Nathan really was a good guy, but this was his first marriage. Because he was so decent, I wanted him to be happy. If he couldn’t find love with me, then he deserved to go find his next chance at happiness.

Maybe he’d meet someone he liked even more, get married, and start a family—instead of waiting around, lost and hopeless, for me to get divorced.

Since everyone knew about my messed-up marriage, they steered clear of my personal life. Halfway through dinner, Jared called and asked if I wanted him to drop off some food for me since they’d just finished eating.

It was pretty noisy on my end, and when I picked up, Jared sounded a bit suspicious. “You went out to eat?”

I answered honestly, “I’m having dinner with Melissa.”

“Are you coming home tonight?” Jared asked.

I thought about it. I really didn’t want to see Yvonne, and Jared had been way too clingy lately. So I just told him I wasn’t coming home and would be staying at my place tonight instead.

Jared went quiet for a couple of seconds, then asked, “Are you thinking about separating before we actually get divorced?”

Jared went quiet.

That was when I remembered that if we lived apart for two years, the divorce would go through faster. But two years? That was way too long. There was no way I could wait that out.

I said, “Just think about the divorce.” As I stared into the endless night, I couldn’t shake the feeling that until this was settled, I’d never be at peace.

Jared clearly hadn’t expected me to bring this up out of nowhere. After a few beats, he replied, “Let’s talk about it when we’re home.”

Then he hung up first.

My heart felt like it was left hanging in the air, just stuck there, not going up or down, leaving me feeling all kinds of restless inside.

Back in my previous life, Jared was the one who wanted a divorce, and I was the one who refused to let go, chasing after him no matter what.

Now, I was the one asking for it, and he just kept hemming and hawing, refusing to give me a straight answer. Fate sure was messing with me.

When I got back to the table, Nathan asked quietly, “Are you heading out?”

I nodded. “It’s about time for me to head out. You guys take your time.”

Nathan stood up. “Let me walk you downstairs.”

“No need, just enjoy your meal,” I said, then said goodbye to Melissa before leaving.

I could see the reluctance in Nathan’s eyes; he really didn’t want me to go. If I were single right now, everything would be a whole lot simpler.

When I got back to my apartment, I saw the lights were on. My heart skipped a beat. Had someone broken in?

I rushed inside and found Jared lounging on the couch, a bottle of red wine by his side, drinking alone.

He was dressed in a gray shirt and black pants that really highlighted his lean, athletic build. Honestly, he was pretty much my ideal type.