Page 13 of The Love Syllabus

I barely manage to breathe out, “It’s my ex-husband. He’s here.”

His brows knit together, “Ex-husband?”

And before he can fully process my answer, I clutch his strong, hard chest. Yes, his actual chest. Then, I force a laugh so fake it could win an Oscar.

“What the hell are you doing?” He mutters, his confusion clear as day.

“Just play along,” I hiss, my smile stretching painfully wide as Cory approaches.

He shakes his head with amusement and exasperation in his eyes, slightly muttering, “And you say I’m the sufferable one?”

Then, that all-too-familiar authoritative voice cuts through the tension. “Hi, Kerry. You look…stunning,” Cory says, his tone dripping with a possessiveness that makes my skin crawl.

It’s thrilling when the stranger speaks to me like that, but Cory’s gaze feels disgusting. “Stop looking at me like I’m your property, Cory,” I snap, my voice sharp, refusing to let him rattle me.

Cory’s expression shifts from smug to something sinister, a look I know all too well. “You’llalwaysbe mine.” He says with certainty.

There’s a chilling pause between his possessive glare and his declaration over me. I want to respond, but I find myself frozen until the stranger beside me wraps a protective arm around my waist.

His eyes lock with Cory’s, unflinching. “You sure about that?” His tone is loaded with a confidence that I’ve never heard directed at my ex before.

Shocked and taken aback, Cory’s face twists with jealousy as he snaps, “And who the hell are you?”

The room is now watching, and the air is thick with anticipation while my embarrassment peaks, but before I can sink into the floor, the unhinged stranger clutches my waist tighter, grounding me in his confidence.

He doesn’t even flinch. His voice is calm, but there’s an edge to it—a challenge. “I’m her date.”

Oh, God. A scene. We’re causing a scene. I’m never going to get a job now. Izzy, Serena, and Kiera slowly make their way over while onlookerspretendnot to be nosy.

“Date, huh?” Cory sneers, his arrogance on high. “Well, I’m the only man Kerry’s ever dated, so welcome to the club. I’m also the school Superintendent. So, if you ever need a job, just let me know. Kerry knows all about needing work. Isn’t that right, babe?” He winks and then reaches for me. His fingers aim for my face, but I step back and dodge his touch.

I want to scream. No, I want to cry, and this is precisely how Cory wants me to feel—embarrassed, worthless, helpless, and beneath him. I shrink back, my heart hammering. But before I can crumble, the stranger’s hold tightens, pulling mecloser, and I’m suddenly reminded of the woman I am, the woman I worked so hard to rediscover over the years.

Before I can process the humiliation, his grip tightens. His voice is low but firm, slicing through Cory’s arrogance like a blade. “We’re good over here, Superintendent. My woman doesn’t want or need anything,” He declares with authority. “Isn’t that right,babe?”

Oh, he’s good.

I nod, emboldened by his firm hold. “That’s right. I can take care of myself, but it’s nice having an amazing man who wants to give me the world.” My gaze snaps to Cory, and I flash him a sweet, venom-laced smile. “And by the way, I know I’m irresistible and all, but don’t ever try to touch me again.”

The stranger’s hand slides up my side, a subtle, possessive gesture that sends a shiver rippling through me. His touch is… distracting—like,reallydistracting. For a fleeting moment, I forget Cory’s even here until he clears his throat, trying to reclaim the attention he craves.

“So,” Cory sneers, his gaze darting between us, “when did this little… thing start? And what’s your name, anyway? We’re a tight-knit family here in Beverly Mills-Greer. You’re clearly new to town.”

Oh God.My heart slams against my ribs. I don’t even know this man’s name. This is bad—reallybad. I catch Izzy’s wide-eyed panic from across the room, silently screaming,Say something!But my brain has left the building.

The stranger, unfazed as ever, extends his hand to Cory with effortless charm. “Well, I wasn’t expecting my first night out to turn into a public inquisition,” he says with an easy smile, scanning the nosy onlookers. “But, hello, everyone. I’m Victor. But feel free to call me Vic.”

Cory’s laugh is sharp, hollow, dripping with condescension. “Vic, huh? So, you’re just a passing grifter trying to take advantage of simple folks like our Kerry, huh?”

As usual, Cory attempts to belittle me in front of the gathered crowd with a smug smile and condescending tone. He stands there, smirking, enjoying the discomfort his remarks stir up, making it clear he still sees himself as the gatekeeper…of me. His ability to wield passive aggression like a weapon is nothing new. He’s mastered the art of undermining others while keeping his own hands clean. This moment is no different. By painting Vic as an outsider and me the naive local, he not only reinforces his position of power but also attempts to isolate me. He’s trying to make me feel small; making it harder for me to gain any ground in life, to be independent and free of him.

Nevertheless, I fire back, my voice laced with irritation and pride. “The only simple thing about me, Cory Martin, is my ex-husband. And Vic happens to be very accomplished. Thank you very much!”

I silently pray Vic can keep up with the facade I’ve just reinforced. “Oh, really?” Izzy interjects, her curiosity dripping with poorly concealed glee. “What is it you do, Vic?”

Ooh, I’m going to kill Izzy. My best friends are loving this.

Everyone’s prying eyes and eager whispers remind me just how suffocating small-town life can be.

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