Page 18 of The Love Syllabus

Unknown: You see, I can’t do that until I get my wife back.

Me: EX-WIFE. Now please leave me alone before I call the police.

Unknown: Lol. We both know what’ll happen when you do that. Tell me something. Does your rich pretty boy lover know the real you? I’ll be happy to send him your mugshot. You need to dump him, Kerry. I’ll be damned if I let you run around town and embarrass me. You’ll never be with another man.

Me: Screw you Cory Martin!

Unknown: Lol. Gladly.

I shudder, every muscle in my body tightens at the memory of the past—the suffocating control and the sharp edges of his rage.He hasn’t changed.

ButIhave.

Though my fingers tremble as they hover over my phone screen, the fire that spurred me to leave still burns within me, fueling a resolve that has only hardened with time. His words are always venomous. His threats always cause pain. And his rage is still clearly unchecked. But the antidote to his evil is me. The journey through my trauma has led me to strength, and I’ll be damned if I allow him to undermine the life I’m trying to rebuild.

Drawing a deep breath, I steady my hands and my heart, then block his number yet again. I won’t let Cory’s threats deter me from my purpose. I’m finally back in my element, refocusing on my preparations and drowning myself in the promise of a future where he has no place.

It isn’t until much later that another notification appears—a tagged photo on the neighborhood social media page. It’s Vic and me frozen in time, staring at one another like we belong together.

Wedomake a convincing couple. I momentarily muse before shaking my head and diving back into my work.

I’ve got no time for distractions. And I’ve got no time for liars named Victor ‘Grey Beard’ Grimes.

Chapter 5

An Insufferable Surprise – Kerry

The weekend disappears in a whirlwind of productivity, lesson planning, and second-guessing every decision that’s led me to this moment. And before I know it, Monday morning slaps me awake with a vengeance.

Shit! I jolt upright at my desk, disoriented and sleepy. I must’ve fallen asleep working on today’s activities. Then, a quick glance at the clock sends me into full panic mode.

In a frenzied rush, I take a record-breaking shower, brush my teeth, throw on my carefully pre-planned outfit, and rush out the door, barely catching the cinnamon raisin bagel and juice my parents hand me, accompanied by good luck.

“Drive safe, baby!” Mom calls after me.

Dad nods. “You got this.”

I mumble something close to a “Thanks, love you!” before rushing out the door.

The drive starts fine as I pass through the familiar streets of Beverly Mills, but the closer I get to Greer, the more I feel like an imposter. The modest homes I grew up around fade into gated estates, sprawling driveways, and luxury cars that probably cost more than my entire life.

By the time I pull up to my destination, my twenty-year-old Honda sticks out like a sore thumb. If I had known I’d be interviewing at a mansion, I would’ve rented a car to keep up with the Joneses…not really.

When I park and exit my car, a uniformed staff member approaches. “Ms. Kind, welcome.” He smiles and then graciously parks my car.

I take a breath and head toward the grandest front door I’ve ever seen. My heart is pounding in my chest, and just as I raise my hand to knock, I hear the excited whispers of children through the door.

“Omg, she’s here!” A little girl squeals.

“Is she wearing pink?” Another giggles.

The door swings open, and a beautiful woman reminiscent of Angela Bassett stands before me, poised, confident, and radiating authority. Her silver-streaked hair is neatly styled, and her expression is equal parts pleasant and stern.

“You’re five minutes late, Ms. Kind.” She states flatly.

My smile falters, but I quickly recover, profusely apologizing while explaining the meticulous plans I’ve prepared for the day. She eyes me skeptically but nods, allowing me to enter.

“I’m Vicky, by the way,” she says, with intense eyes, probably still judging me.

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