Adrian showed up in my life three days before the wedding.
He was tall, dark-haired, beautifully dressed, and so charming and kind that I wondered how such a man existed. He had an actor’s smile, the kind that landed right where it was meant to, and a voice calm enough to make me feel safe around him.
We met for coffee to « establish chemistry, » which I found ridiculous until he slid into the seat across from me and said, « Tell me exactly what outcome you want. »
I folded my arms. « I want my ex-husband to regret inviting me. »
Adrian nodded. « Do you want him humiliated, rattled, or jealous? »
I stared at him. « Is this your full-time job? »
« No, » he said. « I’m a theater actor. This is just something I do on the side for fun. »
I laughed despite myself.
Then I told him the truth. That Adam wanted me to show up alone and that he’d spent years making me feel ordinary. That I did not want him back, not even for sport, but I did want one perfect evening where he realized I had survived him beautifully.
Adrian listened without interrupting.
