He Cheated With My Friend My Parents Helped Chapter 16
“It’s okay. Thank you.”
We went upstairs, one after the other.
Julian stayed for dinner. While he was washing vegetables at the sink, he kept looking like he wanted to say something.
I set a pot on the stove.
“If you want to ask, just ask.”
He finally turned around. “You’re really divorced?”
I didn’t look up from the stove.
“Yes. You didn’t just hear that?”
The three of us had been classmates in college. Julian knew my history with Gabriel, but the finality of it all seemed to make him happy.
“I always thought he wasn’t right for you. Looks like I was right.”
He hesitated. “Actually, I… you know what? Forget it. Now’s not the time.”
I assumed he was just trying to be a good friend, so I didn’t press him.
After that, Gabriel kept showing up. He even rented the apartment next door to mine at an exorbitant price.
As long as he didn’t get in my way, I acted like he didn’t exist. I had my work. I had my life.
His company in Seattle still needed him. He couldn’t stay in Boston forever.
One day after work, Gabriel was waiting outside my door again.
Julian was standing near the elevators, not having left either.
Gabriel glanced at him, then back at me.
“Mags, I need to talk to you.”
I stopped a few feet away.
“Then talk. Right here.”
He looked at Julian again, but finally spoke.
“Come back to Seattle with me. Please. Thomas and Laura have been looking for you.”
“I know you blame them, but the fault is mine. You can’t just cut your parents out of your life completely.”
I thought of their graying hair, but the memory of their betrayal was still sharp.
“If they ever truly need help with medical care or living expenses, my lawyer can handle it. I won’t let them go without.”
“Beyond that, my relationship with them is my business. You’re not my husband anymore.”
Gabriel’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing.