Chapter 79

Kiara walked into the mall with her housekeeper, Martha, ready to pick up some groceries for the week. As they walked through the aisles, grabbing different items off the shelves, they noticed someone walking towards them.

It was Lucas' new girlfriend, Sophie, who stopped in front of them with a sly smile on her face.

"Well, well, well," she said, her eyes lingering on Kiara. "If it isn't the ex-wife."

Kiara tried to remain calm, but she could feel her heart beating faster. She didn't want to start a fight, but she could tell Sophie was looking for trouble.

"What do you want, Sophie?" asked Kiara, her voice steady.

Sophie laughed. "I just wanted to let you know that Lucas is much happier now that he's rid of you."

Martha, who had been quietly observing the exchange, stepped forward.

"Excuse me, young lady, but that's not the way to speak to someone."

Sophie turned her attention to Martha, her eyes narrowing.

"Who are you to tell me what to do?"

"I am Martha, and I work for Miss Kiara," said Martha, her voice firm.

Sophie sneered. "Well, Miss Kiara's taste in friends has always been suspect."

Kiara took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Sophie, please leave us alone. We don't want any trouble."

Sophie chuckled. "Too bad. I was just getting started."

Suddenly, someone spoke up from behind them.

"If anyone's starting something, it's you."

They all turned to see Lucas walking towards them, his eyes fixed on Sophie.

"I told you to leave Kiara alone," he said, his voice low. "And now you're harassing her with her housekeeper? You're pathetic."

Sophie opened her mouth to respond, but Lucas held up a hand.

"Save it," he said. "I don't want to hear it. You're out of my life for good."

With that, Lucas turned and walked away, leaving Sophie standing there alone.

Kiara, Martha, and Sophie all watched him go, feeling a mix of emotions. But as they continued their shopping, Kiara couldn't help feeling relieved that Lucas had come to her defense.

***************

Martha, Kiara's housekeeper, had been working for her for over five years. She knew Kiara's quirks, habits, and secrets. One day, while cleaning the kitchen, Martha decided to talk to Kiara about something that had been bothering her.

"Kiara, can I talk to you about something?" Martha said.

"Of course, Martha. What's on your mind?" Kiara asked.

"I just wanted to let you know that I think Lucas might still have feelings for you," Martha said cautiously.

Kiara's heart skipped a beat. Lucas was her ex-husband, and they had been divorced for two years. They had both moved on, or so Kiara thought.

"What makes you say that?" Kiara asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Well, I saw Lucas at the grocery store last night with his new girlfriend. They were picking out flowers, and when Lucas saw you, he got this look on his face. It was like he was still in love with you," Martha said.

Kiara felt a wave of emotions wash over her. She had never stopped loving Lucas, but they had both agreed that their marriage was not working, and they had to end it.

"I don't know what to do, Martha. I don't want to get my hopes up, but at the same time, I can't stop thinking about him," Kiara said.

"I understand, Kiara. But you need to be careful. You don't want to get hurt again," Martha said.

"I know, Martha. Thank you for telling me. I think I need some time to think about this," Kiara said.

Kiara spent the rest of the day lost in thought. She couldn't shake the image of Lucas at the grocery store out of her mind. She decided to call him that night and ask to meet up.

They met at a coffee shop the next day, and Lucas looked nervous. Kiara couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement being near him again.

"Kiara, I know we've been apart for a while, but I can't stop thinking about you," Lucas said.

Kiara's heart skipped a beat again, and she felt a smile form on her lips. They talked for hours, catching up on everything that had happened since the divorce.

As they said their goodbyes, Lucas looked at Kiara and said, "I know we still have a lot to work on, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make this work. I love you, Kiara."

Kiara felt tears of joy well up in her eyes. She had always known that she still loved Lucas, and now she knew that he loved her too.

"Lucas, I love you too," Kiara said, finally admitting her feelings.

Martha watched from afar as Kiara and Lucas hugged each other tightly. She felt happy knowing that she had helped bring them back together again.

A day later, Martha and Kiara sat across from each other in a small, cozy coffee shop, sipping on their warm beverages.

"So, how's everything going with Lucas?" Martha asked with a smile, referring to Kiara's ex-husband.

Kiara sighed before responding. "Honestly, Martha, I don't trust him anymore. He's been acting shady lately and I just have a bad feeling about him."

Martha's face fell with concern. "What do you mean? What has he been doing?"

"He's been evasive about his whereabouts and he's been getting calls and texts late at night that he doesn't want me to see," Kiara explained, her voice laced with worry.

Martha frowned. "That doesn't sound good. Have you talked to him about it?"

"Yes, but he just brushes it off and says I'm being paranoid," Kiara replied, frustration evident in her tone.

Martha took a sip of her coffee before speaking. "If you don't trust him, then maybe you should distance yourself from him. You deserve someone who you can trust and who will be open and honest with you."

"I know," Kiara said, nodding. "But it's hard to let go of someone who was such a big part of my life, you know?"

Martha placed a comforting hand on Kiara's shoulder. "I understand, but you have to do what's best for you. And if that means cutting ties with Lucas, then so be it."

Kiara nodded, feeling comforted by Martha's words. "Thank you, Martha. I really needed to hear that."

"Anytime," Martha said with a smile. "That's what friends are for."