When little Katie was born, her mom burst into tears, and her dad hit the bottle hard for a whole week straight. The baby girl was adorable and healthy in every way, except for one thing. She had a birth defect on her face, something that happens more often than you’d think.
It was a cleft lip, where the upper lip looked split right down the middle, kinda like a bunny’s. The doctors tried to calm her parents down, saying it wasn’t a big deal at all. These days, they do surgeries that fix it up so good, you can barely tell it was ever there.
But luck wasn’t on Katie’s side. Maybe the surgeon was new on the job, or maybe it was just fate being unkind. The scar ended up crooked and rough, and her upper lip stayed a bit swollen, like it was puffed up permanently.
Still, Katie was a real cutie, with her blonde curly hair bouncing around and those mischievous blue eyes sparkling with life. Her face was pretty overall, even with that little scar above her lip, which faded a bit as she grew. The lip was just a tad fuller, almost like a natural pout, but it didn’t take away from her charm one bit.
Her folks, John and Mary, loved their daughter to pieces and did everything they could to shield her from the world. But how do you protect a kid from other kids’ meanness? In preschool, the little ones hardly noticed her difference, too busy playing with blocks and finger paints. But once she hit elementary school in their small rural town in Kansas, Katie got a full dose of cruelty from her classmates. As she got older, her dad landed a solid job in the city.
They sold their cozy farmhouse on the outskirts, said goodbye to the neighbors who’d known them forever, and moved into a modest apartment in Kansas City. Not only was Katie feeling out of place in the bustling urban vibe—with all the traffic noise and tall buildings—she also got a chilly welcome at her new school. The city kids loved picking on the “country bumpkin,” and Katie’s lip gave them extra ammo for their nasty jokes.
She tried to ignore the teasing, but at night, she’d bury her face in her pillow and sob quietly. Her parents were swamped with work and her new baby brother, Sam, who’d just arrived. They expected Katie to help out with the little one and keep her grades up.
At first, they had no clue about her troubles at school. Then one day, Katie snapped and fought back against her bullies. They ganged up on her, aiming punches right at her face to make it hurt worse.
In the end, when the principal hauled all the parents into the office, it turned out the other kids just had ripped clothes and a few scratches. But Katie’s face was a mess—swollen and bloody, especially that darn lip, which was split open again, staining her school uniform red.
The classmates swore up and down that Katie started it, but her dad shot back logically.
- So she attacked four boys all at once? And if that’s true, why’s she the one beat up, not you guys?
The school tried to sweep the whole mess under the rug. They wanted Katie to apologize to the boys, but she flat-out refused.
- I’m not saying sorry, and I’m not coming back to this school ever!
Her parents stood by her, but they weren’t sure how to fix things. Katie didn’t set foot in that building again.
Once the bruises faded and her face healed, her dad took her to enroll in a different school across town, a longer bus ride away. They switched her mid-year, and things turned around for her there. Maybe the kids were nicer, or maybe Katie carried herself with more confidence, but no one openly mocked her or picked fights.
She started enjoying school more, diving into her studies with gusto. She even made a couple of friends—two girls who struggled with homework but adored Katie for her help and sneaky whispers during tests. But as the other girls began crushing on boys…
The boys were shy about it, but they were pairing off too. No one gave Katie a second glance that way. She threw herself into being the fun one, the leader in games like tag and dodgeball during recess, acing her classes, always the boldest girl on the playground. Yet, her classmates picked other girls for crushes, treating Katie like just one of the buddies.
It stung deep inside, making her heart ache with rejection. She blamed it all on her looks, hiding her pain behind a tough exterior, acting all proud and self-reliant. That’s how she got through the rest of school.
High school was tough for Katie. She kept up her bold front, always ready with a quick laugh or a witty comeback, but deep down, it hurt that no boys seemed to notice her in that way. She was the life of the party in group games, the one organizing dodgeball matches or cheering loudest at pep rallies, but when it came to homecoming dances or dates, she was left on the sidelines. The other girls got flirty glances and shy notes passed in the halls, but for Katie, it was just fist bumps and friendly chats. She told herself she didn’t care, but every rejection felt like a punch to the gut. She’d stare in the mirror, fixating on her slightly fuller lip, convincing herself it was why no one saw her as more than a friend.
After graduation, Katie enrolled in a community college in Kansas City, studying accounting. She hoped college would be a fresh start, maybe a chance to meet someone who’d see past her scar. But it was the same story. No one slipped her sweet notes or asked her to grab coffee after class. Her classmates were nice enough, but romance? It just wasn’t happening.
Meanwhile, her old high school friends were pairing off, posting engagement photos on Instagram, showing off sparkly rings and gushing about their fiancés. Katie scrolled through their posts, her heart sinking a little more with each one. She tried to stay upbeat, cracking jokes with her study group, but inside, she felt like she was falling behind. Like she was somehow less because she didn’t have a boyfriend or a wedding to plan.
Her parents, John and Mary, noticed she was quieter these days but didn’t push her to talk about it. They figured she was just focused on her studies. Even her little brother, Sam, now a cheeky teenager, knew better than to tease her about dating. He’d rib her about her messy curls or her obsession with true crime podcasts, but never about boys. Still, Katie felt the weight of being alone, like she was destined to be the odd one out forever.
By her mid-20s, Katie had graduated and landed a steady job as an accountant at a small firm in Kansas City. She was good with numbers, her desk always neat with color-coded spreadsheets, but the office was lonely. Her coworkers were polite, but they’d chatter about their kids’ soccer games or their weekend date nights, and Katie would just nod, pretending to be busy with her work. One day, a coworker, Linda, was gushing about her daughter’s straight-A report card and her prom queen crown. Katie couldn’t take it. She excused herself, slipped into the office bathroom, and cried in a stall until her lunch break was over.
All she wanted was a family of her own. A little boy or girl to love, to read bedtime stories to, to cheer for at school plays. She didn’t even care if she had a husband—she just wanted a kid to call her own. But no guy seemed to give her a chance. She wasn’t about to hook up with some random dude at a bar—that felt wrong, and it scared her. So, she lived alone in the big apartment her parents had left her when they moved to a retirement community in Florida.
One summer, Sam came back to Kansas City for a visit. He’d moved to Chicago after college, landed a tech job, and married his college sweetheart, Emily. Emily was still in Chicago, wrapping up some work, so Sam decided to throw a little reunion for his old college buddies at Katie’s place. Her apartment was spacious, with a big living room perfect for hosting, and she missed her brother like crazy, so she was all in for the party.
- Sure, Sam, let’s do it! Better they hang out here than at some dive bar, she said, already planning the menu.
She went all out, whipping up a spread of sliders, buffalo wings, queso dip, and a giant tray of brownies. The guys brought beer and a couple bottles of whiskey, but Katie’s food was the star of the show. Only about six of Sam’s old friends showed up—most of the crew had scattered across the country after graduation.
They sat around her living room, sprawled on the couch and floor, swapping stories about their lives—new jobs, new wives, new kids. They laughed about their wild college days, like the time they pulled an all-nighter for a group project and ended up prank-calling their professor at 3 a.m. Katie stayed in the kitchen mostly, refilling chip bowls and keeping the snacks coming, but the guys kept calling her over.
- Yo, Katie, come join us! You’re Sam’s sister, you’re basically one of us. Plus, these wings are fire!
She’d laugh and sit for a bit, enjoying the nostalgia. In the dim glow of her living room string lights, no one seemed to notice her lip or her quiet moments of self-consciousness. One guy, Jake, the group’s resident jokester, kept paying her extra attention. He’d scoop extra queso onto her plate or nudge her to try the craft beer he brought.
- Katie, you gotta taste this IPA. It’s got, like, grapefruit notes or something fancy, he’d say, winking.
The other guys didn’t bat an eye. Jake was a known charmer, always flirting with someone new. He was the only single one in the group, and his reputation for never sticking around was practically legendary. Sam kept an eye on his sister, noticing how she blushed at Jake’s attention. He wasn’t sure what to think. On one hand, it was the first time a guy had shown Katie any real interest. On the other, Jake’s track record wasn’t exactly husband material.
When Katie stepped into the kitchen to grab more napkins, Sam followed her, leaning against the counter.
- Hey, Katie, don’t get too caught up with Jake, okay? You know how he is. Guy’s got a new girl every week. He’s not the settling-down type.
- I know, Sam, she said softly, fiddling with a stack of napkins. I’m not dumb. I just… it feels nice to have someone notice me, even if it’s just for a minute.
Her voice was steady, but Sam could see the hurt in her eyes. She’d already made peace with the fact that Jake’s attention wouldn’t last, but she wanted to soak it up while it was there. To everyone’s surprise, Jake didn’t make a move that night. He kept things light, joking and pouring drinks, but he didn’t try anything sleazy. The next day, he showed up at Katie’s door with a slightly crumpled bouquet of daisies he’d clearly picked from a neighbor’s yard.
- Hey, Katie, wanna catch a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse? They’re showing this retro rom-com thing, he said, grinning.
She said yes, and they went. Then they grabbed a Sonic milkshake and strolled through Loose Park one evening after her shift. Jake was different—charming but not pushy, like he was actually trying to get to know her. A month later, out of the blue, he proposed. Not with a ring or anything fancy, just a nervous, “So, Katie, what if we got married?” It shocked everyone, especially Katie.
Nobody could believe Jake, of all people, was ready to tie the knot—especially with Katie. He was the guy who’d always gone for the Instagram-model types, the ones with perfect selfies and flashy outfits, not someone like Katie with her wild curls and unassuming style. She knew she wasn’t his usual type, and deep down, she doubted he was head-over-heels for her. His eyes didn’t exactly light up with passion when he looked at her, but she chalked it up to him being nervous or maybe just not the mushy type. Still, the proposal left her stunned, her heart racing with a mix of hope and disbelief.
Sam was just as shocked. He drove back to Kansas City from Chicago the moment he heard, determined to have a heart-to-heart with his buddy. Flirting with his sister was one thing—guys like Jake could charm their way out of a paper bag—but marriage? That was a whole different ballgame. If Jake broke Katie’s heart after this, it wouldn’t be a clean breakup. Sam wasn’t convinced Jake was serious.
- Look, man, you sure about this? Katie’s my sister, and I know your history, Sam said, leaning across a sticky table at Winstead’s diner, his coffee growing cold. You’ve never been the settle-down type. What’s changed?
Jake leaned back in the booth, running a hand through his messy hair, his usual cocky grin replaced with something quieter.
- I’m serious, Sam. I’m not a kid anymore. I’m pushing 30, and I’m tired of bouncing around. Katie’s… she’s real. She’s got a good heart, keeps a mean house, cooks like nobody’s business. That’s the kinda woman you build a life with.
Sam wasn’t fully sold. Jake’s words sounded nice, but his track record spoke louder. Still, Katie was over the moon, and Sam didn’t want to crush her. So, they went ahead with the wedding—a small backyard ceremony at a friend’s place in Kansas City, with string lights twinkling and a playlist of classic rock and country hits. Katie glowed in a simple white sundress, her curls barely tamed under a delicate veil. Sam gave the first toast, half-joking, half-serious.
- Jake, you better treat her right, or I’m coming for you with a baseball bat, he said, raising his Bud Light. To the happy couple!
Everyone laughed, but Katie blushed hard when the crowd chanted for a kiss. Jake just gave her a quick peck on the cheek, keeping things low-key. She tried not to overthink it, but a few guests’ whispers caught her ear as she stepped out for some air.
- Can you believe Jake picked her? I mean, she’s sweet, but… you know, with that lip thing, one woman muttered.
- Yeah, who’d have thought? Guess even she got her shot, another chimed in, snickering.
Katie’s stomach twisted. For a moment, she felt that old sting of being “less than.” But then she straightened up, brushing off her dress. Those other girls—the ones Jake used to chase—were nowhere to be found today. He’d chosen her. That made her the winner, didn’t it? She walked back inside, head high, ready to dance with her new husband.
But the honeymoon phase? It never really started. Their first night together, Jake crashed on the couch, claiming he was wiped from the party. The next night was the same. Katie told herself he was just hungover, that he’d come around. She made him pancakes the next morning, even brewed his favorite coffee, hoping to spark something romantic.
A week later, Jake finally sat her down. He was gentle about it, but his words hit like a freight train.
- Katie, listen, I care about you, but… I’m not really into the whole physical thing with you. I married you ‘cause you’re solid, you know? You’re a good woman, keep things together. But don’t expect some big love story.
Katie’s heart sank. She’d known deep down he wasn’t all in, but hearing it out loud crushed her. Still, she clung to the fact that she was married now. No more pitying looks from coworkers or neighbors whispering about the “spinster” in Apartment 4B. She was Mrs. Katie Thompson, and that meant something. Maybe kids would come someday—a little boy with her curls or a girl with her spunk. That hope kept her going.
She threw herself into being the perfect wife. She cooked Jake’s favorite BBQ ribs, kept the apartment spotless, even ironed his shirts for work. Jake, meanwhile, acted like he’d won the lottery. He’d kick back on the couch, scrolling through his phone, while Katie hustled to keep everything running. She didn’t complain, though—being needed felt better than being alone.
Six months in, Jake got laid off from his construction job. Money got tight fast. Katie didn’t hesitate—she took on a second gig as a janitor at an office building downtown, cleaning after hours. She’d finish her accounting shift, grab a quick burger, then head to the other building to mop floors and scrub toilets. No one at her day job knew, and the cleaning crew worked late, so she didn’t have to face anyone’s judgment.
Jake, on the other hand, wasn’t in a rush to find work. He’d flip through job ads on his phone, maybe make a call or two, but never followed through. Instead, he started hanging out at Sam’s old storage unit in a gritty part of town. Sam had inherited it from their dad and never used it, but he’d told Jake and Katie they could do whatever with it—rent it out, store stuff, whatever. Jake said he was “organizing” it, but really, he was just killing time, drinking Bud Lights with some guys who hung out at the nearby units.
One weekend, Katie dragged herself over to the storage unit to help. She spent hours sorting through dusty boxes of her dad’s old tools and family photos, turning the cluttered space into something tidy enough to rent out. Jake slapped a “For Rent” sign on it and called it a day. While he waited for takers, he and his new buddies set up a hangout spot behind the units—some folding chairs, a cooler, and a tarp for shade. They’d crack open beers, play cards, and talk about nothing important.
Eventually, Katie pulled some strings and got Jake a job at the office where she cleaned. They needed a driver for the company’s CEO, Mr. Andrews. Jake grumbled at first—said driving some suit around wasn’t his style—but he warmed up to it. The gig had perks: a fancy company car, a flexible schedule, and a decent paycheck he didn’t feel the need to share with Katie. He’d roll up to gas stations or coffee shops in the sleek sedan, acting like he owned it, charming baristas and cashiers with his easy grin.
- I’m just running errands for the boss, he’d say, flashing a smile that made people assume he was someone important.
It didn’t take long for Jake to slip back into his old ways. He started flirting with women again, just like in his college days. He’d tell Katie he was working late, but really, he was grabbing drinks with a new girl or sweet-talking someone at a bar. He’d brag to his buddies at the storage unit about his “adventures,” laughing like he was still the king of the campus. Katie wasn’t blind—she knew what was going on. But Jake had her convinced she was lucky to have him at all.
- Who else is gonna want you, Katie? he’d say, his voice half-teasing, half-cold. I’m doing you a favor sticking around.
She swallowed her hurt, kept her head down, and kept working her two jobs. She still dreamed of kids, but two years into the marriage, there was no sign of a baby. Jake barely touched her, and when he did, it was quick and distant, like he was checking a box. Katie sighed a lot those days, but Jake didn’t notice—or didn’t care.
Then things at work shifted for Jake. His boss, Mr. Andrews, had some big project lined up that meant no driving needed for the next month. So, they were sending Jake on paid leave. He saw it as the perfect chance to cut loose. He told Katie he was heading out on a business trip with the boss—something about client meetings in St. Louis. But really, he’d squirreled away some cash and booked a week at a cozy lakeside resort in the Ozarks, just a short drive from Kansas City, the kind with cabins, fishing docks, and barbecue pits.
He’d met this girl, Laura, a few weeks back at a coffee shop while “running errands.” She was fiery, with a laugh that turned heads and a way of flirting that made Jake feel like his old self again. He’d spun her a tale about being a hotshot entrepreneur, that the fancy car was his, and this getaway was all about keeping things discreet from his “investors.”
- Once we’re official, baby, I’ll take you to Hawaii for real—beaches, luaus, the works. Or Vegas for shopping sprees and shows, he’d promised, painting pictures of private jets and five-star hotels.
Laura ate it up, her eyes lighting up like fireworks. For that kind of future, she’d be all in, extra affectionate and adventurous. Jake figured a week with her would be just what he needed to recharge—hiking trails by day, cozy fires by night, no strings attached beyond the fun.
The resort was perfect: pine trees rustling in the breeze, a sparkling lake for boating, and their cabin had a hot tub on the deck. Laura was everything Katie wasn’t in Jake’s eyes—bold, exciting, always up for whatever. They spent the days lounging by the water, sipping margaritas, and the nights tangled up, laughing about nothing. Jake felt alive, like he was back in his glory days, no nagging wife or boring job to drag him down.
- You’re amazing, Jake. Can’t wait for that Hawaii trip, Laura purred one evening, tracing circles on his chest as the sun set over the lake.
- Soon, babe, soon. Just gotta close a few deals, he lied smoothly, already knowing this was as far as it would go.
Money ran out after seven days, but Jake told her it was “business calling.” He headed home feeling like a king, ready to brag. First stop: the storage unit hangout. His buddies were there, cracking Bud Lights under the tarp, swapping stories about their weekends.
- Guys, you won’t believe the week I had. This chick Laura? Total firecracker. We hit this resort—hot tub, lake views, the whole nine yards. And get this, she thinks I’m some big-time CEO!
The guys leaned in, jaws dropping, a mix of envy and awe on their faces.
- No way, man. How’d you pull that off with Katie at home? one asked, shaking his head.
- Easy. Told her it was a work trip. She’s clueless. And why not? I deserve some fun after dealing with her all the time.
They chuckled, but the mood shifted when Jake got cocky.
- Seriously, Katie should be thanking me. Who else would marry her with that weird lip? She’s lucky I stuck around this long. And kids? Forget it. What if they come out looking like her? No thanks.
The guys shifted uncomfortably, exchanging glances. Jake was crossing a line. Katie was a sweetheart—hardworking, kind, always baking extra cookies for the neighborhood. Her scar? Barely noticeable. Why trash her like that?
- Come on, Jake, that’s harsh. She’s a good woman. Why’d you marry her if you feel that way? another buddy piped up.
- The apartment, duh. Prime spot, no rent, and she’s like built-in help. Cooks, cleans, works two jobs so I don’t have to hustle. You guys are out mowing lawns or fixing leaks—I’ve got Katie for that.
Seeing their frowns, Jake wrapped it up. It was getting late, and Katie would be home from her cleaning gig soon. He strolled back to the apartment, expecting the usual—dinner waiting, Katie asking about his “trip” with fake enthusiasm.
But when he knocked, Katie opened the door and blocked the way, her arms crossed, a smirk on her face that he’d never seen before. She looked at him like he was dirt on her shoe, all confidence and no trace of the timid wife he knew.
- Back so soon? Come to say goodbye? she said, eyebrow raised.
- What? Nah, I’m home. Aren’t you gonna let your husband in? He tried to push past, but she held firm.
- Oh, I’ll be happy to see my ex-husband at the divorce hearing. Papers are filed. Here’s your subpoena.
She shoved a paper at him. He grabbed it on reflex, staring dumbly.
- And if you need it, I can give you Laura’s address. She swung by the office today, looking for you. Thought you owned the place or something. Mr. Andrews and I set her straight—told her she could have you once the divorce is final. But good luck taking her to Vegas on unemployment checks. Maybe she’ll work double shifts to keep you in style.
Jake’s world spun. Laura must’ve shown up, blowing his cover. He’d lost his job and his home in one fell swoop? No way. Katie would cave—she always did.
- Katie, come on, you’re overreacting. How can you kick out your own husband? Who else is gonna love you like I do?
- Like you do? That’s a joke. And honestly, I’m ashamed I put up with it this long. My only family’s Sam—you don’t count.
He tried to hug her, like he did when he wanted something. Usually, she’d melt. But she stepped back, disgust written all over her face.
From inside, footsteps. Mr. Andrews appeared in the hallway, standing tall beside Katie.
- Jake, your termination papers are ready in HR. Pick up your final check tomorrow. And don’t come back here. Sam’s arriving soon, but until then, Katie’s under my watch.
- Hand over the keys to Sam’s storage unit too. You’re done there, Katie added coolly.
It hit Jake like a brick—this was real. No more free ride. He fumbled out the keys, handing them over. Katie snatched them and slammed the door, the lock clicking shut.
He stood there, dazed, the subpoena crumpled in his fist. No home, no job, no plan. He’d only married her for the apartment anyway. Now what? He trudged down the stairs, deciding to try Laura. Slim chance, but maybe she cared enough to let him crash.
At her place, he rang the bell, putting on his best puppy-dog eyes.
- Jake? What are you doing here? Laura opened the door, arms crossed.
- Babe, it’s all a mix-up. Let me explain—
She cut him off with a laugh, cold and sharp.
- Explain? You’re a liar and a loser. Not some big-shot—just a driver mooching off his wife. And honestly? You’re lousy in bed too. Get lost.
The door slammed. Jake slunk away, ego shattered, everything gone.
Meanwhile, back at the apartment, Katie sipped tea with Mr. Andrews—Andrew, as he insisted. They talked openly for the first time.
- I never understood why you took that cleaning job, he said softly. You’re a top-notch accountant. I figured money was tight, but your husband… why wasn’t he pulling his weight?
Katie opened up about the loneliness, the put-downs, how she’d convinced herself it was better than nothing.
Andrew listened, his eyes kind.
- Jake didn’t deserve you. You’re smart, beautiful—everything about you draws me in, even that little quirk with your lip. It’s charming.
Katie blushed, her heart fluttering. Could someone like him—successful, thoughtful—really see her that way?
Katie couldn’t believe her ears. Andrew, the polished CEO with kind eyes and a steady voice, thought she was beautiful? Her, with the scar and the lip she’d spent her whole life hiding? She stared into her tea, the steam curling up, her cheeks warm from blushing. For the first time in forever, she felt seen—not as a workhorse or a pity case, but as a woman worth caring about.
Andrew leaned forward, his suit jacket off, tie loosened, looking more human than boss.
- I’ve watched you, Katie, carrying two jobs, keeping that smile through it all. I always wondered why you stayed with Jake. You’re stronger than you know, and… I’ve always thought you were special.
His words were gentle, like a warm blanket on a chilly Kansas City night. Katie’s heart fluttered, but doubt crept in. Could she trust this? After Jake’s lies, she was wary. Still, Andrew’s gaze held no trace of pity or pretense—just quiet admiration.
- I never thought someone like you would… you know, notice me, she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. I mean, my lip, my face—it’s always been a thing.
- That? It’s part of what makes you you. I’ve caught myself staring at it, wondering what it’d be like to kiss you. But you were married, and I’m not that guy.
Katie’s breath caught. She’d spent years convincing herself no one could want her like that. Now, here was Andrew, laying it all bare. They sat in silence, just looking at each other, the air heavy with unspoken possibilities. For once, words didn’t need to fill the space.
The next morning, Sam burst through the apartment door, his old key still working. He’d driven through the night from Chicago, ready to check on his sister after Andrew’s call the day before. He’d heard her crying on the phone, spilling everything about Jake’s cheating and her decision to file for divorce. Sam was ready to give her a big hug—or hunt Jake down and make good on his wedding-toast threat.
He walked into the living room and froze. Katie was curled up on the couch, fast asleep, her head resting on Andrew’s shoulder. Andrew’s arm was wrapped around her, protective, like he was afraid to let go even in his sleep. Sam’s jaw tightened for a second, but then he softened. This was the guy who’d called him, who’d stood by Katie when she confronted Jake. He could see it in the way Andrew held her—this wasn’t some fling.
Sam backed out quietly, leaving his duffel bag by the kitchen counter. He’d let them rest. There’d be time to talk later, but first, he had a score to settle. Jake needed a wake-up call—not a beatdown, but a real talking-to about what he’d thrown away. Sam grabbed his keys and headed out, already planning what he’d say if he found the guy.
Back in the apartment, Katie stirred, blinking awake to find Andrew still there, his arm warm around her. She smiled, a little shy but lighter than she’d felt in years. The divorce papers were filed, but the hearing was still 19 days away. Those days felt like forever, but for the first time, she wasn’t dreading them. She had Sam coming back, Andrew by her side, and a spark of hope she hadn’t felt since she was a kid.
Over the next few weeks, Katie and Andrew grew closer. He’d swing by after work with takeout from Gates Bar-B-Q, or they’d walk through the Country Club Plaza, laughing at the over-the-top Christmas lights even though it was only September. He didn’t push her, didn’t rush anything, just let her feel safe. Katie started to believe she could have a life beyond Jake’s shadow—a life where she wasn’t defined by her scar or her loneliness.
- You ever think about what’s next? Andrew asked one evening, sipping coffee outside The Roasterie, the city buzzing around them.
- Like what? Kids? A family? she said, half-laughing, half-serious. I’ve always wanted that. A little girl to braid her hair, or a boy to teach how to ride a bike.
- You’d be an amazing mom, he said, his voice soft but sure. And whoever gets to build that life with you? They’re the lucky one.
Katie’s eyes stung with tears, but they weren’t sad ones. For the first time, she could picture it—a future where she wasn’t just surviving, but thriving. She wasn’t there yet, but the divorce hearing was coming, and with it, a chance to close the door on Jake for good.
Meanwhile, Jake was crashing on a buddy’s couch, his life unraveling. Laura had kicked him out, and word had spread fast among their old college crew. Nobody was impressed with his antics anymore. He’d show up at the storage unit hangout, but the guys weren’t as welcoming now. His charm had worn thin, and his lies about being a big shot had caught up with him.
- You really messed up, man, one of his buddies said, tossing an empty Bud Light can into the cooler. Katie was gold. You had it all and blew it.
Jake shrugged, trying to play it cool, but inside, he was rattled. He’d banked on Katie’s apartment, her loyalty, her willingness to take his crap. Now he had nothing—no job, no home, no one to fall back on. He’d even tried calling Laura again, but she’d blocked his number.
Sam tracked Jake down at Kelly’s Westport Inn, a dive bar in town, nursing a cheap beer and looking like he hadn’t slept in days. Sam didn’t throw punches, though he was tempted. Instead, he leaned in close, voice low and steady.
- You had my sister, Jake. Someone who’d do anything for you. And you treated her like garbage. You’re done in this town. Don’t ever come near her again.
Jake muttered something about it being a misunderstanding, but Sam wasn’t having it. He walked out, leaving Jake to stew in his own mess.
Back at the apartment, Katie was starting to feel like herself again—or maybe a new version of herself. She quit the cleaning job, focusing on her accounting work, where Andrew had quietly pushed for a raise on her behalf. She started wearing her hair down more, letting her curls bounce free, and even tried a bold red lipstick one day, something she’d never dared before. Her coworkers noticed the change, complimenting her glow, and for once, she didn’t shy away from it.
The divorce hearing loomed, but it didn’t scare her anymore. She had people in her corner—Sam, Andrew, even some new friends from work who’d rallied around her when they heard about Jake. Katie wasn’t just the girl with the scar anymore. She was Katie Thompson, strong, kind, and ready for whatever came next.