During the divorce, the husband declared, «Return everything I ever gave you and the kids!» A week laterthere were boxes onhis doorstep. When he opened them he was astounded…

Leon, Annabelle snapped, stepping closer, her heels clicking on the hardwood. Are you even listening to me? This is pathetic. Get rid of it.

One quiet afternoon, Valerie’s phone buzzed and the name on the screen stopped her cold. Leon. She hesitated, her thumb hovering over the answer button, then picked up, her voice cautious.

Hello? Valerie, it’s me, Leon said, his tone softer than she’d ever heard it. I… I need to apologise for everything. The divorce, the gifts, the way I treated you and the kids.

I was wrong and I’m so sorry. He paused, his breath shaky. I’d like to meet, if you’re willing, just to talk.

Valerie’s heart stuttered, a mix of shock and something else, something she hadn’t expected to feel. Was it a flicker of the love she’d once held for him, buried beneath layers of pain? Or just the surprise of his humility? She ended the call politely, promising to think it over, but as she sat in her kitchen, staring at the phone, thoughts of giving him a second chance crept in. Could he have changed? Could there be a way to mend things, if not for them, then for Steve and Rose? The idea felt reckless, yet it tugged at her, stirring a hope she wasn’t sure she trusted.

Needing clarity, Valerie called the one person she knew would cut through her confusion, her best friend, Dakota. Can we meet? she asked, her voice urgent. I need to talk.

They met at their favourite café, a cosy spot with mismatched chairs and the warm scent of fresh coffee. Valerie spilled everything, Leon’s call, his apology, the unexpected stirrings in her heart. Dakota listened, her expression darkening with every word.

When Valerie finished, Dakota set her mug down with a deliberate thud, her eyes blazing with conviction. Val, listen to me, Dakota said, her voice firm, no trace of her usual warmth. Do not let Leon near you, not under any circumstances.

Nothing good will come of this. Valerie blinked, caught off guard by the intensity, but he sounded different, like he’s really sorry. Sorry, Dakota cut in, leaning forward.

Valerie, let’s recap. This man betrayed you, he lied to you, cheated on you with Annabelle, and then had the audacity to demand your jewellery and the kids’ gifts back like you were some porn shop. He demeaned you, humiliated you in court with that absurd stunt, denigrated everything you built together.

Where was his conscience then? He didn’t have one. Valerie’s throat tightened, the memories flooding back, Leon’s smug grin in the courtroom, Annabelle’s predatory glee, the boxes she’d packed with trembling hands. Dakota wasn’t done.

Think about how he announced the divorce, she pressed. Cold, dismissive, like you were nothing. He moved on without a backward glance, flaunting Annabelle while you were picking up the pieces for Steve He didn’t care about your pain, Val, he didn’t care about the kids.

And now what? He’s sorry because his shiny new life with Annabelle imploded. That’s not remorse, that’s convenience. Valerie stared into her coffee, the steam curling upward, her mind a tug of war between Dakota’s words and that faint, foolish hope.

I just… I thought maybe he’s realised what he lost. Maybe he wants to make things right. Dakota’s voice softened, but her resolve didn’t waver.

Val, given all he’s done, why the heck would you give this insidious arsehole a moment of your time? He didn’t love you, not the way you deserved. Love doesn’t destroy someone and then come crawling back when the grass isn’t greener. He’s not here for you, he’s here because he’s lost control of his own mess.

She reached across the table, gripping Valerie’s hand. Please do yourself a favour, refuse to meet him. You’ve fought so hard to rebuild your life, to be strong for yourself and the kids.

Don’t let him drag you back into his chaos. You’re worth more than his half-baked apologies. Valerie’s eyes stung, Dakota’s words cutting through the fog of her emotions like a beacon.

Dakota was right. Leon’s apology, sincere or not, couldn’t erase the wreckage he’d left behind. And she didn’t owe him a second chance, not after everything.

You’re right, Valerie said finally, her voice steady, a weight lifting from her chest. I won’t meet him. I’m done letting him have power over me…