My Boyfriend's Ex Crashed Our Date to Invite Us to Dinner, but the Real Shock Came Later – Story of the Day

I believed a peaceful retreat at my friend's cottage would help me move past my difficult breakup. Then her attractive brother showed up, and just as things became exciting, his history disrupted our meal. What followed transformed everything.

Each time I shut my eyes, I could see him. That arrogant expression on his face when he declared he had "discovered someone new." As though it were simple. As though our shared years held no value.

My former boyfriend possessed a unique ability to make me feel insignificant. He made everything that failed seem like my responsibility. Each corner of my home reminded me of that anguish. I felt trapped.

I required escape. Any place except here. When Joanna phoned, it felt like salvation.

"Visit me at the cottage," she offered. I accepted immediately. The situation was ideal.

The following day, I gathered what I could fit into a bag and began my journey.

The water extended like an enormous reflection. The branches moved as though they shared some calm secret. The atmosphere carried no scent of sorrow. It carried the fragrance of evergreens and new opportunities.

I remained on the deck, absorbing everything.

"Liv!" Joanna emerged, gesturing, and embraced me with one of her firm hugs.

"You appear tired," she observed.

"Thanks a lot," I laughed, acting hurt.

She smiled. "Enter. I prepared your preferred dish."

I looked skeptical. "You mean alcohol?"

She gave me a knowing look. "You understand me perfectly."

For the first time in months, I believed things might improve. We chatted for hours, mainly about trivial topics. We discussed our mutual dislike of jogging and how strange people are for choosing to wake early for exercise. It felt like no time had elapsed since our last meeting.

Then footsteps approached.

I looked back, and there he stood. Seth. I had not seen Joanna's brother for years, but age had favored him. He smiled, and it was the type of smile that makes you lose your train of thought.

"Hello," Seth said, his tone calm, as though he had not just disrupted my entire sense of calm. "Joanna mentioned you would visit." He touched his hair. "I hope I am not disturbing you."

Joanna glared at him. "She came here for peace, Seth."

"Who claimed I was causing trouble?" Seth raised his hands defensively, but his eyes sparkled with mischief.

"I am okay," I said quickly, feeling young again. "Truly. Not troubled."

"Fine, I will catch you later."

When he left, Joanna nudged me. "He has no girlfriend, by the way."

I sighed. "No, we will not start this."

She chuckled, filling my glass with more wine. "Simply stay receptive. That is my only suggestion."

I looked at the entrance where Seth had vanished. My pulse skipped strangely.

"I arrived here to get away, not to... make things difficult."

"Difficulties create excitement," Joanna declared cheerfully.

I lifted my drink. "I hope you are mistaken."

Yet inside, I understood she was correct.

The initial days brought peace. We would gather outside during twilight, all three of us discussing existence, sharing laughter about foolish recollections. I discovered myself appreciating the straightforwardness of everything.

Seth avoided forcing his appeal. He remained authentic. Casual, peaceful, frequently adding "you understand" during conversations, which I found strangely soothing.

I observed his closeness with Joanna. They shared a genuine family connection, mocking each other about minor matters, yet showing deep affection between them.

One night, after we completed our meal, Seth relaxed in his seat and gazed at me.

"What do you say about getting food tomorrow? Only us two?"

I stared, surprised. "Food? Tomorrow evening?"

"Yes, I thought since we have been spending time here, we could venture out instead."

I checked with Joanna, who lifted an eyebrow but remained quiet, obviously entertained by her brother's unexpected invitation.

"Well, yes. Absolutely, sounds good," I responded finally, feeling somewhat uncertain.

"Excellent," Seth replied, standing as though he had suggested coffee, not a romantic outing. "I will collect you at seven."

After he departed, I faced Joanna, who was beaming.

"What?" I questioned, sensing my face grow warm.

"Nothing," she responded, still grinning. "Seth rarely invites people on romantic outings. This is unusual."

I scowled. "Should that comfort me?"

She giggled, moving her head. "Calm down, Liv. He cares for you. That brings good fortune."

"Perhaps," I whispered, yet sitting there, I wondered if I had accepted something far more complex than I could handle.

We sat in the dining establishment, and initially, everything appeared ideal.

The meal tasted excellent, the atmosphere felt cozy, and Seth acted like his typical relaxed self. We chuckled and discussed various topics, and I began feeling more at ease with him. Then his phone made a sound.

He ignored it initially, but it made the sound again. Then once more.

"Excuse me, I will return shortly," he said, rising and walking outdoors.

What could be so urgent that it cannot wait?

I attempted to savor my food, but my gaze kept moving to the entrance. When he returned, he smiled as though nothing occurred.

"Just some professional matters," he mentioned casually.

Then it repeated. During our sweet course, his phone made the sound, and he apologized again. This time, I could not remain seated. I stood up, silently tracking him outside.

I observed Seth standing with a different woman, engaged in serious discussion.

They spotted me. Seth appeared shocked. "Olivia, meet Lauren." He stopped speaking.

I had no words ready. Lauren smiled, behaving very pleasant.

"Why do you both not join me for a meal tomorrow?" she suggested.

Before I could consider declining, Seth accepted!

Afterward, he attempted to comfort me. "There is nothing there. It ended long ago. A meal sounds fine," Seth stated, his expression peaceful and calming.

A meal with his former girlfriend? Seriously?

Yet I lacked a good reason to refuse. He appeared so relaxed about it, as though it meant nothing, and I wanted to avoid seeming worried or envious.

The meal with Seth and Lauren felt awkward from the beginning. Lauren quickly made herself comfortable, positioning herself too near Seth for my comfort.

"Do you recall our coastal vacation?" Lauren began, her tone filled with memories. "We made such an ideal pair then. Everyone believed we would stay together permanently."

She giggled, moving nearer to Seth. I adjusted my position, attempting to stay composed.

She wanted to upset me, and I refused to let her win. Seth hardly replied, offering her brief, courteous responses.

"That happened years ago," he said, sounding almost uninterested.

But I reached my limit. I moved my chair backward and got up.

"I need some outside air," I said quietly, not expecting an answer.

Why am I even present?

Outside, the fresh evening breeze provided some relief. Everything seemed so difficult, and I did not know how to manage it.

A tiny voice broke through my wandering thoughts.

"Do you know my daddy?"

I spun around and noticed a young child, her eyes drowsy as she wiped them. My pulse froze. The realization struck me hard. Seth was a father.

"Yes... I am with your father."

The child gazed up at me, her purity catching me off guard.

"Naturally, dear. We should locate him."

When I led her to Seth, he lifted her instantly.

"Hello, sweetheart. Bedtime?"

He beamed at her differently than he had all night.

"I will return soon," he told me, taking her away to put her to sleep.

He is a parent? How was I unaware of this?

After Seth departed, Lauren acted quickly. She moved nearer to me.

"You do not fit here, understand."

I stared, shocked. "What did you say?"

"Seth and I share a past. And children. He returns to us always. This is temporary. You should go before you suffer."

Children? This is overwhelming.

Fear filled my chest. I collected my belongings and walked to the exit without speaking. I had to escape before I completely fell apart.

Dawn came through the window coverings as I closed my bag, checking my phone once more. No messages. No phone calls. The quiet hurt.

Joanna entered. "Will you truly go?"

I exhaled, settling on the mattress. "I must go, Jo. He has not contacted me. I feel lost."

By midday, I had purchased my travel pass.

During the journey to the airport, while I gazed through the glass, thinking deeply, I noticed a vehicle racing next to us. I focused to see better, and I spotted Seth. He drove quickly as though he had an important task.

Why is he present? To bid farewell? Or to prevent my departure?

I was uncertain, but I felt thankful he appeared.

The cab driver looked at me in the mirror. "Do you recognize him?"

Seth stopped his car, parking before the taxi. He approached the window, watching me with that known tranquility.

I lowered the glass. "Why are you here, Seth?"

"I could not allow you to depart this way. You must learn the facts."

I remained silent because I wanted to protect you from my problems. Yet I should have told you. You had the right to know everything."

I sat quietly, unable to speak. He glanced away briefly, then faced me again.

"Olivia, I have developed feelings for you. I understand the situation is difficult, and I carry emotional burdens. Yet I need you to remain. I want you to know my children, to understand who I really am."

I struggled between the security of departure and the strong desire to remain. My emotions provided the answer before my thoughts could.

I destroyed the airline ticket, understanding that major chances sometimes create the most wonderful results.

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