While navigating a difficult divorce, Ellis meets a bold young man at a bar who offers to transform her life. His charm and confidence seem like the perfect distraction, but their connection soon leads to unexpected revelations that force Ellis to confront her past — and her family — in ways she never anticipated.
Ellis remembered an evening with her husband, Mark. They had been married for almost 25 years. Their life had turned into a dull, predictable routine.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
That evening, Ellis noticed something was off. Mark looked uneasy, shifting in his seat.
“What’s wrong?” Ellis asked, watching him closely.
“Nothing, everything’s fine,” Mark said, waving her off. But Ellis knew he was lying. She had always been able to tell when he wasn’t honest. She narrowed her eyes, waiting for him to speak.
Mark sighed deeply. “Alright, we need to talk,” he said finally.
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“Why? What happened?” Ellis asked, her voice tense.
“Do you remember my business trip from a few weeks ago?” Mark asked, avoiding her gaze.
“Yes, with Donna,” Ellis said slowly.
Mark looked at the floor. “We slept together,” he admitted.
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“You what?” Ellis said, her voice barely above a whisper. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
“I don’t know why it happened,” Mark said. “I’ve been thinking a lot about our 25th anniversary. You’re the only woman I’ve ever been with. I guess I started wondering about things, and it all happened so fast. But, Ellis, it was a mistake. I’ve felt terrible ever since. I love you, only you.”
“How could you do this to me?” Ellis asked. She didn’t yell, but her heart felt heavy, as though it might break.
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“I’m so sorry. Please forgive me. I’ll never do it again, I promise,” Mark said, his voice trembling.
“Leave,” Ellis said firmly.
“Don’t do this, please,” Mark begged.
“Go. I can’t look at you right now,” Ellis said.
Mark nodded and walked to the bedroom. Ellis sat silently, her mind racing, barely noticing when he left.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“This is the saddest cocktail I’ve ever seen,” a voice said, pulling Ellis out of her thoughts. She blinked and looked around, realizing where she was.
She sat at the bar, staring at the divorce papers Mark had signed. They sat right in front of her.
She had filed for divorce and forced Mark to sign them. Yet, her own name remained unsigned.
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It had been weeks since she learned about Mark’s affair, but she still couldn’t move on.
Ellis turned toward the voice. She saw a young man standing nearby. He looked barely older than her daughter.
“What do you want?” she asked, frowning. “I’m not in the mood to talk.”
“My name’s Leo,” he said with a smirk. “I’ve been watching you come here night after night. You sit alone, looking miserable. Then you whine to the bartender about your marriage. It’s getting old. Pretty pathetic, honestly.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“If you came here to insult me, don’t bother,” Ellis snapped. “And I’ve seen you leave with a different woman every night. So tell me, who’s more pathetic? At least I know what love is.”
“Ouch,” Leo said with a laugh. “You’ve got some fight in you. I like that. Look, I’m not here to make fun of you. I’m here to offer some help. Give me a few days, and I’ll get you back in shape.”
“In shape for what?” Ellis asked, narrowing her eyes.
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“For seducing men, of course,” Leo replied.
“I’m 42,” Ellis said. “I’ve only ever been with one man.”
“Exactly,” Leo said. “That’s why I want to help. So, what do you say?” He held out his hand.
“What’s in it for you?” Ellis asked suspiciously.
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“It’s a challenge,” Leo said.
Ellis sighed. Then, reluctantly, she shook his hand. She wasn’t interested in flirting with men, but she figured a distraction might not be the worst idea.
Over the next few days, Leo dove headfirst into helping Ellis reinvent herself.
He took her shopping at trendy boutiques, insisting she try on clothes that were far from her usual style.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Ellis initially hesitated, standing awkwardly in front of the mirror in fitted dresses and bold colors.
He didn’t stop there. Leo coached her on how to hold her head high and how to speak with conviction.
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He even pointed out men at the bar for her to approach, handing her opening lines. At first, Ellis felt ridiculous.
She stumbled over her words, her hands shaking as she introduced herself. But after a few tries, something changed.
Men smiled at her. Some even asked for her number. For the first time in years, Ellis felt seen.
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Still, one thing nagged at her. Leo’s charm with women, though effortless, felt empty.
He flirted easily, laughed at their jokes, and disappeared with a new woman every night. One evening, as they sat at the bar, Ellis broke the silence.
“Why do you do it?” she asked. “Don’t you want something real?”
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Leo avoided her gaze. “What’s the point?” he said.
“You’re scared of getting hurt,” Ellis said gently.
Leo paused before answering. “I’m not ready for anything serious,” he finally admitted. “I’ve seen what happens when people fall in love — it ruins them.”
Ellis shook her head but didn’t press him further. She knew fear when she saw it.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
One quiet evening, Ellis sat at the bar, sipping her drink, when a man approached her. His name was Ryan.
He was polite, with an easy smile, and spoke confidently.
He complimented her dress and smiled at her often. But as she sat there, Ellis felt her thoughts drifting.
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She remembered how Mark used to make her laugh until her sides hurt. She thought about how he always seemed to know what she needed, even when she didn’t.
“I need to use the restroom,” Ellis said, suddenly standing up. But instead of going back, she walked out of the restaurant, got into a cab, and went home.
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The house was silent. Family photos hung on the walls, staring back at her. Ellis saw the unsigned divorce papers on the table. She picked up her phone and texted Leo.
@Ellis:
Where have you been? I haven’t seen you in over a week
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@Leo:
I met someone
@Ellis:
Wow. But I need to talk to you
@Leo:
I can’t right now. I’m with her
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@Ellis:
I’m thinking about going back to Mark
@Leo:
I’ll be there in 20 minutes
Twenty minutes later, Ellis heard the sharp sound of a car horn outside. She stepped onto her porch and saw Leo climbing out of his car. His face was tense, and he looked frustrated.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“You can’t go back to him!” Leo shouted as he walked toward her.
Ellis crossed her arms. “I’ve realized something. I love him. I always have. No one else comes close,” she said firmly.
“He cheated on you!” Leo yelled, his voice rising. “He betrayed you!”
Ellis stood her ground. “I know. But I think I can forgive him.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“You can’t forgive that!” Leo snapped, shaking his head.
“Why not?” Ellis asked. “You’ve changed. You’ve found someone. Why can’t he?”
“It’s… it’s not the same,” Leo muttered, avoiding her eyes.
“I think it is,” Ellis replied, her voice steady.
Leo paused, then threw up his hands. “Fine. Do whatever you want. I’m done,” he said sharply. Without another word, he turned and got back into his car.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Ellis watched as he drove off, his tires kicking up dust on the quiet street.
The next morning, she woke with a heavy heart. That day marked what would have been Ellis and Mark’s 25th wedding anniversary.
She decided it was time to talk to him. Taking a deep breath, she texted Mark, asking him to come over without explaining why.
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She spent the afternoon preparing dinner, using recipes she had made on their anniversaries before.
Later that evening, the doorbell rang. Ellis opened the door to find Mark standing there, his shoulders slumped and his eyes heavy with regret.
“Hey,” Mark said softly as the door opened.
“Hi,” Ellis replied, stepping aside. “Come in.” She gestured toward the living room, her voice steady but nervous.
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Mark walked in slowly, his eyes scanning the room. “So, what did you want to talk about? Is this about the divorce? Are we making it official?” His tone was cautious, his shoulders tense.
“I didn’t sign the papers,” Ellis said, her words measured.
Mark froze. “What? Why not?”
Before Ellis could answer, the doorbell rang. She frowned, glancing at the clock. “Who could that be?” she wondered aloud.
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“Did you tell Sara about the divorce?” Mark asked, his brow furrowing.
“No, I couldn’t. Did you?” Ellis asked, meeting his gaze.
“No,” Mark said, shaking his head.
Ellis sighed. “Damn. She knows it’s our anniversary. She probably came to celebrate,” she said, walking to the door.
When Ellis opened it, she was stunned to see Sara standing there — but her daughter wasn’t alone. Standing beside her was Leo.
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“What are you doing with my daughter?!” Ellis demanded, glaring at Leo.
“Mom,” Sara said, beaming. “This is my boyfriend, Leo. I thought today would be a great time to introduce him to you.”
Ellis stared at Leo in disbelief. “No way! Do you know he’s a womanizer?!”
“He was,” Sara said, her smile fading. “But… Wait. How do you know that?”
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“I was teaching her how to flirt with men,” Leo said casually, then blinked in confusion. “Wait… how is she your mom? She’s way too young!”
“Why do you think I got married at 17?” Ellis replied dryly.
“What’s going on here?” Sara asked, her voice rising. “Why were you teaching my mom how to flirt? She’s married!”
“They’re divorcing,” Leo interjected. Then, noticing Mark, he added, “Or maybe not.”
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“What?!” Sara exclaimed. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Ellis looked at her daughter, her face softening. “Because I wasn’t sure yet. And today, I invited your dad to tell him I want to get back together.”
Mark’s head jerked up. “Really?” he asked, his voice filled with cautious hope. Ellis nodded.
Leo crossed his arms. “He doesn’t deserve you.”
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Ellis raised an eyebrow. “And you don’t deserve my daughter.”
“You said I’ve changed,” Leo retorted.
“And that’s true,” Sara said, stepping forward. “Mom, we’re in love. And it was Leo’s idea to meet you.”
“I didn’t know you were her parents,” Leo said defensively.
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Ellis took a moment to process everything. The room fell silent until Mark spoke. “Are you really ready to forgive me?”
“Yes,” Ellis said. “I’ve decided it’s worth giving us another chance. If someone like Leo can fall in love, then after 25 years, we can fix things too.”
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Mark stepped forward and hugged her tightly. Ellis clung to him, tears streaming down her face. She loved him, and together they could rebuild.
“But,” Mark said, pulling back, “I still need to know how you know Leo.”
“Me too!” Sara exclaimed. They all burst into laughter, and Ellis invited them to the table. Together, they sat, letting love guide the way forward.
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If you enjoyed this story, read this one: Walking into the office that morning, I expected another ordinary day of burying myself in work. But then I saw him—the man who had destroyed my life. My chest tightened, and the memories came flooding back. I had no idea how to handle it. All I knew was that I couldn’t stay in the same room as him.
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Meu amigo me expulsou do casamento dele – o motivo dele me surpreendeu
Minha esposa e eu ficamos chocados quando fomos expulsos do casamento do meu amigo por pedir pizza depois que o bufê ficou sem comida. Mal sabíamos que nossa ideia bêbada desencadearia um turbilhão de drama que nos deixaria questionando nossas ações e amizades.
Minha esposa e eu estávamos animados com o casamento do meu amigo Tom. Foi um evento pequeno e íntimo com cerca de 70 convidados, a maioria família. A atmosfera era alegre, e todos pareciam genuinamente felizes por estarem lá.
Um grande casamento | Fonte: Midjourney
“Olhe para as decorações”, minha esposa disse, sorrindo. “Eles fizeram um ótimo trabalho, não é?”
“Sim, é lindo”, respondi. “Tom e Linda parecem tão felizes.”
Encontramos nossos lugares em uma mesa com algumas pessoas amigáveis. Nós nos apresentamos e começamos a conversar.
“Olá, sou Mike e esta é minha esposa, Sarah”, eu disse ao casal ao nosso lado.
Mulher rindo em uma mesa de bufê | Fonte: Midjourney
“Prazer em conhecê-la! Eu sou Jane, e este é meu marido, Bob,” a mulher disse com um sorriso caloroso.
A cerimônia foi linda. Tom e Linda trocaram votos, e houve lágrimas de alegria por todo lado. Depois, voltamos para nossos assentos, prontos para celebrar.
O bar aberto foi um sucesso. Todos estavam se misturando, bebidas na mão, e risadas enchiam a sala. Os garçons colocaram duas garrafas de vinho em cada mesa, junto com pão e manteiga.
“Este vinho é fantástico”, Bob disse, servindo-se de outra taça. “Você já provou, Mike?”
Um homem com uma taça de vinho | Fonte: Midjourney
“Ainda não, mas vou”, respondi, pegando meu copo.
Logo, o bufê foi anunciado. O mestre de cerimônias explicou que as mesas seriam chamadas aos poucos, começando pela família.
“Isso faz sentido”, disse Sarah. “Família em primeiro lugar.”
Observamos as primeiras mesas serem chamadas. O bufê parecia incrível, com uma variedade de pratos. No entanto, notei algo preocupante.
Várias sobremesas em uma mesa de buffet | Fonte: Pexels
“Esses pratos estão empilhados”, sussurrei para Sarah. “Espero que haja o suficiente para todos.”
“Sim, eu também”, ela respondeu, franzindo a testa.
O tempo passou, e mais mesas foram chamadas. Os familiares voltaram para pedir mais, seus pratos ainda mais cheios do que antes. Meu estômago roncou enquanto esperávamos.
“Finalmente!”, eu disse quando nossa mesa foi chamada.
Salada de legumes em uma mesa de bufê | Fonte: Pexels
Mas quando chegamos ao bufê, ele estava quase vazio. Conseguimos juntar algumas sobras e voltamos para nossos assentos, nos sentindo decepcionados.
“É só isso que sobrou?” Jane perguntou, olhando para seu prato quase vazio.
“Temo que sim”, eu disse. “Não acredito que eles ficaram sem comida.”
Todos na nossa mesa estavam visivelmente chateados. O clima havia mudado de alegria para frustração.
“Isso é ridículo!” Bob disse. “Ainda estou com fome.”
Um prato com raspas | Fonte: Pexels
“Eu também”, Sarah acrescentou. “O que devemos fazer agora?”
Ficamos ali sentados, pegando nossas escassas porções. As conversas ao redor de nós ficaram abafadas e tensas.
“Alguém deveria ter planejado melhor,” Jane murmurou. “Isto é um casamento, pelo amor de Deus.”
Tom, o noivo, aproximou-se com uma expressão preocupada no rosto.
“Ei, Mike, está tudo bem?” ele perguntou.
O noivo vindo falar com os convidados | Fonte: Midjourney
“Na verdade não, Tom”, respondi. “Não sobrou comida. Ainda estamos todos com fome.”
O rosto de Tom caiu. “Sinto muito. Pensei que haveria o suficiente para todos.”
“Não é culpa sua,” Sarah disse gentilmente. “Nós vamos descobrir algo.”
Depois que Tom foi embora, continuamos conversando, tentando tirar o melhor proveito da situação.
“Não seria engraçado se simplesmente pedíssemos pizza?”, Bob brincou, tentando descontrair.
“Não é uma má ideia”, eu disse, meio sério. “Estou morrendo de fome.”
Amigos brincando em um casamento | Fonte: Midjourney
“Vamos lá”, Jane disse, seus olhos brilhando. “Nós todos podemos ajudar.”
Todos concordaram, e rapidamente juntamos nosso dinheiro. Liguei para uma pizzaria próxima e pedi quatro pizzas grandes e algumas asas.
“Trinta minutos”, disse o entregador. “Já estamos aí.”
“Perfeito”, respondi, sentindo um pouco de alívio.
Esperamos, nossa expectativa crescendo. O clima na nossa mesa começou a melhorar enquanto imaginávamos a pizza chegando.
Homens rindo na mesa | Fonte: Midjourney
“Não acredito que estamos fazendo isso!” Sarah riu. “Isso vai ser uma história para contar!”
Finalmente, as pizzas chegaram. Encontrei o entregador do lado de fora e carreguei as caixas para dentro, sentindo os olhares dos outros clientes em mim.
“Você realmente pediu pizza?”, um deles perguntou, surpreso.
“É,” eu disse, sorrindo. “Sirvam-se se não comeram o suficiente.”
Uma pizza fatiada | Fonte: Pexels
Quando começamos a comer, a atmosfera na nossa mesa se transformou. Dividimos as pizzas com mesas próximas que também tinham perdido o bufê, e todos ficaram gratos.
“Essa é a melhor ideia de todas!” Bob disse, mordendo uma fatia. “Obrigado, Mike!”
“Sem problemas”, respondi, sentindo uma sensação de camaradagem. No entanto, não notei as outras mesas nos olhando com clara desaprovação.
Tentei aproveitar minha pizza, mas não conseguia me livrar da sensação de que algo ruim estava por vir. Nesse momento, um homem alto de terno, que reconheci como o pai de Linda, se aproximou da nossa mesa.
Dois pratos de pizza | Fonte: Pexels
“Com licença”, ele disse, sua voz severa. “Onde você conseguiu essa pizza?”
Olhei para ele e suspirei. “Nós pedimos. Não havia comida suficiente no bufê, e ainda estávamos todos com fome.”
Ele olhou para as caixas de pizza quase vazias, seus olhos se estreitando. “Você não comeu o suficiente?”
“Não,” respondi, tentando manter a calma. “Quando chegamos ao bufê, não havia quase nada sobrando.”
O pai de Linda franziu a testa. “Restam duas fatias. Posso comer uma?”
Um homem sentado com seu prato de pizza | Fonte: Midjourney
Olhei para ele, sentindo uma mistura de frustração e descrença. “Honestamente, senhor, não. Sua família comeu a maior parte da comida do bufê. Tivemos que pedir isso só para colocar alguma coisa no estômago.”
Seu rosto ficou vermelho. “Você está se recusando a compartilhar?”
“Sim,” eu disse firmemente. “Nós mal conseguimos comer alguma coisa, e ainda estamos com fome.”
Um homem de meia idade irritado | Fonte: Midjourney
Ele ficou ali por um momento, claramente bravo. Então ele se virou e voltou para sua mesa, resmungando baixinho. A tensão na sala era palpável. Eu podia ver a noiva, Linda, olhando para nós do outro lado da sala. A família na mesa deles estava sussurrando e atirando punhais em nossa direção.
“Isso não é bom,” Jane disse calmamente. “Acho que estamos em apuros.”
Tom voltou, parecendo aflito. “Mike, sinto muito, mas você e Sarah precisam ir embora.”
Um noivo chateado se aproximando de seu amigo | Fonte: Midjourney
“O quê? Por quê?”, perguntei, sentindo uma onda de raiva.
“Linda está realmente chateada”, explicou Tom. “O pai dela está furioso. Eles acham que você os desrespeitou ao pedir pizza e não dividir.”
Balancei a cabeça em descrença. “Tom, nós estávamos morrendo de fome. Não queríamos desrespeitar ninguém.”
“Eu sei,” ele disse, parecendo genuinamente arrependido. “Mas está causando muita tensão. Por favor, vá embora. Conversamos depois.”
Sentindo-me frustrado e magoado, concordei. “Tudo bem, vamos embora.”
Um casal saindo do casamento | Fonte: Midjourney
Sarah e eu juntamos nossas coisas e saímos da recepção. Chamamos um táxi e fomos para casa, a noite terminando com uma nota amarga.
Poucos dias depois, Tom me ligou. “Mike, podemos conversar?”
“Claro,” eu disse, ainda me sentindo um pouco irritado. “O que foi?”
“Quero me desculpar”, Tom começou. “Tive uma longa conversa com Linda e sua família. Eles perceberam agora que não havia comida suficiente para todos. Linda está furiosa com sua família por levar tanto e deixar os outros hóspedes sem nada.”
Um homem falando ao telefone | Fonte: Midjourney
“Eu aprecio isso, Tom,” eu disse, me sentindo um pouco aliviado. “Foi uma situação difícil para todos.”
“Sim, foi”, Tom concordou. “O pai de Linda se sente péssimo pelo que aconteceu. Ele quer compensar todo mundo.”
“Sério? Como?”, perguntei, curioso.
“Ele está planejando uma ‘festa pós-casamento’”, explicou Tom. “Ele vai convidar todos que estavam no casamento, além de mais alguns. Haverá bastante comida e entretenimento. Ele quer ter certeza de que ninguém passará fome dessa vez.”
Um homem feliz em seu telefone | Fonte: Midjourney
“Parece ótimo”, eu disse, genuinamente satisfeito. “Quando é?”
“Meados de agosto”, Tom respondeu. “Ele está puxando favores e indo com tudo. Haverá comida, bebidas, música e até mesmo algumas atividades divertidas como arremesso de machado e uma fogueira.”
“Uau, isso parece incrível”, eu disse, sorrindo. “Estou ansioso por isso.”
“Eu também”, disse Tom. “Espero que isso ajude a suavizar as coisas.”
Um homem com seu telefone no sofá | Fonte: Midjourney
“Acho que sim”, concordei.
Ao desligar o telefone, senti uma sensação de alívio. A situação tinha sido estranha e tensa, mas parecia que as coisas estavam se movendo em uma direção positiva.
Refletindo sobre toda a provação, percebi o quão inesperado e estranho tudo tinha sido. Uma simples falta de comida tinha causado tanto drama, mas no final, trouxe uma solução que prometia ser ainda mais divertida do que o evento original.
Gostou desta história? Quer mais? Tente ler esta: Quando a madrasta de Alexandra chegou ao seu casamento com um vestido branco, insistindo que merecia atenção, Alexandra se preparou para o caos. Mas seu marido tinha um plano para virar o jogo de uma forma que ninguém esperava…
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