Larry will see Bethany and her ex-boyfriend having dinner together. 👇
Larry’s jaw tightened the second he saw them.
Bethany.
Sitting in the corner booth of Le Rivage Bistro, laughing softly—across from her ex-boyfriend, Derek.
The warm candlelight made everything look romantic. The jazz music, the clinking of glasses… the way Derek leaned forward like he belonged there.
And what made Larry’s blood boil?
Bethany looked… happy.
Larry stood frozen at the entrance, still wearing the same clothes from court earlier that day. The memory of the judge’s words echoed in his head:
“Bethany will pay the $1,000 fine… for YOU.”
And now here she was, smiling like she didn’t just get punished because of him.
Larry’s fists clenched.
Then he saw it.
Derek reached into his pocket and placed something on the table.
A small velvet box.
Larry’s stomach dropped.
“No…” he whispered.
🍽️ Inside the Restaurant…
Bethany forced a small smile, but inside her chest was tight.
She didn’t even want to come tonight.
But Derek had texted her earlier:
“Bethany… I heard what happened in court. I just want to talk. No drama. One dinner.”
She agreed for one reason only:
She needed peace.
The last few weeks with Larry had been nonstop chaos—arguments, pressure, stress. And now a fine?
Because Larry refused to pay?
She was exhausted.
Derek looked at her like he could see right through her.
“You’ve lost weight,” he said softly.
Bethany shrugged. “I’ve been… dealing with a lot.”
Derek shook his head, disappointed. “I never thought I’d see you like this. You’re not the same Bethany.”
Bethany laughed bitterly. “Yeah… neither is my life.”
Derek leaned in. “Why are you still with him?”
Bethany didn’t answer.
Because deep down…
She didn’t even know anymore.
👀 Larry Watches From Across the Room…
Larry moved behind a tall plant by the window, spying like he was in some movie.
Every time Bethany smiled, it felt like a slap.
Then Derek slid the velvet box closer.
Bethany’s eyes widened.
She quickly pushed it back.
“No, Derek… don’t.”
Larry’s eyes narrowed.
Don’t??
So it WAS something serious.
Larry’s heart started pounding.
Derek spoke again, low and serious.
“I don’t care what you say. I’m not letting you destroy your life because of him.”
Bethany’s face hardened.
“It’s not that simple.”
Derek’s voice grew stronger.
“It IS simple. You deserve better. You always did.”
Larry couldn’t take it anymore.
He stormed forward.
💥 BOOM—Larry Explodes!
Larry slammed his palm on their table so hard the glasses shook.
“WOWWWW… look at this!”
Bethany jumped in her seat.
Derek stood up slowly, calm but alert. “Larry.”
Larry pointed at Derek like he was accusing him in court.
“So this what you doing now, Bethany?? After I got you caught up in all that court mess?? You out here on a DATE??”
Bethany stood too, embarrassed. “Larry, stop! This is not a date!”
Larry laughed loud enough that people turned their heads.
“Oh it’s not?? Then why he sitting here with you looking like he about to propose??”
Bethany’s face turned red.
Derek stepped between them.
“Lower your voice,” Derek said.
Larry’s eyes bulged. “Or what??”
Derek stayed calm. “Or you’ll embarrass yourself even more.”
Larry shoved Derek’s shoulder.
Bethany gasped. “LARRY!”
The restaurant manager started walking over.
Larry didn’t care.
He leaned toward Bethany with a toxic smirk.
“So tell me, Bethany… you still paying that $1,000 fine for me tomorrow, right??”
Bethany froze.
And for the first time…
She didn’t look afraid.
She looked done.
😳 Bethany’s Breaking Point…
Bethany slowly pulled her purse strap onto her shoulder.
Her voice was quiet, but sharp like a knife.
“No.”
Larry blinked. “What you mean no?”
Bethany lifted her chin.
“I’m not paying it.”
Larry’s laugh was forced. “Bethany… stop playing.”
“I’m not playing,” she said, voice shaking with rage. “I paid enough already. Not just money… my dignity. My peace. My mental health.”
Larry’s face changed instantly.
“You gonna embarrass me in front of your ex now??”
Bethany stared right into his eyes.
“You embarrassed yourself, Larry. Like always.”
Derek didn’t say a word.
He just watched… proud.
Larry stepped closer. “You think you can just disrespect me like that??”
Bethany didn’t move.
“I can do whatever I want,” she said. “Because you don’t own me.”
That line hit Larry like a punch.
His jaw tightened.
“You think this man want you??” Larry snapped, pointing at Derek. “He just trying to use you!”
Derek finally spoke.
“Larry… I’m not here to fight you. I’m here because I still care about Bethany.”
Larry sneered.
“Care?? Then where were you when she needed you??”
Derek didn’t blink.
“Right here,” he replied. “And I’ll stay… as long as she lets me.”
Bethany’s chest rose and fell.
Then she did something Larry never expected.
She turned to Derek.
“Take me home,” she said.
Larry’s eyes widened. “EXCUSE ME???”
Bethany grabbed her coat.
“I’m leaving.”
Larry stepped in front of her. “You not walking out with him!”
Bethany stared coldly.
“Move.”
Larry didn’t.
So Derek gently stepped forward and said two words Larry hated:
“Don’t touch her.”
🚔 The Restaurant Manager Calls Security…
Two security guards appeared near the entrance.
The manager said, “Sir, you need to leave.”
Larry pointed at Bethany like she was the criminal.
“She cheating on me right in front of me!”
Bethany spoke clearly.
“I’m not cheating. I’m leaving you.”
Larry froze.
“What??”
Bethany’s voice didn’t shake this time.
“I’m leaving. And you can pay your own fine. Handle your own problems. Because I’m DONE saving you.”
Larry’s face turned pale.
“Bethany… you can’t do this.”
Bethany walked around him.
“I already did.”
Derek held the door open for her.
Larry stood there shaking, humiliated, angry, panicking.
As Bethany walked out, she didn’t look back.
Not once.
🌙 Outside… The Real Twist Happens…
Bethany stood by Derek’s car, breathing hard like she had just escaped a storm.
Derek opened the passenger door for her.
“You okay?” he asked.
Bethany nodded slowly.
Then Derek paused.
“I didn’t come here to propose,” he said.
Bethany blinked. “What?”
He pulled out the velvet box again…
And opened it.
Inside wasn’t a ring.
It was a small key.
Bethany stared, confused.
Derek swallowed.
“It’s… a key to my apartment.”
Bethany’s eyes filled with tears.
“If you need somewhere safe,” he said softly, “you have it. No pressure. No questions.”
Bethany covered her mouth.
Because nobody had offered her safety in a long time.
And for the first time…
She felt something she hadn’t felt in months.
Relief.
🔥 Meanwhile… Larry Snaps…
Inside the restaurant, Larry was still standing there like a man who just lost control of his whole life.
Then his phone buzzed.
A notification from his bank:
“Payment Due: Court Fine - $1,000”
Larry’s breathing sped up.
He slammed his fist against the wall.
“NO… NO NO NO!”
Because now he knew…
Bethany wasn’t bluffing.
She was really gone.
And he had nobody left to clean up his mess.
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