Chapter 6 - The Ex-Wife’s ReturnFor the next three days, Amy’s presence at Riverside Commons turned my peaceful routine into a tightrope walk.
I kept my blinds closed, left for work before dawn, and parked my car two rows away to avoid recognition. But living next door meant hearing everything through the thin walls of our townhouses.
On Sunday afternoon, while taking out my trash, I ran directly into Amy in the central courtyard.
She froze, staring at me in utter disbelief. She wore dark sunglasses and a trench coat, holding a coffee cup.
“Derek?” she gasped, her voice sharp with shock. “What on earth are you doing here?”
“I live here, Amy,” I said calmly, tossing the trash bag into the bin.
“You live here? Next door to my mother?!” Her face flushed with anger. “Did you follow me? Are you stalking my family?”
I let out a tired laugh. “I moved here eight months ago right after the divorce was finalized. I had no idea your mother lived here until after I signed the lease.”
Amy crossed her arms, her eyes scanning my face with deep suspicion. “This is insane. My mom never mentioned you lived next door!”
“Because it wasn't relevant,” I lied smoothly, keeping my voice neutral. “We bumped into each other once or twice in the parking lot. That’s it.”
Amy scoffed, tossing her hair. “Well, it’s creepy, Derek. I came here to get away from the disaster of my life, and I have to see my ex-husband taking out his garbage.”
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“You can leave whenever you want, Amy,” I said firmly, stepping past her. “This is my home.”
As I walked back to my apartment, I saw Lillian standing near her window, watching us with a pained, anxious expression. I gave her a subtle, reassuring nod, but I knew the storm was just beginning.
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