This time outside a restaurant. Then another time near the gym. Rachel finally asked me, "Is she following us?" I didn't want to believe it. So, I looked into it myself. I checked the dates.
The places weren't random. Marie had been showing up wherever Rachel and I spent time together. I called her again. You need to stop. I haven't done anything.
You've been following us. No, I know where you've been. She went quiet. Marie, I just wanted to see you. You don't get to do that anymore.
I miss you. You lost that right when you cheated. I made one mistake. No. Her voice cracked.
I love you. You don't get to use that to justify what you're doing. I just wanted to know if she's serious about you. Why? Because I need to know.
You don't. She started crying. You moved on so quickly. I didn't. I spent months putting myself back together.
She said nothing. I didn't replace you, Marie. I moved on. Her breathing became unsteady. I thought you would come back.
I told you I wouldn't. I didn't believe you. That's not my problem. She hung up. I thought the message was clear.
But a few days later, Rachel called me while she was driving home. Walter, what happened? I think that woman is behind me. I immediately stood up. Where are you?
She told me. I grabbed my keys. Don't stop anywhere. Keep driving toward the main road. I got into my car and headed toward her.
When I arrived, I saw Rachel's car parked outside a busy store. She was inside. Marie was parked across the street. I walked toward her car. She rolled down the window.
Walter. I stared at her. What are you doing? She looked embarrassed. I just wanted to talk.
You followed Rachel. I wasn't going to hurt her. That's not the point. I just wanted to understand. Understand what?
How you could love someone else? I shook my head. You don't need to understand it. She looked at me through the open window. I destroyed everything.
Yes, I know. Then stop destroying what's left. She started crying. I don't know how to let you go. I stepped back from the car.
You don't have to like what happened. I looked directly at her, but you have to accept it. Then I walked away. Rachel was waiting for me inside the store. I took her hand.
We left together. Behind us, Marie remained in her car, watching us disappear. After that night, I stopped answering Marie's calls. I had already told her everything she needed to hear. There was nothing left to explain.
Rachel and I continued seeing each other, but I was careful not to pretend that everything was normal immediately. I told her exactly what had happened. I told her about the canceled wedding. I told her about Marie following us. And I told her that if she ever felt uncomfortable, she should tell me.
Rachel appreciated that she didn't want to be involved in someone else's unfinished relationship. I understood, so I made sure Marie stayed in the past. A few weeks went by without seeing her. Then one afternoon, I received a message from her. It was short.