welcome to story tales please like this video And subscribe to story tales I hope you enjoy the story let's begin Lucas hard gripped the steering wheel of his beat up Ford pickup Knuckles white as he navigated the familiar streets of his Austin suburb the late afternoon sun beat down mercilessly and sweat trickled down his back staining his oil stained workshirt he'd spent the last 10 hours bent over engines at Mike's auto shop and his muscles achd with a familiar bone deep weariness as he turned on a Maple Street Lucas allowed himself a small smile no
matter how tough the day had been coming home to Megan always made things better his wife of 5 years had a way of brightening even his darkest moods with her infectious laugh and warm brown eyes pulling into the driveway Lucas frowned Megan's blue Prius was there but so was a gleaming black truck he didn't recognize probably just a neighbor he told himself ignoring the uneasy feeling in his gut he climbed out of his truck wincing as his stiff back protested the movement the front door was unlocked and as Lucas stepped inside the familiar sense of
Home lemon cleaning products and the faint trace of Megan's favorite vanilla candles washed over him Meg he called out dropping his keys in the dish by the door I'm home no answer came Lucas's frown deepened as he made his way through the living room everything looked normal the same worn couch where they cuddled to watch movies Megan stack of teaching materials on a coffee table but something fell off he heard muffled voices coming from upstairs and started up his work boots heavy on the carpeted steps Megan he called again as he reached the top of
the stairs the bedroom door flew open Megan emerged her face flushed and her long dark hair disheveled she was carrying a suitcase Lucas froze his mind refusing to process what he was seeing what's going on Megan's eyes met his and for a moment he saw a flicker of something guilt regret before her expression hardened I'm leaving Lucas the words hit him like a physical blow leaving what are you talking about she brushed past him heading for the stairs I can't do this anymore I'm done Lucas followed her his mind reeling done with what Meg talk
to me whatever wrong we can fix it Megan Whirled to face him at the bottom of the stairs her eyes flashing fix it like you've been promising to fix things for the past two years she let out a bitter laugh I'm done with your excuses Lucas I'm done with your broken promises and I'm sure as held done with your 4 Ines Lucas felt his face burning with a mixture of Shame and anger is that what this is about our sex life Megan if you're unhappy we can work on it we can go to counseling try
new things it's not just about sex Megan exploded it's about feeling valued feeling like I'm matter when was the last time you asked about my day when was the last time you did something spontaneous something exciting Lucas opened his mouth to argue but the words died on his tongue he couldn't remember the last time he' done any of those things Megan's voice softened slightly I need more Lucas I need someone who sees me who challenges me someone who makes me feel alive before Lucas could respond the front door opened a man stepped in tall and
lean with perfectly styled hair and a smile that could sell ice to Eskimos he was wearing an expensive looking suit that made Lucas acutely aware of his own grease stained jeans is everything okay in here the man asked his voice smooth as silk Lucas felt his hands curl into fists who the hell are you the man smile never wavered Troy called well he said extending a hand that Lucas ignored I'm here to pick up Megan Lucas turned to his wife disbelief etched on his features this is why you're leaving for him Megan at least had
the decency to look uncomfortable Troy and I we connected he understands me in a way you never have we've known each other for 3 weeks Troy added as if that explained everything Lucas felt F like he was drowning struggling to make sense of what was happening 3 weeks you're throwing away our marriage for a guy you've known for 3 weeks it's not like that Megan protested weekly then what is it like Lucas demanded explain it to me Meg because I'm having a real hard time understanding how you could do this Troy stepped forward placing a
possessive hand on Megan's waist I think it's pretty clear buddy Megan's made her choice time for you to step aside Lucas saw red he lunged forward grabbing Troy by the collar of his fancy suit get your hands off my wife he growled Troy's smug smile finally faltered he tried to push Lucas away but years of working on cars had given Lucas a strength that the real estate agent couldn't match Lucas stop it Megan cried trying to pull them apart Lucas released Troy with a shove sending him stumbling Back Against The Wall get out of my
house he snarled Troy straightened his suit his composure cracking slightly listen here you grease monkey he spat oy forget her she belongs to me now the crude words hung in the air like a challenge Lucas felt a tightness in his chest a mixture of rage and heartbreak threatening to overwhelm him he turned to Megan his voice low and dangerous is that true Meg do you belong to him now Megan wouldn't meet his eyes Lucas please don't make this harder than it has to be harder Lucas let out a humorless laugh you're leaving me for this
prick and you're worried about making it hard for me he shook his head a cold determination settling over him fine you want to go go but don't think you can come crawling back when this blows up in your face Megan's eyes widened what are you saying I'm saying if you walk out that door with him don't bother coming back ever Lucas's voice was steal you made your choice Megan now you get to live with it for a moment uncertainty flickered across Megan's face then Troy's hand was on her arm gently tugging her towards the door
come on baby let's get out of here Megan hesitated for just a second before nodding she picked up her suitcase and moved towards the door pausing to look back at Lucas one last time I'm sorry she whispered Lucas said nothing his jaw clenched tight as he watched his wife walk out of their home and out of his life with another man the door closed behind him with a soft click that seemed to Echo in the sudden oppressive silence Lucas stood there rooted to the spot his mind struggling to process what had just happened the house
that had always been his Sanctuary now felt alien and empty he moved on autopilot climbing the stairs to there know his bedroom his eyes fell on the framed photo on the dresser and he picked it up with Trembling Hands it was from their wedding day both of them beaming at at the camera full of Hope and Dreams for the future Lucas sank onto the bed still clutching the photo as memories washed over him it was the first day of their sophomore year at the University of Texas Lucas had overslept and was sprinting across campus desperately
trying to make it to his 8: a.m. class on time he rounded a corner at full speed and collided with someone sending books and papers flying everywhere I'm so sorry he exclaimed scrambling to help pick up the scatter materials that's when he looked up and saw her the most beautiful girl he'd ever laid eyes on she had long dark hair warm brown eyes and a smile that made his heart skip a beat it's okay she laughed excepting the stack of books he handed her I'm Megan Lucas he managed to stammer out I uh I like
your shirt Megan glanced down at her burnt orange utt thanks are you a Longhorns fan too Lucas nodded eagerly borne and raised my dad used to take me to games when I was a kid they chatted for a few more minutes completely forgetting about their classes by the time they parted ways Lucas had her number and a promise to meet up for coffee later that week from that day on they were inseparable Lucas was majoring in mechanical engineering dreaming of Designing cuttingedge cars Megan was studying education passionate about shaping young minds they spent long nights
in the library quizzing each each other and stealing kisses between chapters weekends were for Longhorns games picnics in Zilker Park and exploring Austin's vibrant music scene their dreams seemed perfectly aligned Lucas would work for a big Auto Company designing the cars of the future Megan would teach elementary school nurturing the Next Generation they buy a house start a family build a life together but life had other plans Lucas's grip on the photo tightened as the memories shifted growing darker he'd struggled to find work after graduation the recession hit the Auto industry hard and entry-level engineering
positions were few and far between Megan on the other hand landed a job at a local elementary school almost immediately at first Lucas had been thrilled for her success he picked up work at an auto repair shop telling himself it was temporary he'd keep applying keep networking and eventually land his dream job but as months turned turned into years the rejections piled up Lucas watched as Megan's career flourished she was a natural teacher beloved by her students and respected by her colleagues meanwhile he was still changing oil and fixing transmissions coming home each day smelling
of grease and disappointment he started working longer hours telling himself he was saving up for their future but deep down he knew he was avoiding the growing tension at home Megan never said it outright but he could see the disappointment in her eyes this wasn't the life they had planned their conversations grew shorter their silences longer intimacy became a rare occurrence weighed down by unspoken resentments and unfulfilled expectations Lucas threw himself into his work taking on extra shifts and weaken jobs if he couldn't be the successful husband Megan deserved he could at least provide for
her financially but in doing so he lost sight of what really mattered he'd stopped asking about her day stopped planning surprise dates or weekend getaways he'd been so focused on what he lacked that he' forgotten to appreciate what he had and now it was too late a loud honk from outside jolted Lucas back to the present he moved to the window just in time to see Troy's black truck pulling out of the driveway Megan in the passenger seat they were laughing about something carefree and happy in a way Lucas couldn't remember feeling in years as
he watched them disappear down the street Lucas felt something hardened inside him the initial shock and heartbreak were giving way to a cold seething anger anger at Megan for giving up on them anger at Troy for swooping in and stealing his life but most of all anger at himself for letting things get to this point he looked down at the wedding photo still clutched in his hand with a snarl of Rage he hurled it across the room the frame sh shattered against the wall glass tinkling as it hit the floor Lucas stood there chest heaving
surrounded by the broken pieces of his marriage he'd been passive for too long letting life happen to him instead of taking control well no more Megan thought she could just walk out on him fine but he wasn't going to sit around feeling sorry for himself he was going to pick himself up dust himself off and show her exactly what she'd thrown away and asked for tro boy Lucas's lips curled into a grim smile that smug bastard had no idea what was coming he'd taken everything from Lucas and now Lucas was going to return the favor
this wasn't over not by a long shot Lucas pulled out his phone and dialed a familiar number after a few rings a voice answered hey Marcus it's Lucas L Mom I need your help can you come over I've got a story you're not going to believe as he hung up Lucas took one last look around the bedroom he'd shared with Megan for the past 5 years tomorrow he'd start packing up her things tomorrow he begin the process of untangling their lives but tonight tonight he was going to start planning his revenge the sharp knock at
the door pulled Lucas from his brooding thoughts he'd been sitting in the dark living room for hours replaying the days events over and over in his mind each time his anger grew he hauled himself off the couch and opened in the door Marcus stood there concern etched on his face Lucas what's going on man you sounded pretty messed up on the phone Lucas stepped aside to let his friend in Megan left me he said his voice flat Marcus's eyes widened what when why today about 4 hours ago Lucas led the way to the kitchen pulling
two beers from the fridge he handed one to Marcus before taking a long Swig from his own she's shacking up with some hot shot real estate agent apparently I'm not exciting enough for her anymore Marcus let out a low whistle damn Lucas I'm sorry that's rough Lucas's grip tightened on his bottle I don't want your pity Marcus I want your help help with what Marcus asked I'm his friend weily Revenge the word hung in the air between them heavy with promise Marcus sat down at the kitchen table his ression serious Lucas I know you're hurting
but Revenge isn't the answer it won't make you feel better in the long run Lucas slammed his beard down making Marcus jump you think I care about feeling better this isn't about healing or moving on this is about making them pay for what they've done D Megan and Troy her new boy toy Lucas spat the name like it left a bad taste in his mouth he waltzed in here like he owned the place called me he trailed off the crude insult still ringing in his ears Marcus leaned forward his voice gentle what did he call
you Lucas met his friend's eyes his own blazing with Fury he called me ac asterisk CK said Megan belongs to him now Jesus Marcus muttered what an exactly Lucas began pacing the kitchen so are you going to help me or not Marcus sighed running a hand through his hair what exact did you have in mind a grim smile spread across Lucas's face I'm glad you asked over the next hour Lucas laid out his plan he wanted to dig into Troy's past find out everything he could about the man who'd stolen his wife there's no way
this guy is as perfect as he seems Lucas insisted he's got to have skeletons in his closet I want to find them and use them to destroy him Marcus listened his expression growing more troubled with each Passage minute when Lucas finally fell silent Marcus spoke up Lucas I get that you're angry but this this is crazy you're talking about stalking the guy maybe even breaking the law I can't be part of that Lucas's face hardened I thought you were my friend I am your friend Marcus shot back that's why I'm telling you this is a
bad idea you need to let it go man focus on yourself on moving forward moving forward Lucas let out a bitter laugh while Megan's out they're living it up with Mr Perfect not a chance Marcus stood up his voice firm I'm not going to help you ruin your life over this Lucas Megan made her choice it sucks but you need to accept it and move on for a moment Lucas thought about lashing out about telling Marcus to go to hell but as he looked at his friend's concerned face he realized he needed to change tactics
Lucas slumped into a chair burying his face in his hands you're right he mumbled I'm not thinking straight I just I don't know how to handle this Marcus I feel like my whole life has been torn apart Marcus's expression softened he sat back down placing a hand on Lucas's shoulder I know man and I'm here for you but Revenge isn't the answer how about we get out of here for a bit clear your head Lucas nodded figting defeat yeah okay maybe you're right let me just grab my jacket as he headed upstairs Lucas owed himself
a small Victorious smile Marcus might not be willing to help directly but he'd inadvertently given Lucas exactly what he needed as an alibi over the next few weeks Lucas threw himself into his plan by day he went through the motions at work nodding along as his co-workers offered sympathy and support in the evenings he'd meet up with Marcus or other friends playing the part of the heartbroken husband trying to piece his life back together but late at night night when the rest of the world was asleep Lucas hunted he scoured social media poured over public
records and lurked on real estate forms slowly but surely a picture of Troy Caldwell began to emerge on the surface Troy was everything Lucas wasn't successful Charming ambitious but as Lucas dug deeper he found cracks in the glossy facade Troy had a string of failed businesses behind him each one ending in bankruptcy and unpaid debts he'd been sued multiple times by former clients who claimed he' misrepresented properties and most interestingly he had a habit of dating women who were going through divorces or bad breakups guess I'm not the first sucker you've played Troy Lucas muttered
as he added another note to his growing file but the real breakthrough came three weeks into his investigation Lucas was scrolling through an old Community Forum when he stumbled across a post from 5 years ago it was from a woman named Sarah warning others about a Charming real estate agent who'd swept her off her feet convinced her to invest in a property deal then disappeared with her life savings the agent's name Troy Caldwell Lucas's heart raced as he read and reread the post this was at the Smoking Gun he'd been looking for but he needed
more than just an old Forum post he needed proof it took another week of digging but Lucas finally Tracked Down Sarah's current contact information with shaking hands he dialed the number hello a woman's voice answered Lucas swallowed hard hi is this Sarah Thompson yes who's this my name is Lucas Hart I know this is going to sound strange but I need to talk to you about Troy Caldwell there was a long pause on the other end of the line when Sarah spoke again her voice was wary what about him he's dating my wife Lucas said
or well my sunab be ex-wife and I think he might be trying to scam her another pause then Sarah sighed heavily I was afraid of this he's still at it isn't he over the next hour Sarah told Lucas everything how Troy had Charmed her when she was vulnerable after her divorce how he convinced her to invest in a can't miss real estate opportunity and how he'd vanished once the money was in his account leaving her broke and humiliated I tried to warn people Sarah said her voice thick with emotion but he always stays just on
the right side of Le the police said it was a civil matter that I should have known better Lucas's grip tightened on the phone I'm sorry that happened to you Sarah but I promise you I'm going to stop him he's not going to do this to anyone else after he hung up Lucas sat back in his chair a grim smile on his face he finally had what he needed now it was time to set his plan in motion the charity event was in full swing when Lucas arrived he tugged at the collar of his rented
tux feeling out of place among Austin's Elite but he pushed the discomfort aside focusing on the task at hand he spotted Troy across the room holding court with a group of admiring listeners Megan stood at his side laughing at something he'd said the sight made Lucas's blood boil but he forced himself to stay calm everything hinged on his timing Lucas made his way to the stage nodding at the event organizer he befriended over the past week as he climbed the steps he caught Troy eye the smug bastard actually winked at him ladies and gentlemen Lucas
said into the microphone his voice echoing through the ballroom I know I'm not on the program tonight but I have an important announcement to make the crowd fell silent all eyes turning to him Lucas took a deep breath stealing himself for what was to come many of you know Troy Caldwell he continued gesturing to where Troy stood he's been a pillar of our community a successful businessman and a generous donor to many causes Troy beamed clearly eating up the praise but his smile faltered as Lucas went on but there's another side to Troy Caldwell a
side that prays on vulnerable women convincing them to invest in fake property deals before disappearing with their money a murmur ran through the crowd Lucas saw Megan's face go pale her eyes darting between him and Troy I have here Lucas held up a folder sworn statements from three of Troy's victims women who lost everything because they trusted him I also have bank records showing how he funneled their money through shell companies before withdrawing it in cash the murmur grew louder Troy was pushing his way through the crowd now his face Twisted with rage this is
slander he shouted you can't prove any of this Lucas smiled coldly actually I can Sarah Lena Jessica three women stood up from different parts of the room each one un locked eyes with Troy their expressions a mix of anger and Vindication these Brave women are here tonight to tell their stories Lucas said to make sure that Troy Caldwell never hurts anyone else again chaos erupted in the ballroom people were shouting security was moving in and somewhere in the back Lucas heard the unmistakable sound of police sirens but he only had eyes for Megan she stood
Frozen in place staring at him with a look of shock and was that admiration Lucas stepped down from the stage making his way towards her Troy tried to intercept him but two Burly security guards grabbed his arms holding him back you think this changes anything Troy snarled you're still a loser heart a Greece monkey who couldn't keep his wife satisfied Lucas stopped in front of him a cold smile playing on his lips maybe he said softly but at least I'm not a criminal enjoy prison Troy he brushed past Troy coming face to face with Megan
for the first time in weeks she opened her mouth to speak but Lucas held up a hand save it he said his voice hard I didn't do this for you I did it because it was right Megan's eyes filled with tears Lucas I'm so sorry I had no idea you're right Lucas Cut Her Off you had no idea about a lot of things he looked her up and down taking in the expensive dress and Jewelry Troy had no doubt bought her I hope it was worth it without waiting for a response Lucas turned and walked
away as he pushed through the stunned crowd he felt a weight lift from his shoulders it was done Troy was finished and Megan well Megan would have to live with the consequences of her choices Lucas stepped out into the cool night air taking a deep breath for the first time since Megan had walked out he felt like he could breathe again he'd gotten his revenge but more than that he' reclaimed his self-respect as he walked to his truck Lucas pulled out his phone and dialed a familiar number Marcus yeah it's done no I'm fine actually
I'm better than fine listen you want to grab a beer I've got one hell of a story to tell you the early morning sun streamed through the blinds of Lucas's apartment casting Long Shadows across the floor he sat at his kitchen table nursing a cup of strong black coffee his mind replaying the events of the previous night night the sharp ring of his cell phone cut through the silence Lucas glanced at the screen his jaw tightening as he saw Megan's name after a moment's hesitation he answered what do you want Megan her voice came through
small and hesitant Lucas we need to talk can we meet somewhere Lucas closed his eyes taking a deep breath part of him wanted to tell her to go to hell but another part fine Zilker Park by the fountain 1 hour he hung up before she could respond then dialed another number Marcus yeah it's me listen I need a favor an hour later Lucas stood by the fountain in Zilker Park Hands shoved deep in his pockets the place held so many memories picnics concerts Lazy Sunday afternoons now it felt like a battlefield he spotted Megan approaching
her steps slow and uncertain she looked different gone with a designer clothes and perfectly styled hair instead she wore jeans and a simple t-shirt her hair pulled back in a messy ponytail Lucas she said as she reached him thank you for meeting me he nodded curtly you wanted to talk so talk Megan took a deep breath I don't even know where to start what you did last night exposing Troy like that I didn't do it for you Lucas cut in his voice hard I know Megan said quickly but it was still it was incredible and
brave she paused ringing her hands Lucas I'm so sorry for everything I had no idea who Troy really was what he was capable of Lucas let out a bitter laugh and that makes it okay you threw away our marriage for a con man you barely knew tears welled up in Megan's eyes I know I was stupid and selfish I got caught up in the excitement the attention I convinced myself that I deserve more that you were holding me back she reached out as if to touch his arm but Lucas stepped back but I was wrong
so wrong you were always the better man Lucas I just couldn't see it for a moment Lucas felt a flicker of the old warmth the love he'd once felt for this woman but then he remembered the pain the humiliation and his heart hardened once more is that all he asked coldly Megan's face fell I was hoping maybe we could try again start over Lucas stared at her incredulous start over after everything that's happened I know it's a lot to ask Megan said quickly but I love you Lucas I never stopped loving you what we had
it was real it was good we can get that back for a split second Lucas wavered the idea of having Megan back of putting their family back together but then he remembered Troy's smug face Megan's cruel words that day she left no he he said firmly we can't Lucas please no Megan listen to me Lucas's voice was calm but Resolute what we had is gone you made sure of that when you walked out I'm not the same man I was and you're certainly not the woman I married Megan's tears were flowing freely now I can
change I'll do whatever it takes Lucas shook his head it's not about changing it's about trust and respect you broke that trust Megan you disrespected me our marriage everything we built together but you exposed Troy Megan argued you got your revenge isn't that enough this isn't about revenge Lucas said his voice Rising slightly it's about consequences actions have consequences Megan you made your choice now you have to live with it Megan's face crumpled so that's it you're just going to throw away 10 years I didn't throw anything away Lucas shot back you did the day
you decided I wasn't enough for you a heavy silence fell between them in the distance children laughed as they played on the park playground life going on oblivious to their drama finally Megan spoke her voice barely above a whisper what happens now Lucas sighed suddenly feeling very tired now now we go our separate ways I've already filed for divorce my lawyer will be in touch with yours Lucas Megan's voice broke on his name he held up a hand stopping her it's over Megan I wish you the best I really do but we're done with that
Lucas turned and walked away leaving Megan standing alone by the fountain he didn't look back as Lucas neared the park exit he saw Marcus waiting for him leaning against his car how'd it go Marcus asked as Lucas approached Lucas Shrugged about as well as you'd expect she wanted to get back together Marcus's eyebrows shot up seriously after everything that happened what did you say I told her no Lucas said simply it's over for good this time Marcus clapped him on the shoulder I'm proud of you man that couldn't have been easy Lucas managed a small
smile it wasn't but it was the right thing to do he glanced back towards the fountain where Megan was still standing her shoulders slumped in defeat come on let's get out of here as they drove away from the park Marcus cleared his throat so uh what's next for you you going to take some time off maybe do some traveling Lucas shook his head no I got other plans remember that auto shop on Fifth Street the one that's been up for sale Marcus nodded slowly yeah Carl's old place what about it a determined gleam appeared in
Lucas's eyes I'm buying it what Marcus nearly swerved off the road in Surprise Lucas that's that's a big step are you sure you're ready for that Lucas nodded firmly I've been ready for a long time Marcus I just didn't know it he gazed out the window watching the Austin Skyline grow larger as they approached downtown I've spent too many years letting life happen to me it's time I took control Marcus grinned well right then Lucas Hart business owner has a nice ring to it for the first time in weeks Lucas felt a genuine smile sprad
across his face yeah it does doesn't it the next few months passed in a blur of activity Lucas threw himself in a renovating the old auto shop working long hours to get everything ready for the grand opening he hired a small team of mechanics invested in state-of-the-art equipment and even took some business management courses at the local Community College the day before the grand opening Lucas stood in the center of the shop surveying his handiwork the place was unrecognizable from The Rundown gar garage he bought fresh paint gleamed on the walls new tools hung neatly
on pegboards and a Sleek computer system sat ready at the front desk the Bell over the door jingled and Marcus walked in Whistling appreciatively wow Lucas this place looks amazing Lucas grinned Pride swelling in his chest thanks man I can hardly believe it myself sometimes Marcus wandered around examining the equipment you nervous about tomorrow a little Lucas admitted but mostly excited this is what I've always wanted you know to run my own Shop Be My Own Boss Marcus nodded A sly smile playing on his lips well in that case I got something for you he
pulled a small wrapped package from his jacket pocket and handed it to Lucas curious Lucas tore off the wrapping paper inside was a simple wooden plaque the words Hearts Auto Repair carved into it an elegant script Marcus this is Lucas trailed off overcome with emotion Marcus clapped him on the shoulder every business needs a sign right I figured you could hang it up out front Lucas pulled his friend into a tight hug thank you for everything I couldn't have done this without you as they broke apart Marcus's expression grew serious you know I ran into
Megan the other day Lucas stiffen slightly Oh Marcus nodded yeah at the grocery store she asked about you what did you tell her the truth Marcus Shrugged that you're doing great that you're opening your own business Lucas was quiet for a moment processing this how did she seem sad Marcus said honestly but I don't know maybe a little proud too she said to tell you congratulations Lucas nodded slowly thanks for telling me he paused then added I hope she's doing okay Marcus studied his friend's face you don't regret your decision do you Lucas shook his
head firmly no it was the right call we can't go back and honestly I don't want to this he gestured around the shop this is my future now just then the Bell over the door jingled again Lucas turned ready to explain that they weren't open yet but the words died on his lips a young woman stood in the doorway looking slightly embarrassed I'm so sorry I know you're not open yet but my car just started making this awful noise and I saw your lights were on Lucas exchanged a quick glance with Marcus who gave him
an encouraging nod no problem at all Lucas said stepping forward with a warm smile let's take a look shall we I'm Lucas by the way the woman's face lit up with relief thank you so much I'm Sarah as Lucas LED Sarah out to her car he felt a sense of rightness settle over him this was where he belonged not dwelling on the past but moving forward helping people building something of his own tomorrow Hearts Auto Repair would officially open its doors but in this moment guiding a client to her troubled vehicle Lucas knew his new
life had already begun epilog 6 months later Lucas stood behind the counter of his thriving auto shop going over the day's receipts the Bell over the door jingled and he looked up a greeting ready on his lips his smile faltered slightly as he saw who it was Megan she stood awkwardly in the doorway looking both familiar and strange at the same time e Lucas I hope it's okay that I stopped by Lucas nodded his expression neutral sure what can I do for you Megan stepped further into the shop her eyes taking in the bustling workspace
wow this place looks great you've really done well for yourself thanks Lucas said simply did you need your car looked at or Megan shook her head no I I just wanted to see how you were doing and to say congratulations in person she paused then added softly I'm really proud of you Lucas for a moment Lucas felt a twing of the old pain the old longing but it was distant now like an echo of a memory I appreciate that he said sincerely how have you been Megan Shrugged okay I'm teaching at a new school now
trying to figure things out I guess Lucas nodded an awkward silence fell between them finally Megan spoke again listen Lucas I know things can never go back to how they were but I was hoping maybe we could be friends eventually Lucas considered her words carefully part of him wanted to say no to keep that door firmly closed but as he looked at Megan really looked at her he saw not the woman who had H him but someone who was trying to make amends to grow I don't know Megan he said honestly a lot has happened
but maybe someday a small hopeful smile appeared on Megan's face I'll take maybe just then one of Lucas's mechanics called out from the garage boss we need you back here for a sec Lucas held up a hand acknowledging the call he turned back to Megan I've got to get back to work Megan nodded understanding of course thanks for talking to me Lucas and really congratulations on all of this you deserve it as she turned to leave Lucas called out Megan she paused looking back I hope you find what you're looking for he said sincerely Megan's
eyes glistened slightly thank you Lucas I hope you found what you were looking for too as the door closed behind her Lucas took a deep breath you felt okay not angry not bitter just at peace he headed back to the garage where his team team was gathered around a particularly tricky engine repair as he joined them offering his expertise and encouragement Lucas felt a surge of contentment this was his life now not perfect not always easy but his he'd faced betrayal fought for justice and come out stronger on the other side whatever challenges lay ahead
Lucas knew he was ready to face them head-on the engine roared to life and a cheer went up from his team Lucas grinned clapping his lead mechanic on the back yeah he thought this is exactly where I'm supposed to be
