Page 2 of The Love Syllabus

Ihadto get out. So, I chose to be free rather than frightened. I left him with everything except my joy and dignity. I kept that intact, which is why my name fits. I’m kind.

Kerry Kind.

There was a time in my life when I only recognized myself by name. I had no idea who I was anymore. My life seemed to crumble into fragments around me like a relentless storm that threatened to break my spirit. Yet, in those moments of apparent defeat, I discovered strength in the small things—the warmth of sunlight through my window, the laughter of friends, the comfort of family, the soothing words in a book, and the serenity of solitude. These small joys became my sanctuary.

Divorce, for many, signifies the shattering of a dream once painted with the hues of eternal love and commitment. Divorce is often seen as a relentless taunting, an unwelcomed detour from the envisioned path of marital bliss. But for me, divorce marked the end of a prolonged nightmare, the lifting of shadows that clouded my joy. It was a liberation from a relationship that no longer served me, that stripped away my essence and muffled my voice. A relationship that nearly killed me.

At one point in life, all I saw was my own pain, my own loss, my own broken pieces. But now, I see so much more for myself. Divorce was my passage through darkness, a gateway to a life reimagined where peace isn’t just a fleeting visitor but a constant companion. I refuse to let heartbreak be the defining moment of my life.

In my rebirth, I’m not just surviving; I’m thriving. With each day, I embrace the opportunity to smile because smiles shouldn’t be taken for granted, and it feels so damn good to smile again after being buried under the weight of unhappiness for far too long.

“Still smiling, huh?” Serena says softly, leaning across the counter. “Girl, you’re a better woman than me. If I were you, I’d be finding a way to make his life just as miserable as he’s made yours.”

A mischievous grin forms across Izzy’s face. “I can easily get my husband to hack into his computer and expose his deepest, darkest secrets.”

I shake my head, a dry laugh escaping my lips. “No! No revenge. No illegal activity. And no pettiness. I don’t have the energy to make anyone miserable. I barely have the energy to keep my head above water right now. Look,” I stare my overly protective friends directly in their eyes. “Cory may have taken my job, but he won’t take my peace. I’ll find something else. Something better.”

They all sigh, dramatic as ever, and toss their hands in the air while Izzy says, “Suit yourself. Be the bigger person. But let me tell you something, Kerrytoo damnKind. If you don’t have another job by the end of summer, I’m pulling out all the stops.” She leans in close, narrowing her eyes. “Step one: viral social media post. Step two: hubby hacks into Cory’s accounts and finds every little dirty secret that slimy bastard’s been hiding. Step three: destroy his life.”

I shake my head and chuckle. “OrI can just continue to go to therapy. And not stoop to his level.”

“Fine! Do it your boring way.” Izzy tosses a peony stem into the trash, then pivots to face me with a smirk. “But seriously, what’s the worst that could happen? Cory deserves to be knocked off his high horse.”

“Well,” I say, leaning on the counter, “If I don’t find a new job soon, I might let y’all have your way for the entertainment value alone.”

Serena grins, satisfied. “That’s all we needed to hear. Now, go home, put your feet up, and get some rest. You’ll need it for this weekend. There will be a lot of thick pockets in the building, so you’ll either find your next employeroryour next man.” She winks.

I laugh, “I doubt it’d be the latter. Remind me again why we have to dress up for this. It’s a flower shop opening, not a gala, for goodness sake!”

Because we aren’t in small town Beverly Mills anymore. This is a new city—Beverly Mills-Greer, honey. And in Greer, people dress up foreverything. I bet if someone opened a freakin’ dog grooming salon, they’d show up in gowns. And if I’m not mistaken, there’s a grooming shop opening across the street!” Izzy laughs.

“Andsome fancy new restaurant opening right next door,” Serena says. “It’s time to get with the program, Kerry. You can make so many connections at the opening this weekend.”

“Good point,” I admit, glancing around at Izzy’s new shop. Its high ceilings, intricate crown molding, and delicate chandeliers cast soft, golden light across the room. The Beverly Mills girl in me screams that this is far too fancy to be a flower shop. But it’s certainly breathtaking. “Y’all are right. If the grand opening’s guests are anything like this shop, I need to have my resume on hand.”

Serena smirks. “That’s the spirit! And wear something elegantly sexy. As a matter of fact, I’ll drop off a few dresses. No one’s gonna hire you in that sweatshirt.”

Even the wealthy but modest Kiera agrees! “Youdolook like a straggler, Kerry. Why are you still dressing like we’re back in college? Our Clark Atlanta days are over. Are you reallythatbroke right now?”

I glance down at what I thought was a comfy, cozy, and cute outfit—my ‘Cool Adults Read Books’oversized sweatshirt, shorts, and Keds. “What’s wrong with this? Iaman adult. Idoread books. So, Imustbe cool.”

Izzy bursts out laughing. “Girl, you’d better get going before you embarrass me in front of my fancy new business neighbors. Go on now. Shoo!”

With a wave and a faint smile tugging at my lips, I grab my bag and head for the door as the cool floral scents of Izzy’s shop follow me out, a stark contrast to the stress tightening and simmering in my chest.

My best friends’ successes feel like a bright beacon against the backdrop of everything I’m fumbling to hold together. My entire group of friends is either thriving in their careers, enjoying being single and carefree, or settled down with a family of their own. While everyone’s life is on green, mine is red.

Growing up, my dreams always seemed to stretch just beyond my reach, like stars I could see but never quite touch. But at one point, we celebrated our milestones together—friends and family, all cheering each other on…until everything changed. Now, my achievements feel modest by comparison, like background noise in a room full of louder success.

I once ticked all the boxes: bachelor’s and master’s degrees earned, certifications in hand, a stable career, and even married my high school sweetheart. Cory seemed like the ideal partner back then—charming, driven, the kind of guy who made big promises and wore ambition like cologne.

But he revealed himself to be the kind of man who schmoozes his way to the top. A true pro at climbing ladders, even if it meant stepping on others to get there. He was a teacher, assistant principal, then principal, and now superintendent of the Beverly Mills-Greer school district.

His ambition didn’t just overshadow my aspirations; it swallowed them whole. Our marriage became collateral damage in his relentless pursuit of power, leaving me in the wreckage with nothing but regrets and what-ifs. His rise came at a cost, particularly to me.

Chapter 2

Unexpected Opportunities – Kerry

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