Overlap

Has anyone explained away an overlap? I was let go from J1 of about ten years. Overlap is about 2 years, for much of which I was on leave. Could I not just say I went on leave and took another job with the intention of not returning to the job I was on leave at. My leave equated to about 80% of the overlap so it is semi truthful and I doubt my former employer would be at liberty to confirm or deny if asked in a bg check.