It was right after school, and the gate was crowded. I watched the students walking out, feeling oddly nervous.
After a while, I finally spotted Kyler skipping out. I took a deep breath, forced a smile, and walked toward him.
“Kyler.”
When he heard my voice, Kyler froze for a moment, then frowned and glared at me.
“Why are you here again, bad woman?
“Go away! I don’t want to see you!”
Just then, Elie suddenly appeared.
Her expression was serious as she looked at Kyler and said coldly, “Kyler, how can you talk to your mom like that?
“Apologize to her. Now.”
Kyler, who’d been full of attitude a second ago, instantly shrank like a deflated little tiger when he saw Elie was mad.
He shot me an unwilling glance and mumbled, “Sorry.”
Elie ruffled his hair, satisfied, then turned to me.
“Kaia, let’s talk.”
At the café, Kyler clung close to Elie, happily telling her all about his day at school. Elie listened with a gentle smile, praising him every now and then.
To anyone watching, they would’ve looked like a real mother and son.
She looked at me. “Kaia, I think you should divorce Marcus.”
I let out a cold snort, crossing my arms as I stared at her with disdain.
“So you can finally have him?”
Elie didn’t get angry. Instead, she looked confident.
“Even if you don’t divorce, Marcus only has me in his heart now.
“I’ve taken care of him and Kyler for the past eight years. I even gave up my career for them, but I don’t regret it.
“And I don’t regret stealing your man either.”
Elie smiled smugly and laid it all out.
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11.09
Chapter 3
“I won’t lie to you. The truth is, I liked Marcus even when you two were still dating.
“I’m just as pretty as you, and my background’s just as good. So why shouldn’t I have a man like him?
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“At first, Marcus was disgusted that I kept getting close. But when he was at his lowest, when he needed comfort the most, just one hug from me was enough to make him fall.”
I looked at Elie with an insincere smile, like I’d just heard a joke.
“Oh? So now being the mistress gives you a sense of pride?
“Marcus once loved me like his whole world, and he still cheated. You really think you’ll be the last woman in his
life?
“Elie, the one who needs a reality check is you.”
I stood up slowly, calm and composed, towering over her.
“He’s trash. If you want him, he’s all yours.
“Men, you know–they can’t keep it in their pants, always chasing some kind of fun.
“I’m sure he’s spent plenty on you over the years. But let me remind you. Marcus and I are still legally married. Every cent he gave you? Half of that belongs to me, Kaia William.”
Elie froze, her eyes suddenly red as she stared at me in shock.
I shrugged nonchalantly.
“Don’t worry, I’m not asking for it back. Just consider it his payment for your prostitution.
“After all, hiring a live–in nanny for eight years isn’t cheap.”
“Kaia!”
Elie screamed, tears streaming down her face.
Startled, Kyler’s eyes welled up too. He rushed to hug Elie, then turned on me and yelled.
“I’d rather die unborn than be born by you!
“I don’t want you to be my mom! I’ll make sure Dad kicks you out of our lives, you bad woman!”
Kyler’s words cut deep, like a knife straight through my heart, shattering the last bit of hope I had for him.
But I just smiled, calm and almost relieved.
“If you hate me that much, then I’ll pretend you were never my son.
“No need to kick me out.
“I’ll leave on my own tomorrow.”
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