Chapter 3
The other parents started whispering.
"Oh my, I never would've guessed. Andy's mom always seemed so nice, but she's just petty and jealous. What, are we not allowed to do better than her?"
"I've been watching for a while, and it sounds like she had a thing with that woman's husband, but he rejected her. Now she's gone crazy and splashed hot water on her. She's trying to ruin her face—that's just evil!"
"You never know people these days. I say we keep our distance—and keep the kids away from hers too. What if her kid takes after her? Then we're in for trouble."
The gossip was spiraling out of control. I was both annoyed and amused—but I knew I had to set the record straight.
I said, "First, I swear I didn't do it on purpose. And who gives boiling water to a seven-year-old kid?
"Besides, I'm a mom. Of course, I don't want my kid drinking something from a stranger. Is that wrong?"
Charlotte looked at me with her most pitiful eyes, putting on her best act.
"Emily, I honestly wanted to be friends with you. Your son is adorable, and he looked thirsty, so I tried to help. But you act like I have some hidden agenda. That really hurts.
"You still can't let Nathan go, can you? Now that he's successful and you're not, you must be full of regret."
I looked at her and asked, "Regret what?"
Charlotte tilted her chin up smugly. "Nathan has his own design studio now, thanks to my dad. He's famous in the industry—rich, handsome, the whole package. You missed out on a guy like him. How could you not regret it?"
"Seriously?" I laughed. "Not even a little."
Nathan sneered, clearly not buying it. "Still stubborn. Seeing your ex doing better than you, my kid outshining yours—just admit you're jealous."
Watching Nathan flaunt his money and brag about his "real son," desperate to prove his life had changed, I couldn't help but find it ridiculous.
His son looked nothing like him, but Nathan didn't even notice.
I wasn't wasting any more time on this.
"How much for the bag and dress? I'll transfer the money now," I said.
Charlotte scoffed. "You think you can pay me back? Do you have any idea how much this outfit cost?
"This bag alone? Fifty grand just to get it! Fifty grand! Sweetheart, you're wearing a dirt-cheap shirt and riding a beat-up bike. You really think you can afford it?"
Why were they so quick to judge by looks? If I was paying, I obviously could afford it.
I took a deep breath, composing myself. "Maybe my clothes and bike aren't worth much, but that doesn't mean I can't pay you. Just give me your account number."
Charlotte still looked skeptical. "I'm not trying to make this difficult.
"Everyone knows when a woman who can barely have kids finally gets one, she guards him like her whole world.
"But you really go above and beyond for a kid who isn't even yours. It's kind of pathetic."
My eyes went cold. I slapped Charlotte hard across the face. "I've had enough of you! If anyone has a bastard for a son, it's you!"
Charlotte froze for a second at my words.
But she snapped out of it quickly.
She stared at me in utter disbelief, then shrieked hysterically, "Emily, have you lost your mind? What the hell is wrong with you, you crazy bitch?"
But I didn't miss the flash of humiliation on her face.
Just then, Nathan strode over, pulled Charlotte behind him, and shoved me roughly.
Andy's teacher rushed over and caught me before I fell.
My seven-year-old son jumped up like a little knight, planting himself in front of me to shield me.
He puffed out his cheeks and glared up at Nathan. "If you bully my mom again, I'll be really mad!"