Chapter 3
Caspian was instantly distressed and snapped, "Elowen, what are you talking about?"
I retorted, "What, am I wrong?"
There was a silence for a few seconds.
As if remembering something, Caspian suddenly looked smug, his eyes narrowing with satisfaction. "Well, I get it. You're still pissed at me for dumping you for Maren back then, right?
"I told you, I didn't really have a choice.
"And honestly, you weren't innocent either. I did that just to teach you a lesson and let you know your fault.
"If you are willing to admit your mistake, maybe I'll let you back in my life."
Hearing this, Maren got flustered, clearly wanting to say something.
I said flatly, "Sorry, I told you, I'm already married."
Caspian scoffed, his tone dripping with contempt. "Still acting like you're mad, right? After being married to me, who'd even want you?"
"Mommy!" Just then, a child's voice rang out.
It was my son, Milo Vaughan, and my daughter, Lila Vaughan.
With everyone staring at us in surprise, they rushed over and hugged my legs.
Milo said, "Mommy, there you are! Lila and I have been looking for you for a long time.
"Daddy said he got held up on the way, so he'll be here a bit later."
They grabbed onto my legs, wrapping themselves around me.
"Okay," I replied softly.
Caspian was totally rattled and asked, "Is this your kid? You're actually married?"
I couldn't help but roll my eyes. "I've told you many times, Caspian. If your hearing's that bad, maybe go see a doctor," I replied coldly.
"You," Caspian stammered, completely lost for words.
Meanwhile, Maren was very happy, and her eyes brightened.
She said, "Elowen already has kids. It looks about two or three, right?"
I replied, "Three."
Maren feigned surprise, covering her mouth dramatically. "Three years old? Really? That means you had the kids three years ago? But weren't you just married to Caspian back then? So you..."
Caspian yelled, "How dare you cuckold me? Whose bastard?"
He rushed forward and grabbed my hand, his grip so fierce it felt like he was about to crush my bones.
Before I could speak, Milo launched himself at Caspian, kicking and swinging his fists.
"Let go of my mommy, you bad guy! Wait till my daddy gets here, he'll hit you," he yelled.
Maren gasped, "Oh my god, Elowen, you actually got married?
"Who's your husband? Why didn't you bring him and introduce him to all of us?"
Maren was totally soaking up the drama, acting like she couldn't wait for things to get even messier.
Everyone around looked at me with contempt.
"If you think about it, the kid must've been born while she was still dating Caspian. No wonder he ditched her on their wedding night. And now she's trying to flip the script? Seriously, what a nasty woman," someone sneered.
"She's embarrassing herself big time. She used to be some big-shot heiress?" another person scoffed.
"Look at the way they're dressed. Bet the kid's dad is some broke loser too. Bringing their whole family here, probably just trying to mooch off someone," someone snickered.
Milo shot back, "That's not true. My mommy is not such a person. My daddy's the richest guy in Harbor City!"
Lila clung to my leg, peeking out from behind me, her face pale with fear.
"The richest guy in Harbor City?" someone echoed.
Maren let out a mocking laugh and said, "Elowen, even if you're down on your luck, you shouldn't teach your kids to lie. That's pretty low."
Caspian's face was icy, dripping with sarcasm. He snapped, "Elowen, you really outdid yourself.
"You accused Maren and me, but turns out you're the one with the real mess, running off and having two kids behind my back with some other guy. No wonder you vanished so quickly back then.
"Bet you two were plotting this all along."
I pulled his hand away from me and replied, "You really misunderstood. The kids came after we separated.
"We've been separated for almost four years. The kids are three. So what's your point?
"And whether I'm married or not, it doesn't change the fact that you're nothing but a lapdog, and Maren is a bitch."
I said it straight, no hesitation.
The whole scene gasped in shock.
Caspian's face turned livid with rage as he snapped, "What did you just say?"
I shot back, "What, am I wrong?
"Well, I heard that you are engaged. Guess I never wished you well. Bitch and lapdog, hope you rot together forever."
Caspian gritted his teeth and snarled, "Elowen, say that again!"
Maren put on her best victim face as she said, "Elowen, why are you still so mad at me? It was just a casual comment, that's all. And I really had no choice about what happened back then. I even apologized to you, so why do you keep blaming me?
"My legs have become like this because of you. If it weren't for you, I'd be studying ballet at the academy now."