Chapter 2
"Why are the neighbors all saying I threw myself at you—and that I came between you and Dolores?"
A flash of guilt crossed Timothy's eyes, but he brushed it off with a dismissive shrug.
"Old folks love to wag their tongues. Why bother with them? Don't be so narrow-minded."
His evasion was a dead giveaway—these rumors were definitely his doing.
It was all part of his plan, paving the way for him and Dolores to be together without any shame.
Injustice burned inside me.
I'd already given him what he wanted by stepping aside, so why couldn't he leave me alone? Why force me to endure these baseless smears and humiliations?
I bit down hard on my lower lip.
But the flood of grievances still burst out, compelling me to press him.
"You were the one who begged me to marry you.
"Dolores was already your sister-in-law by the time we tied the knot. Rumors don't just sprout from nowhere—what's the real story between you two?"
If I'd realized early on that I was nothing but a tool in Timothy's scheme to get back at Dolores, I never would've been swept away by his passionate chase.
But Timothy didn't even pretend to placate me anymore.
He waved me off with a shove, a sneer twisting his lips.
"Olivia, we're divorced now. My life is none of your business."
He spared me not even a shred of warmth, evicting me on the spot.
"For Javier's schooling, I'll be bringing Dolores and him here to live. Pack up and move out ASAP."
Timothy's icy, ruthless demeanor sent a fresh chill through me.
It was my own damn fault—for letting that facade of affection blind me.
In the end, it had cost me everything, even my life.
I clutched at him, determined not to let him walk all over me yet again.
"The down payment on this house came from my parents!"
Timothy snorted, then shoved me backward with force, sending me crashing to the floor.
He loomed over me, his expression dripping with arrogance and disdain.
"Then sue me. Until the court rules, I'll be staying here with Dolores and Javier regardless."
The impact jarred me hard, and my already aching abdomen erupted in agonizing spasms.
Horror gripped me as I saw blood seeping between my legs.
My face went ashen, and with no other choice, I called out to Timothy's retreating back.
"Timothy, wait—help me..."
I reached toward him feebly.
"Help... my stomach hurts so bad..."
But Timothy offered not a hint of mercy.
He just scowled in annoyance and barked a cold warning.
"Quit faking illness to stall. Clear out today!"
As I watched him stride away without a backward glance, my heart brimmed with nothing but pure hatred.
After clawing my way to a rebirth, was I still trapped in the same wretched fate as last time?
A wave of dizziness hit me.
Then the door flew open with a kick.
Javier, new toy in hand, saw me lying in the living room and charged at me with a wild, toothy grin.
"Stinky woman! No sleeping in my dad's house!"
His "playful" kick landed right on my throbbing belly.
I let out a shrill scream, but he just clapped gleefully.
"Kill the stinky woman! Kill the stinky woman!"
This boy I'd once cherished now gleefully called for my death.
In my previous life, influenced by Timothy, I'd spoiled him rotten as the Gomez family's sole heir—always setting aside the choicest snacks and drinks.
Yet all my generosity had bought me zero loyalty.
Fury surged through me, and ignoring the blinding pain, I lashed out with a slap across his face.
"You little monster—born without a mother to raise you right!"
Javier hadn't seen it coming—he never expected me to fight back.
My blood-smeared hand left a vivid red slap mark on his cheek.
Stunned and terrified, he toppled backward, clutching his face and bawling at the top of his lungs.
"Dad, the stinky woman hit me..."
His shrieks summoned Timothy in a flash.
And right beside him, arm looped through his, was Dolores.
The moment he saw the boy had been slapped, Timothy didn't waste time on questions—he lunged forward and slapped me right back, hard.
"My brother's kid is as good as mine. You lay a hand on him, you're coming after me!"
He put his full weight behind it, making my ears ring from the blow.
My left cheek stung like fire, but that was nothing compared to the heartache ripping through me, like a thousand knives twisting inside.
Dolores couldn't hide her smug grin at first, but she quickly shifted to a fake show of kindness.
She stepped in and gently pulled at Timothy's sleeve.
"She's fresh out of a divorce—it's no wonder she's on edge.
"But still, no matter how frustrated you are, you can't lash out at a kid. That's just bullying the defenseless..."
Then she crouched down and hugged Javier close.