94 Chapter 94 – Toxic Encounters and Standing Ground
“Well, well, if it isn’t the she–devil herself, complete with the little bastard,” Ethan’s insult toward my friend and my son shattered my last thread of control.
“This is your home too, Chl. Our door is always open,” my father said, wrapping his arm around her shoulders with paternal warmth
“I can only imagine the lifestyle you’re living in Haven Harbor. Big city anonymity, no one watching your every move. You must be spreading your legs for anyone with a pulse.”
“Oh right, because Jessica serviced half the town, but since they weren’t strangers, that somehow makes her respectable?” I countered with biting sarcasm.
“What exactly is happening here?” Mr. Tobias, the store manager, appeared at the end of the aisle. “Ethan, you will not cause disturbances in my establishment. You should be ashamed to even breathe the same air as Hazel. She’s a respectable young woman, and you’re absolute garbage.”
Hazel’s POV
Chloe parked near the town square, and we made our first stop at the popcorn vendor before settling onto a familiar bench. The afternoon stretched before us as we reminisced about countless conversations we’d shared in this exact spot during our youth.
Behind the main house, a complete outdoor living area awaited with its own kitchen and gleaming swimming pool that made Leo’s eyes light up like Christmas morning. Beyond that, a natural spring fed a gentle stream that wound its way across the entire property like a silver ribbon.
Ethan slithered away down the aisle, leaving my body trembling with residual fury. Chloe wrapped her arm around my
s with gentle support.
You’re nothing but a whore, Hazel! Thank God I ended up with Jessica instead,” he pat with pure venom in his bloodshot eyes.
The front garden bloomed in a riot of colors, centered around a small pond where a luck family paddled contentedly. Colonial–style porches wrapped around the house,
04 Chapter 04- Toxic Encounters and Standing Ground
adorned with swaying hammocks and wooden benches positioned perfectly beneath auch window
“Chi, this child is going to lose every tooth in his head if you keep pumping him full of sugar,” I said, and despite everything, we dissolved into cleansing laughter.
“Honey, this toxicity isn’t part of our reality anymore. We’re only in this town because of your parents.”
I looked at her with overwhelming gratitude for her unwavering loyalty and protection of my son, who remained blissfully unaware, contentedly working on his lollipop.
Breakfast unfolded to the symphony of birdsong filtering through the expansive windows. The house embraced us with its generous space and comfort, morning light streaming across our table as fresh air swept through every room.
“I’m visiting my parents, Ethan. Not that it concerns you,” I replied, attempting to sidestep his pathetic form.
“Mommy, can we call Liam to come swim with me?”
“You little…” Ethan lunged forward and seized my arm with bruising force.
I stepped between them, pointing my finger directly at Ethan’s wasted face with inwavering intensity.
Release her immediately, you pathetic loser!” Chloe’s voice cut through the tension as he appeared behind me, Leo secure in her arms. “Let go and disappear right now, or ‘ll create such a scene that when we end up at the police station, my father’s attorney vill personally ensure you’re charged with assault and harassment.”
You know what, Ethan? I don’t regret getting pregnant by a stranger for one second. le was more of a man in one night than you managed to be in all our years together. What I do regret is wasting precious time with a pathetic excuse for a man who never ave me a single moment of satisfaction and betrayed me with my own cousin in my wn bed,” I snarled, feeling righteous fury consume me completely.
Sweetheart, Liam lives very far away in a different city. That won’t work for this visit,” I xplained gently, catching my mother’s knowing smile from across the garden.
s we strolled through the unchanged streets, the familiar chorus of malicious hispers followed us. The same voices still branded me as lost and my son as
94 Chapter 94–Toxic Encounters and Standing Ground
illegitimate, but their polson no longer penetrated my armor. Their small–minded prejudice had lost all power over me.
“Arthur, this place is absolutely paradise! Now I’m seriously considering retirement somewhere exactly like this,” Chloe declared with genuine admiration. The easy affection between her and my parents warmed my heart as they embraced her like family.
The next morning, we greeted the day with the rich aroma of my mother’s coffee drifting through the farmhouse. Leo bounced with excitement as my dad led him to the small barn for the morning milking. They returned with Leo sporting a white mustache and clutching a blue enamel mug like a trophy.
“But I used to have rights. Or have you conveniently forgotten that I was your first?” His words made my stomach turn with revulsion.
My parents had truly found their slice of heaven, and seeing their contentment filled ne with profound happiness. Chloe arrived just as we finished lunch, and my parents eagerly launched into their grand tour.
nside the supermarket, I methodically worked through my mother’s list until I turned nto the cookie aisle and froze. Ethan stood there looking like a scarecrow come to life gaunt, disheveled, unshaven, and wearing a wrinkled shirt that had seen better days. The sight of him made me silently thank God for my narrow escape.
ater, Chloe suggested a trip into town with Leo. My mother seized the opportunity to and us her market list, and we prepared for our expedition.
hapter 94 – Toxic Encounters and Standing Ground
Keep
your filthy mouth shut, Ethan! You have zero right to speak to me that way,” I hot back, anger flaring in my chest.
tay away from my son! And my friend. Now get out of my sight. If you see us again, retend we’re complete strangers.”
han’s grip loosened as he flashed Chloe a disgusting smile, though his eyes burned ith pure hatred. He’d always despised her and constantly tried to poison our iendship.
ur walking tour revealed the true scope of my parents‘ sanctuary. The property retched far enough to accommodate a thriving orchard heavy with fruit, vegetable
94 Chapter 04 Toxic Encounters and Standing Ground
plots bursting with every green imaginable, and farm buildings housing their modest livestock collection. Leo squealed with delight as my mother guided him through collecting warm eggs from the henhouse.
Leo gazed up at me with those distinctive violet eyes that never failed to melt my heart.
“Well, look who’s back. Hazel. Took you longer than I expected, Ethan sneered with familiar mockery.
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