My Husband Discarded Me, His Boss Accepted Me

Giovanni's POV

"Those earrings belong to my mum! Are you trying to steal her things now—after stealing her place?" Eric's, my stepson voice boomed through the hall the moment I stepped in. "So now you're even trying to look like her to get attention? Take them off. Now!"

All eyes were suddenly on me.

He's my twin sister’s son—the boy I’ve raised like my own since she passed away.

"Eric, stop it," I managed to say, my voice barely steady.

Then, he burst into tears.

"Daddy, daddy, she's trying to steal my mummy’s place on her birthday! Will you just stand there and watch her?"

My chest tightened. I almost cried.

I expected Mark my husband to step in, but he just stood watching the scene. I knew he despised me—I was just a replacement for my dead sister. But I never imagined he'd let a tenyearold humiliate me in front of everyone.

"I’m only trying to connect with my sister," I stuttered.

"Liar, a murderer, you killed her" he shouted, and

there were murmurs in the crowd. Everyone’s words twisted against me like knives. Like I was the bad one. Like I was the intruder.

I humiliation was much that I couldn't breath through it, so I ran away.

Once in my room, I fell onto my bed, tears pouring down my face.

Today was my birthday too, but no one ever celebrated me. Every year, it was her birthday they celebrated—even though she’s been dead for five years.

I couldn’t help but wonder—who celebrates the dead over the living?

Eric used to be a sweet boy before my sister passed away when he was five. But now, he hates me. He always says I had the chance to save her, but I didn’t. How could I, when I’m also living with one kidney? He hates me, but I tolerate him because I promised my sister. I only promised to take care of her son, but my parents convinced me to marry Mark so that no woman would ever take my sister’s place.

I picked up my phone and dialed my mum’s number.

“Mum, I’m done with this. I want a divorce. I can’t continue with Mark and Eric anymore,” I said, straight to the point.

“Giovanni… Are you kidding?” she asked. “Eric is just a kid. He’s your son too. Remember, you promised your sister—he’s your responsibility.”

“He made it clear, Mum. I’m not his mother. He hates me. I thought this was supposed to end. I agreed to this because I wanted to help raise Eric. But he’s ten now. He’s not a baby anymore.”

“See who’s here, pretending to be the victim,” Eric said, standing by my door with a wicked grin on his face.

“Mum, let’s talk later,” I said and hung up.

I stood up from the bed, facing him even though I felt completely drained.

“Eric, why do you keep doing this to me?” I asked.

“I hate you. Your pretending disgusts me.” Before I knew it, he pulled out the toy gun he had been hiding and sprayed it. I realized too late that he had mixed chili pepper with the water—the moment it touched my eyes, it burned like fire.

He laughed as he watched me suffer.

“I’m going to make your life miserable until you leave. This is my mother’s home. You can never take her place. You watched her die, and now you want to shine and live like nothing happened.”

His face showed nothing but hatred. I never imagined he would grow up like this. I had tried everything to be there for him as a mother.

“I’m going to leave for good tomorrow, so you don’t have to worry,” I said, my voice low, and walked out of the room.

I was tired. Emotionally drained. But nothing prepared me for what I saw in the living room.

My music award—shattered on the floor.

I froze.

That was the only thing I’d ever been proud of. A symbol of everything I once dreamed of. I earned it after that one big performance years ago. The one Giulia—my twin—helped me pull off, despite our father disapproval.

My jaw tightened.

“Did you like that? I heard you love surprises” Eric said, voice sweet like poison.

I turned to him slowly, the rage rising in my chest.

“How could you?” I snapped, louder than I intended.

He flinched. I saw it. Probably because it was the first time I ever raised my voice at him.

“You’re going to fix this.”

But before he could speak, a strong hand yanked me back. I was thrown to the floor—hard. Pain shot through my spine as I hit the tiles.

I whimpered, biting back a scream.

"Have you gone crazy? Is this how you treat kids?" Mark's voice was cold, sharp like a slap to the face.

He looked at the shattered award on the floor. "You're making a scene over an ordinary award?"

Ordinary to him. But to me, it was a memory. A moment I held onto when everything else was falling apart.

"Clean up the mess," he said. "And stop trying to stir things up."

I didn’t move. My voice was steady, even though my hands were shaking.

“Mark, let’s divorce.”

Giovanni POV

"Did you just say divorce? Is that word a joke to you?" he asked, his tone heavy with exhaustion.

"Why are you being so childish? How could you take the words of a kid so seriously?"

"I really don’t want to have this discussion right now. I have a lot running through my head." He wouldn’t even let me say a word. Did he think I just threw that word around carelessly? He needs to know—I’m dead serious.

He was about to walk out but paused.

"Don’t bother waiting. I won’t be coming back home. I have more important things to deal with—not this nonsense," he said, then slammed the door behind him.

Even if he stayed away for months, who would dare stop him? But he better realize—I’m not joking. I hate that he always walks away whenever we’re having a conversation. Who am I to complain, though? I was only ever in his life because I was useful. A means to an end.

But I’ll change that.

I refuse to live in the shadows of myself.

My gaze dropped to the shattered award on the floor. Tears blurred my vision. This was my only achievement. The only thing that reminded me I used to be someone—used to be a bright student who's ready to leveled up as a musician. I wished I could fix it. But what could possibly hold broken glass together?

I sat there like answers were going to fall from the ceiling.

Sleep never came that night.

Eventually, I gathered the pieces, carefully, and placed them in a small box.

If I can’t have my award whole, maybe I can at least hold onto the pieces.

My alarm started ringing, reminding me it was already morning. Right then, a message popped up on my phone. It was from Mum. "Come home"

I wasn’t that surprised. Like I had been expecting it. I quickly changed into something simple and left.

When I arrived, I walked straight into the living room. Mum was setting the table, arranging plates like everything was normal.

“Come over here, daughter. Let’s eat first before we talk,” she said with a smile. “I made your favorite.”

Her excitement was obvious—but I wasn’t smiling back. I knew this trick. She always used food to soften me before saying what she really wanted.

I didn’t move. My face said enough.

She wiped her hands and came over, sitting beside me on the sofa.

“Eric is just a child,” she began, her voice soft, like always. “You should understand him by now. He’s just hurting… from losing a mother. You should know better.”

I scoffed.

“I was there,” I said, my voice low but heavy. “I gave everything for him to feel a mother’s love. I sacrificed myself—but he never appreciated it.”

"Remember he's your blood, your own blood, born by your own sister," she said, her voice low.

"I tried my best, Mum. I did everything. But not anymore. I'm tired. I want to find myself again," I said, feeling that heaviness rise in my chest. I used to be happy—really happy. Even when Dad refused to support my music dreams, I still snuck out to perform, to sing, to live. That was the life I saw for myself. Not this.

She stayed quiet for a moment, then took a long breath.

"Since you don't want to go on with this, then I don’t have to force you. You've also tried your best, hanging in till now."

That was the first time she had said something I truly wanted to hear.

She brought out a brown envelope and placed it on the table.

"That's it. Sign them."

I picked it up slowly and pulled the papers out.

"Divorce Papers."

It was written boldly across the top.

I felt a rush of excitement hit me. Finally I am going to dropped that family name LEONARDO. I didn’t hesitate. I grabbed the pen beside it and signed.

I got home late than planned. I used the key on the door—it clicked, but when I tried to push it open, it wouldn’t budge. That meant it was bolted from the inside. I couldn’t use the doorbell either; the battery was dead. I had just instructed the butler to fix it yesterday.

I knocked hard, but no one answered.

Just then, the door opened—and it was Eric.

“So, you shamelessly brought yourself back here. I was hoping you’d get hit by a car so you could finally leave this world.”

Those were the first words that came out of his mouth.

The clouds were getting heavier, warning it was going to snow soon. It was winter, after all.

“Let me in. It’s going to snow,” I said quietly.

“Eric, come here! The snow’s about to start falling. You’ll catch a cold,” I heard a woman’s voice call out.

She walked over, and I recognized her at once.

Stephanie Lewis—Mark’s socalled business partner and friend.

She looked at me, disgust in her eyes.

"You’ll have to go back to where you’re coming from," she said coldly. "Because I own here tonight."

Then she slammed the door in my face.

I stood there, silent.

The snow started to fall—slow at first, then heavier.

Giovanni POV

I could only watch them leave smiling happily at each other. My heart shattered into a million pieces. The boy I had spent many years of my life taking care of jumped into the hands of another woman so easily.

I wanted to go back and spend the night elsewhere, but the door burst open and the butler came out.

"Come inside, Mrs. Leonardo. I was told to call you," he said quickly.

I was stunned. Who among them had asked me to come inside? Without hesitating, I walked in

Getting into the living room, I saw them sitting in a romantic manner. Stephanie had her legs on his lap, and he was massaging her feet while they gisted and laughed.

Eric was there, eating apples and watching cartoon. What a sweet sight of a perfect family.

I pretended not to see them and started heading toward the stairs.

"Stop right there," he thundered.

I halted and looked back.

"Where the hell are you going?" he asked.

I didn't answer.

"So you’re gonna let my son starve? I heard he's been feeding on fruit since morning. Get in that kitchen and cook something for him. Not just for him—for all of us," he ordered. Eric is a picky eater, and I'm the only one allowed to make his food.

I smirked, feeling irritated, and answered, "You could get him something to eat. There are plenty of maids in the house."

"You know if he eats food made by someone else, he gets sick, do you want him dead?" he thundered.

"Then get your new woman to learn the recipes. Meet the head cook—she knows all my recipes. And by the way, I'm done with you. Expect divorce papers on your doorstep soon," I said, raising my brow.

He gripped my neck, cutting off my air.

"I guess I’ve been too gentle with you," he growled. "How dare you say divorce to my face? Who told you you could leave me? This is forever."

I scoffed and forced his hand off me. "Who said I’m doing forever with you?" I snapped, trying to catch my breath. "Ask Eric—he’s counting the minutes till I leave."

"Just get out of our life! I hate you! Can’t wait to see Daddy marry Aunty Stephanie!" Eric shouted, excitement all over his face.

"No, Eric, that's too harsh. You shouldn't say things that will break your mother's heart," Stephanie said, pretending to care.

"She's not my mum," Eric snapped. "She's evil. She's a witch. She's a murderer. Just leave and never come back."

I laughed bitterly. "I was going to leave eventually. Your dad should just marry her already. Since you're head over heels for her."

"Eric, go to your room," Mark said calmly.

Eric ran upstairs without looking back. I didn’t even flinch when he stepped closer to me, anger rolling off him.

"Since you're so desperate to leave," he said coldly, "let me help you."

He turned toward Stephanie kissed her lips, then said, without blinking, "Beat her up."

I couldn’t believe my ears. Beat me up?

I remembered hearing that Stephanie had learned martial arts while growing up. She didn’t hesitate. She walked toward me.

I tried to find a way to escape, but she gripped my hand, twisted it while I whinned in pain and give me a hard kick, making me fall to the floor. My head hit the ground hard, and pain shot through me.

Before I could recover, she threw punches at me.

I tried to fight back, but I was too weak.

Just then, the door burst open.

A group of people rushed into the living room.

I stayed where I was on the floor, dazed, but one guy came forward.

"Wonderful! you’re really here, Stephanie. Cheating on me with this pup?"

His tone was cold. His aura was something I couldn’t explain.

For the first time I saw Stephanie panic, fear was written all over her. "It’s not what you think, sweetie," Stephanie said, moving toward him.

He shoved her away without a second thought..

He moved closer to Mark.

"Son of a bitch, you're stealing for me now?" he asked and grabbed Mark by the neck.

"No, Don," Mark’s voice was shaky.

And that’s when I realized it—this was him.

The Mafia Lord.

The first time I saw Mark shiver in front of anyone.

"Then tell me what the hell is she doing in your house with this skimpy nightwear?" he demanded.

For some reason, I was excited. I tried to get up on my feet. The guy’s eyes shot toward me. He narrowed his eyes as he studied my face, then he ignored Mark and walked towards me, as if there was something interesting about my face.

"It's you. Giovanni Scofield," he called.

I froze, wondering how he knew who I was. Before I could say a word, he added,

"I have been looking everywhere for you."

Giovanni’s POV

I stood frozen, trying to understand what he was talking about. Who is he? Why was he looking for me?

"Who are you?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, but his eyes didn’t leave my face. He kept inspecting me like he was searching for something.

"Who hit you like this? You're bleeding," he demanded, touching my forehead. I flinched — the sting made my eyes water.

"You can't be touching someone's wife like this," Stephanie snapped sharply, her voice full of anger.

"Who are you to tell me what to do?" he fired back coldly.

Then he turned to me again, his eyes softening with concern.

"Tell me, Giovanni, who hit you?"

Even though I didn’t know him, something about his presence made my walls come down. My throat burned with the words I had been holding in. I swallowed my fear and grabbed the chance.

"He ordered her to beat me up. He refused to let me go because I told him I wanted a divorce," I said, my voice cracking at the end.

His face darkened instantly, like a storm ready to destroy everything in its path. He turned sharply to his men.

"Beat him to a pulp. Don’t stop until he passes out," he said, his voice low and dangerous.

"And her," he added, pointing at Stephanie, "lock her up until I decide what to do with her."

"You need medical attention. Let's go," he said, lifting me easily.

Outside, the snow fell softly. Someone rushed over with an umbrella as the car door opened. I curled into him without thinking as we drove off.

I woke up the next morning in an unfamiliar room. My body ached and my head was heavy.

I remembered the doctor, the sharp sting of an injection, and then nothing.

As I tried to sit up, a lady rushed in. "Are you okay, Madam?" she asked.

Madam? My stomach twisted.

"Why are you calling me Madam?" I croaked out.

"Mr. Blackwood said you’re the new Madam," she said simply, like it made perfect sense.

Shock rooted me in place.

"Why am I the new Madam?"

"I don't know," she replied, her tone soft but helpless.

Before I could ask more, the door burst open. A tall woman in an elegant dress entered, her beauty and confidence making me shrink.

"Madam Giovanni, I’m Mitchell. Mr. Blackwood personally chose me as your PA," she said warmly.

I shook my head in confusion, the knot in my chest tightening.

"What? Why is he treating me like this?" I asked, my voice breaking.

"You’re so lucky, Madam Giovanni. No one has ever gotten this much attention from Mr. Blackwood before," Mitchell said. "You must hold a special place in his heart. Anyway, you should rest. I’m just here to take care of a few things."

I didn't know what to feel — fear, hope, or dread. All I knew was my heart was racing, and nothing made sense anymore.

"You can bring it in," Mitchell called out. Immediately, several people filed into the room, carrying dresses, jewelry, and shoes.

"For me?" I whispered, almost laughing from how absurd it all felt.

"You, of course," she said with a gentle smile. But it didn't calm me.

When they finished arranging everything, she turned back to me.

"Your breakfast will be ready soon. Please come downstairs when you’re done. The doctor will be here to change your bandage," she said politely.

I could barely nod. My body was here, but my mind was spinning somewhere else. I had never been treated like this before. It didn’t feel real.

Just as she was about to leave, I called out desperately,

"Please, can I see Mr. Blackwood?"

She turned, looking at me kindly.

"He left for an urgent meeting early this morning. I'm sure he'll be back soon," she reassured me.

"Okay. Thanks," I whispered, feeling suddenly small.

Night came, but Mr. Blackwood still hadn’t returned.

Every second felt like an hour. I asked Mitchell if she knew anything, but she just shook her head.

Then, finally, I heard the blare of cars horn outside. My heart jumped painfully in my chest.

Maybe now I would finally get answers. Maybe I would finally understand all this

But when the doors swung open, it wasn’t him.

A group of men entered, surrounding an older man who walked ahead with a powerful air.

"That's Mr. Luca Blackwood, Mr. Gray Blackwood's father," Mitchell whispered urgently.

"What?" My gasped

"Yes. I don't know why he's here all of a sudden," she said, frowning deeply before hurrying to greet him.

Mitchell bowed. "Welcome, Mr. Blackwood."

He didn’t even glance at her. "Where’s the girl Gray brought home?" His voice was full of anger

My brows furrowed. He’s looking for me?

"Why did you come for her, sir?" Mitchell asked bravely.

Without warning, the man slapped her hard across the face.

"Who are you to question me?" he snapped.

"Mr. Gray told me to protect her with my entire life. So I need to know why you're here for her," she said firmly, standing in front of him without fear.

"Then get rid of her," he ordered his boys coldly.

I rushed forward in panic. "No, no! I’m the one you’re looking for!" I shouted in fear.

There was silence. His eyes stayed on me as Mitchell struggled, pinned down.

He smirked. “Gray sure has good taste.”

For a second, I thought he’d let it go—but then his voice turned cold.

“Did you really think you could stop his engagement to Stephanie? Not while I’m alive.”

“James,” he called, and a man stepped forward.

“Take her somewhere Gray won’t find her.”

Giovanni POV

The men rushed toward me. Mitchell tried to fight them off, but one of them knocked her out with a gun.

"Please, leave me!" I cried, struggling, but their grip was too tight.

They were about to drag me away when several cars suddenly sped into the compound.

The car doors burst open, and Gray stepped out, followed by his men.

As if a thunderstorm strike them, the man holding me let go, immediately they saw Gray get out of the car.

I ran straight to Gray, sliding into his arms, panting and trembling.

"Are you okay?" he asked urgently, his voice tight with worry.

I shook my head, fresh tears spilling down my cheeks.

"They… they wanted to take me away," I stammered, clinging to him.

Gray pulled me closer, wrapping his arms around me protectively.

"I'm here now," he said softly, his voice fierce and reassuring. "I won't let anyone hurt you."

Before I could even catch my breath, Mr. Luca’s voice cut through the air.

"Gray, what do you think you're doing?" he demanded, his tone sharp and accusing.

"Take her inside, Andrew," he ordered one of the men beside him.

"Okay, sir," Andrew replied. I led the way, feeling the weight of Mr. Luca Blackwood’s glare burning into my back. If looks could kill, I’d be six feet under by now.

Behind me, I heard Gray’s voice, sharp and angry. "What do you think you're trying to do?"

"If you ruin your engagement to Stephanie because of her, I’ll make sure she’s killed," Mr. Blackwood said coldly. My heart skipped a beat. I didn’t know if I should run or stay.

"Just try it and see," Gray shot back without fear. "Besides, I already sent my message to her family. There won’t be any engagement. Do your worst."

"You think I’m joking, Gray?" his father roared.

Gray’s voice dropped lower, but it was even more dangerous. "Try anything stupid, Father, and you’ll see. I won’t let you get away the way you got away with my mother’s death."

Those were the last words I heard before I finally stepped inside.

My heart raced.

So his father was responsible for his mother's death?

I sat on the bed, waiting for Gray to come. At least he could tell me how he knew me—so I could finally understand what all this was.

Then, the door opened. It was him.

I quickly stood up.

“Did I keep you waiting?” he asked.

I nodded.

He smiled as he walked closer. “I’m sorry,” he said gently.

“It’s okay. Please… can you tell me what all this is? How do you know me?” I asked, my voice low but steady.

“You really don’t remember?” he asked, still smiling. I nodded again. I hadn’t seen him before—or maybe I had and just forgot. If I had, he should remind me.

“I don’t remember anything,” I said honestly. “I don’t think I’ve even seen you once before.”

He took a deep breath and suddenly pulled me closer. Leaning in, he whispered in my ear, “Sonic Scope Music Production.”

My eyes widened.

“Does that ring a bell?” he asked.

Sonic Scope Music Production. That was the company I had performed for seven years ago. The night I won my award… the one Eric scattered days ago.

"I know Sonic Scope Music Production. How are you connected to it?" I demanded, my eyes narrowing.

"The guy you saved by the kitchen door—the one who panicked when he saw the fire from the leaking gas… that was me," he said, his voice laced with shame.

"Really?" I shouted, the memory flashing in my mind.

"It’s a good thing you remember," he said softly. "I’ve been looking for you ever since, but two years later, I heard you had died. I went to the funeral to confirm it... but I couldn’t stay. So seeing you alive now—it’s a shock."

"I wasn’t the one who died. It was my twin sister," I replied, locking eyes with him. There was something there—a strange warmth, a spark. Too fast, too sudden… and yet, I felt it.

"I never knew you were a twin," he murmured. "Maybe I would’ve kept searching if I had."

"So....... you're looking for me just to say thank you?"

"No no, that's not the only reason... I want to get to know you better, to start something real" he answered.

I froze. My breath caught, I knew where he was driving at but I wanted to be sure.

"What do you mean you want to know me better?" I asked, heart racing.

He didn’t blink. "There's always been a wall around my heart, but ever since you rescued me that day, that wall was scattered. I couldn't stop thinking about you, I searched everywhere for you. I want to give love a chance with you"

I didn’t know what to say. No one’s ever said that to me before—not like that. I was always just a body, a way to pass time. Never wanted. Never chosen.

But him?

He was dangerous. Magnetic. And I couldn’t lie to myself—I wanted him too. My legs trembled slightly, and I felt the heat growing between them.

I looked into his eyes. I didn’t know if it was madness or desire, or both, but I couldn’t walk away. I didn’t want to.

"You can have me," I whispered.

And then he came for my lips.

"I let him have his way before I finally gave in. I knew it wasn’t right, but I didn’t care about the consequences. I just couldn’t let go of this burning desire."

Giovanni POV

I opened my eyes the next morning, and Gray was still beside me, his hand wrapped around my waist like he had no intention of letting go. I smiled as I stared at him, and the memory of his words from last night made my heart flutter. How could someone be so genuine?

And honestly… I enjoyed everything we shared last night. It was the first time something felt this real. I had never experienced this kind of connection before.

I was about to get up when he suddenly pulled me back into his arms.

“Are you done staring at me?” he asked, his voice low. “Can you do it a little more?”

I was stunned. So he’d been awake the whole time, letting me admire him in silence. I smiled shyly, and he kissed my forehead.

“Did you enjoy it?” he asked, his tone softer now.

I didn’t know what to say. No one had ever asked me that before. I just nodded, feeling my face heat up.

“I should go to the bathroom and wash up,” I said quickly, trying to use it as an excuse to escape the moment.

He held me tighter. “Are you trying to run away from me now?” he teased, his voice husky and playful. It sounded so good on him, I swear.

“I’m not running,” I said, lying through my teeth. “I just need to take a bath.”

He finally let me go, smiling.

“I have a dinner meeting with some business associates today,” he said. “Will you come with me?”

I hesitated, thinking it over.

“Isn’t that a little fast? Meeting your friends already?” I asked, trying to be logical.

“I’m going to marry you soon,” he replied without missing a beat. “I can’t wait to show you off to everyone.”

He said it so naturally, like he meant every word. I couldn’t help but wonder—why now? Why is he just showing up and making everything feel brand new?

"Okay," I murmured, forcing myself off the bed and dragging my tired body toward the bathroom.

We sat at the dining table for breakfast when Mitchell walked in.

“Mitchell,” I called, surprised to see her back. How could I forget to ask about her this morning after she tried her best to protect me with her life yesterday.

“Good morning, Madam Giovanni. Good morning, Mr. Blackwood,” she greeted with a slight bow.

I responded, but Gray said nothing. I glanced at him, wondering what was going on.

“I’m sorry, sir. I couldn’t protect her. I was knocked out,” she apologized.

“Okay,” he said, like the word burnt his tongue.

She nodded, then turned to me. “Madam Giovanni, the phone you said you were looking for—it was found inside the car.” She handed it to me.

My eyes lit up. Finally—my phone. I had so much on it. Notes, contacts… and my songs recording.

“Thank you so much, Mitchell. I love you,” I said, almost breathless.

When I unlocked it, I saw dozens of missed calls and messages—especially from my mother.

"I had to go and see my mother. She must be dead worried," I said, scrolling through my messages.

"It's okay. I should come with you," he offered.

I shook my head quickly. "Nope, you don't have to. I’ll be fine on my own. Taking you to my mum this early sounds somehow? I just got divorced a few days ago."

"Alright," he said, but his eyes didn’t agree. "Just make sure to go with enough men."

"I'll be alright. I’m just going to see my mummy," I smiled faintly.

"You can’t go alone. I don’t trust too many people—especially not my dad. Take my men with you," he said, then turned to Mitchell.

"If anything happens and you don’t call me, you’ll be in big trouble." His tone was sharp and cold.

Why is he so protective of me… but so dismissive of everyone else?

"Alright, sir," Mitchell replied quietly.

When we arrived at the house, the men spread out. One of them quickly stepped forward and opened the door for me. I wanted to say no—but I knew Gray might not take it lightly with them, so I let them do their job.

I walked in, with Mitchell right beside me.

Inside, I saw my mother reading the newspaper while Eric was focused on his phone.

“Giovanni,” my mother called out the moment she saw me. I could tell she had missed me. Her face held worry—probably because of all the messages she sent that I hadn’t replied to.

Eric stood up as well the moment his eyes met mine. I walked toward my mother, expecting a hug.

But instead of hugging me… she slapped me.

The sting hit my cheek instantly, and I held it in shock. My chest tightened. I didn’t understand what I had done to deserve that.

“So you asked for a divorce because you already have someone else?” she said, her voice rushed and sharp. “And not only that—he barged into the house, beat up Mark, and took him away! Eric told me everything. You signed the divorce, fine—but did you really have to go that far?”

I looked at Eric. The hate in his eyes cut deep.

“Why would I take Mark?” I asked, voice shaking. “I didn’t even know—”

But she grabbed my clothes, furious.

Mitchell moved, ready to defend me, but I stopped her. No matter what, she was still my mother.

Then she turned to Mitchell.

“Mitchell,” she said coldly.

I stiffened. How did she know her name?

Then her gaze shot back to me.

“Is it Gray Blackwood?”