17
New York, Sebastian
When Mia said it was her ex-husband Gavin, something inside me snapped. It was as if a protective instinct I hadn’t fully realized I possessed had suddenly awakened. My protective tendencies surged to the surface, and I couldn’t stand by and let anyone hurt her, especially not this obnoxious ex of hers.
I quickly exited the car and opened the door for Mia, sensing her nervousness. My hand instinctively found its place on the small of her back, a silent gesture of support and reassurance. I half-expected her to remove my hand, but to my surprise, she left it there, as if seeking the comfort it offered.
Together, we approached Gavin, who stood there with fury in his eyes, sizing us up with a suspicious gaze. “Mia, are you alright?” he asked, his voice a mix of concern and anger.
Mia’s response was curt and confident. “I’m perfectly fine, Gavin.”
He couldn’t hide his astonishment at the sight of her. “What are you doing here?” She inquired, still unable to hide her irritation.
“I saw the news. I… are you pregnant?” Gavin asked, his voice softening somewhat.
Mia nodded calmly, and her answer seemed to infuriate him further. “Yes, I am.”
“You’re lying,” he challenged, his skepticism evident in his voice. “The doctors told us you were infertile.”
Mia’s piercing response made it clear she wasn’t backing down. “It said that one of us was infertile, and since I’m pregnant, I’m pretty sure it’s not me.”
Gavin laughed bitterly, a sound that grated on my nerves. “Oh, so you’re saying it’s me? I have a baby on the way too,” he declared arrogantly.
Mia responded with a playful smirk, taunting him. “Are you sure it’s yours?” Her words were loaded with sarcasm.
Gavin’s face paled, and his overconfidence wavered. “I… I am pretty sure it’s mine,” he stammered, attempting to regain control.
Mia’s nonchalant reply seemed to rattle him even more. “Well, whatever makes you sleep at night, right.”
Then, Gavin crossed a line that no one should ever cross. His harsh words, calling Mia derogatory names and accusing her of a one-night stand, were more than I could bear. My anger surged, and I couldn’t stand idly by.
“You don’t talk about my baby’s mother like that,” I grumbled through gritted teeth, my voice laced with a dangerous edge as I shot Gavin a deadly glare.
Gavin taunted us further, refusing to back down. “What are you going to do?” he sneered, his arrogance undiminished.
The temptation to give him a piece of my mind, to unleash my pent-up frustration, was strong. But before I could react, it was Mia who took matters into her own hands-literally. Her fist connected with Gavin’s cheek in a swift, unexpected punch that echoed through the air.
Pride surged within me as I witnessed her assert herself, showing a strength and resilience that made me admire her even more. “You go, girl,” I thought, unable to suppress a silent cheer for her bravery.
Gavin’s eyes widened in shock as he clutched his cheek, his taunting expression replaced by one of disbelief. He hadn’t seen that coming. Mia stood her ground, unwavering and unapologetic, and it was a sight to behold.
With that punch, she had not only defended herself but also silenced her arrogant ex-husband.
As Bonehead Campbell reeled from Mia’s unexpected punch, his disbelief quickly turned into a mix of frustration and anger. “What the fuck, Mia?!” he exclaimed, his voice filled with both hurt and indignation.
I couldn’t help but chuckle at his reaction, finding his shock rather satisfying. “It’s better you move from here,” I interjected, my tone dripping with sarcasm.
Gavin turned his attention to Mia, his desperation evident as he tried to salvage their relationship. “I wanted us to work out. To get back together. Marriages have ups and downs, Mia. This man won’t treat you any better,” he pleaded, attempting to sway her with his words.
Mia, however, remained resolute, not swayed by his last-ditch efforts. She took a deep breath, ready to deliver her own piece of mind. “There’s nothing to work out anymore, Gavin,” she responded firmly. “And cheating doesn’t count as ups and downs. You were disrespectful enough throughout the entire marriage, so do us all a favor and respectfully leave! I have nothing for you anymore. Nothing!”
I watched as pain flickered in Gavin’s eyes, his realization sinking in. But the only emotion I felt was pride for Mia. She had not only stood up for herself but also refused to accept his manipulation and disrespect.
With one last glance, Gavin turned and walked away, defeated. Mia and I headed back inside the apartment building, where we took the stairs to her apartment. She knocked twice on the door, and it swung open to reveal her friend and roommate, Bella.
“You’re here!” Bella squealed, rushing forward to embrace Mia. Then she turned her attention to me, offering her gratitude. “Thank you for taking care of my friend, Mr. Thornton.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at the formality. “It’s just Sebastian. And you’re welcome. Tell your friend to get used to it,” I quipped playfully before waving Mia goodbye.
As I made my way back to the car, my phone buzzed with a new message, diverting my attention from the recent events.
Bring that girl over for dinner – DadRêAd lat𝙚St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only