* Chapter 12
at Little Pines Preschool, and there was an unusual commotion at the entrance.
It was pick–up t
p time at li
Parents clustered together, murmuring and pointing.
I stepped outside to see what was happening, and my heart sank
Isabelle Knight was there, holding a banner that accused me of being a homewrecker.
“Your children’s teacher has no morals! She seduced my boyfriend. Can such a person be trusted to educate your kids?”
“Speak up, everyone! A conniving woman like her deserves public condemnation!”
Her inflammatory words soon had parents whispering.
“She seemed so respectable, Who knew she was like this? I don’t want her near my child.”
“I saw her with a man before. It makes sense now–single moms can’t keep to themselves.
“Exactly. Acting so virtuous while playing both sides.”
Just as the accusations mounted, Ethan and Lillian burst through the crowd to stand in front of me.
“My mom isn’t like that! She doesn’t love Dad anymore. He’s the one who’s shameless”
“Yeah! My mom is good; she’s not a homewrecker!”
I didn’t want my children hurt by the chaos between adults.
“Sweethearts, go inside. It’s Mom’s turn to protect you, not the other way around.”
After much coaxing, they reluctantly obeyed.
Isabelle opened her mouth to speak again, but I rubbed my palms together, then slapped her across the face.
She raised her hand to retaliate, but Weston stepped through the crowd, placing himself between us.
Smack!
The slap landed squarely on him.
Isabelle’s eyes widened with shock.
“Weston, I didn’t mean to hit you!”
dather
His gaze was glacial as he looked at her without emotion.
“Didn’t I tell you we were over!
MOR
*
After Isabelle’s public statement implying their Impending marriage, Weston had exploded in rage. He only ever acknowledged one wife: Celeste.
“Since Celeste left, I can’t lie to myself. My heart makes it clear–I love her. You knew I didn’t love you, but you kept taking my money and clinging on.”
“Isabelle, all you’re doing is deepening my disgust. Leave.”