Chapter 187
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re was mocking . “ Not now , but someday you will What can you give Malle , Clost A ideia restaurant , cooking for others ?
Kim’s pare
He loosened bistie , every movement laced with aristocratic arrogance . “ I’ll never have another child – Maisie’s my only her . Il paver golden path le her , put her at the top of the world , give her honor and glory . All you can offer her is Amour Bistro . What , you want her to spend her life serving with a smile , just like you ? ”
Cloe’s lips trembled , biting back tears , stubborn yet shattered
Aria’s eyes went cold as ice , she clenched her fish , ready to strike . But before she could act , Maisie landed a small , resounding slap on Kim’s face .
Time fro
“ Bad man ! I hate you ! ” Maisie declared .
She was smart enough to know how much those words would hurt her mom . Reaching out , the hugged Cloe tightly
Cloe , holding back tears , gathered her daughter close . Maisie nestled in her mother’s neck , eyes red and brimming “ Mommy , we don’t have to teto him . As long as I have you , I’m the happiest kid in the world
Cloe stroked her daughter’s hair , voice trembling as tears streamed down her face . “ Mm – hmm. ”
As soon as Kim caught the look in Cloe’s eyes , regret washed over him – Maisie’s slap hadn’t hurt a bit , but it was a brutal wake – up call
Aria’s face was icy , her gaze darkening with a murderous edge . “ Maisie , cover your ears , ” she ordered coldly .
Maisie instantly obeyed , hands flying up to block out the coming storm .
Aria stalked forward , her words sharp as knives . You really are pathetic , Kim , You didn’t throw up for months . You didn’t carry a baby for ten agonizing
months .
“ You weren’t the one whose body was sliced open and stitched back together . All you did was have a little fun what exactly did you sacrifice ? And now you want to take Maisie from her ?
“ Where do you get the nerve ? Is it the Shaw family that makes you so bold , or are you just overestimating yourself ? ”
Seeing the look in Cloe’s eyes , Kim felt instant regret . Maisie’s little slap didn’t hurt , but it snapped him awake , Outside , thunder rolled and clouds swallowed the daylight , plunging the room into shadow .
Kim’s mind flashed to Cloe on the operating table . She was terrified of pain .
Guilt hit him like a cold downpour – fast , sharp , relentless .
Cloe was always proud , never one to show weakness , but now her face was streaked with tears because of him .
If he could turn back time just two minutes , he’d have taken every word back
He was angry Cloe had hidden her pregnancy and child , angry that she kept running , planning to escape to Kanit City .
His frustration and resentment got the better of him , and now his words had come back to bite him .
Emma was right : his mouth was going to get high in trouble one day .
He had no right to fight for Maisie . He hadn’t even planned to , he just wanted to take responsibility . But somehow , it all came out wrong
At the door , Owen and his parents had arrived , catching Aria’s words . They froze in shock .
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Crude as her words were , she wasn’t wrong it was just a bit much .
Emma was fuming . She marched over and , without hesitation , smacked Kim on the back of the head . “ You idiott Do you hire any idea að through to give birth ? You have no right to judge anyone ! ”
Kim didn’t segue . He simply endured everyone’s disapproving glares .
“ Cloe . ” He looked at her , sincere for once . “ I’m sorry ?”
In all the years she’d knowns Kim , Cloe had never heard him apologize ,
She said , “ Maisie’s mine . No one’s taking her from ine . ”
This time , Kim nodded . “ I won’t fight you . ”
“ As long as you stay in Mandino City , I promise I won’t light you . ”