Chapter 2 Nothing to Lose

That night, Gavin didn't return home.

The first two times he bailed on our wedding, he'd stayed with his ex-wife and their child for at least three days.

This time would probably be no different.

Over the next few days, I went through my list of assets again.

Before we broke up, I had to make sure the assets he'd given me were legally secured in my name, just in case he tried to take them back.

I trusted Gavin as a person, but I didn't trust his family's underhanded tactics.

On the fourth day, Gavin came home. But this time, he wasn't alone.

His ex-wife, Claire Bennett, and their child, Alex Grant, had come along with him.

"Vivian, Alex hasn't been doing well, and Claire has a fever. They'll be staying with us for now."

I merely nodded and said nothing.

He'd brought them home without even asking me, which made it clear he wasn't asking for permission.

That night, Claire and Alex settled into the guest room.

I was organizing my jewelry when Claire came over. "I'm sorry to intrude, Ms. Hayes."

She made it seem as if I'd been bullying her.

I shook my head lightly. "It's no trouble."

Her gaze fell on the framed photo on my nightstand. It was a solo portrait of Gavin from his wedding photoshoot.

"Alex misses his dad. He wants a picture of him as he looks now. Would it be okay if I took this?"

I frowned.

What sort of nonsense was this?

Gavin had spent three days with them. She could have taken as many pictures of him as she wanted. Yet, she had to come for the one in my bedroom.

I couldn't be bothered to argue. "Take it."

She picked up the photo of Gavin, then started tearing up. "I'm so envious of you. You get to see him every day."

Then, she forced a faint smile. "Sorry. I'm being inappropriate."

Suddenly, a clear voice rang out from the doorway. "Don't cry, Mommy."

Alex came rushing in. "You're a bad woman! You're bullying my mom again!"

I frowned.

Claire had been the one badmouthing me.

Before I could react, Alex shoved me hard. I lost my balance and fell to the floor.

Claire hurriedly grabbed him. "Don't hit her, baby. Mommy's okay…"

She was saying she was fine, not that I hadn't bullied her.

Alex's little face flushed bright red.

"Mommy, we're home now. Daddy will stand up for us. We don't have to worry about what she thinks anymore."

The corners of Claire's lips lifted ever so slightly.

Gavin came out of his study when he heard the commotion. His expression darkened when he saw me sitting on the floor, clutching my ankle.

"What happened?"

Claire immediately crouched down to help me up, apologizing profusely. "I'm sorry. Alex saw your wedding photo and had an episode. He didn't mean to…"

I frowned again.

It was a solo portrait. How had it suddenly become a wedding photo?

Claire glanced at Alex.

The next second, Alex clutched his chest and collapsed. "Ugh…"

He writhed on the floor in pain, sweat beading across his forehead.

"Oh, no. Alex's having another episode!"

Claire let go of me and immediately ran to Alex.

I lost my balance again and fell backward, my lower spine slamming into the floor. This time, it hurt even more.

Gavin didn't even look at me. Instead, he scooped Alex into his arms. "Let's head to the hospital. Now."

The three of them left together without sparing me another glance.

I gave a helpless little laugh and got to my feet on my own.

I couldn't make a scene. I couldn't accuse anyone of anything, either. Gavin hated petty people who made a fuss, after all.

I opened the first-aid kit and applied some pain-relief ointment.

After a long night of dealing with everything, Gavin finally texted me. "Vivian, I think you should move out for now. Alex can't stand the sight of you. I'll put the apartment on the west side of town in your name."

"Okay," I replied curtly.

Claire wanted me gone. I wanted to get something out of it before I left. It was a win-win situation.