Chapter 4 Stay Away From My Man

Belle's POV: I picked up the small bowl of shrimp custard, scooping up a spoonful. The custard was soft and smooth, with bright, fresh shrimp nestled inside that were perfectly steamed. Blowing on it to cool it down, I gently fed it to Moona. Moona smacked her little lips and said in her sweet, soft voice, "So yummy, just like Mommy's cooking." "This was ordered by that nice man for you, Moona. Remember to thank him next time you see him, alright?" "It's Daddy," Moona insisted, pouting seriously. "Not 'that man'—it's Daddy!" "Don't go calling people Daddy just because you feel like it," I scolded her playfully, pretending to be stern. "Don't do it again!" "Waaah!" Moona opened her mouth and started to cry. "He is Daddy! He's definitely Daddy! He even smells like Daddy!" "Fine, fine!" I gave in, quickly soothing her. "He's Daddy. He's Daddy. Now let's finish your meal, okay?" With that little compromise, Moona brightened up again. Meanwhile, I found myself recalling Leroy's "smell." But no matter how hard I thought, I couldn't remember any specific scent at all! Moona must be making things up. Sigh ... All children wish they had a father, and I know it's something I haven't been able to give her and her brother. Three days later, Moona had fully recovered from her cold and was discharged from the hospital. I sent Leroy a message. "Mr. Leroy, my daughter is out of the hospital now. Do you have the repair bill for your car?" I waited for a long time, but there was no response from him. I didn't want to bother him further. He's a prominent businessman, so I imagine he's quite busy. My little issues probably don't even register on his radar. I left my twins in Erin's care and went downstairs to work in the bakery. I had just finished preparing two boxes of cream puff and was about to start on an order for two boxes of creme brulees when the glass door swung open. A woman in athletic wear walked in. She looked extremely fit, and her skin was healthy tan. But something about her gaze made me uncomfortable. She looked at me as though I were a piece of garbage. I didn't let my discomfort show; after all, it pays to be friendly in business. I smiled at her. "Hello, please feel free to browse. Let me know if you'd like any help." She snorted through her nose and began inspecting the shop, occasionally making little sounds of disgust. My discomfort grew, but I focused on my work, ignoring her as I continued making the creme brulee. I figured, given her attitude, she'd probably leave soon. But I was wrong. Not only did she not leave, she came right over to me. "B*tch, take your kids and get out of Alabaster! Stay away from my man!" She hissed, warning me. I noticed her body tense slightly, like she was preparing to strike. It felt as though the slightest wrong word from me would make her attack on the spot. I was utterly baffled. "What are you talking about? I don't even know who you are." "You know exactly who—" She suddenly stopped, her eyes locking onto something above us, a look of shock spreading across her face. A pang of fear hit me, and I instinctively looked up. There was Moona, standing at the top of the stairs, holding onto the railing as she tried to come down. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the woman shift her feet as if readying to move. I quickly stepped between her and the stairs, blocking her path. "The upstairs is my private living space. You're not allowed up there." A strange sense of danger made me stand protectively in front of my daughter. Then, without warning, a powerful, unbelievable force pushed against my shoulder. Bang! The next second, I was hurled through the air like a ragdoll, slamming into the wall over six feet away. My head buzzed, and my back felt like it was breaking. I couldn't stand up; all I could do was curl up, trying to relieve the overwhelming pain. I couldn't believe it. How could an ordinary woman have that kind of strength? I weigh 130 pounds! Where on earth did this monster come from?