Chapter 93
Tessa felt utterly embarrassed, desperately wishing the ground would swallow her whole. Even death seemed preferable to this excruciating awkwardness. Unfortunately, her wishful thinking proved futile. Glancing around, she felt like a public defendant, judged by the watchful eyes of nearby parents.
Fixing her gaze on Matthew, she snarled, “Is this really necessary? Why are you treating me like this? Have you forgotten our wedding vows? You’re supposed to love me forever, look after me, and pamper me. Are you going back on your word? Be a man and keep your promise.”
Matthew was speechless. How could Tessa even bring herself to say that? She was the one who demanded a divorce and took his wealth. Now she expected him to honor past vows—to love, cherish, and pamper her. What twisted logic.
Seeing Matthew remain silent, Tessa argued, “I gave you a daughter. No matter how much I’ve wronged you, you can’t do the same to me.”
Matthew realized Tessa was out of her mind. Even though she'd used Lorraine to wrest his wealth, she hadn't hesitated to abandon her. Now, she was using Lorraine again to make unreasonable demands.
“Leave Lorraine out of this,” Matthew said. “If you bring her up again, I’ll call Elliott and have him chase you for the loan repayment.”
Tessa, terrified, forced herself to calm down. “I don’t believe you’ll do it,” she said.
Just then, children began lining up to leave school as parents gathered at the gate. Matthew’s eyes glinted coldly. “Lori will be here any second. I don’t want her to see us fighting; it’ll only make her sad. I’ll do anything to protect her. If you don’t leave, I’ll make the call right now.” He pulled out his phone.
Tessa’s face paled. “Stop! Don’t call Elliott. I’ll leave.”
Like a thief caught red-handed, Tessa scurried away without looking back. Matthew heaved a sigh of relief and slowly closed his eyes. The brief exchange felt like a protracted war. What hurt him most was the torment to his heart.
Rachel watched, dumbfounded. She had never witnessed anything like it. The whole situation felt unreal, like a dream. It was shocking that women like Tessa existed. Even after the divorce, she expected Matthew to uphold his marriage vows and care for her like a queen.
Absurd as it was, it happened right before Rachel’s eyes. Matthew received no appreciation for going to prison on Tessa’s behalf. She still owed him an apology for taking his wealth, yet she kept asking for more.
Rachel felt bad for Matthew. “Are you alright?” she asked.
Matthew wiped his face. When he looked at Rachel, he offered a smile. “Everything’s okay.”
Rachel felt a pang in her heart. She remembered reading that men rarely showed their pain. No matter how much they suffered, they acted tough in front of others. She couldn’t believe what she was witnessing. “If you’re feeling sad…”
Matthew maintained his smile. “I’m not sad. Wait for me while I go get Lori.”
He left to collect Lorraine from the kindergarten gates. When he returned, Lorraine was riding on his shoulders, looking delighted. Matthew beamed, doing his best to make her laugh.
Rachel felt her chest tighten. Even though Matthew was sad, he didn't have time to process his emotions because he had to keep Lorraine happy. Tears welled in her eyes.
The car door opened, and Rachel quickly wiped her tears, pretending nothing had happened. Lorraine greeted her, “Ms. Carter.”
Rachel waved. “Hello.”
Matthew fastened Lorraine’s seatbelt before driving off. Lorraine, with a curious expression, fixed her gaze on Rachel. After a while, she grinned and asked, “Are you going to marry Dad, Ms. Carter?”
Rachel felt awkward answering, “Probably.”
Lorraine, with her adorable eyes, frowned and pleaded, “Please don’t marry Dad. I don’t want him in prison again. He’s a good person, and prison is for bad people.”