<b>Chapter </b>187
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 movementced with aristocratic arrogance. “I’ll never have another child–Maisie’s my only her. Il paver <b>golden </b>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, Maisiended a small, resounding p on Kim’s face.
Time fro
“Bad man! I hate you!” Maisie dered.
She was smart enough to know how much those words would hurt her mom. Reaching <b>out</b>, 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 <b>look </b>in Cloe’s eyes, regret <b>washed </b>over him–Maisie’s p hadn’t hurt a bit<b>, </b>but it was a brutal wake<b>–</b><b>up </b>call
Aria’s face was icy, her gaze darkening with a murderous edge. “Maisie, cover your ears,” she ordered coldly.
Maisie instantly <b>obeyed</b>, hands flying up to <b>block </b>out theing 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 <b>a </b>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 <b>do </b>you get the <b>nerve</b>? Is it the <b>Shaw </b>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 p didn’t hurt, but it snapped him awake, Outside, thunder rolled and clouds swallowed the daylight, plunging the room into <b>shadow</b>.
Kim’s mind shed to Cloe on the operating table. She <b>was </b>terrified <b>of </b>pain.
Guilt hit him like a cold downpour–fast, sharp, relentless.
Cloe was <b>always </b>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<b>, </b>he’d have taken <b>every </b>word back
He was angry Cloe had hidden her pregnancy and child, angry <b>that </b><b>she </b>kept running, nning to escape to Kanit City.
His frustration and resentment got the better of him, <b>and </b>now his words hade back to bite him.
Emma was right: his mouth was going to get high in trouble one <b>day</b>.
He had no right to fight for <b>Maisie</b>. He hadn’t even nned to, he just wanted to take responsibility. But somehow, it all came out wrong
At the door, Owen and his parents <b>had </b><b>arrived</b>, catching Aria’s <b>words</b>. They froze in shock.
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 ae through to give birth? You have no right to judge anyone!”
Kim didn’t segue. He simply endured everyone’s disapproving res.
“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.”