Chapter 15 A Special Gift

In Sofia's underground garage, two rows of flashy sports cars waited. Charlotte, who wasn't very particular about cars, suggested a modest choice, "Let's just take your usual car." Sofia disagreed, "These cars are collecting dust here. We need something fit for our little princess." Lilya, bubbling with excitement, ran to a pink sports car that shone like diamonds. This car, a Lamborghini covered in shiny paint job, had always been Sofia's dream ride, but she had never had the opportunity. In the night lights, it sparkled magnificently. "Okay, today we'll take this one." Their next stop was a nearby mall. Sofia, ever so generous, chose a bunch of clothes for the kids. Charlotte tried to intervene. "We have enough clothes at home. They'll outgrow these quickly." Sofia was determined. "It's my pleasure. I want to spoil my little ones with pretty clothes." After several attempts to persuade her failed, Charlotte sat back, watching Sofia enthusiastically choose outfits for the children. Standing in front of a mirror, Lilya admired her reflection. "Mommy, do you think I'm cute?" As Charlotte looked at her, her heart warmed. "You're the most adorable kid in the world." Andy, unusually calm for his age, kept to himself. Charlotte watched her son, his standoffish demeanor worrying her. She had plans to enroll both kids in kindergarten soon, but Andy's reserved personality made her anxious about his ability to make friends. Meanwhile, Frank, along with Lorraine, unexpectedly walked past the clothing store. Trying to make up for his abrupt departure yesterday, he took Lorraine shopping. Spotting Charlotte and the kids from afar, Frank, still upset about yesterday's incident, headed straight toward them. "Frank," Lorraine called after him, puzzled. "What's happening?" It wasn't until she entered the store that she noticed Charlotte. "Oh, what a surprise to see you here." Charlotte lifted her gaze to find Frank, visibly angry, approaching her. Sofia acted swiftly, pulling the kids behind her. "What are you up to now?" Conscious of Lorraine's presence, Frank held back on mentioning the house transfer. "Don't you feel any remorse?" "Why should I feel remorseful? I'm not involved in any of this." Frank's eyes were full of contempt as he looked at the children. "So, these are the kids from your affair? They're repulsive." Charlotte fired back, "It's not like I invited you to look. You're the one who stormed in here." Lorraine, shocked, turned to Charlotte. "Who exactly are you?" "Didn't he tell you? I'm his ex-wife, whom he falsely accused of cheating." Stunned, Lorraine faced Frank. "Why didn't you mention this earlier? Is there a hidden secret between you? Is that why you kept it from me?" Caught in his own anger, Frank hadn't thought about the repercussions. "I assumed you knew. Just the sight of her disgusts me." Lorraine, visibly irritated, laughed scornfully. "How am I supposed to know if you never tell me? You think I can read minds?" In a fit of anger, Lorraine removed her ring and hurled it at Charlotte. "You're the one who designed this, aren't you? It's lovely, but I despise it now." Sofia quickly intervened, facing Lorraine. "What's your problem? Charlotte is no longer part of his life. Not everyone is after your man." "Jealousy is obvious on you. Frank is an exceptional man; it's understandable you're resentful." Lorraine assessed Charlotte critically. "A piece of advice – stay away from my husband, or I can't predict my actions." Unintimidated, Charlotte met her gaze. "You're overlooking something important: your husband has been the one troubling me. I'd like it if you could control him, so he doesn't act like a rabid dog." Lorraine was skeptical. She had been with Frank for almost four years, during which he had always been compliant, never defying her. "His animosity toward you probably stems from your affair, doesn't it? It's audacious for someone as indecent as you to even appear in public." As the confrontation escalated, onlookers started to gather, murmuring among themselves. Charlotte, familiar with such public scenes, felt a numbness borne of repeated exposure, though the pain resurfaced in quiet moments. "There are things I don't bother explaining. What's acceptable to you might not be for others. To clear any misunderstandings, I'm stating this now." Charlotte inhaled deeply. "I have no connection with this despicable man. I'm not sure how he behaves with you, but it might be wise to keep an eye on him." "Your caution is unnecessary. I'm well aware of how Frank is with me. You're just a disgraceful woman, likely envious of my strong relationship with him." Sofia, exasperated by their argument, burst out, "I should have checked my horoscope before coming out. Why did we have to encounter you today?" Frank chimed in, "I was thinking the same. Nothing good ever comes from running into her." Sofia glared at Frank. "You're just as gross as ever, Frank. How do you even get by?" Frank sneered, "You better watch your friend. She might end up in trouble. Let's head out, Lorraine." Sofia was really mad. 'How can Frank be so audacious to say such things? Lorraine looks like she's easy to fool.' She turned to Charlotte, concerned. "Everything okay with you?" Charlotte picked up the ring that had been tossed aside. "What's new with me? Frank has been causing problems for a while now. Guys like him? They don't usually have happy endings. We'll just see what happens."