**Chapter 64: Anita** **Ava** In the dim light of a secluded booth, I savored a slice of cake, its sweetness enveloping me like a warm embrace. With Noah spending the night at Rowan’s, tonight I was free, unburdened by the chaotic responsibilities of motherhood. A warm sense of contentment washed over me, urging me to indulge in something truly comforting. This dessert felt like a long-lost friend after days of feeling emotionally starved. My recent visit to prison had been a whirlwind of unexpected revelations. I had braced myself for Ethan to renounce any connection to the baby, fully anticipating a heart-wrenching refusal. Instead, I was met with a declaration of love that left a hollow ache in my heart. How could he not see that there was no turning back? The ghost of his past actions loomed over me like an ominous cloud; the memory of him trying to end my life was an indelible mark on my soul. How could I ever consider a future with him again? Despite everything, I wasn't so cruel as to strip him of his rights as a father. I would never wish to see him face-to-face again, but a part of me acknowledged that I could arrange for Nora to take our baby to see him. It was a small concession, yet it was the furthest I would go for Ethan; beyond that, I would not stoop to foolishness. I had resolved to leave men behind, realizing that pursuing love only led to a cycle of heartache and betrayal. I had wanted affection from two men, and what I received in return was pain and turmoil. It was time for me to let go of love, to free myself from its elusive grasp. I was coming to terms with the fact that love had never truly had a place for me. My focus now would be on reinventing myself, on being the best mother I could be. As I indulged in another bite of velvety cake, a soft moan of pleasure escaped my lips as the flavors danced across my tongue. Suddenly, a shrill voice shattered my reverie. “Aren’t you afraid you’ll get fat? I mean, you already are, but I fear you’ll get fatter.” I jolted, my eyes snapping open to find Anita glaring at me, her malicious intent evident. Behind her, a handful of her co-workers cackled at her words, but their laughter felt like distant echoes; I barely registered their presence. Anita, one of Rowan’s financial advisors, had never hidden her disdain for me. I found it perplexing; perhaps it stemmed from my past marriage to Rowan, although he despised the very sight of me. Surely, anyone with an ounce of sense could see that. “I’m talking to you, fat bitch,” she screeched when I chose to ignore her, choosing instead to sip my juice leisurely. “Sure, talk all you want. It doesn’t mean I have to listen to a single word you say,” I retorted, a defiant smirk creeping across my lips. In the past, I would have cringed under her words, desperate for Rowan’s approval, allowing his minions to trample over me. I clung to the hope that he was oblivious to their cruelty, but deep down, I knew he was more than aware. “You think you’re something now that you’re apparently rich?” Anita sneered, venom dripping from her words. “I bet you got your money by spreading your legs.” At that, I burst into a laugh that startled them. The level of insecurity in women like Anita always amused me; they seemed to believe that success could only be achieved through such sordid means. Wiping the amusement from my face, I replied, “I’m not you, Anita.” “You bitch! How dare you?” she lunged forward, but I rose to meet her gaze with steel in my eyes. I was done allowing these ridiculous bullies to walk all over me. “Take one more step towards me and you’ll regret it,” I hissed, my stare unyielding. “The Ava you knew would cower; this Ava will bite back, and I swear you won’t like the taste.” For a moment, her confidence faltered as she glanced back at her posse, realization dawning on her that she had underestimated me. “Are you threatening me?” she challenged, moving closer to intimidate me. I shrugged, my demeanor cool. “Sure, if that’s how you want to interpret it.” “One word from me and Rowan will have your head…we’ve danced this dance before, Ava. Just a whisper about how you’ve been rude to me, and he’ll explode on you.” In the past, her words would have sent waves of fear through me. Keeping the peace with Rowan had meant swallowing my pride, letting Anita revel in her perceived power over me. But now, I wore my defiance like armor. I shot her a smile that dripped with mockery. “Go ahead, do it. I honestly couldn’t care less. In fact, why don’t you take your phone out right now and put him on speaker? I dare you.” “You think I won’t?” she shot back, her bravado faltering. “I’m counting on you,” I answered with a smirk, my heart racing. It seemed like the self-respect I thought had crumbled after Ethan's betrayal was slowly rebuilding itself. I could feel a flicker of strength igniting within me. Never again would I let a man drag me into the depths of despair. “What’s going on here?” a commanding voice cut through the tension. I looked up to find Corrine’s concerned gaze flicking between us. She wasn’t a friend, merely an acquaintance or business partner, her father owning the construction firm I relied on for my Hope Houses project. The newly opened restaurant belonged to her, though her family's influence loomed large in everything she did. “This woman here is causing a disturbance; I suggest you kick her out.” Anita wasted no time making her case. “We were just minding our own business when she started calling me names.” I couldn’t help but smirk as I crossed my arms, watching her make an absolute fool of herself. Nobody in this room was aware of my connection with Corrine. I relished the impending showdown; unlike Rowan, Corrine wouldn’t be easily misled. “Is that so?” she asked, her voice cool and steady. I had kept my distance from Corrine, believing I was unworthy of her friendship. I never let her get too close, thinking a loser like me wouldn’t be worth her time. Anita nodded her head, signaling her friends to back her up, a pack of idiots if I ever saw one. “Do you think I’m stupid? Do you think this entire place is devoid of cameras?” Corrine asked, her voice lowering in intensity. “I saw everything, and now you dare lie to me?” The moment realization struck Anita, panic flooded her features as she swallowed hard. “It’s just a misunderstanding,” she stammered, grasping for an escape. “Get out!” Corrine’s voice rose, full of authority. Each word sliced through the air with lethal precision. “I said get out of my restaurant! I won’t have a lowly bitch with no manners trying to humiliate my friend in my own establishment!” I was taken aback by her staunch defense of me, momentarily forgetting my grudge against Corrine. “Are you going to leave, or do you want my bodyguards to drag you out?” “Fine! The food here isn’t even that good!” Anita huffed, her voice dripping with spite. We all knew her words were nothing but a lie; this was one of the finest establishments in the heart of the city. Anita stormed off, and it was only then I noticed the attention we’d attracted. Before she could make her escape, Corrine called back to her. “And Anita?” “What?” she snapped, turning around. “You’re no longer welcome in any of my restaurants. That goes for your friends, too.” A wicked smile spread across my face as her mouth fell open in shock. Without another word, she stomped away, leaving her cronies to curse her for getting them banned alongside her. “Thank you for that, Corrine. She was starting to really get on my nerves,” I said, letting out a sigh of relief. “It’s okay… no problem,” she replied, offering me a faint smile. Just as I opened my mouth to express my gratitude further, my name echoed through the air, sending a chill through my spine. “Ava?” I froze, recognizing the voice instantly. Turning slowly, I found Rowan’s mother standing before me. And beside her, with tears glistening in her eyes, was the woman I had believed to be my mother—the woman who had called me her daughter yet treated me like I was nothing more than a ghost lingering in her shadow.