Chapter 8 Have You Forgotten Your Wife and Kid? Nina froze, her whole body trembling. How could it be Bridget? 68 ឡន Finished Back when she was with Lewis, Bridget had never approved. She did everything she could to break them apart, forcing Nina to run overseas just to escape the heat. Luckily, Lewis later brought Athena in as his stand-in wife, and that was the only reason Nina could return to the country. But seeing Bridget now brought all that fear rushing back. Nina shook, feeling like the blood in her veins had turned to ice. Then it hit her-she was standing there in nothing but a skimpy lingerie set. "Arghhh!" Nina gasped, panicked, and ran back into the house. It was too late. Bridget had seen her skimpy attire, shamelessly standing there, trying to pose and flirt. Rage burned in Bridget's chest, her blood pressure spiking. She had always known Nina had no shame in private, but this? And why was Nina here, in her son's villa? Years ago, when her son had lost his head over Nina, Bridget had driven the woman out, banning her from ever stepping foot in Vlephia again. And yet here she was-bold enough to come back! Nina slipped into a more modest dress. She had no choice now; she had to face Bridget. Bridget sat on the couch, arms folded, her face cold and full of authority. She snorted when she saw Nina and snapped, "Why are you here? Where's Athena? Where's Lewis? And my grandson?" Bridget had only come today to see Dion. Nina stammered, "I ... I..." She had no idea why Bridget was here. Finally, in a small voice, she said, "Dion's in the hospital. Lewis is working late at the office." Bridget's face darkened instantly. 1/5 14:35 Sat, Oct 18 ... : 68 Chapter 8 Have You Forgotten Your Wife and Kid? Finished Her eyes cut into Nina like blades as she snapped, "What were you doing here in Lewis's house in that outfit? Trying to lure him again? I've never seen a woman so shameless in my life!" "I wasn't..." Nina's voice was weak, her defense collapsing. Bridget gave a cold laugh and cut her off. "Still trying to lie to me? Years ago I threw you out of this city, yet you dare to come back. Do think I can't deal with you?" you "Mrs. Belmont ... I... "Nina's eyes filled with tears. She stood off to the side, wiping at them helplessly. Why wasn't Lewis home yet? Bridget leaned forward, her voice sharp as steel. "Just because Lewis once liked you doesn't mean you can get away with anything. Someone as shameless as you doesn't belong anywhere near my family. I won't let you succeed. And trust me-I have plenty of ways to put you in your place." Nina's face went pale. She didn't dare argue back. She could only cry harder. Bridget's face tightened the moment she saw her. "Get out of here now!" "This is Lewis's house. I'm waiting for him to come back," Nina said, refusing to leave. Bridget's patience broke. She grabbed Nina by the arm and shoved her toward the door. Nina stumbled, tripping over her own feet, and fell hard onto the gravel outside. Sharp stones cut into her elbows, and the sting made her eyes well up with tears. Just then, the sound of a car engine roared in the driveway. Lewis's luxury car pulled up in front of them. "Mom!" Lewis rushed out, swinging open the car door. He bent down and carefully scooped Nina into his arms. "Nina, are you hurt?" His voice was gentle, full of concern. Seeing him at last, Nina broke down and cried even harder. She clutched at him miserably like a child. "Lewis, it hurts so much." Lewis's face darkened. He turned to his mother, anger flashing in his eyes. "Mom, how could you treat Nina like this?" Bridget's expression twisted at his word. "Are you out of your mind? You're protecting this 2/5 14:35 Sat, Oct 18 Chapter 8 Have You Forgotten Your Wife and kid? : woman while forgetting you already have a wife and child?" Nina grabbed Lewis's shirt, her lips trembling. "The child is mine and-" Lewis cut her off sharply, his brow furrowed. "I know!" & 68 Finished He couldn't let his mother find out the truth yet. If she learned Dion was Nina's son, the fallout would be devastating. Taking a deep breath, Lewis spoke again, his voice steady. "No matter how much you dislike Nina, you shouldn't lay a hand on her. She once saved my life. She's in trouble now, and I'm only helping her for the time being." Before Bridget could answer, another voice cut through the air, laced with sarcasm. "That's right. Lewis is just helping Nina-that's why he lets her live in his house. And Nina's walking around naked? Probably because she suddenly ran out of clothes." Athena rolled closer in her motorized wheelchair, her tone dripping with mockery. She had been waiting all along. Athena hated seeing Nina and Lewis together, but watching them look humiliated was something she didn't mind at all. Especially Nina. The moment Lewis and Nina spotted Athena, both of their faces fell. They knew Bridget wouldn't have shown up here on her own. This had Athena's hand all over it. Nina glared at Athena, furious. Through clenched teeth, she shouted, "Athena! It was you! You're the one who called Mrs. Belmont here!" Athena glared at her coldly. "Ms. Green, that's a strange thing to say. I invited my mother-in-law to dinner. What's the problem with that?" Nina froze, unable to answer. She had no real ground to accuse Athena. Yet inside, her resentment burned. To her, Athena was nothing more than a stand-in. Lewis and Dion were hers-always hers. Did Athena really believe she had become Mrs. Belmont? Lewis frowned deeply at Athena. He had thought she was truly upset with him and maybe even had a little backbone. For a moment, that had worried him. 3/5 14:35 Sat, Oct 18 Chapter 8 Have You Forgotten Your Wife and Kid? But now? He smirked to himself. Of course she still loved him. Otherwise, why would she go this far? Still, she had acted without thinking of the consequences. 68) Finished He pulled a long face and berated, "Athena, couldn't we have settled this in private? Why drag Mom into it? Look at this mess. Are you happy now?" Athena's lips curved in a faint smile. "Very happy." Bridget's eyes narrowed when she saw Lewis still holding Nina. Her voice cut like ice. "Lewis, are you trying to drive me crazy? Why are you still holding that woman?" Lewis steeled his resolve. To shield Nina, he let go. The moment he released her, Nina's eyes turned red. Tears broke down like a dam, rolling down her face as she cried, gasping for breath. Bridget shot her a cold, disgusted look. She scowled and asked, "Where's Dion?" Lewis glanced at Athena, then answered helplessly. "He's sick. He's in the hospital." Bridget already knew Dion was sick-that was the only reason she came. She had no interest in wasting her time with Nina or Athena. She turned to leave, but halfway through, she stopped. Her voice came out sharp and commanding. "Next month is your grandfather's birthday. Bring Athena and Dion back to the estate for the party." Then her eyes locked on Nina, hard as steel. "And get rid of this woman now. I don't ever want to see her again." With that, Bridget left. Lewis inhaled a long breath. Once he made sure his mother was gone, he carefully scooped Nina back into his arms. He carried her inside with such tenderness, the same way Athena had once seen him cradle her. Athena watched, her face calm, her eyes cold. Yet deep inside, she felt the sting. 4/5 14:35 Sat, Oct 18 Chapter 8 Have You Forgotten Your Wife and Kid? Now she understood-she had never been loved. But none of that mattered anymore. Send Gifts