Restarted Without Him

Evan nodded, eyes lit up. Hopeful. Greedy. "That's him. If we get a foot in with Ainsworth Corp, we go even higher."

He smiled. "He's famous for spoiling his wife. Wonder who got that lucky."

***

While everyone was still buzzing, the auction manager rushed in with security, faces tight.

"Excuse me—has anyone seen a woman with a six-year-old girl?"

The noise spiked. Someone connected the dots fast.

"You mean Mrs. Ainsworth and her daughter? I just saw a little girl in a princess dress near the kids' zone."

That was all it took.

The crowd surged toward the children's area—hungry, desperate.

First one there might get a line into the Ainsworths.

Evan and Gloria shoved ahead, not even glancing back.

I stayed quiet. Followed from the back.

Like I expected, I spotted Mia a few minutes later—still in her dress, climbing the play set like rules didn't exist.

I walked past everyone and called up, "Come down."

Her face lit up. Arms out.

"Carry me!"

I stepped forward to lift her—

and Gloria cut in front of me.

"Robyn, you really are addicted to being a side chick," she sneered. "First you throw yourself at Evan, now you're clinging to a kid who doesn't know better?

"I heard Mrs. Ainsworth is gorgeous, and Mr. Ainsworth worships her.

"A shameless tramp like you? Get lost."

Evan looked at me like I'd disappointed him all over again.

"Robyn, I didn't think you'd sink this low. Mr. Ainsworth isn't someone you mess with. Leave. Now."

The auction manager glanced at me, tense. "Ma'am, please leave immediately, or I'll call security."

Gloria caught it all. The smugness flashed in her eyes. She stepped forward, smiling fake-sweet at Mia. "Come here, sweetheart. I'll help you down."

Mia swerved away. Slid down the slide on her own.

Then—

in front of everyone—

she ran straight into me.

"Mommy! You finally came to get me!"

I didn't hug her.

I looked down, voice firm. "Didn't you promise not to run off? I'm telling your daddy you didn't listen. At all."

Mia's face fell apart instantly. Tears loading.

"I'm sorry! Don't tell Daddy." She sniffed. "If he knows, I won't get cake!"

She clutched my hand, pouting hard.

The room went dead quiet.

Evan and Gloria looked like they'd been hit offline.

Gloria screeched, disbelief cracking her voice. "You're her mom? That's impossible!"

The manager went pale. "Y-You're Mrs. Ainsworth?"

I nodded, calm. "If Mr. Ainsworth means Adrian, then yes. I'm his wife."

He wiped his forehead, forcing a smile. "Mrs. Ainsworth, I'm so sorry. I didn't recognize you. Please don't take it personally."

I wasn't interested in dragging it out.

I lifted Mia, ready to leave—

when someone grabbed my arm.

Evan. Eyes red. Locked on the kid in my arms.

"Who is she?" His voice shook. "You're really married?"

Before I could answer, a voice cut through the crowd.

"Mr. Patterson," it said coldly, "why are you blocking my wife and daughter?"