“Thank you for your kindness, sweetheart. You’re truly sweet,” Ezekiel said with that familiar smile.

They didn’t even notice me walking up. Without a word, I grabbed the expensive bag from the counter and walked straight to the cashier. I caught a glimpse of her fingers wrapped around his hand like she owned him—like she didn’t just steal someone else’s husband.

But I didn’t feel jealousy. No. What I felt was pure, cold rage. Hatred that sat heavy in my chest like a weight I’ve been carrying for years.

“I would do anything for you, my love,” Celeste said in that sickeningly sweet voice. “I can buy you anything you want, unlike your poor ex-wife.”

My hands clenched at my sides, nails digging into my palms. She had no idea who I really am. I wasn’t that woman anymore—the one they mocked, belittled, pushed aside like trash. That woman is long gone.

“Hey! Where’s your payment?” the cashier asked, eyeing me like I was homeless.

I shot her a look, my voice cold. “Can’t you just wait?”

That made them turn. And for a second, just a second, I saw the surprise in his eyes. Good. Let him see the woman he lost.

Celeste’s eyes widened the moment she saw me. Ezekiel looked like he’d seen a ghost.

“Isabella?” Celeste blinked in disbelief.

“Oh,” I said, allowing a slow, calm smile to rise. “Nice to see you again.” Then I turned to Ezekiel. “Especially you, my dear ex-husband.”

He scanned me from head to toe, eyes narrowing. I was in a simple white dress with my bag.

“Well, it’s nice to see you up and about,” Celeste smirked, “but still poor, I see.”

I ignored her jab and said calmly, “I’m just here to buy a bag.”

Celeste snorted, nudging Ezekiel. “She thinks she can actually afford anything here?” She looked at the cashier for backup. “Do you really think this woman can buy anything in this store? Even twenty dollars is too much for her.”

“Do you know her?” the cashier asked, frowning.

“Yes,” Celeste said proudly. “She’s just a broke ex-wife. I don’t even know why you let people like her walk in here. Don’t you think she might be trying to steal something?”

I took a deep breath and smiled to myself. Then I pulled out my Black VIP card from my wallet and handed it to the cashier.

Her eyes widened. “Black Card? Is this… really yours?”

“I told you, she’s a thief,” Celeste said quickly, laughing, already turning this into a scene.

“May I see your ID card?” the cashier asked hesitantly.

I looked her in the eye. “I don’t have time for your accusations. But if you’d like to risk your job over this, go ahead.”

Celeste let out a mocking laugh. “Who gave you the right to threaten her job? You’re insane.” She turned to the cashier. “Don’t worry, I’ll give you two million pesos if she can actually prove she owns that card.”

Then a man in a sleek suit appeared and bowed slightly to me. “Good day, Miss Isabella. How may I assist you today?”

The cashier’s face turned pale. He was the store manager.

“Get her out of my sight,” I told him, nodding at the cashier. “I don’t want to see her in this store again.”

“Why? What happened, Madam?” the manager asked, confused.

“Did I ask for your opinion?” I shot back.

He bowed again, more apologetic this time. “I’m sorry, Madam. Today will be her last day.”

The cashier froze. “You can’t do this to me just because of her!” she snapped, pointing at me.

“I’m sorry, Clara,” the manager said, voice low. “But I have no choice. Apologize to her now if you want to stay.”

Tears welled in her eyes as she turned to me. “Ma’am, please. I’ll kneel if I have to. Please don’t take my job away.”

I stared at her. Then said, “Fine. Lick my shoe.”

Celeste and Ezekiel watched with stunned silence as she actually dropped to her knees, inching toward my feet.

“Stop!” Celeste finally said, grabbing her. “Don’t do it. She’s bluffing. Don’t humiliate yourself.”

I tilted my head at Celeste. “Then you give her the two million you promised.”

Marga’s voice called out from behind us. “Mommy!”

The tension snapped like a string pulled too tight. We all turned as she ran toward me, little curls bouncing with each step. Lila followed behind.

“Mommy, who are they?” Marga asked, slowing down as she reached us. Her voice was soft and innocent. Her eyes bounced curiously between Ezekiel and Celeste, completely unaware of the tension building in the air around us.

I bent down, trying to steady my breath as I tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Marga, these are just some people Mommy used to know.”

Before I could even stand up, I felt it—Ezekiel stepped forward. His eyes locked into mine, and his voice followed, low and sharp.

“She’s your daughter?”

I froze.

I straightened slowly, meeting his gaze without flinching. “That’s not your business anymore,” I said evenly. “Marga, lets go.”

This time she obeyed, her little footsteps padding toward the door. I'm holding her hand, my pulse pounding in my ears. I didn’t give Ezekiel a second glance. Not him. Not Celeste. Not the wreckage of a past I’d already buried.

Only then did Marga glance up at me, confusion in her eyes. “Mommy… why was he asking? Who is he?”