Chased By My Billionaire Ex-husband
Chapter 119: That Stupid Man!

Chapter 119: That Stupid Man!

Claire’s POV

"That stupid man! How could he think he could just leave me like that?" I muttered under my breath, storming away from the dining area. My heart pounded in frustration, my emotions spiraling as his words replayed in my mind.

I knew deep down it was my fault. I had said things that only fueled his guilt, digging up wounds that hadn’t even fully healed yet. But still! How could he always make himself look like the only victim, carrying the weight of all our pain alone?

Yes, I suffered. I suffered so much while being with him. But not because he was cruel or heartless— it was because of my own inferiority and stupid decisions I made out of desperation. He hadn’t changed; he had been the same from the start. And yet, I never tried to truly reach out to him; I never pushed hard enough to break through his walls.

Would he have shut me out if I had tried harder? Maybe not. Maybe he would have let me in. But I didn’t try, did I? And now he stood there, drowning in guilt and self-blame, unable to see that the pain wasn’t his alone to bear.

How could he act so pitifully, though? Did he think it made things better? Did he think pushing me away was the solution?

I clenched my fists, my pace quickening as I headed toward Eliam’s room. He didn’t know—he could never know—how much worse my life would have been if not for him. If not for the safe place he unknowingly gave me, I would have suffered so much more in that wretched place.

The Reed mansion.

A shiver ran down my spine as the memories resurfaced— the cold dark room, those bullies, the beating, the oppressive weight of expectations to bring money even if I had to sell myself. If Evander hadn’t taken me out of that house and hadn’t given me even the smallest sliver of escape, I might have broken completely.

But how could I explain that to him? How could I tell him that despite everything, he had saved me?

"Mommy!" Eliam’s cheerful voice pulled me out of my thoughts. I turned to see him sitting up on the bed, his tiny arms outstretched. "Mommy, Eliam wants a hug, a hug!"

A smile instantly replaced the frown that had been lingering on my face. How could I ever resist this little bundle of joy? I leaned down and wrapped him in a warm hug, holding him close as his giggles filled the room.

"Come here, my little prince," I said, my voice soft with affection. "Let’s get you ready for the day." I scooped him up in my arms and carried him to the washroom.

Eliam rubbed his sleepy eyes as I placed him on the counter and reached for his toothbrush. "Let’s brush those little teeth so they stay shiny and strong, okay?"

He nodded eagerly, a toothy grin spreading across his face. As I helped him brush his teeth, his laughter rang out every time the foam tickled his lips. His energy was infectious, and I couldn’t help but laugh along with him.

Once his teeth were clean, I picked out a fresh set of clothes and helped him into them, pretending to be his royal attendant. "Your Highness," I teased, straightening his little shirt. "You are ready to greet your kingdom."

Eliam giggled, clapping his hands. "Mommy, you are so funny!"

"Shh!" I shushed him lightly. "So, can your highness tell me what he wants to wear to today?"

"I will wear whatever Mommy chooses for me!" Eliam said with a bubbly giggle as his eyes sparkled with joy and excitement. It looked like he had forgotten that happened yesterday.

Well... It was good that he did! I didn’t want him to remember all those things.

"Alright then, let’s see," I replied, scanning his little wardrobe. My hand stopped on a cheerful yellow Pikachu outfit, complete with a tiny hood that had Pikachu’s signature ears.

"This one!" I exclaimed, holding it up for him to see. The bright yellow fabric was soft and cozy, with a cute little tail sewn at the back. The playful expression printed on the front made it impossible not to smile.

Eliam clapped his hands in delight. "Pikachu!" he squealed, clearly thrilled with my choice.

"Who brought you this dress?" I asked, noticing the wardrobe was mostly filled with formal clothes—just like Evander preferred.

"It’s Uncle Damian," Eliam replied, his voice full of innocence. "But..." He paused, fidgeting with his little fingers. "I never get to wear this before."

My heart ached to hear that. How could Evander, or anyone, think that a child like Eliam deserved to be dressed up like a little adult instead of being allowed to enjoy the simple joys of childhood?

That stupid father of his! How could he deny Eliam the warmth and love he deserved? It broke my heart.

"I’ll make sure you get the love and care you need, Eliam," I whispered, brushing a strand of hair from his face. "You’ll never feel alone or unloved with me. I’ll be here for you always."

I couldn’t change the past, but I could give him the future he deserved. He would be showered with warmth, joy, and all the love I had to give. He didn’t deserve the same coldness forced upon me and Evander.

I promised myself right then that I would protect him, be the mother he never had, and cherish every step of his growing up. I would ensure his childhood was filled with laughter, love, and everything bright.

I helped him into the outfit, adjusting the hood so it sat perfectly on his head. He looked like a walking ball of sunshine, his giggles making the moment even sweeter.

"Look at you," I said, admiring him with a wide grin. "You’re the cutest Pikachu in the world!"

Eliam spun around, showing off the tail with pride as a cute smile tugged on his lips.

"I see... That’s why you always run away from me." A smile came from behind, taking my attention toward them.