Dear Ex-wife; You'll Regret It

Chapter Four

Third Person Pov

The morning sun poured through the glass walls of the hospital’s courtyard, casting long shadows across the play area where several children gathered, all playing happily lost in their little world of comfort. The air was alive with their laughter, but the brightness couldn’t disguise the tension brewing at one corner.

Mirella sat in her wheelchair, her thin fingers clutching the silver necklace hanging around her neck. She touched it often, as though it was a charm anchoring her to something solid. It wasn’t just jewelry to her—it was her mother’s belated birthday gift, proof that Riley still remembered her.

Across from her, Darren’s son, Aiden, sauntered closer. His eyes, sharp with mischief, landed on the necklace. Without warning, he reached out and yanked it off her neck with one swift move.

“Hey!” Mirella gasped, her hand flying to her throat. “Give it back! That’s from my mom!”

“Nope.”

“I'm serious, give it back.”

Aiden twirled the necklace between his fingers, grinning. “This ugly thing? My dad gets better freebies at the mall.”

Mirella’s eyes welled with tears, but her voice rose in defiance. “It’s not ugly! My mom gave it to me for my birthday!. Now give it back.”

Aiden laughed, cruel and mocking. “Birthday gift? Don’t kid yourself. This is junk. You want to know the truth? My mom—no, your mom—got this for free when she bought me my necklace.” He puffed his chest and pulled out a sleek velvet box from his pocket. Inside gleamed a shining gold necklace with a polished charm. “See? This is the real one. Yours is just the trash sample.”

Mirella froze, her lips trembling. “No… that’s not true. Mommy would never…”

“Never what?” Aiden sneered, tilting his head. “Never give you junk? Don’t be stupid. She doesn’t even like you. My mom says you’re a burden. Everyone knows she left you ages ago. You’re nothing but a motherless wild child.”

The words cut like knives. Mirella’s heart cracked open. She launched herself forward, knocking Aiden to the ground. “Take it back!” she screamed, pounding his chest with her fists.

Children around them gasped and scattered, calling for adults.

Kaelen, who had just stepped into the courtyard, froze at the sight of his daughter tangled in a furious brawl. His heart jolted, and he raced forward, shouting, “Mirella! Stop!”

But the little child didn’t. Aiden shoved her back, and the wheelchair tipped slightly. She clawed at his shirt, shrieking, “You’re lying! Mommy loves me!”

Kaelen reached them and pulled her away, gathering her trembling body against his chest. Her necklace dangled broken between Aiden’s fingers.

“Enough,” Kaelen snapped, glaring at the boy.

By then Darren had arrived, his expensive shoes clicking against the pavement. He stopped short, eyes widening when he realized it was his son sprawled on the ground, red-faced. For a split second, disappointment flashed in his gaze—but then he plastered on his usual charming smile which did well to hide his real emotions.

“Aiden!” Darren called, voice smooth, as though to cover his hesitation. “What on earth are you doing, fighting like a child?” He glanced at Kaelen, pretending at sympathy. “I’m so sorry about this. Kids, you know… childish tempers. Aiden, apologize to Mirella right now.”

“No!” Aiden shouted, scrambling to his feet. “She hit me first! Why should I say sorry?!” His voice rose shrill, eyes darting to the watching children. His pride stung, and he did the only thing he knew—he flopped dramatically onto the ground, thrashing, rolling, kicking his feet against the tiles.

Gasps rippled across the courtyard. Parents frowned from a distance.

Kaelen turned to his daughter, crouching low. “Mirella, did you hit him first?”

She said nothing, lips pressed into a hard line, eyes locked fiercely on Aiden. The anger burning in her tiny face was louder than words.

Darren’s jaw twitched. Embarrassment flickered in his eyes before he barked sharply at his son. “Shameful boy! Can’t even handle a sick little brat properly?”

Kaelen froze, but Darren wasn’t done. His sneer deepened, mask slipping away completely.

“How many times have I told you? Don’t go near her. Once that fragile thing finally dies, Riley will be ours. What more do you want?”

The words hit like a blade. Mirella’s breath caught; Aiden’s fists clenched. Kaelen’s blood roared in his ears.

The courtyard fell silent. Even the wind seemed to hold its breath. Some of the onlookers shook their heads in pity; others couldn’t tear their eyes away.

Kaelen’s head snapped toward Darren, fury blazing like fire in his veins. His voice dropped to a lethal growl.

“Repeat that.”

“What’s the matter? Did I say something wrong?” Darren leaned closer, voice dripping with poison, “Your daughter’s nothing but dead weight. A burden choking Riley’s life, just like you. You can’t protect her. You can’t even keep her alive. Both you and her are the definition of pathetic.”

Mirella’s eyes widened, fury sparking hotter than pain. Without warning, she lunged forward and sank her teeth into Darren’s hand, biting down with all her strength.

“Ahh!” Darren howled, jerking back. Blood welled from the deep bite marks. His face twisted in rage, and in one violent motion, he shoved her away.

Mirella crashed to the ground, her small body hitting the pavement with a sickening thud.

“Mirella!” Kaelen roared, dropping to his knees, scooping her into his arms. She whimpered but clung to him, her face pale with fury.

Through trembling lips, she shouted at Darren, “You’re a bad man! A homewrecker! You’re stealing my mommy away from me!”

The words cut through the air like a blade.

And then—

“Enough!” Riley’s voice cracked like a whip across the courtyard.

She rushed in, face pale, eyes wide at the chaos before her. But instead of rushing to Mirella, she stormed straight toward her daughter and slapped her across the face.

The sound echoed, sharp and brutal.

Mirella’s head jerked to the side. Tears welled in her eyes as she stared at her mother in disbelief. Hurt, pain and anger flashed through her teary eyes as she watched her mom scream

“How dare you speak that way to Uncle Darren!” Riley hissed, her voice trembling with anger. “That wasn't how I raised you Mirella. Apologize right now!”