13

**Chapter 13**

I didn't notice the time because of France and Fabian's energy, who seemed tireless. They spent the whole day buying my accessories, bags, and shoes.

When we all started feeling hungry, we went to a restaurant. We immediately got a table since Fabian had reserved one two hours ago.

We were near a glass wall with a clear view of the lower level of the shop. We were on the third floor, and from what I heard, it was the VIP area with a beautiful view.

I was deep in thought when I heard Fabian ordering. The only part I caught was about no beans. I looked at Fabian.

"Do you want some wine?" Fabian asked me. I quickly shook my head. Fabian just ordered juice.

Some of the women there were staring at Fabian as if he were on a fashion show. The man was sitting casually, arms and legs crossed, looking outside. Who wouldn't stare at him?

He had blue eyes, a high nose bridge, thick eyebrows, a perfect jawline, flawless skin, and hair that looked soft. He also had a well-defined body, as expected from a Fabian Martinez.

"Is my face more interesting than the view here in the restaurant?" Fabian suddenly asked. He looked in my direction. Without thinking, I said yes, then quickly retracted my response as his question sank in. I was too embarrassed to look at the glass wall.

"I'm worried that there might be media outside the restaurant when we leave. You took off your disguise," I excused. Fabian said there was an emergency exit in the place. We could leave through there.

I looked at Fabian and asked if he was serious. Fabian just laughed and said they couldn't force their way through the entrance if there were reporters.

"Baby, stop with the cold stuff. You might get a cough," I gently scolded France after seeing that he was halfway through his ice cream.

The container was too big for a child. France, sitting beside me, looked at me with tearful eyes.

"Ice cream," said France. Gosh, how could I resist such cuteness? Fabian immediately covered his son's face.

"Don't make it hard for your mommy. I thought you said you'd behave," Fabian said. The two were now sitting beside each other, and I saw France removing Fabian's hand from his face.

"But I want ice cream. I want ice cream, Daddy," France insisted. I quickly explained that cold food wasn't good for him.

"I don't want you to get sick, France. Just listen to mommy, okay?" I said. France pouted and then put down his spoon. I smiled after seeing him obey.

"When we get home, I'll make you a cupcake," I said. France's face lit up, and he raised both hands.

"Cupcake!"

I touched France's cheek and wiped the side of his lips. I stopped when I heard some noise at the restaurant entrance.

"What do you mean? My friend owns this shop. I always come here, don't I? Why is it prohibited now?"

My heart started to race after seeing the familiar figures not far away.

It was Victor and Themarie. I heard Victor insisting they wanted to be in the VIP area because there were many people on the first and second floors. They wanted to eat in peace.

"Heh, are they worried about the media? They came here without disguises?"

I looked at Fabian, who was now staring at the two people. I glanced down at the restaurant and saw a few reporters already there.

I felt Fabian's gaze, so I turned to look. Fabian smiled and asked if I wanted to say hi to Victor.

"What?"

I suddenly felt anxious. Fabian held my hand on top of the table. After he squeezed it tightly, I could breathe a little easier, and my anxiety lessened.

"There are four tables left there. What do you mean there are no available tables?" Themarie asked, crossing her arms and pointing to the tables around us.

"Those tables are occupied and paid for, madam," said the manager speaking to Victor.

"I'm fine," I said, holding Fabian's hand back. I couldn't just avoid them and keep being affected.

"I can pay for the reservation. I'll double it! Give me a table right now, and—"

Fabian raised his hand to get the manager's attention. The manager quickly approached our table. Victor's eyes widened after seeing me, and so did Themarie's.

"Give them one of the tables here."

The manager quickly left and informed Victor that a table was available near us. Just then, Fabian's orders arrived.

"Well—Fabian Martinez, I didn't expect to see you here this way and—"

Themarie looked at me from head to toe.

"Even on a day like this, you're still working. Charity work?" Themarie added after seeing me.

"Miss Themarie, as far as I know, we're not that close for you to talk to me, especially in public, and make jokes about my partner," Fabian retorted. I looked at Fabian directly, feeling like I didn't recognize him due to his attitude and expression.

I remember now. This is how Fabian looks and acts whenever I see him at events or on-site.

Themarie seemed embarrassed by that. Victor immediately intervened, awkwardly saying Fabian shouldn't be so grumpy with Themarie. They worked for the same company.

Many people were watching, and Victor was scolding Fabian as if he were concerned about Fabian's image.

"Don't you know how to read the room? My family is here to eat. I was kind enough to share the table—do you still want me to entertain you?" Fabian sarcastically said.

"Your companion approached my table and acted like we're close. Clearly, your companion disrespected my date. Do you expect me to just watch?" Fabian continued, smirking.

"You've already brought up the company and management. Do you want me to inform my manager about your intrusion into my private life and report your companion's harassment of my fiancée to the management?" Fabian said. The two couldn't read Fabian's expression. I couldn't tell if it was because of Fabian's threat or the word fiancée.

A restaurant staff arrived, and Victor and Themarie finally sat down. I watched Fabian slicing the steak. He gave it to France, who immediately started eating.

"Daddy, are they your coworkers?" France asked. Fabian quickly told him not to mind them and just eat.

For some reason, I lost my appetite.

I stopped when Fabian switched our plates. My steak was already sliced.

"Do you want me to feed you?" Fabian asked. I immediately took the fork and stabbed a piece of steak. Fabian said he would eat now.

I took the juice after I ate and, out of habit, chewed on the ice cube.

I stopped and looked at France and Fabian after feeling their gazes on me.

I covered my mouth. I was suddenly embarrassed. I forgot about Fabian and France—I heard Themarie laugh from the other table.

"Embarrassing," I heard Themarie whisper. I stopped thinking about all sorts of things when France curiously asked.

"Mommy, what does ice taste like?" France asked. Fabian laughed and said he should have filled my drink with more ice.

"It looks like you're enjoying it," Fabian said. There was no sarcasm or irritation in his tone about what I was doing.

"Mommy is so cute! She looks like a squirrel."

I was stunned and couldn't speak. Fabian reached out and wiped the side of my lips.

"Sorry, I got distracted. I found it cute, so I couldn't help but stare. Enjoy your food, honey. Don't mind France and me," Fabian said. I don't know why, but my cheeks suddenly felt hot. I stood up. The ice cube in my mouth felt like it would melt because my cheeks were so hot.

I stood up and excused myself. I said I was going to the restroom. I grabbed my slim bag and left the table.

"Daddy, I want to eat ice too."

"No matter how many ice cubes you eat, you won't be as cute as your mommy."

That was the last thing I heard before quickly walking away from the table. It was really embarrassing. Whenever I see an ice cube, I can't help but chew on it.

I immediately saw the restroom and entered. Luckily, it was empty, and I went into one of the cubicles.

—

I fixed my hair and took out wet wipes. I looked in the mirror when the door opened. I saw Themarie with an unpleasant expression, staring at me.

She approached and opened her bag. I ignored her and started wiping my hands with the wet wipes.

"I'm just wondering what kind of love potion you gave Fabian for him to fall for you."

I stopped and looked at Themarie's reflection as she applied lipstick.

"I don't need a love potion. I just found a decent guy who doesn't care about looks."

I grabbed my bag and walked towards the door. I held the doorknob and glanced at Themarie.

"I'm curious, what does Victor need from you to follow you around?" I said before opening the door and leaving.

Before I could get far, I heard the door slam and Themarie shout.

"Don't compare me to you, Sonia. Victor doesn't use me. You don't need to measure my worth to him!"

I stopped and slightly turned to look at Themarie. I just smiled.

"You'll find out when you lose everything, even your career, Themarie."

Themarie's fist clenched, and she walked towards me with heavy steps. I faced her, and when she tried to grab me, I quickly stepped back and blocked her hand.

"Why are you angry? You're also doubting because you saw what he did to me after he used me, right?"

I saw Themarie smirk and pull her hand away. She told me that no matter the reason, as long as she is beautiful and has a career, Victor will not leave her.

I put on a poker face and lowered my hand.

"You two are a perfect match. Both traitors and users."

She said a lot about jealousy and claimed that I am no different from them.

"Aren't you just hanging on to Fabian? He's rich and famous. What's the difference between you, me, and Victor?" Themarie asked. I flatly responded with the word "handsome." It was obvious she was puzzled.

"You forgot one word: handsome. Rich, famous, and handsome," I said, showing three fingers.

"My relationship with Fabian is different. He is ready to marry me despite how I look. It's not hard to like and love him."

I smirked and bragged that once the news about Fabian's wedding gets out, many women will cry.

"For sure, Fabian is too high-quality to cheat. His standards and quality are too high—that's the difference between you and me."

"I choose someone to be my husband with high quality and perfect to use, like Fabian Martinez. I'm just wondering about the quality of the second-hand husband you stole. As far as I know, in all his years in the industry, he hasn't won a single award. Soon I'll think he's just an extra in his movie projects or that the audience doesn't like him since none of his movies have become hits."

Because of my insults, she suddenly pulled my hair.

"You have the nerve to brag! Who are you to say that about Victor? Monster!"

Of course, I fought back and immediately pulled her hair in my annoyance.

"Before my face became like this, I was beautiful, and not once did I have plastic surgery just to become famous! How many times have you had plastic surgery for that nose of yours that looks like a train ran over it!"

"Sonia!"

"Themarie!"

I stopped when I saw Themarie's hand no longer on my head. Themarie was struggling as Fabian, who was behind me, held her arm. Fabian quickly pushed her and grabbed my hand that was on Themarie's head.

"Honey, let go. You might hurt your hand," Fabian said. I suddenly forgot that Themarie and I were in the middle of a fight because of what Fabian said. What does Fabian think of Themarie's hair? Wire blades? Barbed wire.

Victor looked at me angrily while hugging the now crying Themarie. Our eyes met.

This is not yet the beginning of my revenge on you. I will make sure you all pay and I will get my child back.