CHAPTER 21

I stood frozen, as though I had just encountered a ghost. The man before me was no other person than Felix, the one I once loved and almost married—the same one who abandoned me on the altar three years ago. And now, here he was, standing before me, smiling broadly as if nothing had transpired between us.

"Mommy, who is there?" Olivia asked as she ran towards me.

Still speechless, I involuntarily pulled her close, while Oliver joined us a moment later.

"Mommy, who is this?" Oliver asked, his eyes staring into mine, expecting a response.

“It’s... it's a friend of mine," I struggled to say, stammering. My voice betrayed my uneasiness.

"How are you, kids?" he said, waving and smiling at them.

"Fine," they chorused.

"What are you doing here?" I demanded steely, as I managed to maintain my composure.

"Judith, can I at least come in?" He asked softly, still smiling, and I was already getting infuriated. I don't seem to understand what the smile was all about.

"Come in," I said, and I move