Chapter 8 - You're a badass, Damian!

Tamara patted Elena's shoulder gently. "Good decision, El. You don't need another man like him in your life. You can stand on your own, and you have me."

Elena smiled a little. "Thank you, Tam. I'm lucky to have a best friend like you."

Tamara chuckled. "It's obvious. Now, how about we eat out? My treat. I'm sure you and the kids could use a little entertainment."

Olivia, Katty, and Delya immediately cheered with excitement. "Eating out? Yay!"

Elena smiled at their excitement. "Alright, but don't order too much."

Tamara glared. "Never mind, El. Let me spoil you once in a while!"

With their hearts a little lighter, they went to a well-known family restaurant in town. It wasn't very fancy, but it was cozy and had delicious food.

Once they entered, the waiter greeted them kindly and escorted them to an empty table in the corner.

"Olivia, Katty, Delya, what would you like to eat?" Tamara asked Elena's children.

"I want pasta!" Olivia exclaimed.

"I want steak!" Katty said.

Delya raised her little hand. "I want fries and chicken nuggets!"

Tamara laughed. "Alright, I'll take your orders. Elena, you?"

Elena smiled. "I'll settle for salad and juice."

Tamara rolled her eyes. "Seriously? You should eat more, El. I ordered extra for you."

Elena shrugged, letting Tamara set things up.

However, just as they started to enjoy themselves, Olivia, who was sitting facing the door, suddenly stiffened.

"Mommy..."

Elena turned her head. "What's wrong, honey?"

Olivia didn't answer, just stared straight at the door with an inexplicable expression.

Elena followed her daughter's gaze and instantly her body stiffened.

Near the entrance, Damian and Isabella had just entered the restaurant.

Elena let out a long breath, trying to remain calm. She didn't want to let their presence ruin her day.

But before she could do anything, Delya was already running from her seat.

"Daddy!"

Elena gasped.

"Delya, wait!"

But it was too late. Little Delya ran innocently towards Damian. Olivia and Katty also ran after their sister.

Isabella, who was talking to the waiter, was surprised to see the three girls coming towards them.

Damian turned around with a cold expression.

"Daddy!" Delya hugged Damian's legs tightly. "I miss Daddy!"

Damian looked at the child with an expression that was hard to guess. Then, in a sharp voice, he said, "I'm not your father."

Olivia and Katty froze in place.

Little Delya did not understand. She hugged Damian's leg even tighter. "But Daddy... I love Daddy..."

Damian sighed, then roughly, he released Delya's grip and pushed the little body to the floor.

Delya's cries broke out instantly.

The restaurant was suddenly silent.

Olivia and Katty ran over to their sister, helping Delya get up while crying in fear.

Elena, who saw it all, immediately stood up, her hands clenched into fists.

Tamara also got up with a face full of anger. "El, don't-"

But it was too late.

With quick steps, Elena approached Damian, and without hesitation-

PLAKK!!!

A hard slap landed on Damian's cheek.

The whole restaurant fell silent.

Isabella widened her eyes. "Elena! Are you crazy?"

Damian turned his head slowly, his eyes full of anger. "How dare you slap me?"

Elena stared at him with fiery eyes. "You pushed your own son!"

Damian snorted. "He's not my son."

Elena's anger peaked. "At all times, Olivia, Katty, and Delya are your flesh and blood! How can you deny them in public like this?"

Damian stepped closer, giving Elena a sharp look. "I only recognize my heir. They are nothing to me."

Elena's hands clenched into tight fists. "You really are a man without a heart, Damian."

Delya was still crying in Olivia's arms. Katty stared at her father with eyes full of hurt.

Tamara finally spoke up. "Damn it, Damian! You really are the most asshole man I've ever known!"

Isabella chuckled. "Never mind, Elena. Damian has already chosen his new life. You idiot still expects something from him?"

Elena gave Isabella a hateful look. "I don't expect anything. But I will never let this man hurt my children again!"

Damian brought his face closer to Elena, his voice low and cold. "You have no power to oppose me, Elena."

Elena smiled coldly. "You'll see, Damian. I'll prove that I can stand on my own without the help of an asshole like you."

Without waiting any longer, Elena turned around, picked up Delya, and took her other two daughters by the hand.

Tamara followed them, but before leaving, she gave Damian a hateful look. "You'll regret this for the rest of your life, Damian."