Page 77 of Second Chance with the Enemy CEO
She grins, patting her stomach. “This will not do. I have to ask for more. Be right back!” With that, she is gone, weaving her way through the tables.
I shake my head, chuckling to myself, and stab my fork into a succulent piece of shrimp. The flavor bursts on my tongue - a mix of garlic, butter, and just the right amount of spice. I have barely forked another bite when a voice cuts through the pleasant haze.
“Well, look who we have here.”
I freeze, my fork hovering in midair as a chill snakes up my spine. I glance up to find Sharon, Liam’s mother, standing over me, dressed to perfection in a tailored coat and pearls. Her expression is a mix of disdain and disbelief.
“Hello, Hazel,” she says, her tone dripping with mock politeness.
“Hello, Sharon,” I say coolly, not bothering to rise from my seat.
Her lips curve into a smile, but there is no warmth in it. “I heard you’ve been back in town for a while.”
“Yeah, and?”
“I have to admit, I am surprised to see you back here. I thought you had finally left for good. Why are you back?”
I take a sip of my drink, keeping my face neutral. “I didn’t know my return or travel plans required your approval, Sharon.”
Her lips tighten, her eyes narrowing into slits. “Oh, don’t play coy with me. If you are back here for Liam, then…”
“Let me stop you right there, Sharon,” I interrupt, setting my glass down and standing up, meeting her eye to eye. “Not everything revolves around your son.”
She looks taken aback for a split second.
“And why would I want to go back to someone like that?” I tilt my head slightly, watching as her smug expression falters. Then I lean in closer, lowering my voice so only she can hear. “But let me tell you something. If I wanted to go back to him, there is nothing - absolutely nothing - you could do about it.”
Her mouth opens, then closes, her composure cracking for the briefest second before she regains it. “You little…”
“Careful, Sharon.” I cut in before she could finish, my lips curving into a cold smile, tilting my head just slightly as though daring her to continue. “I see you have not changed. Still trying to control everyone around you, still looking down on people like it is your full-time job.”
Sharon’s mouth twitches, but she recovers quickly, her tone turning icy. “You are delusional if you think Liam would ever take you back. And even if he did, it would not last. You are still the same girl who wasn’t good enough for him then, and you’re certainly not good enough now.”
Her words sting, but I will not give her the satisfaction of seeing it. My face remains calm, but my eyes - sharp and unwavering - betray the flicker of irritation beneath it. My lipspress into a thin line as she continues, her hands moving in animatedly.
“You think showing up here, parading yourself around, will change anything? It will not. Liam’s life has moved on. He is successful, respected, and happy. The last thing he needs is you dragging him down all over again. Do not think for a second that I don’t know what kind of woman you are. Manipulative, greedy, desperate…”
“Are you done?” I interrupt, my voice cool and unbothered, though my hands curl into fists at my sides.
She blinks, startled into silence. Her mouth opens and closes like she is searching for more venom to spit.
“Here’s the thing, Sharon.” I pick up my bag and sling it over my shoulder, my movements slow and deliberate. “Your opinion does not matter to me. Maybe it did then, but now? Nothing. So, stop wasting your breath and energy riling me up or making me feel small just because it makes you feel big.”
“But….”
“Enjoy your evening, Sharon.” I turn to leave, only to turn around and look at her one last time. “For what it is worth, I hope you find something else to do with your time. Because this? This obsession with controlling your son’s life? It is not a good look. Ciao.”
I do not wait for her response. Turning on my heel, I stride out of the restaurant, leaving her standing there, fuming and sputtering.
****
An hour later, I am curled up on my couch watching Netflix when I hear a loud knock on the door.
I frown, setting my glass down. It is late, and I’m not expecting anyone. With a sigh, I place my snacks on the table and make my way to the door. Opening it, it is Liam, hands shoved into his pockets, his expression unreadable.
“What are you doing here?” I ask.
"Can I come in?" He asks softly.
