Chapter 5

"Alright, Hermione. Since you came to make peace, I'll pretend I never heard about the divorce."

"Go home and clean up the house first. These puppies were just born and their condition is unstable. I need to stay with Mia for a few more days to observe them."

Listening to these two people talk, I found it laughable.

One being a mistress so righteously.

One whitewashing his affair so sanctimoniously.

I ignored Jason and smiled sarcastically.

"Since Miss Mia is so capable, stealing another woman's man is one thing, but why did you conspire with my husband to steal my clothes?"

"Dare I ask what kind of 'strong woman' you are? The mistress kind?"

Several female customers who were selecting pet supplies looked at Mia in surprise.

"So this handsome guy isn't your boyfriend? But you were using the same spoon... that's not very appropriate, is it?"

"Yeah, I just complimented you two on being a good match and you didn't deny it. Turns out he has a wife?"

Mia's face flushed red as she was cornered.

Seeing her like this, the women curled their lips in disdain, put down the items they'd already selected, and hurried out.

Mia's eyes reddened as she complained to Jason pitifully.

"Jason, is Hermione deliberately here to sabotage my business?"

"I just thought that sweater was warm and soft, perfect for the puppies. She's already spent so much of your money—what clothes doesn't she have? Why does she have to slander me like this?"

"Those were all my regular customers. How will they see me now? Can I even keep doing business?"

Jason tenderly wiped her tears, then turned to glare at me angrily.

"Hermione, I'm the one who took the clothes. Why are you taking it out on Mia? It's not like it's worth that much money. When did you become so petty?"

"You'll gain weight later in your pregnancy anyway and won't be able to wear it. Just have your mom knit you another one."

"It's not like it's made by some international master craftsman. Why are you treating it like it's so precious?!"

Looking at his condescending expression and the disdain in his eyes.

I couldn't help but slap him across the face, roaring.

"Yes, what my mother made IS precious! Because she can never knit me clothes again!"

"While you two were being all lovey-dovey, and you'd rather accompany her dog through labor than answer my calls for help, my parents died!"

Jason's eyes flew wide open. He instinctively released Mia.

"What did you say? How could..."

Before he could finish, Mia suddenly shoved me hard.

"How dare you hit someone?!"

"It's just a crappy sweater! Who cares? I'll give it back to you!"

She stripped the clothes off the puppies and viciously threw them into a litter box the employee was about to take out.

"Saying your parents died—I just saw your uncle and aunt at the supermarket this morning!"

"I just can't stand women like you who use pregnancy to lie and manipulate, making scenes and doing everything possible to control your husband. You're a parasite, a disgrace to women everywhere!"

The litter box hadn't been cleaned yet.

The clumped feces stuck to the sweater, giving off a foul smell.

Mom's love had ultimately been ruined beyond recognition.

"I didn't mean to, I didn't know the boss would..."

The employee was frightened by my bloodshot eyes, looking completely helpless.

Anger and hatred burned my internal organs.

I turned toward the instigator and raised my hand high.

But before my palm could land on Mia's face.

Jason's slap struck me.

It made a crisp sound in the quiet shop.