CHAPTER 8
Tamara gently rubbed Elena's shoulder. "Good decision, El. You don't need a man like Damian in your life. You can stand on your own two feet, and I'm here for you."
Elena smiled slightly. "Thank you, Tam. I'm lucky to have a friend like you."
Tamara chuckled softly. "Of course. How about we go out to eat? I'll treat. I'm sure you and the kids need a little entertainment."
Olivia, Katty, and Delya cheered happily. "Go out to eat? Yay!"
Elena smiled at their excitement. "Alright, but don't order too much."
Tamara gave her a sharp look. "Forget it, El. Let me spoil you once in a while!"
With a slightly lighter heart, they went to a famous family restaurant in the city. The restaurant wasn't too fancy, but it was comfortable and the food was delicious.
As soon as they entered, the waiter greeted them warmly and led 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 small hand. "I want fries and chicken nuggets!"
Tamara laughed. "Alright, I'll take your orders. Elena, what about you?"
Elena smiled. "I'll just have a salad and juice."
Tamara shook her head. "Really? You need to eat more, El. I've already ordered extra for you."
Elena shrugged, letting Tamara prepare everything.
However, as they began to enjoy their meal, Olivia, who was sitting facing the door, suddenly stiffened.
"Mom..."
Elena turned her head. "What's wrong, dear?"
Olivia didn't answer, just stared at the door with an expression that was hard to understand.
Elena followed her daughter's gaze and her body immediately stiffened.
Near the entrance, Damian and Isabella had just entered the restaurant.
Elena exhaled deeply, trying to stay calm. She didn't want their presence to ruin her day.
But before Elena could do anything, Delya had already run from her seat.
"Dad!"
Elena was startled.
"Delya, wait!"
But it was too late. Little Delya ran innocently toward Damian. Olivia and Katty also ran after their younger sister.
Isabella, who was talking to the waiter, was startled to see the three girls coming toward them.
Damian turned with a cold expression.
"Daddy!" Delya hugged Damian's legs tightly. "I miss you, Daddy!"
Damian looked at the child with an expression that was hard to read. Then, in a sharp voice, he said, "I'm not your father."
Olivia and Katty froze in place.
Little Delya didn't understand. She hugged Damian's legs even tighter. "But Dad... I love you..."
Damian sighed, then roughly pulled Delya off his legs and pushed her body to the floor.
Delya's tears immediately broke free.
The restaurant suddenly fell silent.
Olivia and Katty ran over to Delya, helping her up while she cried in fear.
Elena, who had witnessed everything, stood up immediately, her hands clenched.
Tamara also stood up, her face filled with anger. "El, don't—"
But it was too late.
With quick steps, Elena approached Damian and, without hesitation—
SMACK!!!
A hard slap landed on Damian's cheek.
The entire restaurant fell silent.
Isabella's eyes widened. "Elena! Are you crazy?"
Damian slowly turned his head, his eyes filled with anger. "How dare you slap me?"
Elena glared at him with fiery eyes. "You pushed your own child!"
Damian snorted. "Those three girls aren't my children."
Elena's anger reached its peak. "Olivia, Katty, and Delya are your flesh and blood! How can you deny them in public like this?"
Damian stepped closer, glaring at Elena. "I only acknowledge my heirs. They mean nothing to me."
Elena clenched her fists. "You're truly a heartless man, Damian."
Delya was still crying in Olivia's arms. Katty looked at her father with wounded eyes.
Tamara finally spoke up. "Damn it, Damian! You're the most despicable man I've ever known!"
Isabella chuckled. "Forget it, Elena. Damian has chosen his new life. You're foolish to still expect anything from him."
Elena glared at Isabella with hatred. "I don't expect anything. But I will never let this man hurt my children again!"
Damian leaned closer to Elena, his voice low and cold. "You don't have the strength to defy me, Elena."
Elena smiled coldly. "You'll see, Damian. I'll prove that I can stand on my own without your help."
Without waiting any longer, Elena turned, picked up Delya, and took her two other daughters by the hand.
Tamara followed them, but before leaving, she shot Damian a hateful glance. "You'll regret this for the rest of your life, Damian."