Chapter 11 Unexpected Allies

Meanwhile, the boy's father began stepping closer to me, clearly trying to intimidate me with his imposing presence. I couldn't help but shrink back a little.

Ethan shielded me. "Stay away from my mom! Come any closer and I'll fight you too!"

"You've got some nerve, kid," the man sneered.

He looked ready to teach Ethan a lesson, and I quickly pulled my son behind me to shield him.

Just then, a man stepped in front of me, blocking the father's advancing hand.

"Intimidating women and children? Have you no shame?" he asked calmly.

Hearing the somewhat familiar voice, I looked up in confusion. To my surprise, it was the man from last night—the same one who had kicked Jeremy out of the room when he'd pushed me inside.

"You?" I asked, pleasantly surprised.

I could see a flash of recognition in his eyes as well; clearly, he hadn't expected our paths to cross again so soon.

"Hey there, beautiful. Didn't expect to see you again, especially not as a mother to children this age," he remarked.

I smiled awkwardly, while a woman stood beside him, observing the situation.

The man turned to her. "She's a friend. Would you mind handling this?"

The woman nodded and stepped forward to speak with the boy's parents.

Meanwhile, I was standing beside the man who had come to my rescue.

"Sebastian Hawthorne," he introduced himself, extending his hand. "And you are?"

"Aviah Lynch," I replied, shaking his hand.

Sebastian raised an eyebrow slightly at my name, then gestured toward the woman. "Don't worry. That's Adelaide Winston, the vice principal here. With her intervention, this situation won't escalate further."

"Thank you," I said sincerely. "Honestly, I was afraid I'd mess it up even more."

Less than fifteen minutes later, Adelaide returned. "All settled," she announced. "Ma'am, I apologize for what you've had to go through today."

Sebastian smoothly interjected, "She's a friend of mine, Adelaide. Make sure her children receive special attention from now on."

Adelaide nodded. "Of course I will."

I felt overwhelmed with gratitude but wasn't sure how to express it properly. "If you two don't mind, perhaps I could treat you both to coffee? "

They exchanged glances, considering my offer.

I added quickly, "I'd like to make some friends here."

Having Adelaide as a contact at the school could prove invaluable if my children ever faced any issues in the future.

After a moment, they both nodded in agreement.

At the café, the three of us adults sat at one table, while my three children occupied another nearby.

After today's incident, I let my kid skip school. I planned to take them shopping after parting ways with my new acquaintances. We needed to restock some household essentials anyway.

We had barely exchanged a few pleasantries when a tall, striking woman approached our table. She signaled to a nearby waiter, who promptly brought over a chair. She sat down, crossing her legs elegantly, and simply stared at us without saying a word.

Confused, I glanced at Adelaide, then at Sebastian, who let out a resigned sigh.

"Winter."

Winter responded with a cold laugh. "Sebastian. How bold of you to bring other women to my café. Is this a date?"

Before Sebastian could respond, Adelaide spoke up, "Winter, Sebastian is mine. If you know what's good for you, you'll keep your distance."

I discreetly covered my mouth in surprise. So he and Adelaide were together? Yet Sebastian had recommended this café—which apparently belonged to his ex? How chaotic was his love life?

I recalled seeing Sebastian with Raven at Phantom Night yesterday. Was his personal life really this complicated? Bisexual perhaps?

I couldn't help but watch with undisguised curiosity.

Winter smirked. "Your man? If you knew how many girlfriends he has, you wouldn't be making such claims."

Adelaide's response shocked me. "Of course I know. He has at least one girlfriend every mile in this part of town. So what? I like him, and I don't care."

Winter turned her attention back to Sebastian. "Come outside with me. Otherwise, I won't tell you about that matter."

To my astonishment, Sebastian stood up and followed Winter out of the café.

After they left, Adelaide sat there looking noticeably upset, taking a large gulp of coffee.

I hesitated. "He's such a player, and you're okay with that?"

Adelaide shook her head. "You don't understand him. Once you get to know him better, you wouldn't say such things. Almost every attractive woman in this area flirts with him, and none of them mind."

"Looks like I really am old-school," I said. "Winter just threatened him slightly, and he followed her out. Aren't you jealous?"

"Not at all," Adelaide replied confidently. "I never worry about him doing anything inappropriate. He's the most decent man in the world."

My brain felt like it was short-circuiting.

A man with at least one girlfriend per mile in this city was being described as "the most decent man in the world"?

Was this coming from a rational person?

"May I ask what this is all about?" Curiosity was a woman's nature, and I was no exception.

Adelaide shrugged. "There's nothing to hide. He's looking for a woman. Winter claims to have information about her, which is why he's so eager."

"If I understand correctly..."

"Yes, exactly what you're thinking. He's searching for his true love."

"Wait, let me get this straight. You, him, her, me..." This world seemed insane, and I was struggling to comprehend it.

Adelaide shrugged again. "Someday, when you learn the truth behind everything, you'll understand. Anyway, I should go out there. I don't believe she has any real information—she's just trying to separate us. I won't let her succeed. Thanks for the coffee, and goodbye."

"Goodbye," I replied, watching her leave.

I sat there, feeling intrigued by Sebastian. How could such a seemingly promiscuous man earn such positive regard from so many women?

But this wasn't the time to dwell on such matters. I shook my head and turned my attention to my children, who had finished their treats. It was time to take them shopping.

"Mom, can I have fifty dollars?" Ethan asked as we browsed through the mall. "I want to buy something."

I smiled at my brave little boy. "Of course, my little hero. Here's a hundred dollars."

For Ethan who had stood up to protect me in that crucial moment, I wouldn't hesitate to be generous.

My second son, Paul Lynch, pouted. "I can protect Mom too."

"Yes, yes, I believe you," I assured him, ruffling his hair. "You're my little hero too."