Chapter 8.

**(Ash's POV)**

"We may have been married, but that was a long time ago," Freya replied curtly.

My hands clench into fists, holding back my anger. It's been years since we parted ways, and now I'm seeing her again in a pretty annoying version. The look in her eyes, the tone of her voice whenever she talks to me. It makes my pride feel like it's being trampled on and I don't like that feeling.

"Why are you looking at me like that? Weren't you the one who asked me to leave you?" Freya taunts. Her arms crossed over her chest. I'm sick of her arrogant attitude.

"Well, I was the one who asked for separation. Because from the beginning, I never loved you. You're not my type!" I exclaimed in annoyance.

"And I feel grateful to have parted ways with you. We didn't love each other. It's just the demands of family, so why remember the past, hm?"

I furrowed my brow. "You think I like our past? I even get annoyed every time I think about being married to a woman like you."

"You're the one who brought up our past first, not me," she emphasized. She looked at me sharply. "Don't you think we met again, so you want us to reminisce? We don't even have any good memories worth remembering!"

"Of course, because you've been hurt more," I taunted. I was trying to destroy her pride, to break her mentally so that she would no longer be arrogant in front of me.

She laughed. "You seem overconfident, but I've never been hurt. I don't love you, Ash. And don't expect that to happen," she chuckled irritably. Rolling her eyes lazily as she spoke again. "You'd better stop talking nonsense and pretend we don't know each other."

She then glanced at her two children, looking uneasy as they watched us.

"Mom, are you okay?" asked one of them.

"Yes, I'm fine. Um, Sia, Gia, can you play somewhere else first? After this, Mommy will catch up with you. Okay?" She bent down slightly as she spoke to her two children, smiling gently. Her hand stroked both their hair affectionately.

I noticed Freya's motherly moments. I looked at them as they ran in the other direction, seemingly obedient after Freya told them to leave.

I looked at Freya closely. Were these two really her children? They were indeed beautiful and sweet, just like Freya. But Freya's body didn't look like someone who had just given birth to two children. She has become more beautiful and younger. With her curves looking healthy and slender.

Are they her children with her boyfriend? Judging from their young age, they seemed to be the right age when Freya and I separated.

"Stop staring at my daughters..."

I gasped as Freya gave me a sharp look, speaking in a cold tone.

"Why? Am I not allowed to see my daughters?" I cut the distance between us. Whispering right in her ear. "I know they are my daughters. The result of our brief sex that night." I smiled in satisfaction as I felt her body tremble.

She pushed me roughly and I grinned as I looked at her. Her panicked face is mixed with embarrassment. I really enjoy seeing how Freya can't move because of my words.

"Isn't that right, Freya?"

"You're wrong!" she protests. "They're not your children’s. And don't even think of bothering them, because if you dare hurt them. I will repay you many times over for what you've done," she threatens.

Instead of being scared, I smiled at her teasingly.

"I know they're my daughters, you don't have to lie and say that he's your lover's son. Well, I didn't expect it to result in two cute and sweet-looking kids."

"You're out of your mind," she swore, "is it because your company doesn't get projects from other companies that you're out of your mind? Because your company is about to go bankrupt? Should I call an ambulance to take you to a mental hospital?"

I laughed. "I saw your hands shaking, Freya. You can't fool me."

"Whether you believe me or not, I'm warning you for the second time, Ash. Don't ever touch or hurt them. Or I'll make sure your company goes completely bankrupt," she threatens. Her eyes narrowed sharply at me with both hands clenched in anger.

"Come on, don't make me look like a villain."

"You do look like one!" she snapped with explosive anger. "You came to the party uninvited, but that's okay." She sighed. "Since you're already here, then just enjoy the party and leave me alone."

Freya was about to walk away from me, but I quickly pulled back her arm.

"Let go of my hand," she insisted.

I let go and spoke casually. "I'm not done talking yet, Freya."

"What else can we talk about? Leave us, Ash!"

"I'll leave you alone and won't bother you, but on condition."

She laughed in disbelief at my attitude. "Now you're offering me terms? Are you crazy?!"

"Well, if you want this to end soon, then you have to comply with my request."

She let out a long sigh. "What do you want?"

"To have a one-on-one talk with me. To discuss work."

She looked at me for a long time, like she was thinking about whether or not to agree to my request.

"Fine," she replied, resigned.

I smiled triumphantly.

"But after this, don't ever bother me, especially my children."

"You have my word," I said with a smile. I looked at her who was rolling her eyeballs lazily, looking annoyed and angry at having lost to me. This is a mental game, and I will always win.

As Freya and I are about to leave, I suddenly notice a man hugging her from behind, so romantic and loving.

"Freya, where have you been?"

I stare intently at him who suddenly appears while hugging Freya tightly. He buried his face in Freya's nape. And I can see the smile on her face as she gazes at him.

Are they lovers? Is he the father of Freya's children?