Chapter 9.

**(Freya's Pov)**

"Oh, Eric," I murmured. I touched Eric's arm which was tightly wrapped around my body. Making sure he didn't let go of the hug, I smiled sweetly. So happy that I could see the displeasure on Ash's face.

"I looked everywhere for you, and here you are," he said as he released my hug.

"Sorry. You must have been worried, huh," I said. I kissed him on the cheek and he looked surprised at my action. Then I glanced at Ash who was frowning, looking annoyed.

Of course, that was the thing I wanted to see on his face. Making him upset and uncomfortable with my intimacy with Eric.

"What are you doing here?" he asked softly.

My hand was still clasped in his while he stood towering beside me. Noticing Ash standing in front of me with one eyebrow raised.

"Just talking to a guest. Looks like he came to the wrong party," I said deliberately. I smiled as I looked at Eric. "But, no matter. He was already here anyway, so I let him be."

I could see Ash's face turn red with anger. His hands were clenched into fists. I smiled, smirking, and I thought, I'd make him even more annoyed with my attitude. So that he would get fed up, his pride hurt, and would no longer interfere with my life. It was a small revenge for his attitude in the past. He deserved it.

"Guest? Wrong to come?"

"I think he was supposed to come to his friend's party, but misplaced it and came here," I explained.

"So, you don't know him?"

I laughed. "Of course I don't. Why? Are you jealous?" I asked as I wrapped my arms around his waist. I deliberately snuggled up to him. "Babe, you don't have to be jealous. My eyes are always on you. And I've always been yours." I smiled seductively.

I saw Eric's confused and awkward reaction when he saw my attitude. I was already quite worried and afraid that he would suddenly ask me what happened and push me away. But I let out a long sigh as he played along with me.

"Well, you're always mine." He smiled proudly and kissed my cheek. I closed my eyes, tightening our embrace.

Thank Goodness that Eric is good at reading situations.

Then I let go of my embrace and glanced at Ash.

"Oh, sorry. I forgot that you were still here. Is there anything you want to need again?" I asked in a casual tone. Ignoring the anger on Ash's face. pretending not to know him would have hurt Ash's pride. And I was happy to see that from his reaction and facial expression.

"Your boyfriend?" I heard his voice turn cold and heavy.

"Yes, my boyfriend. My beloved. The father of our children," I smiled, then went back to hugging Eric in a slightly seductive way.

"My lovely wife. You look so charming tonight," Eric complimented. He pulled the hair from my face to the side of my ear. Looking at me with a loving gaze. "Perfect."

I smiled. Oh, since when is Eric so good at acting? I couldn't even stop myself from laughing, but I was trying.

"Sorry, we have to go," I said, quickly breaking the hug and taking Eric's hand. "Enjoy the party, sir." Then I dragged Eric away from there.

We walked without looking back. And I could feel Ash still standing there looking at us as we walked away. I heard Eric's little giggle as I led him to the second floor. When it was safe, I let go of his hand. Giving him an annoyed look.

"Well, what are you laughing at?" I asked with my arms crossed over my chest.

"Boyfriend?" he laughed loudly while holding his stomach. "Oh, damn. Thanks for making me laugh so hard today, Freya." He is still laughing.

I furrowed my brow. Hitting his stomach lightly, trying to make him stop laughing. Until he looked at me with a serious gaze.

"Who is he? Ex-lover?" he asked, "or first love?"

"Ex-husband," I replied in a lazy tone.

"Ex-husband?" he glared in disbelief at my answer. "So, that's why you were being weird and calling me boyfriend just now?"

I nodded. "But I'm lucky you understood what I wanted. I'd almost have a heart attack if you pushed me and called me crazy."

Eric laughed loudly again. And I puffed out my cheeks in annoyance.

"Stop laughing," I said.

"How can I not laugh when I see you behaving like this? And how did he get here?"

"I don't know. I didn't invite him. I think he came uninvited because of work," I told him. I looked down. On the main floor, I could see from here. I didn't see Ash anymore. It seemed like he had already left. "It's been a long time since we met after we divorced."

"So, this is your first meeting after all these years?"

"Yes." I nodded.

"Then, what are you going to do?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "I don't know, probably still pretend you're my boyfriend. Because he asked me about Gia and Sia. I'm afraid he'll do something bad to them." My facial expression changed slightly. Although I'm an alien, I also have feelings. And I won't let my children be harmed. I will continue to make sure they stay safe.

"Well, fine, I'll help you," Eric said. I looked at him, and he smiled. "I'll be your boyfriend whenever he's around. So, use me as best you can. Get it?"

I couldn't hide the smile from my face. "Are you sure?"

"Yes. It's an easy thing. Besides, it seems like fun." He laughed crisply and unconsciously, I punched his arm.

Just then, you see Gia and Sia running towards us. With their tiny feet, and adorable faces. I immediately squatted down and hugged them tightly.

"Mom!"

"Yup? Are you guys done playing?" I asked with a big smile.

"Yes. But, who was that handsome uncle by the way?" asked Gia.

"Oh, that's ...."

"Handsome uncle?" I glanced sharply at Eric as he chuckled.

Then I looked at Gia and Sia in turn. Rubbing their shoulders with an uneasy feeling.

"He's a nobody. Just a guest who came to the party and Mommy doesn't know him either, so stop talking about him, okay?" I ordered. They fell silent as if confused.

"But..."

"No buts, Sia. You know that not everyone is nice. So you have to be careful. Especially when meeting people you don't know," I said, "and you mustn't do it again. You even took his chocolate. What if there's something bad in the chocolate? It will harm you both."

"Mom, we're sorry..." They bowed their heads, feeling guilty.

"Sia, Gia, listen to me. Mommy just wants something bad to happen to you."

"We know. We won't do it again. Every time we meet a stranger, we'll run away," Gia said innocently.

I heard Eric chuckle, then crouch down beside me.

"Your mom really loves and cares about you guys. Just be careful next time," Eric advised.

Sia and Gia nodded with bright smiles.

"We understand!"

"Good girls." Eric stroked Gia and Sia's hair in turn.

I smiled. Feeling relieved that there were still good people around me who always cared about me and my daughter. I wouldn't have gone through the hardships I've faced so far if they weren't in my life.

But, I often feel uneasy and afraid if they find out my true identity. That I'm not human... but an alien.

What kind of reaction would they show me?

Thinking about it makes me uneasy and scared.