Knowing My Ex-Wife After The Divorce Novel by Yetta Horace

The little boy looked up at Natalie, disappointment on his face. He silently pulled back his hand and stood behind her, seeming like he was the one getting bullied.

Natalie felt a mix of annoyance and sympathy but couldn’t help finding the whole thing a bit funny. His pleading expression made her want to comfort him. She thought maybe she was losing her mind.

“Ryan, there you are! I finally found your” A sweet, soft voice came closer, signaling the arrival of a pale but graceful woman.

Just by her voice, Natalie knew who it was-Elle.

After six years, Elle looked more vibrant and taken care of, much different from the sickly heart patient she once was. It was clear she had been well cared for; otherwise, a heart patient would usually get worse over time.

Elle froze for a moment when she saw Natalie and Maddie, her eyes flickering before she rushed over to the boy. “Ryan, how did you end up here? Do you have any idea how worried I was?”

“You’re not my mom. I don’t care about you, the boy. Ryan Guzman scoffed, his little face as cold as ice.

Natalie paused. Now she understood why he seemed familiar. He was Elle and Tobias’s kid! No wonder he was the same

as Yara

age

Elle gently coaxed the boy, “Be a good boy, Ryan. Nice kids don’t worry everyone like this. Let’s get back.” She sounded just like a caring mom.

For some reason, Natalie felt a strange discomfort about the whole thing. There was no need to care so much about Elle’s kid Ryan kept staring at Natalie, his scowl showing just how upset he was.

Seeing this, Yara quickly stepped in front of her mom, frowning, “You have a mom, so you can’t take mine!”

“Humph!” Ryan stomped his foot in frustration before turning away, clearly unhappy with how things were going.

Natalie watched him walk off, deep in thought. Tobias’s kid was even more of a handful than Yara! But the way he stubbornly refused to show Elle any respect was kind of cute.

I’m really sorry for the trouble. Ryan has always been so mischievous,” Elle said apologetically.

“Hurry up and go chase after him! If he disappears again, you’ll really regret it,” Natalie said with a hint of sarcasm.

Elle chuckled, a proud smile on her face. “Of course! He’s my little miracle with Tobias.”

“Looks like that miracle doesn’t really recognize you,” Natalie shot back.

Elle’s face turned bright red from Natalie’s sting. After a moment, she managed to say, “Well, he’s still my kid with Tobias!”

“Oh.

Maddie scoffed, “Are you saying you’re good at making babies? If so, why aren’t you married into the Reese family yet?” Natalie clicked her tongue lightly. “Yeah, that’s true. No wonder the little guy doesn’t accept her. Maddie had a knack for hitting hard. Her comment about Elle having a kid but not marrying into the Reese family clearly upset Elle.

But Natalie was also curious; six years had gone by, and Tobias still hadn’t married Elle. It had to be because Tobias’s grandfather didn’t approve. If Elle’s heart condition wasn’t under control, there was no way she could join the family.

Elle’s expression changed in an instant. “Humph! No matter what. I’m still better than you!” She shot a glare at Natalie and Maddie before storming off in anger.

Natalie understood what she theant; it was about the whole divorce thing. To Elle, getting a divorce was probably a blessing. She did not want a man like Tobias, who clearly had feelings for someone else. Natalic only felt a little upset that that suborn boy was Elle’s son. Without that, she thought his temper could be kind of cute.

Even though Maddie had just gone after her, she seemed a bit downL “W

bad luck running into that mother and son combo. Who would’ve thought that kid was actually Tobias’s? Talk about fate.”

Natalie shrugged. “Yeah, that’s some bad luck. But it looks like their relationship isn’t great.”

Maddie’s interest sparked. “Honestly, it really isn’t. You wouldn’t believe it! Here in Jonton, people all know that Ryan and” Elle don’t get along at all. They say he looks down on everyone-even Tobias! And just a minute ago… Maddie paused. coughing lightly. “I almost thought that kid was yours. Who would’ve guessed that little troublemaker would call you “Mom?”

“It’s probably to get under Elle’s skin. Didn’t you just say their relationship isn’t great? He might’ve done it on purpose to call me “Mom,” Natalie said casually, seeming unfazed by the whole thing.

Yara, hearing this, wrapped her chubby little arms around Natalie’s leg and exclaimed, “No way! Mom is mine!”

Maddie ruffled the little girl’s hair. “Wow, you really love your mom, huh? I think you’re adorable!”

Natalie’s lips curled into a slight grimace, thinking, Love for her mom? Guess who had just been all clingy with Tobias and forgotten her mom? Whatever, there are bigger things to worry about. She glanced at her watch and then said to Maddie, “I need to leave my daughter with you for now. I have stuff to take care of, and I’m running out of time.” With that, she waved down a cab and quickly hopped in

Maddie stood there, surprised at how easily her friend had just dropped off her daughter. She looked at the pile of luggage and the little girl. “Hey, wait, Natalie! You just met your daughter and you’re leaving her with me? What if she starts crying?”

Yara blinked her big eyes and casually waved her hand, sucking on a lollipop. “Don’t worry, Auntie! I’ll be really good!” Seeing the sweet little girl, Maddie felt her mood lift. She patted Yara’s head. “Alright then, little princess, let’s go!”

Not long after they left, a sleek Lincoln pulled up. The man inside had a cold expression, and the little boy next to him looked just like him-a tiny version with the same icy vibe.

“Mr. Reese, we were planning to take that little girl to the police station, but then she just vanished,” Jack reported. “Hmm. Tobias replied, sounding uninterested. Still, he had to admit, the kid had a certain charm-definitely more appealing than his own son sitting next to him.

Jack hesitated but finally handed over a note, “This is what that little girl left for you.”

Tobias opened it to find a phone number and some jumbled words: [Uncle, I really like you! If you miss me, just give me a call, okay?]

Before Tobias could say anything, Elle, sitting behind him, leaned in curiously. Tobias, what’s this note about? What kid wrote in?”

“Nothing, just a little prank from a kid,” he said dismissively.

“The kids these days are so mischievous,” Elle said with a gentle smile.

Tobias held onto the note for a moment before tucking it into his pocket. He didn’t plan on calling the kid, but the cute message was hard to forget.

weddin

“Also, the Guzmans sent an invitation, Ms. Guzman’s wedding banquet is today, and it’s on our way later. Are you really not going to check it out? The whole family is already there,” Jack said, flipping through the schedule.

The Guzman family and the Reese family had always had a good relationship, but things had turned sour since Tobias’s divorce with Natalie. Still, out of respect for the elder, it was best to at least show up.

Tm not going.” Tobias replied coldly.

Elle’s eyes flickered. “Jack, let’s not talk about the Guzmans. Tobias doesn’t want to hear it.”

“Got it, I won’t mention it again. I just wanted to remind you that Mr. Bobby Reese called earlier to say they’re having a big celebration. Ms. Natalie Guzman is back too, so I thought I’d bring it up.” Jack said, sensing the tension.

Elle clenched her hands when she heard Natalie’s name.

Tobias stayed quiet, not reacting. Jack realized his attempts to convince him were useless. At least he let Tobias know what was happening.

Seeing Tobias so indifferent made Elle smile a bit. She moved a little closer to him. Tobias, do you have time later to take me shopping?”

Jack will tag along.” he said, hinting that he wouldn’t be joining them.

Elle gritted her teeth but kept her smile. “Okay, then thanks for your help, Jack.”

“Of course, happy to help. Jack replied quickly.

Meanwhile, Ryan, sitting quietly by the window, looked out with a detached expression, completely ignoring everything happening around him.