It Should Have Been Like This (The Revised Version)

Chapter 78: The Fierce Defender

"First of all, you're not a gold digger," Anna said firmly, her voice laced with fierce protectiveness. "So don't ever think you are. And even if you are, so fucking what? You were with him for almost three years, you dated him, slept with him, and even bore him five children all at once. Let's not forget you raised them until now. So what if you came back because of his wealth? You deserve that and much more. Don't let those jealous fools get to you," she finished, her gaze unwavering.

"And he took your wealth from you," Gael added, his voice low and filled with a quiet anger.

"The wealth was never hers to begin with. She foolishly handed it to her father – ow!" Ferris cried out, clutching his leg as Elias gave him a swift kick to shut him up. Ferris really had enough of me. He never tried to mince his words anymore. As much as I appreciated his honesty, it still stung.

"And out of his league? Who the bloody hell do they think they are?!" Suzanne hissed, angrily picking up a cushion and tossing it at Ferris. "You're much better than that asshole. You're too good for him, and even though you've always been mentally messed up, he completely ruined you. They should be thanking you for accepting him back. Even then and now, you're gold compared to that cheap wood," she finished, her voice dripping with disdain.

"Suzanne, calm down. He is doing his best, so let's not talk about his bad aspects," Link said cautiously, then cleared his throat. "Jammy, stop caring about what they have to say. If they were in your shoes, they would have done worse, so forget about them. We love you regardless of your past or present—"

"I'm a disgrace for a wife and a mother," I cut in, lifting my head from Link's shoulder and pulling my hands away from Gael's and Elias' grasp. But as soon as my hands were free, Ferris grabbed my shoulders, and a scream escaped my lips as he suddenly shook me violently.

"Ferris, cut it out!" Suzanne snapped, her voice sharp with concern.

"No," they said in unison, their voices echoing with a fierce determination. Then Ferris pushed his face into mine, grabbing my cheeks and giving them a hard squeeze. "Snap out of it, Lavender Jamila Verlice!!! The opinions of others do not define you. YOU define yourself! Stop worrying about what has already happened and focus on what there is now!"

"Exactly! Whoever published that news obviously wanted to ruin the progress you have made with Rominic and yourself. You're finally becoming a family, and having the marriage you dreamed of, so don't let guilt and shame ruin it. You're not at fault. You did what any good mother would do to ensure her children's well-being. Forget about everything else and just revel in your happiness. You're the one who's wearing his ring, not them, so don't let it bother you!" Anna added, her voice filled with a passionate urgency.

I looked down dejectedly, my heart heavy with doubt. "Is it really okay to do that?" I whispered, my voice choked with tears. The weight of their words, their unwavering support, was a comforting balm to my wounded soul, but the lingering fear still clung to me like a shadow.

"Who gives a fuck?" Elias asked, his voice laced with a casual bravado that surprised me. "Worst-case scenario, be shameless. Life is easier if you're shameless. And if they can't stand it, they can suck my dick," he finished with a smirk. I burst into laughter for some reason, tears spilling down my face. As I laughed, the weight on my chest slowly decreased, and it finally felt like I was better. It came so suddenly that it made me shed more tears.

"It's okay, Laverne," Link whispered, patting my back soothingly.

I sniffed and nudged his stomach. "Nic is the only one allowed to call me that, so don't you dare," I said, a small smile playing on my lips. He chuckled along with everyone else.