Dear Ex-wife Marry Me novel (Maja) novel Chapter 1287

Only after Murray had left did Zoey, leaning against the wall, weakly close the door behind her.

Every inch of her ached, and Murray's tantrum had only worn her out more.

Blinking away the sting in her eyes, she was grateful it was a Saturday and she didn't have to work.

She was about to collapse back into bed when her cell phone rang. It was her mother, the only family she had left.

Zoey's heart trembled. Her fingertips began to shake.

It took her several tries to answer the call.

"Mom," she said.

"Zoey, are you free tonight? I'd like to see you. There's something I need to discuss with you."

This was the first time Belinda had asked to meet. Zoey was taken aback.

Back when her parents were still together, Zoey had found comfort from her father. But after the divorce, when she was given to her mother, she never felt that warmth again.

Every time she sent money back home, Belinda's tone softened, and Zoey clung to it, even though she knew it was unhealthy.

It had become a habit, sending money home. Hearing words of concern from her mother's mouth filled her with warmth.

"Okay, Mom. Send me the address."

Belinda sent her the location, knowing she would come.

Zoey looked at the address and crashed in her hotel room until afternoon.

It was autumn now, so she wrapped a scarf around her neck before meeting her mother.

They were meeting at a noodle shop. Belinda wasn't willing to treat Zoey to anything too expensive.

Belinda was living comfortably off the money Zoey sent home. She was wearing a satin dress, looking smooth and comfortable.

Upon seeing the scarf around Zoey's neck, Belinda turned solemn.

Once they had sat down, she yanked off the scarf to reveal the patchy marks underneath and slapped Zoey across the face.

"How can you have so little self-respect? You were always like this at home, flirting with men. Now you're selling yourself? If Murray hadn't told me, I wouldn't have known how far you've fallen!"

Zoey's head jerked to the side from the force of the slap, the corner of her mouth bloody.

Belinda's slap had been fierce, full force, and her ring had scraped Zoey's cheek raw.

Zoey was at a loss for words, only licking her lips instinctively, trying to lick away the blood.

But Belinda reached for her again, trying to rip off her clothes in front of everyone.

"Mom!" Zoey cried, clutching her clothes tightly.