My Ex's Daddy

A blast from the past.

Valerie's POV

I look up at the person who sounds surprised to see me here. I feel my heart beating fast as I look into the eyes of Dean Stark. What is he doing here? And why is he at the same restaurant where I am? Anyway, they should know that I am back in town. I am their worst nightmare and their biggest competitor.

I can see the shock in Oliver's eyes. Oliver and Colin glare at each other. Why, I do not know. Belinda looks at me as if she has seen a ghost. Or perhaps it is because I am wearing a well-known designer outfit.

"Hello, Mr. Stark. It is good to see you after all these years. How long have it been … um… seven years? However, I can be mistaken." I say.

"Valerie, you are as beautiful as ever." Dean Stark says it with his deep voice, which gives me goosebumps. I know it's only flattery, and he wants nothing to do with me. The last time I saw him, he chased me out of his bed and bedroom.

I keep my eyes cold and hard. Hannah Stark is standing next to him, holding his arm possessively.

"If you will excuse us, I am having dinner with my fiancé, Colin Green. Colin, this is Dean Stark. You must have seen him in many magazines and newspapers and on social media. The man beside him is his son, Oliver, and the older woman is his ex-wife, Hannah Stark. They are not as famous as Dean, though. Oh, and I almost forgot the beautiful young lady next to Oliver is Dean's daughter-in-law, Belinda. If you will, please excuse us. Colin and I enjoy dinner and do not like being disturbed." I smile as Hannah draws a deep breath and glares at me. She looks at Dean, then back at me.

"So, seven years ago, when you came to beg for money from my son, you went to his father. You have no shame, Miss Morris. I bet you are only with Mr. Collin because of his family's money. You are the son of John Green from JG Industries. I know your mother and father well. You should be wary of this woman. She only goes out with wealthy men to get their money." Hannah Stark says.

I do not want to reveal my true identity. I do not care how much this woman humiliates me in public. I know I am wealthier than her.

"Mrs. Stark, since we are talking about women leeching of men, you do not work, do you? Have you been leeching off your ex-husband since your divorce? I wondered how you make money if you are not working or have a business. Before throwing stones, ensure you do not live in a glass house. I am sure you have places and things to do, so if you will excuse us, my fiancé and I would love to be alone." Collin says.

Colin and Dean are staring at each other, and Oliver is staring at me. Belinda and Hannah look furious.

I have changed. I am taking care of myself. I am not the innocent eighteen-year-old girl who tried to save her mother! I am not the girl from the poor neighborhood anymore. I am Valerie Bell, CEO of Bell Enterprises. I do not want them to know it yet. I want to see their faces when I am ready to reveal my true identity.

"I gave him a son and an heir! Valerie Morris gave my son nothing and wanted something from him! There is a difference! I bet you, Mr. Green, bought her those clothes and jewelry she is wearing. I do not have to sleep with anyone to get what I want. Dean looks after me." Hannah says, ensuring I see her giant diamond ring.

I smile. I do not have to explain myself to her. I can't wait to see their faces when they realize who I am.

"I am sorry to disappoint you, Mrs. Stark, but Valerie can buy herself things. I do not have to look after her. She can look after herself." Colin stands up for me again.

Oliver is still staring at me, almost drooling. It makes me feel uncomfortable. I'm not particularly eager to challenge anyone in public. I would have told her what I would think of her if we were not in a restaurant, but I would not go to her level.

"Well, enjoy your dinner. We will leave you alone. Oh, and Mr. Green, enjoy your fiancé while you can. She had a real man once, and I do not believe she likes to play with boys anymore after that night." Dean says.

What the hell? Why would he say something like that?

Hannah looks at him and then at me, and her mouth opens and closes as if she were a fish on dry ground.

Colin glared at Dean, and I could feel the tension between the two men.

Oliver looks at his father suspiciously. Belinda looks like she can kill me.

"What happened in my fiancé's past has nothing to do with our future, Mr. Stark. I am planning on hanging on to Valerie. As for your warning, Mrs. Stark, I have some advice: maybe you should do your homework before insulting someone." Collin says.

I could kiss Colin, although I only love him as a brother. I am glad he is helping me, and perhaps I should give him a chance. Who knows? Maybe I can fall in love with him.

Dean's eyes and smile are icy as he looks at Colin.

"Keep telling yourself that, Mr. Green. Anyway, we will not waste your time together. We have an appointment." Dean says.

Colin glares at his back as they walk away. Oliver never said a word, and Belinda stood there like a doll. I wonder if she was thinking that I slept with Oliver. I don't know what they believe, but I don't care.

They walk away, and I turn my attention back to Colin.

"Thank you for helping me out," I whisper.

"No problem. You named your son after his father, didn't you? Did you sleep with Dean Stark? He seems to be very possessive over you." Collin asks, and I can see the disappointment in his eyes.

"I did. I did not want to confront the Stark family in public. I am being honest with you when I tell you I slept with him, and yes, Little Dean is his son, But I will not use my son to get back at them for what they did to me when I was eighteen." I say honestly.

He does not know about my past. Well, at least not all of it. I am not going to explain myself to anyone.

Our food arrives, and I start eating. Colin does not look happy, but I do not care. If he wants to judge me before knowing the whole story, it is his problem.