CINDERELLA IN A PRESCHOOL
Davina Green carefully placed her son, Prince, on the bed and turned on his night light—because for some unknown reason, he couldn't sleep without it. She wanted to leave the room, but something in her needed her to stay and watch him sleep.
Prince was truly her beloved son, but it was unfortunate that she couldn't give him a stable home with a father. Davina walked closer and began to caress his cheeks. He looked so much like his father, she thought, and bad memories flashed through her mind.
FLASHBACK
"I promise to make you the happiest woman in the world," Lucius whispered, gently touching her cheek—the way he always did.
"But my father is just a simple worker, and... and I don't think we can be together..."
"Are you worried about what others would think?" he asked. She nodded, her head bowed.
"I've told you before—don't worry about others. It's just me and you in this world. Me and you."
END OF FLASHBACK.
Back then, Davina felt like Cinderella. She had broken all societal rules and married Lucius Graham, the young chaebol from the west of Tybis—Venia. The whole world was against her, especially her mother-in-law, but Davina didn't care as long as Lucius loved her.
Things got better when she gave birth to a son—the first grandchild and future heir of Majesty Ltd. His birth was a blessing; she was finally accepted. But good things didn't last forever. Three years after their marriage, they divorced, and to this day, no one knew why.
Everyone was quick to judge her. They called her the "Falling Cinderella" and "Destroyed Beauty." They blamed her entirely, but no one knew what she had to bear in that marriage.
She wanted nothing to do with Lucius, so she moved back to Sophia in Tybis and got a job as a cook. But Lucius still wanted everything to do with her. He gave her custody of Prince—in exchange for knowing everything about her life. It was torture.
"Darling, what's wrong?" her mother Sandra asked, making Davina realize she'd been crying.
"Nothing... let's talk outside." Davina never liked showing her emotions in front of her son—even if he didn't understand.
Once outside, Sandra's face was full of worry. She had just checked on Prince and saw Davina crying.
"What's the problem?"
"Nothing," Davina replied quickly.
"Davina... you don't have to keep things from me and your father. We're your family."
"Nothing's bothering me. Looking at Prince just made me emotional."
"Okay, if you say so. Make sure to drink some water before going to bed," Sandra said and went into her room.
Davina went to her own room and searched the incident she had with Rachel. Thankfully, there was no news—it was like she'd never even been to that restaurant. Janis must've handled it. That thought made her curious about Janis, prompting a search.
Janis Pedro. Wife of Adrian Pedro. Daughter of Mr. Sylvester Wyatt.
That was all she could find. The internet made her sound like a ghost. But Davina knew how kind Janis was. She didn't insult her or look down on her. She helped her cook and was nice to her son. Davina wanted to meet and thank her properly, but she knew that was impossible.
Just then, a notification popped up reminding her that her four-year-old son was starting preschool soon. Her smile vanished.
Davina had wanted Prince to wait a year before attending school, but Lucius insisted. He wanted his son to attend the best preschool in Tybis—because he was his heir.
Lucius didn't understand what she'd face. High-class women in Tybis despised three types of women: mistresses, low-class women, and—worst of all—divorced women. To them, being divorced meant you were a failure and an easy target. That's what she'd go through.
Davina sighed as she looked at a photo of Prince. She wasn't the only one who'd suffer—he would too.
Lucius had already hired the best teachers. What was the point of sending him to a school filled with vultures? Fueled by rage, she picked up her phone and dialed Lucius—a rare move.
"Hello?" a female voice answered. It was Rachel.
"I thought you were too busy frolicking with your new friend to call your 'ex' husband," Rachel said, emphasizing 'ex.'
"Rachel, hand over the phone to Lucius. I don't want to talk to you," Davina said dismissively.
"How dare you—"
"Who are you talking to?" Lucius asked in the background.
"Oh honey, it's Davina. She wants to speak to you," Rachel's voice transformed from venom to honey.
"What do you want?" Lucius asked, calm but cold.
"I don't want Prince to go to that preschool," she said softly. Lucius's voice always made her fear cave in.
"Why?"
"He's just four, and he already has a lot of teachers. He doesn't need school yet."
"Then when?"
"Next year. He'll be five. I found a wonderful kindergarten for him."
Silence.
"Prince is going to that school. I have a partnership with the owner. Your plans for him are meaningless."
"But I'm his mother—"
"Did you just interrupt me?" Lucius asked sharply. Davina gulped.
"I didn't... I just..."
"Prince isn't an ordinary country bumpkin. He's my son. I can't let you plan a baseless future for him."
"But he's still so young—"
"Davina, stop speaking. Your timid voice annoys me. It shows how weak you are. You're just the woman who lives with him. Nothing more."
She gripped the phone angrily but said nothing.
"I'd keep him with me, but you're the only one he listens to. Look, I'm busy. Don't call again unless it's important."
Lucius hung up. Davina dropped the phone on her bed.
---
The next week, she watched as her mother got Prince ready for school. Davina wore a blank expression. There was nothing she could do.
"Mummy, look at me! Grandma says I look handsome," Prince said with a bright smile.
"Oh yes. You look amazing," she smiled. He did look amazing—he got his features from his father.
"Mummy, are you okay?" he asked.
"Um... I'm fine. Eat your lunch while I prepare."
In her room, her father walked in.
"Dad, you're still here? I thought you were going to work."
"I'm not going. I'm retired."
"Did they pay you?"
"Yes. Everything. I was about to go to work, but they sent the money."
"That's awesome!" She hugged him. She knew how much he needed that money.
"This means you can finally get that club membership you wanted."
"Shhh," he said, grinning. "It's for your mum. I want to surprise her."
She smiled.
"Anyway, that's not what I came to talk about."
"What is it?"
"Lucius. I think it's time to sue him. I have the money now."
"Dad, I've told you—there's nothing to sue him for. We're not married anymore. I'm safe."
"But he needs to be punished—"
"No, he doesn't!" she snapped.
"He doesn't have to pay. I wasn't forced to marry him." She grabbed her car keys and stormed out.
Sandra watched Davina leave with Prince, confused.
"What happened to her?" she asked.
Her husband said nothing.
---
In the car, Prince sang along to the radio. Davina was in a foul mood. Reckless drivers didn't help.
Suddenly, a man crossed the road. She hit the brakes in panic. The man jumped aside just in time.
"Motherf**ker!" she yelled and stepped out.
"What is wrong with you? Couldn't you see me driving?"
"The light was red. You weren't paying attention," he said.
She swallowed hard. He was hot. Tanned skin, brown hair, and... that chest. Definitely a foreigner.
"Ma'am, are you listening?"
"Um, yes. What do you mean the light was red?"
"Accept your mistake and apologize."
Apologize. The way he said it was so hot.
"Fine. Sorry. Are you hurt?"
He chuckled. "So the crazy mum can apologize."
"Crazy mum?"
"That cute boy in the car—is he your son?"
"Yes."
Oh no. She was late.
"Well, bye," she said, running back to her car.
---
Golden Bridge Preschool wasn't just a school—it was a status symbol.
Located in Magnolia Heights, it looked like mini Versailles. White-gold exterior, cherry blossom drive, marble cherub fountain. Inside: polished wood, chandeliers, tailored uniforms, embroidered blazers.
"Good morning, ma'am. You must be Miss Davina?" a young teacher asked.
"Yes. This is my son, Prince. Prince, greet the nice lady."
"My name's Miss Freda. I'm his teacher. But school starts at seven. It's eight."
Damn. That handsome man distracted her.
"I forgot..."
"How wouldn't she? She doesn't have a husband to remind her," a lavishly dressed woman snarked. Her friends giggled.
Davina bit her tongue.
"Please follow me," Miss Freda said.
As they walked, Davina thought: no wonder Lucius wanted Prince here. He loved status.
At the class, Prince tried to run in, but Davina held him back. First day—it was tougher on her than him.
He knew she was struggling and hugged her.
"See you after school, mummy."
She hugged tightly, refusing to let go.
Miss Freda noticed the tears in Davina's eyes. Most high-society mothers didn't even drop off their kids—they hired help. But Davina cared.
"Ma'am, you have to let go. He's already late."
"Bye, mummy."
"Bye... be nice, have fun, respect your teachers, and..." He dashed off.
"Here—for your tears," Miss Freda handed her a napkin. Davina smiled in embarrassment.
"That gossiping woman arrived the same time as you," Freda added.
Davina was surprised. A teacher... defending her?
As she walked to her car, the women from earlier approached.
"You're Miss Davina, right?" the lead one asked. "Lucius's ex-wife."
"Yes. Can I help you? I need to get to work."
"Oh. You work," the green-dressed one mocked.
"I'm Mrs. Priscilla George. My husband is the President's nephew. This is Eunice Matthews and Terrie Davidson."
Big names? Yawn.
"Okay, how can I help you?"
"Your son's in the Golden Bridge community. We'd love to add you to our Mother's Group."
"Thanks."
"There's a parents' party. You'll need to come—with your husband."
Eunice whispered, "She doesn't have one."
Priscilla gasped theatrically. "Oh my God, I forgot."
Davina didn't say a word. She got in her car and drove off.
"She's something else," Priscilla hissed.
"Her ex is getting married soon and she still has the guts to be rude," Terrie added.
No husband. No class. No rights.