Mr. Fluffy Took My Place

Yara was sobbing into Natalie's arms, but Natalie barely even hugged her back.

She was too busy playing defense, all soft-spoken like she was saving the day.

Then she turned to me with this fake brave smile. "Babe, just... say something, okay? Whatever it is, I'm here."

"If you're mad, I'll change. Let's not do the whole divorce thing, yeah?" Her voice was all shaky by the end.

She was laying it on thick—loyal wife, unbothered queen, totally clueless.

And me? I just stared at her like she was a stranger.

Next to her Oscar-worthy performance, I looked like the villain.

Of course the crowd ate it up.

Tanya looked like she couldn't help feeling exasperated by her blind love but kept it together.

Instead, she spun toward me, trying to play mediator. "Luke, it's Yara's parent-teacher meeting. Can't you chill—for her?"

I didn't flinch. My voice cut like glass. "She's not my kid. Why would I care? Move. I'm done here."

Tanya went full volcano, shaking with rage. "You're just some freeloading nobody! Without Natalie, you'd be nowhere!

"Your clothes, your lab, your funding—she gave you everything. Once she dumps you, you'll be out on your ass!"

People expected me to cave after that.

Yeah... no.

"If you're so ready to watch me crash, have her sign the damn papers."

I brushed past her and walked out.

Barely made it past the school gates when my phone buzzed—a drop from my PI.

Photos, videos, the whole package.

I opened the newest one.

It was from earlier that morning—Natalie and Yara at home.

Natalie was sprawled on the bed, all cuddled up with the doll, cheeks flushed, eyes glassy.

"Of course both parents have to go to the meeting," she whispered. "I'll dress your daddy up real nice for it."

Yara scrunched her nose. "What if that man shows up instead?"

Natalie frowned. "Then we don't tell him."

Yara giggled and flung herself into Natalie's arms, hugging both her and the damn doll. "Yay! I'll introduce my daddy to everyone!"

I shut the video.

Gross.

And more than enough to tip the scales in court.

***

Back at campus, one of my students came running.

"Prof. Lambert! Some people raided the lab. Took the gear—wiped out all our files."

Right then, Tanya called.

Her voice dripped smug. "Natalie might still have a soft spot for you, but I don't. Since you're so tough, don't expect another dime of her money."

I hung up. Blocked her.

Soft spot? Yeah, right. Natalie was the mastermind here.

She played innocent just enough to let Tanya do her dirty work.

She knew that project was everything to me. This wasn't random—it was revenge.

Even my own students started giving me that look.

Like this was my fault.

I brushed it off and called in a few favors—got some replacement gear fast.

Then I rolled up my sleeves and helped my students clean up the wreckage.

Didn't take long before the admin office called.

They were pissed.

Told me to get my personal mess under control and quit dragging the university through the mud.

My stomach dropped. I bolted outside to see the chaos for myself.

Even from a distance, I could hear Tanya's voice blasting through a megaphone.

"That Prof. Lambert? Total trash. Abandoned his wife and kid!

"He was a broke loser who married up and leeched off Natalie.

"Now he thinks he's hot stuff and wants to ditch her for some other woman!"

She wasn't alone—she'd brought a whole circus of influencers, all filming, all lying their faces off while marching across campus.

Half the student body had come out to gawk.

They pointed. Whispered.

"That's Prof. Lambert? Ugh. Straight-up gold digger."

"Divorcing her 'cause she's into dolls? Seriously? We like that stuff too—what's the big deal?"