I Don’t Need Your Fake Love by Melandia

Chapter 129

Antonio frowned, his annoyance evident. “Don’t be so dramatic. Molly’s stay is temporary.”

“No one knows we’re married. She thinks I’m single,” he added, as if in explanation.

My chest tightened. I took a deep breath.

“You know I prefer to keep my marriage private. You understand that, right?” Antonio continued, justifying himself.

So, Ivan and I were inconveniences, obstacles to his love life.

I couldn’t bear to look at him, “Fine. I’ll pack and take Ivan out. We won’t disturb you.”

I had planned to leave anyway; sooner was better.

My ready agreement seemed to surprise him.

His voice softened, “I’ll make it up to you and Ivan.”

I continued working without looking up.

The scars Antonio had inflicted on Ivan and me ran deep; no amount of “making up” could erase them..

I packed our bags and we left the apartment.

Just as we were leaving the building, we ran into Antonio returning with Molly.

He was wheeling her suitcase and they were both beaming.

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Chapter 17

panic flashed

eyes widening. “Grace, why

pulled Ivan behind me, shielding him.

for a while,” Antonio

grip tightened on the

each time felt like a fresh stab to the

Ivan said, “Hello, Uncle Antonio.”

welling in Ivan’s eyes. “Mom, let’s go.

right away,” I said,

walked past, Antonio grabbed my arm.

call me?” he asked, incredulous.

“Aren’t you

Antonio had maintained his charade, forcing Ivan to call him “Uncle Antonio,”

Ivan was finally detaching, and Antonio

pull my arm free,

me, his expression a mixture of

explain to Ivan.”

Chapter 129

“Molly is waiting. Let go.”

realizing what he was doing,

scoffed and took Ivan’s hand.

“Wait!” Antonio called.

and handed it to Ivan. “Happy birthday,

me. “This cake was actually for me. So today’s

said, starting to hand the cake

saw the look of anticipation on Ivan’s face.

of the adult world. “Will you eat it with me?” He

hesitated then

cheered and ran into the living room, urging me to open the