The Lies He Told Me (Grace and Antonio)

Chapter 7 Crazy

Helena stopped texting and started calling Antonio's phone

non-stop.

Antonio's phone vibrated like crazy.

The two little ones were vying for attention, lining up to wait for Antonio to give them kisses, hugs, and lift them high up.

Antonio bit back his anger, put the kids down, and stepped aside to take the call.

He was fuming. At first, he shouted so loud that I could hear some of what he said, "Calm down! Know your place! Don't cross the line!"

But as the call went on, his voice dropped to a whisper, and his lips softened into

a gentle curve as he began to coax and calm Helena.

I stood not far away, holding the kids by their hands.

It reminded me of many years ago when he talked to me so patiently and lovingly.

"Mommy, is Daddy going away again?"

"Mommy, does Daddy not want us anymore?"

The word "again" made me realize that kids could be as aware as adults, sometimes even more so. They might notice things before I did.

Chapter 7 Crazy

Looking at their worried and sad faces, I squatted down and hugged them, my nose stinging.

"Your daddy is busy with work. He doesn't want to leave you," I said with a forced smile. "If he has to go later, don't cry or make a fuss, okay? I will stay with you."

At that moment, I felt a lot of emotions.

The kids would not have their daddy around anymore in the years to come.

"Who says I'm leaving?"

Antonio's black shoes showed up right in front of us.

I looked up at him.

sunset light was shining from behind him, and it hurt my

My eyes got watery.

look of shock and worry

in panic and asked,

was some sand in my eyes. Still kneeling, he

know what Antonio figured out,

stay.

text Helena: "I'm not going over

turn off his phone.

Chapter 7 Crazy

saw the messages Helena sent me, one after

shameless! You couldn't keep Antonio

used the kids!"

might keep him with you for now, but do

tomorrow, I've

respond

ignored her, the crazier she

her, I first

lose her mind,

1. it.

stab him with

he loved

with a loving and indulgent

tried to say something a few times but stopped himself. He looked guilty

promise, I only

live a good life together from

hugged me, and held me

night, Antonio got

the night breeze, telling her it

hadn't fallen asleep and heard

said being together with Helena was a mistake, but it wasn't too

it felt

that if they kept messing around, he would lose me

night, I

plan, but soon, someone else made the decision

Antonio and I took the kids to kindergarten. The kids told us to pick them up

4:30 p.m., when the kindergarten got out, he didn't show up, and

who sent me a WhatsApp message with

Antonio's office. Helena was wearing my dress. Her face was all