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 eyes. I

My eyes got watery.

of shock and worry in Antonio's

panic and asked, "Grace, what's wrong? Why are you

my head and said there was some sand in my eyes. Still kneeling, he smiled and blew the "sand" out

figured out, but I did get

stay.

because I saw him text Helena: "I'm not going over there,"

turn off his phone.

Chapter 7 Crazy

also saw the messages Helena sent me, one after another,

couldn't keep

used the kids!"

you for now, but do you really think

you wait. Once he gets to the company tomorrow, I've got many ways to

didn't respond

her, the crazier

first had to drive

lose her mind, Antonio wouldn't

1. it.

Antonio didn't lose it, how was I supposed to stab him with the knife I had been sharpening for

family evening. Antonio kept saying how much he loved me and the kids and how he wanted to give us the best of

with a loving and

stopped himself. He

I only love you,"

live a good life together from

me, and held me tight for a

the middle of the night, Antonio got

breeze, telling her it

hadn't fallen asleep

Helena was a mistake, but it

when he saw me cry, it felt like the whole world was falling

around, he would lose me for sure. He couldn't bear

I admitted

with the fake-death plan, but soon, someone

and I took the kids to kindergarten. The kids told

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

sent me a WhatsApp message

my dress. Her