The Lies He Told Me (Grace and Antonio)

But he came at the wrong time.

If I brought him into this world, his life would never be a happy one.

It's better for him to leave now than to suffer with me.

I glanced at my phone, and it was filled with messages and calls from Antonio.

"Grace! Stop pretending, okay? If you're looking for an excuse, at least make it a good one. Stop being so pathetic!

"You're seriously angry over some baby stuff? I haven't even mentioned how the cheap baby products you bought gave the baby a rash! What's there to be upset about?"

Even though I had already let him go in my heart, seeing those messages made my eyes sting with tears again.

This was the man I had loved for so many years.

And in the end, all that was left was exhaustion.

***

On the fifth day in the hospital, I was discharged.

I requested a two-week sick leave and decided to take some time away.

I had the divorce papers drawn up, signed them, packed my things, and moved out of Antonio's place that night.

As I was putting the last suitcase in the car, I heard his voice.

Chateral

"Grace!"

for a moment but

door and tried

wasn't ready to let

to me. grabbed my wrist, and

answering my calls, not responding

don't you? Well, I'm here now. Are you happy now? Can you stop bothering me? I'm busy, I don't have time for your pregnancy moods!" he snapped. I pressed my lips together, calm and

the pale traces of my exhaustion. I looked

up to touch my gaunt face, his eyes softening

flicker of regret.

you gotten so

snapped, pulling

I was cold, unfeeling.

go to work. You

go

business trip. Do you really think I'm this stupid? Antonio, do you feel proud

still, his

fumbled for words, but

smirked, staring into his eyes

performed a C-section. The

to keep lying to me? That

an

her?"

took a few steps

stunned

I

the dark, familiar hickeys

know everything.

those years