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!"

froze for a moment

the car door

wasn't ready to let

stormed up to me. grabbed my wrist, and his

about? You're not answering my calls, not responding to

Are you happy now? Can you stop bothering me? I'm busy, I don't have time

the pale traces of my exhaustion. I

his hand reaching up to touch my gaunt face,

flicker of regret.

have you

pretending." I snapped, pulling his hand

I was cold, unfeeling.

go to work.

go

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

still, his

words,

staring into

performed a C-section. The patient

still plan to keep lying to me? That so-called

just an

her?"

took a

stunned expression

I yanked on

dark,

know everything. You

can't believe I wasted all those years loving you. I really