The Lies He Told Me (Grace and Antonio)

The Lies He Told Me 170

"Hello, Grace,” Russell said through the phone. "I know that it's Omar's birthday, so I got him a gift."

Startled, Grace was about to respond when Russell abruptly ended the call.

Almost immediately, noise erupted downstairs. Grace flinched and rushed downstairs.

But the scene she found pinned her in her place. It was Russell, his face flushed with anger, swinging his cane mercilessly at Antonio.

"How many times have I told you? You've married Grace! Why are you still involved with this woman?"

Kendra was on her knees, pleading. "Grandpa Russell, I came on my own. Please don't hit Antonio!"

Antonio stayed silent, but his gaze toward Grace grew colder.

Back then, Grace would have rushed to Antonio's defense, her heart aching.

But now, she watched the scene with a calm detachment, her heart steady, even though she was concerned for Russell.

Suddenly, Omar broke free from the maid's grip, stormed over, and shoved Grace with all his might, pummeling her. "You did this!" he yelled, "

told Grandpa that mommy Kendra was told Grandpa that here and now he's hitting daddy! You ruined my birthday!"

Grace stumbled and fell down the stairs.

"Omar, be a good boy," Russell snapped at him. "Stay away from that woman. Your mother is Grace and not Kendra. Stop calling her that."

"If Omar wants to call Kendra Mommy, let him," Antonio said coldly.

Russell barked at him. "He will call his mother that. He

"Grandpa, it's okay. Omar can call anyone Mommy if he wants to. It doesn't bother me. And Ms. Jermyn is a gue Russell

of

guided Russell to sit, her voice soothing. "Today is Omar's birthday. Let's

Antonio, perhaps feeling a pang

at Kendra before deliberately addressing Grace and Antonio. "Both of

off guard, her mind

Grace had sex was the night they

to leave, another child

could say anything, Grace whispered, “Grandpa, Antonio

are happy

surprise, a silent question hanging in

a topic Grace had never brought up

look at Antonio. She made sure Russell

then walked him

she busied herself with the work she had taken to

was buried in paperwork for

when a buzz

hallway caught her attentio

her lunch break.

that guy's

his kid? I'm curious, who's

they would be

But no, they headed

threw his arms around Kendra, grinning. "Mommy

not usually one for smiles, had a slight grin as he offered