The Lies He Told Me (Grace and Antonio)

Chapter 225

Ivan, sensing my hesitation, asked cautiously, "Mom, is

Dad really busy with work?"

Unable to lie. I crouched in front of him. "I'll always be here for you, and I'll always love you."

Ivan asked no more questions. Picking up the cake, he said, "Mom, let's make a wish and eat the cake. We don't need to wait for Dad."

I lit the candles and took a photo.

As I was about to post it on Facebook, I saw Molly's update: "A romantic evening with my love."

The accompanying photo showed a table laden with food from a fancy restaurant.

Although their faces weren't visible, I noticed a wedding ring

on the hand in the top right corner.

It was the ring I had chosen for Antonio when we married.

He always wore it on the pinky finger of his left hand, the finger that signified being single.

The irony was crushing.

On Ivan's sixth birthday, Antonio was enjoying a candlelit dinner with his mistress.

The pain and anger I'd been carrying suddenly dissolved into a quiet peace.

I liked Molly's post and put my phone down.

I sang, and in the candlelight, Ivan closed his

birthday wish is to be with Mom

Tears streamed down 117

my mouth

urge to

always be with you," I said, holding Ivan

of us mentioned Antonio

had always only been

retrieved

AM. Antonio

table, a flicker

"Sorry. I forgot."

It was ridiculous.

claiming he hadn't seen

and

finish speaking, his

voice, laced with

is out. Could you come

etched with concern. "Don't worry. I'll be

papers aside

this later." before rushing out

I had completed the handover

me with an exquisitely

to give this to Ivan for his birthday,"

late.

it-it was a toy Pit

was terrified

had taken him