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.

sang, and in the candlelight, Ivan closed his eyes. and made a

birthday wish is to be with

Tears streamed down 117

my

to leave

you," I said, holding Ivan

us mentioned Antonio

it had always only been

I retrieved

2 AM. Antonio finally

cake on the table, a flicker of regret crossed his

"Sorry. I forgot."

It was ridiculous.

claiming he hadn't seen my

divorce papers and flipped to the final

I could finish speaking, his

voice, laced with

Kaufman, I think my power is out. Could you

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

hung up, tossed the papers aside without a glance, and

later."

later, after I had completed the handover of my

an

give this to Ivan for his birthday," he

late. He'd finally

the gift and unwrapped it-it

terrified

was five, Antonio had taken him to an