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

birthday wish is to

Tears streamed down 117

my hand flying to my mouth to stifle

urge to

always be with you," I

mentioned

felt as though it had always

retrieved the

AM. Antonio

cake on the table, a

"Sorry. I forgot."

It was ridiculous.

claiming he hadn't seen

divorce papers and flipped to the

finish speaking, his

laced with

I think my power is out. Could you come over and stay with

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

tossed the papers aside

with this later." before rushing

later, after I had completed the handover of

approached me with an exquisitely wrapped gift

to give this to

weeks late.

gift and unwrapped it-it was a toy Pit

was terrified of

he was five, Antonio had taken