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.

in the candlelight, Ivan closed his eyes. and made

to be with

Tears streamed down 117

flying to my

to

you," I said,

us mentioned Antonio again that

it had always only been the

asleep, I retrieved

2 AM. Antonio finally

the table, a flicker of regret crossed

"Sorry. I forgot."

It was ridiculous.

he claiming he

out the divorce papers and flipped to

could finish speaking, his phone

voice, laced with

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

his face etched with concern.

the papers aside without a glance,

with this later."

weeks later, after I had completed the handover of

an

to Ivan for his

weeks late. He'd

unwrapped it-it was a

terrified of

five, Antonio had taken