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

to be with

Tears streamed down 117

my mouth

urge to

be with you," I said, holding

us mentioned

it had always only been

retrieved the divorce papers from

AM. Antonio

a flicker of regret crossed

"Sorry. I forgot."

It was ridiculous.

claiming he

and flipped to the final page.

I could finish speaking, his phone

laced

I think my power is out. Could you come over and stay with me? I'm really

up, his face etched with concern. "Don't worry. I'll be right

papers

this later."

I had completed the handover of my

approached me with an exquisitely wrapped gift

this to

late.

took the gift and unwrapped it-it was a toy Pit Bull

was terrified of

he was five, Antonio had