Chapter37
Ten years. Ten years we’d been together, and finally, my boyfriend had proposed.
I had envisioned a future filled with joy, a future shattered the moment I saw him my Antonio Kaufman – embracing Stella Parrish, his first lolve, in the very home we were to share.
“Tll always love you. If you say yes. I’ll marry you right away.” Antonio whispered to Stella.
The agony was a physical blow
His betrayal wasn’t a recent event: it stretched back years.
Despair, raw and suffocating, consumed me.
I had to end this.
Inside, their fervent kiss echoed, each sound a chilling hammer blow to my heart.
I flung Antonio’s engagement ring into the trash and dialed my mother’s international number.
“Mom.” I choked out, biting my lip to stifle the tremor in my voice. “Antonio cheated on me. I’m not marrying him.
My mother’s voice was bright with something that sounded suspiciously like relief. “Tll book your ticket right away. You know I’ve always wanted you close.”
I managed a strangled response.
hington’s monood to rush to manteg
and children Races your creer Whatever you docade. I’m here for
Jos hars ago til boloved Anime was a good man
He ban his distures from other women, and despite his success, hed
mamod samul–free un omght, una Sicilia appeared at out
Engagement partic,
We hadn’t muie her.
I had me afer why shed sadderby showed un
The moment he s her. Ammo had packed dropping a wine glass
Hed then diramdoned me at the party
Bun wire Stella” Shed been cruel uking everything from me for over two decades
She was the last person Id ever forgive
Seang him bring her home. his face alight with joy, extinguished any remaining affection I held for him
Driven by a moritud curiosity. Id activated the home surveillance system
On the screen. Stella, wearing my pajamas. lay in our bed, clearly intonicated
Antonio was warming milk for her
Clutching his back. Stella said, “She’s just a comfort for your loneliness. Do you really intend to marry her?”
Antonio didn’t answer, but bent to massage her feet.
“Why did you upset me on purpose! You know I hate Grace the most Stella continued, kissing his neck.
Antonio remained silent, then pulled her close, their lips meefing in a fervent kiss.
Tears blurred my vision, streaming down my face.
Why was I crying?
I believed it was for the wasted deende.
Every time I’d tried to initiate intimacy. Antonio had coldly turned away.
I’d attributed it to shyness.
Now I saw the truth: his passion was reserved for Stella.
For ten years. I’d been nothing more than a convenient outlet for his physical needs and a balm for his loneliness.
I took a deep breath and left.
Reaching the bottom of the stairs. I heard my name.
I turned to see Antonio and Stella descending
Antonio instinctively dropped Stella’s hand.
“Your sister had too much to drink. It wasn’t be safe for her to go home alone this late, so I brought her here.” Antonio explained.
I stared coldly at Stella, who cowered behind Antonio
Antonio glared at me and said. “Stella wanted to leave. She didn’t want you to misunderstand. Don’t overreact.”
Chapter38