Chapter 3
Antonio frowned, his annoyance evident. “Don’t be so dramatic. Molly’s stay is temporary.”
“No one knows we’re married. She thinks I’m single,” he added, as if in explanation.
My chest tightened. I took a deep breath.
“You know I prefer to keep my marriage private. You understand that, right?” Antonio continued, justifying himself.
So, Ivan and I were inconveniences, obstacles to his love life.
I couldn’t bear to look at him, “Fine. I’ll pack and take Ivan out. We won’t disturb you.”
I had planned to leave anyway; sooner was better.
My ready agreement seemed to surprise him.
His voice softened, “I’ll make it up to you and Ivan.”
I continued working without looking up.
The scars Antonio had inflicted on Ivan and me ran deep; no amount of “making up” could erase them..
I packed our bags and we left the apartment.
Just as we were leaving the building, we ran into Antonio returning with Molly.
09.011
Chapter 3
2BB Mouchers
He was wheeling her suitcase and they were both beaming.
When our eyes met, panic flashed across Antonio’s face.
Molly gasped, her eyes widening. “Grace, why are you at Mr. Kaufman’s place?”
I pulled Ivan behind me, shielding him. “I…”
“They are relatives, staying with me for a while,” Antonio butted in.
My grip tightened on the suitcase.
This wasn’t the first time he’d denied our relationship, but each time felt like a fresh stab to the heart.
Before I could speak, Ivan said, “Hello, Uncle Antonio.”
I turned, shocked, to see tears welling in Ivan’s eyes. “Mom, let’s go.”
“OK, sweetheart, right away,” I said, stroking his hair.
As we walked past, Antonio grabbed my arm.
“What did Ivan just call me?” he asked, incredulous.
I replied calmly. “Aren’t you his uncle?”
For six years, Antonio had maintained his charade, forcing Ivan to call him “Uncle Antonio,” forbidding him from using the word.“Dad.”
Now Ivan was finally detaching, and Antonio was surprised? Shouldn’t he be happy?
09.01
I tried to pull my arm free, but his grip was firm.
He looked at me, his expression a mixture of emotions. “Wait. Give me a few days.
“I’ll explain to Ivan.”
I reminded him, “Molly is waiting. Let go.”
As if realizing what he was doing, he reluctantly released me.
I scoffed and took Ivan’s hand. We turned to leave again.
“Wait!” Antonio called.
He hurried back to his car, retrieved a box, and handed it to Ivan. “Happy birthday, Ivan,” he said.
Molly smiled at me. “This cake was actually for me. So today’s your son’s birthday?”
“Ivan’s birthday was two weeks ago.” I said, starting to hand the cake back.
But then I saw the look of anticipation on Ivan’s face.
He didn’t understand the complexities of the adult world. “Will you eat it with me?” He asked Antonio.
Antonio hesitated then agreed.
Ivan cheered and ran into the living room, urging me to open the box.
I followed, stroking his hair, and cut him a piece.
Chapter 3
Ivan took a bite, and his smile instantly vanished.
“Spit it out! Don’t swallow!” I cried, grabbing the cake.
Antonio’s face darkened.
“Grace, have you lost your mind?
I looked up, my eyes burning. “Don’t you know Ivan is allergic to mangoes?”
Panic flooded Antonio’s face. “Sorry, I didn’t know.”
Another apology.
I had heard it countless times since Ivan was born.
Ivan, understanding what had happened, stared blankly at Antonio, the anticipation gone from his eyes.
“It’s okay; it’s normal they didn’t know,” Ivan muttered, burying his face in my chest.
He refused to look at Antonio again.
Without a word, I scooped Ivan up and walked out.
I could feel Antonio’s eyes on me as we left.
But he wouldn’t feel guilty.
“I have to divorce him. I have to leave with Ivan!” I thought fiercely.
