Chapter 1
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Chapter 1
My husband’s ex–girlfriend posted a Facebook picture. It was a title deed to my house.
Her caption read: “I finally got the home I’ve always dreamed of. Antonio, thank you for this amazing gift.”
I commented: “What on earth have you done?”
My husband called, blaming me.
“Wendy’s on her own, her kid needs school, and they require the deed. Can’t you be more understanding?”
Wendy Garza’s sobs were audible in the background.
It was my birthday, and I was planning to surprise Antonio with the news that I was pregnant.
Until seven p.m., he ignored my calls and texts.
Only after my comment did he call, and he was furious.
He hung up as I tried to explain, and a sharp pain shot through
- me.
I was bleeding.
Thirty minutes later, Wendy posted another picrure — a brand- new Mercedes.
She bragged: “He bought it for me outright. Antonio’s the best guy in the world.”
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He’d bought it to appease her.
I’d had enough. I was ending the marriage.
Antonio arrived late, confused by the birthday cake. “Whose birthday is it?” he asked.
Without a word, I casually tossed the cake. My voice was steady, “A friend’s.”
He let out a sigh of relief. “Your birthday is the 28th of September, today’s the 8th.”
Five years married, and he’d never remembered my birthday, yet never missed Wendy’s.
Antonio plopped down, offering a little bear. “Wendy gave you this. She’s upset about your questions. Call and apologize.”
The oil–stained bear was clearly a dealership giveaway, with a Mercedes logo.
Nausea washed over me. “I don’t want it.”
Antonio’s frown deepened. “What’s your problem? She gave you a gift!”
I snapped, “I’m not apologizing. Leave me alone.”
Antonio tried to pull me up, forcing a call to Wendy.
His rough grip sent my already injured leg crashing against the coffee table.
Just a week ago, Antonio had scalded my right leg while he texted Wendy.
It started bleeding again. Antonio got frantic. “I’ll take you to the hospital.”
I nodded, feeling numb, and as soon as I got in the car, Wendy’s sugary voice chirped from the Bluetooth speaker: “Welcome, my dear.”
Antonio’s face twitched. He shot me a nervous glance. “Wendy bought that last time and left it in my car. I’ll throw it out.”
“No worries,” I replied, my voice smooth and even.
A heavy silence filled the car.
Antonio peered at me, astonished. “You’re not upset?”
I smiled faintly.
I admitted I used to be bothered by Wendy.
But now, Antonio’s actions had rendered her irrelevant.
“My wound’s throbbing. Can you drive?” I pointed out the idling
car.
The hospital was a quick turn and a kilometer away.
His phone buzzed. He answered, a grin spreading across his face.
I heard Wendy’s sweet voice asking fopa driving lesson.
“Wendy needs me. It’s urgent,” Antonio said, his impatience barely concealed.
He was clearly rushing to see her
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I stated coldly. “I can’t walk.”
His expression didn’t change. “Don’t be dramatic. It’s just a leg wound.”
He yanked open the car door and threw me out. “Call me after the doctor.”
I watched him drive away, the spray from his tires misting my wound.
Fifty meters to the hospital, but my legs buckled, sending me sprawling onto the curb in agony
A security guard rushed over, fearing a car accident.
Later, after my leg was bandaged, I arrived home late. Antonio burst in, furious.
“I waited an hour at the hospital! Your phone was dead!”
I stared at him, completely bewildered. He’d never called.
