StartNovelChapter 120
The drive hwas punctuated by the insistent buzz of Antonio’s phone
messages from Mandy.
She was checking on him and ensuring his safe arrival. | unlocked his phone, intending a polite reply, but a chat
with one of his friends stoppedcold. “I told Mandy I'm getting married, and if she doesn’t show, I'm done
with her.”
The phone went dark. My breath hitched.
The proposal, three days ago, made sickening sense now.
tay
No ring, no shared home, just a whispered, “Don’t tell our families.”
I'd assumed it was guilt over not givingthe wedding | deserved.
The eight-year dream had been a cruel ploy to lure Mandy back.
Hope died.
| closed my eyes, repeating the mantra: leave.
Three days until the wedding.
David called, “Finish your tasks before you go.”
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“Got it.” | ended the call.
Antonio, irritated, demanded, “Where are you going?”
“Work,” | said, forcing a smile.
He didn’t press, settling onto the couch with snacks.
Chapter 120
Then, confused, he asked, “Why did you givehoney water?”
| stammered, inventing a reason, “For your stomach.”
His face hardened. “Don’t pretend you care.”
| managed a weak smile. “You're right. It won't happen again.”
The next day was for wedding photos.
Antoacted as if nothing was amiss, distant and detached.
I'd seen his tenderness for Mandy, a tenderness never offered to me.
Before leaving after breakfast, | checked my phone..
Antonio’s message was unexpected: “Let's take the photos at the university. Our professors and friends should
share our joy.”
A hollow chuckle escaped me.
He thought he had the upper hand.
He wanted to see Mandy, who'd posted that morning about being back at our alma mater.
I didn’t call him out, my departure imminent.
| chose dress comfortable for walking.
At the sports field, Antonio’s eyes darted until they found Mandy.
He abandoned me, rushing towards her.
The confused photographer asked, “What's wrong with your husband?”
| offered an awkward smile. “Nothing. Let's end the shoot.”
| approached Antonio, clutching my dress, as he chatted amiably with
22:07
Mandy.
His jacket was discarded, his appearance far from groom-like.
He saw me, his brow furrowing.
He seemed terrified I'd expose him.
He positioned between us. “You should go home. | need to talk to Mandy.”
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“I'm leaving.” | said. “Work to finish.”
Surprise flickered in his eyes. He hadn't expectedto leave so calmly.
“Calllater,” he nodded, his expression softening.
As | turned, | heard him tell Mandy, “Don’t worry. Grace got a modeling gig at a bridal shop. She’s been begging
Exhaustion washed over me.
At the office, David confirmed the Fiassi job.
That night, Antohad dinner ready, which was unexpected.
He quickly hid his phone as | entered, looking uneasy.
“Your favorite steak. You lost weight today,” Antosaid, placing it before me.
| saw my hollow checks in the window.
| hadn’t eaten much since discovering the photos.
“I ate at the office,” | said, heading to my room.
Antoclutched my arm, his voice frantic. “Are you upset about
Mandy?”
| shook my head, too weary to fight.
He followedto the bedroom, huggingfrom behind, his tone desperate. “Grace, say something.”
It might have been the first flicker of genuine care in eight years.
But it was too late. My heart had moved on. | was better off without him.
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