Chapter43
I locked eyes with Antonio, clueless about what he was up to. It was obvious to everyone that he had feelings for Alicia.
With Alicia back in the picture, wouldn’t it be a good thing for him if I left? So why was he following me all the way here, causing a scene?
Noticing my silence, he took out a red velvet box and dropped to one knee.
“Grace, I know I’ve been a jerk. I promise I’ll make it right,” he pleaded.
“Be my wife. I swear that you’ll be the only one for me.” I saw a gleaming pink diamond in the box.
I had fantasized about this scene so many times. But I was glad that he never actually gave me the ring.
As I reached out, right when his eyes started to sparkle with hope, I shut the box.
“Antonio, I was into you because I thought you were a decent, amazing guy. But I found out you were not the person I imagined. You’re a complete and utter liar.
“You’ve got no scruples. You toy with your friend’s sister without batting
an eye.
“Why should I commit my life to someone like you?”
Each sentence drained the color from Antonio’s face. He shook his head, too weak to defend himself.
“I’m going to get married,” I added.
His head jolted up. his eyes packed with shock.
I said. “We haven’t known each other for long, but I’m happy with him. He’s attractive, refined, engaging, and best of all, he’s a man of integrity.
“So. just leave me alone from now on, okay?”
“No.” Antonio ditched the flowers and the ring, clutched my wrists, and hit his knees, not budging an inch.
“Grace, I messed up. I thought I had Alicia on the brain. But once you were gone, it hit me that you’re the one who matters.
“You can’t imagine what I’ve gone through the past few days. I haven’t been able to eat or sleep. I stayed up until midnight, constantly calling Freddy for your whereabouts. When I couldn’t find you, I was losing it.
“Come on. Give me another shot. We’ve had seven years together. We shared all those sweet moments. Can you really just toss them aside?”
His speech made me want to laugh. “Antonio, be honest with yourself. I was there with you, but who was really on your mind? Who did you take me for when we made out?”
I tugged at his grip, feeling more and more repulsed with every second.
Two days before I left, as I was packing, it hit me that most of my clothes, jewels, and handbags weren’t even my style.
Especially those pieces I bought with Antonio. They were all Alicia’s style. I didn’t look like Alicia that much.
I just sort of resembled her, and Antonio’s influence on my style made me even more like her.
I finally wrenched my wrists free, but I stumbled back from the force. A firm hand caught me, steadying me with an arm around my shoulders.
I turned to see Samuel, his face as cold as ice. “When did you get here?”
When he looked at me, there was a slight smile playing on his lips. “Since this guy stood here with his flowers.”