Chapter 155
My boss Antonio Kaulinan and I had been married for six years, a secret hidden from everyone, including our son Ivan.
He’d never acknowledged our relationship publicly, and Ivan wasn’t allowed to call him “Dad.”
After Antonio missed yet another Ivan’s birthday for his mistress, I decided on divorce.
I would leave the city with my son.
“Mr. Preston, I’ll be next month to study abroad. Here’s my resignation,” I told my manager.
Trent Preston looked surprised. “Why?”
I lied, “My husband’s in Esnaria, and I’m moving there with my son.”
He sighed, “I see no grounds to stop you.”
As I left his office, I saw Antonio and Molly Nash walking towards me.
Antonio, my boss, was also Ivan’s father.
Seven years ago, a drunken one–night stand, when I was his secretary, had resulted in my pregnancy.
We’d secretly married six years ago.
In all that time, Antonio’d never allowed Ivan to call him “Dad.”
Antonio walked slowly, accomodating Molly’s pace.
She clutched reports in one hand and his arm in the other.
1:11
Chapter 155
They looked like a sweet couple.
As they passed, I took a deep breath, “Antonio,” I said, unable to stop myself, “I need to talk to you.”
Antonio stopped, his expression cold. “What is it?”
His tone, polite yet distant, carried a warning, reminding me of my place within the company, a subordinate, nothing more.
“Your shoelace is untied,” I said, then turned and walked away.
I had meant to tell him about the divorce.
Back at my desk, My phone rang. It was Ivan.
“Mom, will Dad be home tonight for my birthday?” Ivan asked, brimming with excitement.
I froze, glancing instinctively at Antonio.
He was leaning down, speaking to Molly solicitously.
“Whire
As someone walked by, he protectively pulled her closer. His gestures, his eyes, radiated tenderness.
A burning sensation spread through me, a lump forming in my throat.
I forced myself to remain calm.
I texted Antonio: “Today is Ivan’s birthday. Are you free tonight?”
Across the hallway, I saw him glance at his phone and put it down, dismissing my message.
I gave a bitter smile, took a deep breath, and slipped my phone back into my pocket.
11
“Soon, Antonio, you’ll be free,” I thought to myself.
Leaving work, I went directly to the kindergarten to pick up Ivan.
He exclaimed, the moment he saw me. “Today is my birthday!”
Then hopefully, he asked, “Will I see Dad this time? I’ve never seen him on my birthday.”
I pictured Antonio and Molly in my mind, their arms entwined.
“He’s busy,” I began, but then my phone buzzed.
Antonio had replied: “Yes, I am. See you at home.”
I hugged Ivan tightly. “No matter how busy he is, he’ll be home to celebrate your birthday.”
Ivan jumped up and down, ecstatic.
It was the first birthday in six years that Antonio had agreed to spend with him.
That evening, I prepared a special dinner. Ivan finished his homework early, anticipation radiating from him.
Hours passed. I texted Antonio repeatedly, but as always, there was no
response.