The Lies He Told Me (Grace and Antonio)

The Lies He Told169 Grace Parrishs son and her husband were both smitten with the sWoman. Grace stepped into the study after her shower, still stuck in this realization, bathed in light.

AntoKaufman, her husband, was buried in paperwork.

He glanced up, a frown on his face.

Whats up? Grace paused, standing still a few paces away, and gently asked, Tomorrow is Omars birthday.

Will you be here for him? Ive invited Ms.

Jermyn, and she will come, Grace said without waiting for an answer.

That was the only tAntonios head snapped up, at the mention of Kendra Jermyn.

Grace caught his reaction, and it struck her heart, leaving a dull ache.

She forced a smile, trying to sound casual.

I've got three surgeries lined up tomorrow, so I wont make it back.

You guys have a great t....

Omar, their son, adored Kendra, even calling her mommy.

What do you mean? Antoasked with a frown.

Grace simply wanted to make her son and her husband happy.

Shed already landed a prestigious overseas exchange at the hospital, ready to hand over her role as wife and mother to Kendra.

Antowould finally have his dream wife, and Omar would have the mother hed always wanted She didnt have a chance to explain when a little voice called out from behind. Mommy, are you not coming back tomorrow? What about my birthday gift? Grace turned around and saw Omar there.

The five year old Omar couldnt hide his excitement.

It was written all over his face.

Grace smiled, her heart no longer heavy with sorrow over the situation.

Grace gently ruffled Omars hair, her voice steady.

Ill give you smoney so you can get whatever you want.

11 For Omars birthday last year, Grace bought him a Lego set he was crazy about He painstakingly put it together, only to give it to Kendra, trying to make her happy This year, Grace opted for a different approach.

She would just give him.

money.

With that, she decided to leave, not lingering on Omars disappointed expression.

Instead, she looked at Antoand forced a smile.

Goodnight.

She turned and retreated to her room.

Graces heart had been tied to Antofor years.

Six years ago, it had only been a fling, but that little romance bloomed into something else that led them to have Omar.

Antomarried her because of Omar, but his heart? It had always been with Kendra, the one who held a special place in his heart.

Omar seemed to feel this too, like he knew that Grace wasn't supposed to be his mother.

But Kendra was.

Grace took a deep breath. She was planning to leave this city soon anyway.

Antoand Omar would be with Kendra, living the life they were meant to.

Omar's birthday came, and Grace was fresh out of surgery when her phone rang with a call from Omar.

"Mommy, when are you coming home?" he asked, his innocent little voice making her heart feel heavy. "I want to cut the cake with you." It had been ages since Omar had been this sweet to her.

Back then, when Antogave her the cold shoulder, Omar was there, wrapping her up in warmth and comfort.

"I don't like Daddy anymore! Mommy, don't be sad. When I grow up, I'll take care of you!" Grace's heart softened at the thought of this. She decided to head hafter making sure everything was alright at the hospital.

Back home, one of the maids saw her and was taken aback. "Mrs. Kaufman, I thought you weren't coming back...." The maid's shocked face made Grace's heart sink.

Before she could say anything, laughter filled the air, coming from the living room.

"Since you've been such a good boy, I made this cake for you, Omar. Your dad wantedto.." ove you so much, mommy Kendra!" From the doorway, Grace saw Omar hugging Kendra, acting all cute and cuddly.

Antowas there too, watching them with a loving gaze.

They looked like a perfect family.

Grace stood there, feeling out of place, like she'd walked into the wrong house.

Kendra was the first one who saw her. Her grin faded fast as she awkwardly pushed Omar away.

veli

"Hey, Grace. I'm sorry you had to see that. I hope you know it's justo m harmless banter. It's Omar'so birthday!" That's when Omar and Antonoticed that Grace was there.

Antonio's face soured when he saw her. "I thought you had surgery and weren't coming home?"

"I'm sorry," Omar whispered with guilt. "Mommy Kendra toldto call her so she could be here when I cut the cake" It dawned on Grace that Omar had called her back at Kendra's request.

She gazed at the half-eaten cake on the table, topped with strawberries, and asked Antonio, "Did you ask Ms.

to make this strawberry cake?" Antowas the one who answered her. "Omar really enjoys the cakes Kendra bakes" Grace stood frozen, her eyes brimming with tears that she struggled to contain.

But she played it cool. "I'm just here to have srest. No big deal. Just go ahead." She then started to make her way upstairs.

Kendra, with a hint of uncertainty, two pieces of cake left. Wouldeet Out to her, "Grace, there like to join us?" Grace froze, cringing at the lady-of-the-house tone.

She responded with a simple shake of her head. "I'm allergic to strawberries." Antonio, who was sitting on the couch, paled upon hearing this.

It hit him that he'd forgotten about Grace's allergy to strawberries.

Tired after a long day, Grace went to her room to change into mor@comfy clothes that was when Russell