I silently took out some disinfectant and hemostatic powder, treating my injuries with the bare minimum of care.
The next day, Samuel still didn’t come home.
I packed up everything I owned and donated it all. Then, I took our marriage certificate—the one I had once cherished so deeply—and tore it into pieces, throwing it into the trash.
On the third day, just past noon, Samuel texted me.
[Lydia, I just finished my work. I’m heading to the hotel to check the venue setup. My assistant will pick you up this afternoon.]
But in reality, at that very moment—he was walking through a high-end shopping mall, holding Xandra’s hand while Apollo was cradled in his arms, as they swept through luxury jewelry stores together.
All around them, envious eyes followed their every move.
"Mr. Lopez truly adores his wife and child. My sales performance for the next twenty years is basically set! This family of three is just too picture-perfect."
"But I heard Mr. Lopez booked the lowest-tier banquet at the hotel today. Supposedly, it's to celebrate his wife's childbirth."