Chapter 78
Leanna posted a video–shot through the hospital’s glass doors–showing Franco rushing in, holding her tightly in his arms, his expression frantic with concem.
But in the reflection, I could clearly see her pale face wearing a victorious smile that didn’t belong to someone fragile and injured. She even captioned the video. [True love? I barely had to test him, and got my answer]
[To a certain new mother–i suggest you do the decent thing and bow out. If you’re not loved, at least make room for those who are.]
That quiet night, I cried in silence and dialed Franco’s number!
But the voice that answered, came from the room right next door.
The call was cut off instantly.
Later Franco lied for the first time, telling me a friend had an emergency, and he wouldn’t be able to return to the hospital.
But Leanna posted a voice recording from that same night on her social feed.
“Franco… did I mess up your plans? I’m sorry…”
It’s nothing, just a telemarketer call. Don’t worry–I’ll stay with you all night.”
From that point on, Leanna became more brazen in front of me, flaunting her presence.
And Franco… I could feel his love slowly slipping away.
Still, I comforted myself: at least we had Alec. We had a child. One day, his heart would find its way back to us.
But I never imagined that everything would change when I became pregnant with our second child.
The moment I told him, Franco exploded.
He threw the positive pregnancy test and ultrasound report to the ground, shattering the silence between us.
“Mara, do you have any idea how much pressure I’m under?! How could you take advantage of me being drunk, and you didn’t even take the pill!“2
Alec burst into tears. I held him in my arms, whispering softly to calm him.§
That night, Franco had come home drunk from a work dinner. He had wrapped his arms around me and whispered tenderly, “Let’s have a baby… I want to have a sweet little one with you.“I
I misunderstood. I thought he meant me.”
But in truth, in his drunken haze, he had mistaken me for Leanna.
When I planned to terminate the pregnancy, the doctors found I was carrying twins.
I couldn’t bring myself to do it.
From that moment on, Franco grew colder and more distant.
Later, I found out the truth.
After Leanna’s suicide attempt, she had been admitted to the hospital. And whenever Franco had a free moment, he went to visit her. When I finally confronted him, he explained with a hypocritical look on his face that he just wanted to keep an eye on her–make sure she didn’t try again.
For Alec’s sake, and the twins I carried, I forced myself to endure it.
But what I never expected was that Franco would be heartless enough to let all of my children die, just for her.
The thought sent another sharp, convulsing pain through my chest.
Drenched in grief, I finished cleaning the old house, then went to the cemetery to visit my mother’s grave.
The last time I was here was before my wedding. I brought Franco with me.
I remembered holding his arm, smiling brightly as I said to my mom, “Mom, I’m getting married. It’s Franco. Don’t worry–he really loves
me.“2
That day, Mom had been so happy. The candle I lit for her flared again and again.
And now, I’d come back with three unbom children who never saw the light of day.
She must be worried sick.
“Your daughter has failed you, Mom… I ruined my marriage and lost my babies.“>
I choked back sobs, covering my face. “Please… take care of Alec and the twins up there. If I have another life, I want to be your daughter again–so I can do right by you.”
Just as I turned to leave, I froze.
There he was–the one person I never wanted to see again in this lifetime.§
“Mara…” His voice cracked with despair.
I brushed past him without a word, not even sparing him a glance.
But he suddenly pulled me into his arms, holding me with all the strength he had left.
