Chapter 5
Before Sofia could react. Zoe rushed forward and shoved me hard. Then
she burst into loud sobs. The bathroom floor was wet. I lost my balance, slipped, and twisted my ankle as I fell.
Just as Sofia walked past me carrying Zoe in her arms, Antonio heard the noise and rushed over. His gaze swept over me sitting on the floor and Zoe crying in Sofia’s arms. With a frown, he asked, “What happened?”
He took Zoe from Sofia. She quickly explained, “Zoe had to use the bathroom. I didn’t know Grace was inside, so when I opened the door…”
Antonio glanced at me but didn’t say anything. Instead, he gently rocked Zoe in his arms and carried her back to the room. “Don’t cry, Zoe. Grace was being mean, but I will teach her a lesson for you.”
Despite the tears, there was a flicker of triumph in Sofia’s eyes, something Antonio failed–to–notice.
***
The next morning, Antonio knocked on my door.
I opened it and stepped aside to let him in.
“What took you so long?” He sat down on the bed like he owned the place. He seemed annoyed and said, “Sofia is a guest. I know you don’t like her, but at least don’t take it out on a child.”
“So that’s why you brought them here and told everyone it was my idea?”
Limping, I made my way to the bed and sat down.
Chapter 5
Antonio opened his mouth as if to say something but gave up when he saw my swollen ankle. Without another word, he turned and walked out.
Watching him leave, I couldn’t help but smile wryly. As expected, once someone had a guilty conscience, they could never truly hide it.
Good thing that he and I had nothing to do with each other anymore.
My ankle hurt badly, so I went to the hospital to get it checked. Thankfully, it was just a sprain and wouldn’t interfere with my plans. I got some medication and left.
Stepping out of the hospital, I knew I couldn’t stay at Antonio’s place any longer. I found a cheap motel nearby and checked in. The place wasn’t great, but it was still better than witnessing their happy little “family of
three.”
After grabbing a quick bite at a small restaurant downstairs, I braced. myself and headed back up to retrieve my packed luggage.
As soon as I opened the door, I saw Antonio walking out of the kitchen with the last dish in his hands. “You’re back? Come eat,” he said with a
smile.
“Bad guy…” Zoe muttered at the sight of me, pouting as she pulled the dishes closer to herself. Sofia, on the other hand, continued eating as if nothing had happened. Antonio gave an awkward smile and said, “Be good, Zoe. Grace knows she was wrong. Let her eat with us, okay?”
I scoffed and ignored them, heading straight to the study.
The door was half open, and a bad feeling crept over me. Sure enough, when I stepped inside, I saw my suitcase had been rummaged through. My belongings were scattered across the floor, and my voluntary teaching assignment notice was covered in messy scribbles of colored markers.
24 162
1140
I couldn’t hold back my anger any longer. I stormed back to the dining room, grabbed Zoe by the arm, and dragged her to the study. It all. happened so fast that she was too stunned to react. Sofia was the first to realize what was going on and shouted, “What are you doing? Let go of Zoe!”
She rushed over and shoved me aside, scooping the child into her arms as Zoe started crying.
Antonio hurried over and said, “Grace, calm down. Don’t scare her.”
“Calm down? Why don’t you take a look at what your precious Zoe just did?” I pointed at the mess in the study and asked.
“Who gave you the right to touch my things?”
“Grace…” Antonio followed my gaze, and when he saw the disaster inside, he fell silent. Sofia, now back to her usual gentle and pitiful act, said. “Antonio, Zoe didn’t do it on purpose. Let Grace tell me how much everything costs, and I’ll compensate her.”
“Get out. All of you.”
