On Aurora’s one-month birthday, Gabriel came in with a smile that could light up the room, holding a gold lock as a gift. He kissed our daughter repeatedly, tears slipping down his cheeks as he murmured how much he loved her.
Mom beamed with joy, pulling me aside. “Aria, you need to keep an eye on him. If he really has changed, maybe for Aurora’s sake, you can find it in your heart to forgive him.”
I didn’t even look up as I gave a tight-lipped smile. “A leopard doesn’t change its spots.”
And sure enough, just a few minutes into playing with Aurora, Gabriel’s phone buzzed. I saw Lily’s name flash on the screen.
I shot him a cold look, and his face flushed with embarrassment.
“Go ahead,” I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Answer it. It might be important.”
As soon as he picked up, Lily’s frantic voice rang out.
“Gabe, where are you? My stomach is killing me! There’s bleeding, Gabe, what do I do? Are we going to lose the baby?”
Gabriel immediately started reassuring her, his voice cracking with worry. “It’s okay, Lily, stay still. I’ll be there in a second.”
He didn’t even bother to say goodbye to Aurora, leaving in such a rush that it almost seemed rehearsed.
My mom cursed under her breath, furious. But strangely, I felt nothing but calm. This wasn’t the devastation I’d once feared. No, this was the moment I’d been waiting for.
The moment for revenge.
