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After hanging up the phone, Naya took a deep breath. In just two more weeks, she would be gone from this place, leaving Cesar behind for good.
When she got home, Abigail was already sound asleep. Her rosy cheeks were dotted with dimples, a picture of peace and innocence.
Looking at her, a flicker of sorrow passed through Naya’s heart. If her own child had lived, she would’ve been just as lovely.” Just then, a message came in from an unknown number. She opened it, it was a video. In it, Cesar and Zora were tangled together, kissing passionately.
Before Naya could react, a follow–up text arrived.!!
[Ms. Steele, I’m sure you’ve seen what just happened. You also know Abigail is my biological daughter, and Cesar is my lawful husband. I hope you’ll know your place and leave Cesar soon.]2
Naya stared at the message, the smugness practically oozing from the screen. It wasn’t just a warning, it was Zora’s way staking her claim.
But as she thought about the five years she’d wasted, a bitter wave of resentment rose in her chest.
She replied without hesitation, [If it’s so righteous and official, why are you still hiding like a coward?]
Then, without waiting for a response, Naya switched off her phone.
She had no interest in sparring with the self–proclaimed queen, let alone falling into her carefully laid trap.
It wasn’t until five days later that Cesar finally came home.
During that time, he had sent Naya multiple messages claiming to be away on business. Naya, suppressing her disgust, had replied from time to time.
It was for no other reason than to disappear before he noticed.”
Cesar was known for being fiercely competitive. He could discard others without a second thought, but he would never tolerate being the one left behind.
That was why Naya had decided to fake her own death.
Perhaps sensing something off, Cesar returned bearing gifts: a delicate dress and a pair of pink diamond earrings.8
“Naya, why don’t you try them on?” he said, crouching like a gentleman to help her put on the earrings.
His sincerity might have moved her, if she hadn’t known about the gifts. Just three minutes earlier, Zora had posted a video flaunting her luxury.
In it, she wore a full pink diamond necklace and a custom–made designer gown, Tossed carelessly at her feet, clearly labeled as gifts, were the same earrings and dress Cesar had just brought home.
Naya watched him, amused by the performance.
Cesar seemed to pick up on her mood. He gently set the earrings down and reached out, preparing to pull her into a hug.
But before he could, Abigail ran into his arms. “Daddy! It’s been so long. I missed you so much.”
Snuggling into his neck, she took a deep breath. “Why do you smell like Zora? Ohhh, I get it. You’ve been with her these past few days, haven’t you?“!!
Her innocent remark landed like a blade. Cesar stiffened. The air turned cold with awkward silence.I
But Abigail, oblivious, went on cheerfully, “Zora always smells so nice. I love her the most! Daddy, when are you going to marry her so she can be my mom?”
