Chapter 2

Charlie took my hand, his gaze steady and earnest.

"Lucia, I can't go with you to the consultation today. The competition results just came in. I've got to take Declan and Dylan to the finals. You know how much this means. You said it yourself.

"We'll reschedule the appointment, alright? Just take it easy today," he said gently.

I looked up at him. His expression was one of complete honesty, but that didn't fool me anymore. I ran a hand over my cheek, the loneliness creeping into my eyes.

Still, I didn't look away. I pressed my lips together.

"Does it have to be today, Charlie?" I asked.

It felt like one last chance for both of us to change our minds. Hope still clung to me, faint but stubborn.

But Charlie just smiled. He reached up, gently smoothing my hair, his voice firm and resolute.

"You're the one who said Declan and Dylan's competition mattered more, remember? This could actually change their future. We'll come straight back when it's done. And then, I'm making that creamy mushroom pasta you love."

I lowered my gaze to Declan and Dylan, still standing in the doorway, hesitant to come in.

"Is it for the competition?" I asked.

"Mom, you've never seen one. This is the finals," Declan said.

"Declan and I are on the same team. We'll bring the medal back to show you," Dylan chimed in.

I didn't have anything left to say. I just sank deeper into the blankets and gave them a small wave.

Charlie knew that was me letting go. Without another word, he rushed off to get changed, then left with the boys.

The bedroom was quiet, except for the sound of my muffled sobs. When the tears finally dried, I reached for my phone and called my brother, Kurt Gladstone.

"Kurt… I want a divorce. And about my injury back then..."

I had stubbornly brushed off all my family's warnings and married Charlie anyway, only to end up broken and leaving them to deal with the fallout.

When I finished speaking, Kurt launched into a furious tirade, cursing Charlie without holding back.

"Leave it to me. I'll make sure he pays for what he did! Did you really think Maxwell rotting in prison was enough? The other two won't get away with it either. So, are you really sure about this?"

Tears streamed down my face as I nodded. "Yes, Kurt. Getting divorced is for the best."

I couldn't wait to get the hell out of this damn place.

"What about the twins?"

When I was pregnant with them, the doctors had warned me how risky it was. In the end, all three of us had nearly died.

Still, I'd always believed Declan and Dylan were gifts from heaven. If it were up to me, I'd keep them with me.

Sure, it made sense that they preferred Kelly right now. I was disfigured, and they were still just kids. But if I raised them right, they'd come to understand one day.

I opened my mouth to say it, but the words caught in my throat.

-

Charlie had walked in with Declan and Dylan right behind him.

When Declan and Dylan saw me sitting in the living room with my phone, they instinctively started backing toward their rooms, but Charlie pulled them back.

"Why are you out here? Are you hungry?" he asked me.

I turned off my phone and set it face down on the table. "Just needed a change of scenery. I've been lying down too long."

Charlie didn't say anything else. He just headed into the kitchen to make me some pasta. Later, he set it in front of me.

I took one bite and instantly lost my appetite. It tasted bland, but I used to love that pasta because Charlie made it. Now, just thinking about it made me feel sick—it was exactly like our relationship.

I picked at my food absentmindedly.

Charlie shot me a confused look, asking, "What's wrong? Did I mess up the cooking today?"

Behind him, Declan and Dylan were watching me, too.

"No, it's fine. Just don't make this again," I said.

Charlie froze, panic flickering across his face.

I gave an excuse. "I've just been craving stronger flavors lately."

His expression softened as he met my eyes.

"Alright, I'll make you something else. Whatever you want, just say the word."