“Luciano! Don’t you dare walk away from me!” Regina snapped. “You think I’m just gonna let this slide? You killed Hector’s baby—and I haven’t even started holding you accountable for that. What, you think I won’t come after you?”
“I already told you, I didn’t even know you were pregnant, let alone hurt anyone,” I said, voice cold and flat. “And I’m tired of saying it. Believe whatever the hell you want.”
She let out a sharp, bitter laugh. “Keep telling yourself that. It won’t change anything. Truth is, you were never fit to be Claudia’s father anyway. Maybe it’s time I let Hector take over, let him be her dad.”
I didn’t respond. I just turned and headed upstairs. But Regina grabbed my arm, her tone shifting.
“Fine, if you won’t let Hector raise Claudia, then I’ll give him another baby. But you’d better not get jealous — if he’s staying, you need to accept that.”
“Do whatever you want,” I said flatly.
A flicker of uncertainty passed through her eyes before she sneered again.
“If you’re really that understanding, then clear out the master bedroom. Hector and I will need it — you know, for the baby-making. And while you're at it, grab us some wipes and rip open some more of those damn Smurfs.”
“Oh, and Hector got a little too excited earlier — tore one of my limited-edition lingerie pieces. Be a dear and stitch it up for me.”
She hurled a piece of damp and torn fabric at me, with a crushed Smurf doll. The edge of the foil packaging sliced across my cheek, leaving a shallow but bleeding cut.
Disgusted, I shook the lingerie off my shoulder and hurled the toy straight at them.
“You done now? Or do I get to leave?”
Regina blinked, unsure for the first time. Meanwhile, Hector still sprawled half-naked beside her. He just smirked and picked up right where they’d left off.
I didn’t care. I turned away from their sick little scene and headed upstairs without another word.
In my room, I carefully folded Claudia’s tiny clothes and laid them in her suitcase. Then I pulled out the photo album, the one I had made just for her.
Page after page, her bright little face smiled back at me like she was still here, full of life. Then, the heavy unstoppable tears came.
Just a day ago, my daughter was still talking to me.
“Daddy, don’t be sad,” she had said. “Mom’s just really busy with work, that’s why she can’t be with us.”
“Mom works so hard… so this year, I won’t wish for her to come to the amusement park with me. I’ll wish for her to finally get a day to rest.”
I sobbed into the tiny shirt that still carried her scent. Claudia was so thoughtful, always trying to understand her mother. Yet, her mother chose to send her to her death on her birthday of all days.
After packing up all of Claudia’s things, I called my lawyer and made arrangements to leave.
As I came downstairs, I stopped short at the sight in the kitchen, two barely-dressed bodies tangled together against the counter. Hector’s exposed chest was covered in red marks, as if proudly showing off their night.
“Mr. Andino,” he said with fake concern, “Gina only did this to make up for the pain you caused me. Don’t blame her. And maybe stop filling a kid’s head with your bitterness. What if she grows up to be just like you?”
Then, with an exaggerated sigh, he added, “I heard today’s Claudia’s birthday? What a shame. It also happens to be the 5,200th day since Gina and I first met. She swore she’d celebrate every one of our milestones in style. Guess that’s why she ditched you two.”
He smiled, full of smug pride despite his supposed apology. “Anyway, I baked a mango cake for you both, a peace offering. I hope you’ll accept it.”
I didn’t have the energy to respond to his acts. I just wanted to bury my daughter and be done with this nightmare.
As I silently left, Regina misunderstood. She thought I was giving Hector the cold shoulder.
“Where the hell are you going?” she snapped.
Then she ordered one of the bodyguards to grab me. The man shoved me forward, slamming me face-first onto the kitchen counter.
“Did your manners rot along with your pride, Luciano?” Regina sneered. “Hector is being kind enough not to hold a grudge against you or your brat and you stand there acting like you’re too good for us?”
