Chapter28 Ten years . Ten years wed been together , and finally , my boyfriend had proposed . I had envisioned a future filled with joy , a future shattered the moment I saw him my Antonio Kaufman embracing Stella Parrish , his first . lolve , in the very home we were to share . Ill always love you . If you say yes , Ill marry you right away , Antonio whispered to Stella . The agony was a physical blow . His betrayal wasnt a recent event ; it stretched back years . Despair , raw and suffocating , consumed me . I had to end this . Inside , their fervent kiss echoed , each sound a chilling hammer blow to my heart . I flung Antonios engagement ring into the trash and dialed my mothers international number . Mom , I choked out , biting my lip to stifle the tremor in my voice , Antonio cheated on me . Im not marrying him . My mothers voice was bright with something that sounded suspiciously like relief . Ill book your ticket right away . You know Ive always wanted you close . Chapter20 I managed a strangled response . She continued , her voice soothing . Theres no need to rush into marriage and children.Focus on your career . Whatever you decide , Im here for you . Just hours ago , Id believed Antonio was a good man . He kept his distance from other women , and despite his success , hed remained scandal free until tonight , until Stella appeared at out engagement party .. We hadnt invite her . I had no idea why shed suddenly showed up . The moment he saw her , Antonio had panicked , dropping a wine glass . Hed then abandoned me at the party . But why Stella ? Shed been cruel , taking everything from me for over two decades . She was the last person Id ever forgive . Seeing him bring her home , his face alight with joy , extinguished any remaining affection I held for him . Driven by a morbid curiosity , Id activated the home surveillance system . On the screen , Stella , wearing my pajamas , lay in our bed , clearly intoxicated.- Antonio was warming milk for her . Clutching his back , Stella said , Shes just a comfort for your loneliness . Do you really intend to marry her ? Antonio didnt answer , but bent to massage her feet .. Why did you upset me on purpose ? You know I hate Grace the most . Stella continued , kissing his neck . Antonio remained silent , then pulled her close , their lips meeting in a fervent kiss . Tears blurred my vision , streaming down my face . Why was I crying ? I believed it was for the wasted decade . Every time Id tried to initiate intimacy , Antonio had coldly turned away . Id attributed it to shyness . Now I saw the truth : his passion was reserved for Stella . For ten years , Id been nothing more than a convenient outlet for hist physical needs and a balm for his loneliness . I took a deep breath and left . Reaching the bottom of the stairs , I heard my name . I turned to see Antonio and Stella descending . Antonio instinctively dropped Stellas hand . Your sister had too much to drink . It wasnt be safe for her to go home alone this late , so I brought her here , Antonio explained . I stared coldly at Stella , who cowered behind Antonio . Chapte : 28 Antonio glared at me and said , Stella wanted to leave . She didnt want you to misunderstand . Dont overreact .