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.