a's

ly because of how Lucas ignored them. I also felt bad for mysel

lt. I blamed myself for getting drunk that night, for letting

y, he bl

wanted to free myself. He couldn't keep me as his secret forever! How could he keep m

s on our wedding night. He knew I was pregnant, but he claime

he treated

life, and he mistreated me and our son. I put up with his behavior because

me. He was always unkind and constantl

ent extended to our son, Enrique. I endured his anger an

a broken family, so I stayed in my

ite this, I bore it all for six long years. I was willing to en

y reward for t

our vows, he trampled on my trust! How could I have been so naive to

ine him. I couldn't fault Enrique for his occasional stubbornness; he h

fference. I had been contemplating this for several days. By staying with Lucas

our son to behave!" Lucas' words sliced throug

argue all we want, but not in front of Enrique," I retorted, my voice tinged

to have found your strength to stand up to me," he

plored, holding his gaze. I hoped he would comprehend the necessity

your strength to stand

ctory to have him recognize my efforts to stand

" Lucas suddenly

ug. I squeezed his small hands, trying to reassure him that everything would be alright. He w

rld was unaware that he had a wife, and that wife was me. His colleagues and employees were obliviou

seduced him that night, he would be happily married to his fiancée. I couldn't understand why he clung to the

ogize to Enrique!" I demanded, bu

everal days, he had been excited about a school activity. He hoped th

't love me," E

nore him for now, sweetheart. Let's have breakf

," Enriq

he was present. But for Enrique's sake, I forced myself to e

ble, placed the dishes in the sink, and pulled the ca

aint hope that maybe, just maybe, Lucas would come to love his son. I wouldn't care if he

clandestine wedding, Lucas insisted I quit and focus on my pregnancy. He claime

h softness, seeing the innocence and vulnerability in Enr

dly enough, I found myself at peace with this. If he could just lo

e demanded I leave it to focus on my pregnancy. It seemed sweet at first, like he

our child financially. I initially resisted, but he wa

suing. It was damaging not just to me, but to my son as well. I wish I had

refused to give our son his last name, a fact that broke my heart. I couldn't believe he could treat hi

ally crossed!" a sh

nt. I wanted to ask about it, but I

Zara. Is Lucas with

nd my handsome lit

Blackwood, with the only trait he inherited from

, see you ar

and little white teeth, I couldn't help but return his smile. "Always remember, Ken, to be

ugh. "Yes, Mommy! I'll be good at school, but I want

y," I w