ROSALINDA


    The air in the car thickened with tension as Antonio, Cami, Carlo, and I rode in the same car. None of us were on speaking terms, so I just peeked through the window all through the ride with my earpiece plugged to my ear to avoid unnecessary and ufortable conversations.


    Five other men, whom Antonio imed to be his most trusted men, rode in another car while we all made our way to the safe house. I didn’t know where exactly it was, but he said it was a coastal hideout.


    We circled locations meticulously to make sure we weren’t being followed before finally making our way to the pier, where we took a boat to arge white beach house that was nestled among swaying palm trees, creating a tropical paradise vibe. In front of the building was a private swimming pool that glistened with sunlight.? It was the perfect escape I sought, only that it would have been better if Cami wasn’t in the picture.


    Carlo was in my arms as we all silently entered the house. The interior was even more mind-blowing than the exterior. It was so spacious and beautifully designed, with floor-to-ceiling windows that had beautiful views of the beach. The soothing sound of waves crashing nearby was soforting. I stood by the widow, admiring the view.


    “Mommy, it’s beautiful.” Carlo said, and a smile touched my lips as I kissed his forehead.


    “Yes, it is.” I agreed.


    Antonio cleared his throat. “I guess I’ll take my leave now.”


    I turned to look at him.


    When our eyes met, he sighed and continued. “Cami knows her way around here. She’s familiar with this ce, so you are good to go. If you need anything, ask her.”


    I only nodded in response.


    He inched closer to me, and I held my breath at his close proximity. Even though I was extremely mad at him, I still reacted to him, and I hated that.


    He took Carlo from my arms and kissed his forehead, a small smile touching his lips.


    “I’ll miss you, buddy.”


    “Please don’t go.” Carlo whined as he wrapped his small arms around him.


    He patted his hair. “I have to.”


    “Why?” Carlo pouted.


    “You’ll understand when you’re older,” Antonio said, nting another kiss on his forehead.


    He darted his gaze at me. “Please take care of him and yourself.”


    Closing the distance between us, he hesitantly ced a kiss on my cheek. “Know that I’m sorry, and I’ll never stop loving you. I’ll find a way to make things right.”


    His words took me aback, and my heart patted to an uneven beat. I loved him too, despite all the hurt he had caused me. But I wasn’t going to say it back.


    He stood there for a minute, staring at me, waiting for me to say something, and when I didn’t, he sighed frustratingly before turning around and making his way out of the house. Not without bidding farewell to Cami, though.


    “Having rtionship issues?” Cami sneered once he was out of sight.


    I faked a smile in response, even though what I really wanted to tell her was that it was none of her damn business.


    “Well, that’s not my problem.” She said,  shrugging, as if she had read my mind. “That reminds me. While we are here, we don’t have to be in each other’s businesses.”


    Perfect.


    I didn’t bother to reply to her as I looked back at the window. I stared at the beach, but not because I was admiring it. I was lost in deep thoughts. Thoughts of Antonio.


    I was livid and wanted to be away from him, yet I desperately wanted him to stay.? It was infuriating how he could hurt me so deeply, yet I couldn’t imagine a life without him. I was hopelessly in love with that man.


    Blowing out a sharp, frustrated breath, I turned around to see Carlo ying with Cami’s puppy, with Cami crouching beside him.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    “Do you like her?” Cami asked with a smile on her face as she stared at him.


    Carlo nodded excitedly. “Yes.”


    “Her name is Coco. She’s my best friend.” She told him.


    Cami and Carlo’s bond appeared to be blooming beautifully. She hated me but seemed to like my son. Her nephew. I wondered how she would react when she found out she was his aunt.


    Thinking about that felt really weird. Never in a million years did I ever think that Antonio was Carlo’s father. I was still finding it hard to register that information. But it was true, as evidenced by the paternity test result.


    Cami subconsciously raised her head, and our eyes met. A bitter frown immediately reced the sweet smile on her face.


    Suddenly, she grabbed her puppy from Carlo and jerked to her feet. Rolling her eyes at me, she began to walk away from Carlo.


    “Can I y with her for some more time?” Carlo requested.


    “Not today.” She retorted without bothering to stop or look at him.


    Carlo darted his gaze at me. “I don’t think she likes me very much.” Heined.


    “Of course she does.” I assured him as I inched closer to him and carried him in my arms, kissing him on both cheeks. “Who wouldn’t like you? You’re the sweetest kid ever.”


    “But she won’t let me y with Coco,” he pouted.


    “That doesn’t mean she doesn’t like you.” I told him, brushing his hair with my fingers. “She even told you her pet’s? name. So, you see? She likes you. And besides, she’ll allow you to y with her some other time. She just wants to y with her now; that’s why she took her from you.”


    “I want a pet too.” He suddenly said.


    I raised a brow. “Really? A puppy?”


    He nodded. “I would name her Rosalinda.”


    My brows drew together in confusion. “Why?”


    “Aunt Cami said Coco is her best friend. And you are mine. So I’ll name my pet after you.” He exined with a grin.


    Realizing he considered me his best friend, warmth surged through me. As I stared at him, my eyes shimmered with tears, and my heart swelled with a blend of tenderness, pride, and amusement. He was such a thoughtful, affectionate, and bright little boy, deserving of nothing but the very best, and I nned to give him just that. Nothing less.