Chapter 7
Concetta knew nothing about her daughter’s illness.
That Sunday, she still tried video-calling them.
As their mother, she felt responsible even if affection had faded.
As she called, Lynne and Hyman were helping Sharon pick an evening gown.
Samuel was due to leave the hospital soon, meaning Alejandro would return to Miami to expand the family business.
Lynne and Hyman dreaded going back.
They didn’t want to see their mother yet and couldn’t bear leaving Sharon.
Noticing their gloom, Sharon ruffled their hair.
“Let me guess why my little prince and princess are sulking…”
She paused dramatically.”Is it because you’re going home? I thought you’d be thrilled to see Mommy.”
Lynne’s eyes instantly reddened.
She pouted and muttered, “Seeing Mom isn’t fun! We don’t want to leave you!”
Hyman also nodded.
He missed his mother but adored Sharon more.
“Well then.” Sharon’s lips curved. “Here’s some good news…”
She leaned in conspiratorially. “I’ve got work there! I’ll stay for quite a long time… We’ll go back to Miami together!”
“Really?”
Lynne cheered up.
She could still see Sharon.
Just then, Concetta called.
The ringing persisted. Lynne waited until the last second before hanging up.
After three more attempts, she finally blocked Concetta’s number.
Sharon tapped Lynne’s nose playfully.
“Ignoring Mommy?”
“She ignored me when I was sick! She’s so mean. I won’t talk to her!”
Lynne pouted.
Anyway, in a couple of days, they would return to Miami, and then they could see her.
“When Mommy finds out Auntie Sharon’s moving in, she’ll be upset,” Lynne thought.
Lynne didn’t want her to disturb her life with Sharon.
Sharon pinched her cheek.”Whatever makes our little princess happy.”
Hyman thought it felt wrong, but seeing Sharon’s approving smile, he swallowed his guilt.
He thought, “Dad says Auntie Sharon is special.
“If she’s not upset, it must be okay.”
Besides, they’d see their mother soon enough.
Concetta stared at the red exclamation mark on her screen, frozen for a moment.
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This phone was dedicated solely to the twins.
No one else ever touched it.
She knew their bond had weakened since they moved to San Jose, but being blocked stunned her.
Worried, Concetta called the twins’ nanny.
“Mrs. Calderon, the twins are fine with Ms. Mcintosh. They’re helping her pick outfits.”
A pang tightened Concetta’s chest when she heard that name.
Her children, her sacrifice, were now clinging to another woman.
“As long as they’re safe,” she replied evenly.
She didn’t mention the block.
She knew their temper.
The twins had always been spoiled. Petty revenge wasn’t new.
Before, she’d have kept calling until they answered.
Now…
She suddenly didn’t care anymore.
Knowing they were unharmed was enough.
Whether they still cared for her was beyond her control.
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