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Chapter 73: Intention

Author: Sacred Heart
last update Last Updated: 2024-07-18 02:00:02

My stomach lurched. He hadn't been supposed to know. I had been so careful, so meticulous in keeping it as a secret, especially from Connor. I’d explained to Mr. Ruiz that Connor's father had passed away, carefully avoiding any mention of Franco.

“No,” I said, my voice a shaky whisper.

“His father... he was different. Connor never met his father since he was a baby,”

I knew it was a lie, a pathetic attempt to protect Connor from the truth, but it was the only thing I could think of in that moment.

Mr. Ruiz's face softened, but he didn't dismiss my words. He knew something wasn't right, I could tell. The air between us thickened, the silence becoming heavy with unspoken truths.

“I'm sorry, Ms. Winston,” he said, his voice a gentle balm against the storm brewing inside me.

“I shouldn't have asked. It's none of my business. But I do care about you and Connor. I just want to offer you the best possible outcome.”

“It's not your fault,” I said, feeling the tears sting my eyes.

“It’s just...
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