48. Twisted Love

I knelt down to Kelly’s level, trying to calm my trembling hands as I wiped my tears. “Sweetheart, we’re leaving. We’re going back to Aunt Brenda’s.”

Kelly’s lip quivered, her little hands clutching mine tightly. “But why, Mommy? I don’t want to leave Dad.”

Ivan stood up, his voice desperate as he stepped closer. “Vera, please don’t do this. Don’t walk away, not like this. I can fix this, I swear. My mother won’t come between us again.”

I stood up and shot him a warning look not to come close to me or Kelly. “I thought all this was you wanting me back in your life, but you lied to me Ivan.“

Ivan stared at me, he was trying his best to prove to me, but there was no point. I won't fall for his lies again.

Mrs. Carlos continued cutting her steak, completely unfazed by the chaos unraveling around her. “Vera,” she said, her voice calm and condescending, “you think you can just walk away and take my granddaughter with you? Ivan deserves better than this drama. If you take one goddamn step o