CHAPTER EIGHTY -THREE

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Anxiety gnawed at my mind as I gazed lovingly at my triplets, sleeping peacefully in their cribs. It had been a week since their birth, and the reality of my situation was starting to sink in. I couldn't keep running, not with three innocent lives depending on me. The thought of Roberto's wrath, should he find us, sent shivers down my spine.

I sought out Mandy and Azrael, my trusted friends and confidants, hoping they could offer some guidance. "Guys, I don't know how much longer I can keep this up," I admitted, my voice trembling. "I have to think about the babies now. Maybe if I talked to Roberto, one on one, we could resolve this whole thing."

Mandy's expression turned stern, while Azrael's eyes widened in alarm. "Lola, no!" they chimed in unison.

"Why not?" I asked, desperation creeping into my voice.

"Because, Lola, that would only make things worse," Mandy explained gently. "Roberto's not exactly known for his calm and rational thinking. If you confront him alone, he'll see