A Love That Was Never Mine

“Honey, I’ve been talking to your parents about something these past few days. In a couple of days, it’ll be Issa’s memorial. We were thinking of visiting her grave. I know she did horrible things to you, but… well, she’s gone now. Your parents raised her for years, and I grew up with her. We just didn’t want you to feel upset, so we figured it would be best if the three of us went without you–”

“Go ahead. I won’t go,” I cut him off.

Surprised by how agreeable I was, Henry couldn’t help but smile as he leaned in closer to me.

“I knew you were the most understanding person I know. You’ll just stay home and rest.”

I subtly avoided the kiss he tried to plant on me, brushing him off casually.

“We’re in public. Let’s just go home, okay?” I turned my face away, pretending to be shy.

However, in reality, my hands were clenched so tightly that my nails dug into my palms, leaving red marks that numbed the pain. It hurt so much... my hand and my heart.

When we got home, I found an excuse to send Henry away and slipped into his office. Henry trusted me completely, never suspecting that I would invade his privacy.

With a click of the mouse, his computer screen lit up. A family photo of Henry, Issa, and the little boy stared back at me, making my eyes burn with tears.

Since the computer was passcode locked, I lowered my gaze and typed in a few numbers. As I suspected, it was the little boy’s birthday.

The photo album opened, filled with countless pictures of the three of them smiling together like the perfect little family. Henry had painstakingly documented every detail of that new life he had with them.

There were photos of their baby’s first-month celebration, the two of them attending school events together, and endless pictures from family outings.

The further I scrolled, the weaker my body became until I could barely stand. My lips trembled uncontrollably. I was so shocked and overwhelmed with grief that I couldn’t breathe.

However, it wasn’t just Henry’s betrayal that hurt me the most. It was seeing the other two people in the photos—my parents. They had done everything to ensure Issa’s happiness at the expense of my own.

Suddenly, it struck me. Every time Henry declared his love for his family during interviews, I used to believe it was his subtle, sincere declaration of love for me. Now, I realized how foolish I had been.

He wasn’t just talking about me. He was talking about Issa and their son, Bear, too. That love… It was never mine alone.

I let out a bitter laugh, my heart breaking into pieces. I could barely hold myself together as I stumbled out of his office.

My phone vibrated softly, and when I saw the message, I froze in my tracks. It was from Issa.

“You saw us today, didn’t you? How happy we are as a family? It’s not just Henry, you know. Even your parents are helping me out. They paid for me to open my own jewelry design studio, giving me a life of luxury.

“Zoe, so what if you’re their real daughter? So what if I nearly ruined your life? No matter what, they don’t love you. My studio’s anniversary celebration is tomorrow morning. Why don’t you come by and see just how in love Henry and I are?”

Right then, Henry’s voice came from behind me.

“Zoe, I’ve got a work trip tomorrow. Don’t wait up for me, okay?”

I didn’t go to the jewelry studio; I didn’t take the bait of Issa’s taunting. Instead, I paid off one of the maids at her house. While no one was home, I disguised myself as a new cleaner and snuck into her mansion.

It was one of the most luxurious estates in the development owned by the Nolans. Opulence was everywhere.

In the center of the living room, a massive family portrait was proudly displayed, showcasing Henry, Issa, Bear, and my parents. They all smiled so happily for the camera.

I couldn’t look at it for long before the housekeeper, Mary, pulled me away.

“That calligraphy was done by Mr. Acosta himself when Bear was born. And that one over there? It might look a bit messy, but Mr. Acosta held Bear’s hand and helped him with every word. Be careful when you’re cleaning around them.

“Mr. Acosta treasures it dearly. Every time he comes by, he has to stop and admire it for a while. He’s always praising how talented Bear is!”