A Love That Was Never Mine

I quietly blinked away the tears pooling in my eyes and lowered my head.

My dad was a renowned calligrapher.

After being brought back to the Acosta family, I once privately asked him for one of his calligraphy pieces. However, he always smiled and gently refused, saying, “I haven’t written in years. I’m out of practice. It’s better to leave it be.”

Only now did I realize he wasn’t out of practice. He just never wanted to write anything for me.

“And remember to wash these sweaters with cold water,” the housekeeper, Mary, continued. “Mrs. Acosta knitted these for Bear. She put her heart into it. I’ve heard even her own daughter didn’t get that kind of treatment!”

I couldn’t bring myself to respond. At that point, I had nothing left to say.

I felt like a thief, eavesdropping on Mary’s casual remarks and sneaking glances at the love and care that belonged to someone else, stealing glimpses of a happiness that wasn’t mine.

In truth, Issa was right. I was the one who was never truly loved.

“And these family photos,” Mary went on, “they’re from all kinds of moments in Mr. Henry’s life with his family. He looks at them often, so make sure you clean the frames carefully.”

My eyes scanned over the photos. In each one, through every stage of their lives, Henry was there, present with them.

And me? Other than our wedding picture, I had nothing. When I asked him about it, he simply shrugged it off, saying he didn’t like taking pictures.

I pulled my mask higher, trying to hide the tears that had soaked my face. However, before I could regain my composure, I heard noises coming from the entrance.

“It must be Mr. Henry and Bear, back from the amusement park. I’ll go check on dinner. You go ahead and finish up with the things back here,” Mary said as she headed towards the kitchen.

At the doorway, Bear was snuggled in Henry’s arms, saying something that made both Henry and Issa burst into laughter. After that, Bear was taken by the nanny to get changed.

I stayed hidden behind the pillar, listening to Henry and Issa’s conversation.

“Henry,” Issa said, “I know Bear’s arrival was a surprise. It was impulsive, I admit. But you’ve been taking care of us all these years and are always there for us. Bear’s growing up now, and I don’t want him to live in the shadows forever.”

Henry hesitated for a long moment before finally taking her hand and pulling her into his arms to comfort her.

“He won’t have to,” he reassured her. “Just as long as you don’t cause any scenes in front of Zoe. As for the rest, I’ll handle it. Don’t worry. Bear will have his birthday party in five days. Your parents and I already have our excuses prepared. Zoe won’t suspect a thing.”

My eyes widened in shock.

There was a time when Henry spoke to Issa with cold, harsh words. Back then, he swore he loved me while he treated Issa with disgust, calling her out for drugging him and warning her to stay out of our relationship, saying he never wanted to see her again.

I believed him. I played the fool, pretending not to hear or see the signs, and in the end, it was all just a lie to deceive me.

I couldn’t stay any longer. Clutching the voice recorder and hidden camera in my hand, I turned and made my way toward the backyard, ready to change my clothes and leave this place for good. However, just as I stepped outside, I bumped into Henry.

The familiar sight of his face brought a dull ache that nearly knocked me off balance. I grabbed the railing behind me and lowered my head respectfully, waiting for him to walk past.

After taking just a few steps, though, Henry suddenly stopped and walked back toward me, his gaze intense as he stared at me.

“Are you new here?” he asked. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you before. And why are you wearing a mask?”