Chapter 23
GAbrIELLA
We came to a halt in front of a simple garden bench, where I unceremoniously slumped down. Alexis eyed the vacant spot for a long second in what looked like reminiscence before shaking her head and sitting next to me.
Nature filled the gaps of our lost speech, giving us both the opportunity to digest everything that had been revealed.
Conflicting emotions continued to war inside me, the cruel slap of betrayal thrumming strong, yet it was refocused elsewhere.
I no longer felt any type of anger towards the woman next to me.
If anything, I was reluctantly grateful.
I was finally given access to the sanctum of secrets that shrouded my husband.
“What made you decide to reach out to him? To tell Leo the truth?” I asked, trying to puzzle the rest of the pieces together.
As if in slow motion, a sincere smile stretched over her face.
“In the end, it was my husband who was the deciding factor. Owen is a strong advocate for keeping one’s autonomy, for making your own choices.
And we both agreed it was only fair that Leonardo at least be informed about Austin.
He had a right to know about his son. Whatever he decided to do with that information was up to him. ”
Alexis then went on to explain how she had booked an appointment with Leo to drop the news in his clinic. She also described their first and only meeting with Austin, which was held at Mercy Lake.
Everything clicked into place. Leonardo’s late nights of avoidance. The secrecy with his phone. The random side quest to Acacia Falls. His thorough crash out after.
All was suddenly bare and out in the open, which left me somewhat relieved and a whole lot bitter. My teeth sank hard into my lower lip to stop the crushing sob that threatened to claw out of my chest.
Why didn’t he tell me?
“I owe you an apology,” Alexis said.
“Um. I—”
“Please,” she implored. “It wasn’t my intention to get in the middle of your family or cause a rift in your marriage. Throughout this whole scenario, my primary focus has always been on my boy. As a mother yourself, I know you understand that perspective.”
I tilted my head in agreement, choosing to remain quiet, in case she heard the tears in my voice. She was correct; for my girls, I’d do anything.
That’s when Alexis breached the space between us and grasped onto my hand. She could feel my slight tremor, the tumultuous emotions writhing beneath the surface, but instead of pulling away, she held on tighter. I didn’t let go.
“Even though I held no intent to hurt you,” she said, “it doesn’t mean you weren’t harmed in the process. I’m sorry for that, Gabriella. I’m sorry you had to find out this way, and I’m sorry I had to be the one to tell you.”
“You’re not the person who has to apologise, Alexis, nor am I wanting that from you.”
She didn’t reply. She didn’t have to. With our hands joined on that secluded garden bench, we formed an unlikely alliance—one of reluctant respect and, dare I say, admiration.
After our heavy talk, we found ourselves at a beautiful café situated in the centre of the gardens.
We took our time drinking our coffees and pivoted to lighter topics. Alexis and I got on surprisingly well despite our thirteen-year age difference. We had a lot of similarities and interests. I couldn’t help but think that, in other circumstances, we would have been close friends—the best, even.
By the time we left, it was late afternoon. Alexis gave directions as I drove back to her house.
“I-I would like for my daughters to meet their older brother. To be a part of Austin’s life. If that’s okay with you?” I had been building up to that question for a while, and since our impromptu meeting was coming to a close, it was the perfect opportunity.
Alexis visibly cheered at the idea. “Of course. Austin’s already the best big brother to Adam and Olivia and is so excited to have more siblings. He can’t wait to meet Angelina and Celeste. He’s already thought about where he wants to take them…”
Her words drowned out in the background as my thoughts swept wayward. There it was; the reminder that Leonardo had already shared our daughters, had planned for them to meet… behind my back.
I had been doing so well, shoving my husband to the side, not yet ready to delve into his deception and the aftermath he had left behind.
But Alexis’ mention of my girls caused that fragile wall to come crashing down fast.
Why couldn’t we have done this together, as a family? Why didn’t he trust me? Why did he lie to me?
“Are you sure you’ll be okay to drive back?” Alexis asked, pulling me out of my reverie. “It’s a long way. Maybe you should stay the night?”
“I need to go. I have unfinished business to attend to.” The unspoken hostility thickened my tone. She knew exactly what business I was referring to.
When I pulled into her driveway, I left the car idling as we made our awkward goodbyes. And when Alexis slipped out, she paused against the open door.
Her expression turned sheepish, blush staining her cheeks. “I might be overstepping here, but I wouldn’t forgive myself if I didn’t say anything… Leonardo loves you, Gabriella. So damn much. You’re all he talks about when—”
“Alexis…” I shook my head. “Have you ever felt this type of pain, this blatant agony?” I asked, borderline condescending. I knew she hadn’t. “Don’t speak on things you’ve never experienced.”
However, surprise abruptly washed over me when her eyes misted with genuine tears. That’s when I knew I’d severely misjudged her character.
“Unfortunately, I’m all too familiar with that sting,” she said, giving me a sad smile.
“I know what it’s like to have your heart ripped out.
I know what it’s like to feel the sharp knife of betrayal held by the one you love…
And I also know how lack of communication and trust can tear families apart.
Please, take it from someone who knows. I wasted so much time living in regret, afraid of the what ifs.
I don’t want that for you. I don’t want that for anyone. ”
I spared an apologetic smile, but refused to give a promise I didn’t intend to keep. Instead, I gave her what I could. “We’ll see.”
She sniffled then gave me a wide grin in return. “You know, you’re pretty badass, Gabriella.”
I laughed. “Far from it.”
“Mm. I dunno. Driving all the way out here to conduct secret spy business. I was afraid you were gonna beat my ass when I caught sight of you.”
“Hardly. I could barely stand.”
Alexis smirked. “It was nice meeting you, Gabriella. Hopefully, I’ll see you soon?”
Shit. I was reluctant to admit it, but I felt the same.
“Ditto.”
“Drive safe,” she said before closing the door and departing.
I waited until she made it safely inside her house, then reversed out onto the street.
I was ready to get home and confront my husband with all I had learnt.