“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!”

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?”