Page 61 of His Son's Ex

Sarah and Luca exchange a smug glance, and Linda’s scarlet lips quirk up in a slight smile, as though she’s just won a prize. It takes everything I have not to run from the room.

Dante’s hand lingers on my arm as I stand. “Eva—” he starts.

I shake my head, forcing a false grin. “I’ll be right back. Promise.”

Turning on my heel, I exit the dining room. The corridor outside feels like a refuge, the cool marble offering respite from the stifling heat I just came from. My mind still reels with the echo of Linda’s barbs, Sarah’s cruel giggles, and Luca’s sneers.

Why am I putting myself through this?

Just seconds after I reach the foyer, Dante appears behind me. I brace myself, expecting him to ask me to return, to pretend everything’s fine.

But instead, his voice is gentle as he says, “Eva, talk to me.”

I spin, arms crossed protectively over my chest. The expression on his face is pure concern, and that only makes the knot in my stomach twist tighter. “Dante, I can’t keep doing this,” I confess. “Your mother has been kind enough. But Linda, Sarah, Luca… they’re impossible. And they’re your family.”

He takes a slow step toward me, his brow creasing. “You don’t have to deal with them, Eva.”

I shake my head. “Luca is your son. Sarah is his wife. And even though you’re divorced from Linda, she’s still Luca’s mother. She’s not going anywhere, that’s clear. This is your life and they are all a part of it.”

He exhales in frustration. “I never said it wasn’t complicated. But you’re not alone.”

My throat constricts as I weigh the balance of what we have versus the misery of being targeted by his family. “I stood my ground as best I could, but it’s exhausting to have to keep defending myself, something I shouldn’t have to do in the first place.”

He moves closer, taking my hand and gently squeezing it. “We can leave if you want,” he says softly, though I can sense his reluctance. He might be willing to do it, but the message it sends is another matter—retreating in front of Linda and Luca might be seen as yielding to them.

Still, I appreciate his offer. “I’d like to go, but you should stay. I’ll just call myself an Uber.”

His eyes widen with surprise. “Are you sure?”

I nod, tears threatening. I hate how emotional I feel, but the onslaught of insults and the pressure to fit into a circle that despises me is too much. “I need space, Dante. This whole dinner has been—” I break off, pulling in a shaky inhale. “They were so… horrible.Linda just wouldn’t stop. Luca egged her on, and Sarah giggled at every barb. I can’t do it.”

He looks stricken, guilt warring with anger. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have left you alone with them.”

I blink back the tears, stepping away. “It’s not your fault. You were with your mom. But I just don’t think I can be with someone who has such a cruel family. I’m sorry.”

The words burn my throat as they spill out. I see the flash of pain in his eyes, but I can’t take it back. It’s the truth, or at least how I feel in the moment—trapped, cornered, humiliated.

“Eva, wait—” he says, reaching for me.

I pull away, swallowing the lump in my throat. “No, I need to go.”

A flicker of raw hurt takes over his features. Then he blows out a long exhale and nods. “Let me at least walk you outside.”

Relief and heartbreak merge as Dante guides me out the massive front doors. I pause on the wide stone steps, trying to steady my breathing. The manicured garden lies below on either side, discreetly lit. Turmoil fills my heart.

“I’m sorry, Dante,” I say after several seconds. “I know you’re different from them, but…” I gesture at the mansion. “I don’t know if I can handle that world without losing my mind, or myself.”

For the first time since I’ve met him, Dante looks defeated. “I won’t force you to be with me if you don’t want to, Eva.”

“I just need time.”

Pain flashes in his eyes again, but he acquiesces. “Take all the time you need.”

I slowly walk down the steps, my heels clicking against the stone. By the time I reach the driveway, I’m fumbling for my phone, tears threatening to spill. One final glance over my shoulder reveals Dante, still at the top of the stairs, hands clenched at his sides, face etched with regret and longing.

Moments later, the Uber arrives. I slip inside, my throat tight. I glimpse Dante’s silhouette one last time as we pull away.

Only then do I let out a choked sob.

---