Chapter 76

Vanessa

A sharp pang twists in my chest, squeezing the air from my lungs as I stand before my husband with Nathan's gun aimed at his head. He looks so worn out, so unlike the put-together man in a suit that I'm used to, like my absence has completely disrupted his life. But I won't be foolish enough to think that. Nathan showed me proof that Diego is perfectly fine without me.

But why did he come? Did he regret his decision to let Nathan have me?

I almost want to run into his arms and ask him to make it all better, but nothing will ever be the same between us. No matter what he says.

I will never be the same.

"Mama, it's me," Diego says softly, taking a cautious step forward.

"Stay back!" My voice quivers, but I keep the gun steadily trained on him.

He freezes instantly, scrutinizing me from head to toe. His gaze darkens as he observes every bruise and cut marring my skin. But what he doesn't see are the wounds on the inside, the ones that will never heal.

After what I