3#03

3

The image on the wall captured a moment from the previous year's spring celebration.

In the photograph, Wanda's face was completely devoid of any joy. The others' smiles seemed artificial, almost robotic.

I sat alone in the middle, beaming like an idiot.

Now, as I examined it closely, the sheer irony and absurdity of the scene became glaringly apparent.

Overcome with emotion, I reached for my phone and called Lucas.

He answered promptly, but his voice betrayed no remorse. Instead, he sounded thrilled. "Dad, you really ought to come see Estoria!"

"The winter here is stunning. Everything is blanketed in snow, like the world's been wrapped in silver."

"Mr. Collins has shown us so many beautiful places, and Xavion and Xavier are having a blast."

"I can't chat long, Dad. We're about to go dog sledding and Mr. Collins is calling for us."

The line went dead, leaving me with a growing sense of resentment.

I considered phoning Wanda multiple times. My finger hovered over her contact, ready to dial, but I always hesitated.

We had agreed to go our separate ways. I had no right to intrude on her life anymore.

Just as I was about to set the phone down, it rang. Her name lit up the screen.

"Hello, Wanda?"

"Ethan, it's Luigi Collins."

I was taken aback, my initial excitement turning to bewilderment.

"Wanda's out with the boys, so she asked me to let you know everything's fine."

This was my first conversation with Luigi.

I only knew of him as Wanda's first love and former classmate. People described him as kind and easygoing.

"Ethan, I want to apologize first."

"I suggested inviting Lucas and his family to visit Estoria."

"I considered telling you beforehand, but Wanda said it wasn't necessary."

"She felt the children are old enough to decide for themselves."

"She didn't think you needed to be involved in every family matter."

"Ethan, you're not upset about this, are you?"

I gritted my teeth, struggling to keep my voice level as a mix of hurt and anger churned inside me.

His polite tone barely concealed a hint of challenge, disguised as courtesy.

Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to respond calmly. "No, as long as they're enjoying themselves."

Luigi chuckled softly. "Ha, that's good to know. I can rest easy then."

"Ethan, I must express my gratitude."

"Thank you for taking such good care of Wanda all this time. You've been a dependable and caring man."

"Actually, Wanda and I are planning to get married next week."

"If you're able, we'd be delighted if you could attend our wedding."

My hand clenched into a fist, my nails digging into my palm.

Before I could respond, I heard Wanda's voice in the background.

"Luigi, who are you talking to?"

The next moment, the call abruptly ended.

It felt as if all the air had been sucked out of the room, leaving me feeling empty and drained. I slowly sank onto the couch.

A heavy sense of isolation and coldness enveloped me.

I didn't consume any water for the remainder of the day.

Late that night, my phone lit up with a message from Wanda.

[Ethan, are you still up?]

I reluctantly picked up the phone, her familiar profile picture stirring a whirlwind of emotions within me.

My fingers trembled for a long while until I dozed off without replying.

[If you're awake, I'd like to discuss something with you.]

Her tone was so familiar, reminiscent of times when she would bring up important family matters for us to decide together.

I frowned and typed back, [There's nothing to discuss. We're divorced. You're free to marry whoever you want.]

[That's not what I wanted to talk about. Luigi has never been married and doesn't have any children. So I want Lucas to change his last name, along with Xavion and Xavier.]

The anger I had just managed to suppress instantly flared up again, burning in my chest.