He Chose Them, Not Us

That steak? Pauline didn't ask for it. She blew every paycheck on clothes—never food.

Luca stared at the half-slice, then gripped my leg tight. His voice was soft. "I don't want it. You can have it, Dad."

Tony froze. His expression turned sour. "Zoe, what lies have you been feeding him now? You won't stop till he's just like you—cold and selfish."

Then he turned on Luca. "And you—I pay for your education so you learn some respect. Not to sit around whining like a victim. Maybe you don't need school at all! And forget meat—if you won't eat, I'm done buying it for you!"

Luca flinched. Tears streamed down his cheeks, but he stood tall and stared right at him. "Dad, today Ryan pushed me."

Tony scoffed, shooting us both a dirty look. "Yeah, right. Another one of your mom's little tricks. You two make a great team—always playing the same sad game."

***

After Tony stormed out, Luca looked up at me, tear tracks still fresh on his cheeks.

"Mom, is Dad Ryan's dad too?"

That one cut deep.

Back then, I never understood why Tony bent over backward for Pauline and Ryan. Not until the end—when everything clicked. They'd been promised to each other since they were kids. Grew up side by side. Even after her family called it off, Tony never really let her go.

I crouched down, ran my hand through Luca's hair. "It's okay, baby. Mommy loves you."

After dinner, Pauline batted her lashes and begged Tony to teach her how to ride the motorcycle.

Their laughter echoed through the yard while I cleared the table, ready to bathe Luca and tuck him in—only to realize he was gone.

I found him crouched in the corner, trying to scrub the dusty clothes from earlier. My chest clenched. I stepped forward to bring him in.

Then Pauline's voice pierced the night.

"Tony, is this how you twist the throttle?"

Seconds later, the motorcycle launched—straight at Luca.

"Luca!" I screamed, diving for him.

Too late.

Pauline slammed into the water tank. The motorcycle ran over Luca's foot as he scrambled to get out of the way.

He hit the ground, crying out in pain.

Tony and I rushed over at the same time. He was all frantic, fumbling to lift Luca. "Luca, where does it hurt? Don't be scared, I'll get you to the hospital."

Then he saw her—Pauline, sprawled beside the motorcycle.

She didn't say a word, but her eyes begged him to pick her.

Tony froze.

Only then did she start crying. "Tony, I'm fine. Go with Luca. It's my fault. Even if my leg's broken, I deserve it."

My stomach twisted. I grabbed his arm. "Tony, I'll take Luca. Just give me the money."

I wasn't even asking him to come. Just pay. The motorcycle had already swallowed everything I had.