Page 71 of A Lie so Dangerous and Fragile

“I know I was wrong to pick Kayden and leave his sister. I had no money to take care of both of them. It was better than watching them suffer,” I said behind him as he grabbed a small suitcase and threw some clothes inside. “What are you doing?”

“I’m going to Cuba to get my daughter,” he said sternly.

“We can’t. We can’t get her back once she is adopted; it’s the law.”

“To hell with the law. I’m going to get my daughter.”

“It’s impossible,” I said with tears in my eyes.

He pretended not to hear me and kept packing. He zipped the suitcase when he was done and walked past me to the room. He buttoned his shirt and wore his jacket. He picked up his phone and made a call.

“Get my jet ready. I will be there in twenty minutes.” He ended the call before the person could say a word.

“Tristan,” I called, stepping closer.

He seemed to be in some kind of trance, like he couldn’t hear anything I was saying. His mind was all focused on getting Kayla back. I needed him to understand we could never get her back. I’d signed the paperwork and revoked my parental rights.

“I really wish there were something we could do to get her back, but we can’t get her back.”

“There has got to be a way to get her back. I’m getting her back, no matter the cost,” he said and looked around for his passport.

“Tristan—”

“Either you’re coming with me or I’m doing this on my own,” he cut in, facing me.

He waited for me to say something. I didn’t want him to go there and come back without her. It would only hurt more.

“Okay, I will get my things,” I told him before leaving the room.

I packed my things into a small bag. My hands were shaking, and my heart was beating so fast that it made me light-headed. I paused and tried to even my breathing. My head ached from all the thoughts in my head.

I changed into a pair of jeans and a maroon top. I grabbed my blue denim jacket and put on my white Converse. I picked up the bag and left the room.

Tristan was waiting at the stairs, glancing at his wristwatch impatiently. He started walking down the stairs immediately when he saw me. I increased my pace to catch up with him.

All eyes turned to us when we got off the stairs. Tristan didn’t care. He took Kayden in his arms and gave him a kiss before returning him to Nora. He made his way to the door, not saying anything. I asked Nora to watch over Kayden. I couldn’t take him with me. I didn’t know how this trip was going to be. I gave her all the details about his meals, allergies, bedtime, and other important things to do.

“I will give you a call. Keep your phone next to you,” I said to Nora in a rush.

“You know me. I’m with my phone twenty-four/seven,” Nora said, waving her phone in front of me to make her point.

“I will see you soon, sweetie.” I gave him a kiss and headed to the door.

“Chloe,” Mrs. Sanchester called, stopping me. “What’s going on? What’s with the bags?”

“It’s a long story. I will explain everything when I get back. Please take good care of Kayden, and sorry for leaving the party like this,” I said in one breath and rushed out of the house.

I heard my mom’s voice, but I didn’t have time to wait.

“Chloe!” Vina called from behind me.

“I will call you and explain everything!” I yelled back and entered the car.

I stared at her as the car moved. Adrian came out and stood next to her. They both watched us as we left.

I turned to look at Tristan when we were far from the Sanchesters’ estate. He was resting his head back with his eyes closed, drumming with his fingers on his thigh.

Should I say something, maybe apologize more? I bit my lip nervously and decided to stay quiet.

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