Prologue
To my grandma Lita, your wise words about life gave me courage.
To my grandfathers and my father, who were remarkable men who raised and loved remarkable women.
To my mother and my aunts, who are a group of strong women. They inspired me to achieve what I want in life.
I dedicate this story to all struggling single mothers in the world, and to the people who are struggling with life in general, know that you are not alone.
Lastly, a shout-out to my dearest brother for letting me use one of his names.
“The people you meet are there to help find a better version of yourself.
No matter how some of them hurt you,
there is always a reason why.”
It’s the little choices which led us to the lives we’re in. Sometimes, one of those choices—no matter how small—can change your life forever. However, life does give us an opportunity for a do-over. You won’t see it coming until you’ve been hit hard with a bullet through your heart, and the perfect life you proudly thought you have was nothing but a façade of lies.
My vision narrowed, and every breath I took felt like I was choking.
The busy street seemed like it was in dramatic slow motion as I drove back to one of the residences I owned. Once the red light turned green, my black Audi roared to life as I stepped on the gas pedal, and the car launched amidst the busy street of rush hour morning in Chicago.
Within a few minutes, I arrived at the garage of the condo building, and I eased my way toward my parking spot where my other collection of expensive cars were parked. I didn’t feel smug about having them though and not even the fifteen-million-dollar penthouse I was heading up made me feel an ounce of egotism. Even being named by Forbes as one of the rich businessmen in Chicago didn’t make me conceited.
I felt like I was just like another ordinary man who struggled and got hurt with a hard kick in the crotch. That was what I felt when I saw her with him.
Once I got inside my penthouse, I looked at the empty, spacious living room and the thousands of dollars’ worth of furniture that hadn’t meant anything. The life I made for both of us had shattered into nothingness.
Suddenly, I felt the phone in my blazer pocket buzz, and it brought me out of my trance. With heavy hands, I pulled out the phone and stared at the caller ID, and I automatically relaxed when I saw who was calling.
Placing the phone against my ear, I answered the call.“Hey.”
“Kyle, where are you? I’ve been calling you. I just got a call from one of the managers at the hotel.” A familiar voice asked on the other end.
“I’m at home. Getting some of my things,” I muttered softly.
“Home? Why are you home?” I could hear the confusion in his voice but I wasn’t sure if I had the strength to tell him.
“I don’t know if I can recount it just yet,” I said instead. “Luke, would you do something for me?”
“Of course. That’s what I’m here for.”
“I need to get away.”
“Get away? But your meeting—”
“Please.”
I heard him sigh before he said, “Got it. I’ll see what I can do.”
