I felt I was in a safe haven after I fell asleep with my head on my mom's lap. We slept on a huge bed in the VIP room of a five-star hotel where I checked in after I left my shameless husband's house.
I woke up and Dad was nowhere to be found. Mom had just come out of the bathroom when I opened my eyes. Dad left, she said, and Mom told me she didn't know where he would be heading so early.
Our breakfast came and even though I didn't feel like eating, I ate a lot because there was a dragon watching and ready to attack if I didn't obey her. It would be good if Dad were there. He would let me eat a little, but with Mom—she's like a monster when she's mad, so I tried to avoid making her angry.
She's not my mortal enemy, not my best friend, either. She's still my mother, so I love her and that's just how Mom shows her care and love. Unlike my Dad who is showy and sweet all the time.
While we ate, Mom kept telling stories about my childhood and how picky I was when I was young. Until now, I was able to explore different cuisines when I got married to Fi—
Forget it— we are in front of food and my mother's legacy of not saying bad words in front of grace.
I knew mom was just babbling to make noise. To help me not to think about anything that will only hurt my feelings.
It was before lunchtime when Dad arrived. It looked like something bad happened based on the wound in his fist.
"What happened to your hand, dad?" I asked when I noticed that and Mom rushed to check it and immediately asked ice to take it to our room.
He didn't want to say how and where he got it, but because I was convinced that nothing had happened, I didn't stop asking him.
"This is nothing, sweetheart. I promise," he answered with a smile on his face while we waited for the ice to be put on his swelling hand.
He sat on the sofa and Mom went to the bathroom to get a towel. Dad seemed frustrated. My parents are both old, but they are not like their peers who have neglected their bodies. They work out together to maintain their bodies, even though they are about to reach sixty. Though their age is not that obvious.
"D-Dad, tell me what happened?" I asked him again.
"I just punched a wall, not someone else's face," he said later on when he was already annoyed with me.
I still have doubts about his answer, but I don't know—I was a little disappointed that my father only punched a wall and not the face of someone I know.
The ice in the bucket had arrived, so dad soaked his fist in it to numb the tingling pain. It had turned purple and had a small wound. Mom took dad to the clinic just in the hotel's vicinity.
I was left alone in the room for a few hours. I felt I would go insane with the silence.
I lay down and stared at the ceiling. Questioning my worth and what I did wrong to deserve to be cheated. I felt worthless, useless, and ugly. All the hurtful words—I just called myself. I'm not ugly, to be honest, but my husband still cheated on me.
Thinking about him again and the scene I saw—my tears started falling like heavy rain. Being ugly or not sexy is not a valid reason for someone's partner to cheat and I don't remember any serious problems we had for him to do that.
I cried. I took advantage of the time my parents weren't around. I hid in the bathroom and soaked in the warm water in the tub. I stayed there for more than half an hour and I didn't realize that it was night when I went out and my parents hadn't returned yet. I got dressed and when I was done, I suddenly thought of turning on my cellular phone that I had turned off since yesterday. I received a few messages from Lucas, but I didn't bother to read anything. I also received a message from mom, telling me to meet them at a restaurant nearby for dinner and that they would wait for me there.
I didn't want to go out, but I felt like I was going to lose my head being alone inside a room so quiet. I went to the restaurant where they told me to go. I didn't even bother to put anything on my face to hide my pale skin or put on any fancy jewelry. I wore a simple plain black dress paired with flat sandals and that was it.
Since the restaurant was not that far, I walked. It only took me more or less ten minutes. When I entered the restaurant, I immediately saw the table where my parents were and, to my surprise, there were other people with them. Not just one, three, and even though they were far from the entrance, I knew one of those three, even though I couldn't see his face.
The first thing I thought of—was to walk away. I moved my feet and immediately turned around, but before I could—I heard my dad's voice calling my name.
I don't want to look back. I knew that when I turned around, I would see the eyes of those three people at the same table staring at me. I ran away to escape, but dad caught me.
If the car that was about to pass in front of me hadn't honked at me, I would have gone running straight. My father caught me and I didn't have a choice but to face him.
He hugged me and I cried a lot again.
"D-Dad—" I said while my face was on his chest.
"I'm just heart, sweetheart," he whispered, and his voice got broken. He let me cry. He stroked my hair using one hand, and the other hugged me.
"It would be better if you would face him. There's nothing you need to feel afraid or ashamed of, Elyana. Your Mom and I won't let him just get away with this. Your lawyer called us today and sent us the divorce papers for you and Lucas to sign. After that, you're free from him. I know that's what you like too and I agree with that decision of yours," dad said while still hugging me.
My courage seemed to run out when I surprised them the other day, but dad was right, I have nothing to fear and be ashamed of. I didn't do anything shameful. I'm not the one who cheated and I'm not the one with another lover.
Dad convinced me to go with him. Lucas couldn't look directly at me. I saw bruises on the corner of his eye and even his lip seemed to have cracked.
I gave dad a meaningful look when I saw the look on Lucas's face. I felt no pity. I even thought of splashing him with cold water at that moment.
Dad pulled me to a chair. I was face-to-face with Lucas. Mom handed the piece of paper that Lucas and I needed to sign, and I was the first to sign it. When it was his turn, I noticed his hands were shaking. I don't know if it was because he was afraid of Dad. His parents were there in front of us and, like him, they couldn't look at me.
Some photos are scattered on the table. Copies of what I sent to my lawyer yesterday were all there. Lucas's mommy cried a little while sitting next to her son and I couldn't bear to see her like that because she had been good to me for five years. Lucas's father was the only one I didn't like that much, because he was a very strict and perfectionist person. His father was giving me a different vibe at that moment. He still seemed so proud. That made me ask if he was proud that his son cheated on me.
Well, he was also a cheater. His wife knew. He was forgiven a few times and still repeated it.
I'm not stupid to just let Lucas's act of cheating slide. As they say, a cheater will always be a cheater, so let's not give him another chance.
"Can we talk about this first? Just the two of us, Elyana." I was surprised when Lucas put down the ballpen he was holding and asked this.
His parents raised their heads and turned to their son. I saw different emotions on their faces. His mother is hopeful, while his father seems to stop Lucas from what he was asking.
I turned to my parents to check their reactions. They seemed confused and mad at Lucas, but with the look in their eyes, it seemed they wanted me to be in charge of the situation, and that they would respect whatever decision I would make.
I looked back at Lucas and took a deep breath. There was no one else in that restaurant but us. There were only six of us. It seems they were afraid of being embarrassed around other people.
I think they were afraid I would create a scene. As if I was going to do it. Dad had already taught him a lesson.
"I only have a few questions, Lucas. Answer it and we will decide based on your answer, " I uttered, even though I was very nervous about the answer I could get from him.
"I will," he retorted, and he looked straight into my eyes.
"O-Okay—so, for how long have you been cheating on me?" For my first question.
I had a clue how long it had been. It's been almost 6 months since I noticed a change in him, but I was stunned by his confession. It was longer than I knew.
I held on to the table because I felt I would lose my balance. My Dad stepped right next to me when he noticed it to give me support.
"I'm okay, Dad," I whispered, even though it was obvious I wasn't and for the final question, I wanted to know, "What is the reason, Lucas?"
I know he got what exactly I meant by that question. I don't need to elaborate any further. I just needed his answer on that one, so I knew where I was lacking.
"Because you couldn't give me a child—"
He didn't finish his answer, because mom's hand landed on his cheek. He slapped him real hard.
Mom was about to hit him again, but Lucas's father blocked his arm and his arm was the one mom reached instead of Lucas's face.
"Signed this paper! You don't deserve my daughter!" my mother yelled angrily at him.
My world seemed to stop. I could hear my mom and Lucas's father arguing, but I just stood there watching them. I could hear them loud and clear. I wanted to stop them, but I couldn't move my feet. It was like I'm just watching a movie drama. The only difference was, it was life and the star of the show was us.
I just wanted him to sign the divorce papers. I wanted to leave him for good and never see him again.
While they were still fighting, my vision suddenly went blurry, and the next thing I knew—everything turned dark.
"She's fine. There's nothing to worry about her. Just give her time to rest and she will feel better in no time." These were the last words I heard from the doctor to my worried parents as I lay in the hospital bed. They immediately put me inside a private room in the nearest hospital from the restaurant, where we were supposed to have dinner to avoid attention from people who walk in and out of the hospital. Mom said the doctor also told them there was nothing we should be concerned about after a few tests they gave me, apart from the fact that I was a little dehydrated and the blood pressure was unstable. I knew my blood pressure had been low because I often feel dizzy and I look pale without makeup on. The doctor advised me to eat healthily and get a proper rest to get back in shape. According to mom, Lucas followed us into the hospital, but dad told him to leave. He obeyed immediately in fear of making a scene and after that—he didn't come back. It seemed he was afraid of gettin
Two days had passed and there was still no word on whether Lucas had signed the papers. It seemed the other party didn't want to make it easy for us. My lawyer advised me to use the precise reason I want to end my relationship with him, which was adultery, and we took the issue to court to help us with the process. They appealed and made a statement that I was the one creating stories because I only want money, but for Pete's sake! They were trying to turn the story to make him look like he was the victim. I even wanted to believe the chance he was asking for was genuine, even though his voice lacked sincerity that day. But now — how could I believe him? And during those two days of me waiting, I never heard from him. Just today, I received a message from an employee in their company the other day that Diane had been visiting Lucas in his office. I couldn't believe that she had such an audacity to show her face in a place that was once my territory. They were not scared to show to
It was the most tiring and longest week of my life. Lucas didn't stop bothering me, even though I already made myself clear I would continue the divorce I filed. I was not crazy to just forget what he did to me, not like his poor mom who had been cheated on several times, but still hadn't divorced her unfaithful husband. Lucas didn't deserve a second chance, and I didn't feel his sincerity whenever he tried to ask for forgiveness. I was sure his dad was the only one who motivated him to negotiate with me for their reputation and the assets they might lose. That manipulative man thought he could use me as one of his puppets. As for his son, who couldn't refuse his order — even after getting married, he continued interfering with his son's life's decisions — with our lives. 'I would be glad once Lucas and I are finally divorced. He is no longer my in-law.' I thought. It wouldn't come to that if Lucas's relationship was new maybe — just maybe I still could still forgive him, but hello
After getting the divorce papers, the next thing I did was start selling my assets. I also moved to a different hotel and made sure Lucas couldn't follow me anymore. He no longer had a reason to look for me because everything between us was done and resolved, but I just wanted to make sure, and yes, I received a vast amount after they combined both of our assets. I knew he was having a lot of regrets because he lost a lot. The first thing I sold was the resthouse, don't ask me why. Honestly, if I didn't think it would be a waste, I might have just bulldozed it or set it on fire, but if I had put it on fire, someone else could have been affected because it was in the middle of the forest. 'I'm not that heartless.' It wasn't that hard to find a buyer. The resthouse was the most important and memorable place to me before, but because of the two shameless fellas, it turned into the thing I hate the most. I had an acquaintance that handled everything, the same as with other properties
It was a scorching morning when I woke up the next day—still surprised by the new atmosphere and weather. I still thought about the delicious dinner I had that night that I first thought was just a dream. I ate a lot, though. I even forgot the proper table etiquette because I ate giant oysters and lobsters with my bare hands. Filipino food has a unique taste. Even some kinds of seafood I missed the taste. I hope Mom's newly hired maids wouldn't spread the word about what happened last night because it was embarrassing. For sure, they had been thinking I looked like I didn't eat for days. It was 10:00 am when I woke up, that was why it was already hot. I didn't turn on the air conditioner when I went to bed because I was already tired. My whole body was dripping with sweat with the humidity. I was awake, but my spirit was still asleep. I stayed lying down even though I was already sweating, but when I suddenly remembered my plan for the day, I got up. I almost forgot where I pla
Since we sat down, we hadn't started eating yet. I kept answering everything Lea was asking. More about the things I did for the past five years I was gone in England. Although we kept in touch while I was away, face-to-face conversations aren't similar to texts and phone calls; those only happened when there were special occasions. The time had always been limited, so I couldn't tell them all the details. "Mama is such a killjoy," Lea murmured while pouting her lips when Auntie Eugene told her to let me eat first. "You know, if you're the only one who will be hungry, I'll let you carry on with an empty stomach. My grandson wouldn't have milk to drink when he wakes up," Aunt preached to her daughter just to make her stop talking, and because of that, she stopped. Lea just gave birth to her second baby. A healthy baby boy who's already six weeks old. Thinking about that made me feel sad for myself. Lea was only a few years older than me, but she had already given birth twice. The
"So, how are you, Felix?" I broke the silence after I let a few minutes pass by. He had been silent since we rode in the car, and we were already halfway from where we came to the mansion, but he didn't even try saying anything. "I'm good," he answered flatly, looking at the road as if he didn't want to talk to me. I tried ignoring that because there were things I badly wanted to know from him. "And why does it seem you're not good at all? Is managing a company stressful?" I continued. "Well, yeah. It's stressful sometimes when there's a lot of paperwork, but because it's for the good of the company, it's okay to be stressed," he answered. His tone remained the same. He sounded uninterested in our conversation, and his eyes were fixed on the road. "And how about your love life? I won't believe you if you tell me you're still single now," I asked. The truth was, that was what I wanted to know. I want to hear from Felix about what Lea told me earlier. I heard so much from Lea
"No! I don't want to!" I exclaimed firmly and was about to stand from sitting when Felicity suddenly grabbed my arm and made me stay from where I was sitting. "Just for once, Elyana. Please... pretty please... date him so he will stop pressuring me. I have other clients to take care of. I'm planning to go somewhere. I don't have enough time to arrange him for my female clients now that I have already tried doing for so many times. Please! Help me, just with this person, please!" he begged. He even kneeled on the floor that shocked me the most. "H-Hey, girl...get up!" Ordering him, but he didn't want to listen. I couldn't believe that was what he would ask me to do after so many years we were apart but he seemed to be in trouble with his client, and I'd seen it as well, but what should I do? I had other plans too. "Pleaseee?" he pleaded. He stayed kneeling while both palms of his hands touching. Felicity tooks like praying, but knowing what he wanted from me, I'm not a saint to agre
Elyana's POVThat feeling of returning trauma filled my heart with so much fear that Daldalita could do what she said. It was clear to me, in my mind and heart, that of all the people close to me, Felipe, next to my parents and my son, was the person I couldn't live without.'He's only ours. For my son—mine!' My thoughts were accelerating. I was ready to hurt anyone who would try to take Felipe from us. My son needs him. He couldn't sleep without his dad at night. I need him to do that. I need him. My tears continued falling down my cheeks. I covered my face using both my hands and as I did so, I heard whispers in the background that made me feel like they were mocking me. My chest tightened as I heard their whispers. There were so many that I couldn't focus on a single noise.It was deafening, echoing inside my ears. I cried until I could no longer breathe. I felt someone's hand on my shoulder, but that stronger urge to do something to make our servant take back what she said was
Elyana's POVWe boarded the plane before nine o'clock in the evening. Mixed emotions were stirring up inside my heart. I was excited that we finally got back home and, at the same time, worried about Helen and that I couldn't get back to her before she got a chance to hold my son, just like she wished for. I wanted to fulfill that as soon as I could. I knew my parents would understand and they would help me sort everything out for Aqui to meet Helen. I was that preoccupied when I saw Felipe staring suspiciously at me. I frowned and he immediately looked away. He took his cellphone out of his pocket like nothing and started scrolling through it. I thought that was it, but it happened a few times during the flight and whenever I caught him, he would try to ignore me. I tried ignoring him as well and pretended it wasn't bothering me until I fell asleep.We arrived in the Philippines before lunch after the plane stopped over in Dubai because Dad asked the pilot to pick up a package fro
Elyana's POV"Thank you so much for coming all the way here to visit me, Ellie. I really thought we wouldn't get a chance to see each other again after all the mess that happened. Despite that, there were things for which I was thankful as well that happened. When you left, I also found the courage to end my ties with Lucas' father. It was the best decision I ever made in life in my entire existence and thanks to you," Helen told me while holding both of my hands tightly. I was touched by Helen's words. We had a long conversation, but those were the messages that my brain couldn't forget the most."Time for your medicine, Miss Helen." We got interrupted when the nurse announced this. I gave them space. I checked my time and saw that it had been more than an hour since Felipe and I arrived. I waited for Helen to finish drinking her medicine before telling her that I would be going. "It's still early. Stay here and I will ask the cook to prepare dinner for you and Felipe," she insis
Third-Person's POVThree knocks on the front door interrupted Lucas, who was working on his laptop in the living room. He frowned as he wondered who was outside at around two o'clock in the afternoon when he was not expecting anyone that day. It had been a month since they moved into that house and only a few trustworthy people knew that location. He concluded it was their cleaner, but she had already gone there to clean the other day. He had no choice but to check who it was because they didn't have a servant around after he sent her and the driver to get their groceries. He went to the front door. When he was a few steps away from the door, the person outside tried knocking again. Lucas opened the door and his eyes widened when he saw who was outside. A short silence went in between the two. He could not believe he would be seeing her again after visiting the Philippines a few months ago. He couldn't hide how much he was captivated by how much she had changed since then, and beca
Third-person's POV Elyana's parents agreed to her plan to visit Lucas' mother, Helen. The old lady had been kind to their daughter since she first stepped into Wilhem's household. They both knew how close their daughter had become to the lady, and they did not want Elyana to have any regrets about not seeing her for the last time. "I heard you're leaving." Elyana was in the nursery, busy with the book she hadn't finished yet. Her parents were both in an online meeting, which is why she was the one giving Aqui company at that time. She was so caught up in her reading that she did not notice that Felipe had already entered the room. When Elyana turned to look at him, she saw a gloomy expression on his face. She wanted to ask why, but the question he asked already had the answer. "Yes, I will tomorrow. Dad has already fixed everything; a private plane will take me there to make it hassle-free for me, so there is nothing to worry about," Elyana replied. She went back to reading aft
Elyana's POVOf all the people in the mansion, Dad was the one who couldn't hide his anticipation of Felicity's decision to change. He was trying to change his entire self by altering his way of talking and walking and avoiding the gestures of his hands when he spoke. He also wanted us to call him Felipe instead of Felicity since that day, which I found quite suspicious because I often caught him talking seriously to my dad in different parts of the mansion before that happened. The only problem was that I didn't get a chance to know what they had been discussing all those times. They kept choosing places where it was hard to eavesdrop. I already asked my mom if she knew anything about what they were discussing, but she told me she had no idea.My curiosity grew because of the answer I got from her. A few days before his transformation, I caught them in the garden again when I went outside the veranda after deciding to continue reading the novel I started.I changed my plans and imm
Elyana's POVI couldn't be deceived. I looked sharply at him again from head to toe to take one last scan. I was sure he wasn't wearing a contact lens to fool me like that."Ellie? What are you doing? Why are you looking at Felix like that?" My mother panicked right after seeing what I was doing. "Did both of you have a misunderstanding again?" Mom continued, but I didn't have a plan to answer any of them.I just stared at him. He also did the same. I knew he was the one who would eventually give in. I wouldn't let him win anyway.I started counting in my head, and when I was only halfway from reaching ten, I saw the man in front of me grin before laughing out loud. "I really can't fool you. Hmp!" I knew it! He lost it. He returned to his normal shrill and slurred-crazy voice in no time."W-wait...what's going on here?" My mother asked us in confusion."Oh, come on, Auntie! Don't be too slow," Felicity told my mom. My mother's eyes widened as she realized what was happening."Oh,
Elyana's POV "I was calling you. Why were you not answering? You made me so worried." I thought I was hallucinating that I was hearing Felicity's voice, but he was truly there. Felicity carried me, laid me back on the bed in a more comfortable position, tucked me in, and gave me painkillers. He was scolding me while he was doing those, but the pain I was feeling was too much and I couldn't focus on anything he was telling me aside from what he said he heard me scream; that's why he knocked. I couldn't say anything while he was firing me with words. I was too dizzy at that moment to respond to him. As I waited for the medicine to take effect, I heard Felicity cleaning the broken glass on the floor. I had no choice but to stay on the bed while hearing my son cry from the next room; however, I couldn't do anything at that moment. I waited for a few more minutes before the pain truly vanished. Aqui had already calmed down, but I was still bothered so I decided to get out of bed.
Elyana's POVMy day went fast, but the night seemed so long. Felicity didn't come home just like he said, but without Bakla around, the house was like a different place.It seemed I was searching for his presence and Aqui, who got used to spending the night with him, kept on waking up from time to time, crying. He might be searching for him too and even though Dad was the one hugging him to sleep already, he still wasn't satisfied.Around eleven that night, we all woke up when Aqui cried so loud. My parents were the ones who slept in the nursery and I'd pumped enough milk for him to drink the whole night. I wasn't supposed to go to the nursery to check on him because I knew my parents did know what to do, but his cries were bothersome.I rushed over to see why he was crying. My parents were attempting to put him back to sleep. Dad was the one carrying him and rocking him gently in his arms. Mom was the one singing him a song, yet my son didn't want to hush.I want to take him and try