CHAPTER 3: BETRAYAL

James was lost in thought as the early morning light filtered through the windows of the family car, casting soft, golden rays across the polished dashboard. The city streets, bathed in a gentle haze, seemed to move in slow motion as the car glided over them. Mang Damian, the elderly family driver, maintained his usual composed demeanor, his hands steady on the steering wheel, his eyes scanning the road with a practiced calm.

James, wrapped in the cocoon of his thoughts, finally broke the silence. “How’s your family, Mang Damian?” His voice was a soft murmur, trying to bridge the quiet that enveloped them.

Mang Damian’s weathered face creased into a warm smile as he glanced at James through the rearview mirror. The glint of the morning sun reflected off his spectacles, giving him an air of quiet wisdom. “We’re doing well, hijo,” he said, his voice rich with a sense of familiarity. “Let me guess, your father must have had another talk with you about settling down, right?” His tone was teasing, yet underpinned by genuine concern, and his laughter was a soft, knowing rumble.

James managed a wry smile, his gaze drifting to the window as the scenery slipped by. “Is thirty really considered ancient now? Is he really pushing me to settle down that much?”

Mang Damian’s smile widened, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. “Not ancient, but let’s be honest—among all your college friends and classmates, you’re the only one who hasn’t started a family. It’s not an unreasonable expectation.”

James sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly. “That’s true,” he admitted, his eyes focusing on the cityscape as it flashed past the window, the morning bustle starting to pick up.

“Your father is sixty-six, son. If I were in his shoes, I’d be nudging you toward marriage too, especially considering his heart condition,” Mang Damian explained, his voice gentle but firm. He spoke with the gravity of someone who had seen many life changes and understood the weight of family expectations.

The words hung heavy in the air, and James fell into a thoughtful silence. The love he had for his father was immense, and he would do anything for his well-being. The idea of fulfilling his father’s wish for a grandchild was compelling, but the thought of marriage felt overwhelming and complex.

If all you want is a grandchild, Papa, I can give you that. But a wife?

The thought echoed in James’s mind, creating a storm of uncertainty and doubt.

I’m not sure...

The conflicting voices within him added to his inner turmoil.

*****

In the cozy warmth of her family home, Aria’s mother, Cita, was bustling around the kitchen. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the scent of sizzling bacon and toast, creating a comforting breakfast atmosphere. The soft morning light streamed through the kitchen window, casting a golden glow over Cita as she expertly prepared the meal.

“Isn’t it your day off today, my child? Why are you up so early?” Cita’s voice was filled with motherly concern as she glanced up from her cooking.

Aria, who was carefully stirring her coffee, looked up with a bright smile. “Norman and I have plans, Ma,” she replied, her excitement palpable as she prepared for their day together.

Cita’s smile widened with understanding. “It seems your siblings are still deep in slumber. Could you wake them up before they’re late for school? They might have forgotten it’s Wednesday, not Saturday.”

Aria nodded, finishing her coffee with a quick gulp before heading towards her siblings’ rooms. Her thoughts drifted back to her plans with Norman. She was eager to surprise him, and having a spare key to his apartment was a sweet token of their relationship. The idea of spending the day together filled her with anticipation.

The clock ticked past nine when she arrived at Norman’s apartment. The morning light cast soft, dappled shadows on the building’s façade as she approached. A smile played on her lips as she noticed the closed blinds—Norman was likely still asleep. She took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as she inserted her key into the lock.

As she stepped inside, the faint sound of her footsteps echoed through the empty apartment. The interior was bathed in a serene, muted light, the soft hues of morning creating a tranquil ambiance. Aria’s eyes fell on a striking red shoulder bag perched on the table, and her heart skipped a beat. A sense of unease prickled at the edges of her excitement.

Carefully, she made her way towards Norman’s bedroom, her steps light but purposeful. The anticipation of surprising him was quickly overshadowed by a growing sense of dread. When she reached the partially open door, the sight that met her eyes was like a punch to the gut.

Her breath caught in her throat as she saw Norman entangled with another woman, their intimate moment a stark betrayal. The room seemed to close in around her, the walls pressing in as the sting of heartache became almost unbearable. Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision as she instinctively pressed her hand over her mouth to stifle a gasp.

Norman’s head whipped around, his expression shifting from shock to guilt as he realized she had seen everything. The sight of him scrambling to cover himself was a painful contrast to the image of their shared intimacy. Without waiting for an explanation or apology, Aria turned on her heel and fled the apartment. Her heart pounded in her chest, her steps heavy with the weight of betrayal as she left behind the love she thought was true.