Chapter 5: He’s A Great Man

After dropping Ram off at her home, Lara decided to stop by the market to restock their groceries. Their supplies were running low, and she figured she might as well take care of it now before the weekend.

The trip took longer than expected. Between picking out fresh produce, comparing prices, and waiting in the long checkout line, two hours had passed by the time she was done. By the time she arrived home, the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow through the windows.

Lara changed into more comfortable clothes before heading to the kitchen to put away the groceries. Once everything was sorted, she gathered the dirty laundry from both her room and Lucas’s and tossed them into the washing machine.

As the clothes spun in the washer, Lara pulled out her phone from the pocket of her shorts and sent Lucas a message.

Lara: What time are you coming home?

She stared at the screen, waiting for the little “typing…” indicator that never appeared. It wasn’t surprising. Lucas rarely replied to her messages. Letting out a sigh, she exited the chat and opened I*******m, scrolling absentmindedly through her feed.

A few minutes later, her phone buzzed. But it wasn’t Lucas.

Mom calling…

Lara’s lips twitched into a small smile as she answered. “Hi, Mom.”

[“Honey! When are you coming to visit? Your dad and I miss you dearly!”] her mother’s voice rang through the speaker, full of warmth.

Lara couldn’t help but smile at her mother’s affectionate tone. “I miss you both too. I’ll visit this weekend, I promise.”

[“Oh, that’s wonderful! Your dad will be thrilled!”] Her mother’s excitement was almost contagious. Almost. [“And don’t forget to bring Lucas! Speaking of him… is he treating you well? He’s not neglecting you, is he?”]

Lara hesitated.

How was she supposed to answer that? Tell her mother that Lucas barely acknowledged her presence? That he only came home when it was convenient for him? That in their three years of marriage, he had never once treated her like a real wife?

Lara forced a small laugh. “Of course, Mom. You know Lucas—he’s a great man.”

A lie.

A harmless one, she told herself.

As much as she wished she had someone to confide in, she couldn't bring herself to tell her parents the truth. Her father had never been too fond of Lucas to begin with. If he knew how things truly were, it would only make things worse.

[“That’s good to hear,”] her mother said, sounding relieved. Then her voice turned playful. [“But when are you giving us grandchildren? I miss having kids running around the house. Your brother is hopeless—he refuses to settle down. We’re relying on you! It’s been three years, Lara. I’m not trying to pressure you, but your dad and I aren’t getting any younger. We want to see our grandkids while we still can.”]

Lara felt her chest tighten.

A baby.

She wanted children. She truly did.

But how could she have a child when her husband barely looked at her, let alone touched her?

Lara swallowed past the lump in her throat and forced another chuckle. “Mom, Lucas and I are still young. There’s a right time for everything. Right now, we’re focused on our careers.”

Her mother sighed dramatically. [“Oh, come on. Careers? Sweetheart, three years is more than enough time! Don’t tell me you’re still in the honeymoon phase?”] her mother teased. [“Does Lucas not want to share your attention with anyone? How possessive of him!”]

Lara forced out a small laugh. If only her mother knew how ironic that statement was.

Honeymoon phase?

They didn’t even have a honeymoon. She was all alone during that 2-weeks trip to the Maldives.

And Lucas? Possessive of her? The idea was almost comical.

The man couldn’t care less about her.

She bit the inside of her cheek, pushing down the bitter thoughts. “Mom, stop teasing me,” she said, keeping her voice light.

[“Oh, come on, am I wrong?”] Her mother huffed. [“You young ones are so confusing. But really, think about it, okay? I’d love a grandchild! My friends keep showing off their grandkids, and I can’t help but feel envious!”]

“Then talk to Kuya Levi about it. He’s already thirty-five. You should be pressuring him, not me.”

[“Your brother? Please. That man is a lost cause. He’s practically married to his job. At this rate, he might as well sign a contract with his company and call it a marriage! I pity his future wife.”]

Lara chuckled. “Oh, Mom, you’re so mean to Kuya. But you know, that’s what makes him attractive. Women these days love mature, career-driven men.”

Her mother scoffed. [“You kids these days and your strange tastes. Back in my day—”]

And just like that, her mother launched into another long-winded story about her youth. Lara winced as she listened, knowing there was no stopping her now.

Lara could only press her lips together, listening patiently.

[“Oh, dear! Look at the time! I almost forgot—I have dinner plans with my amigas tonight.”] Her mother gasped. [“I’d love to chat more, dear, but I have to go. Just don’t forget about our plans this weekend, okay? Your dad and I will be waiting! I love you, honey. Take care!”]

“I love you too, Mom. Enjoy your dinner.”

[“Thank you, sweetheart. Bye!”]