Chapter Three

"Ugh!" I groaned, massaging my temples. Why do I always wake up with a splitting headache? I sat on my bed, replaying the events of last week. I had run into Laxus at his birthday party, and he had expressed a desire to get back together. While I still harbored feelings for him, I couldn't get past the betrayal of his infidelity.

I had given him my all. I loved him to the best of my abilities, the way I believed he deserved. But what did I receive in return? Treachery?

Thoughts of Laxus intensified my headache, so I attempted to calm myself. As I rose from my bed, a wave of nausea washed over me. I rushed to the bathroom and emptied my stomach, groaning at the unpleasant experience.

After brushing my teeth and splashing water on my face, I returned to my bed, only to be interrupted by the opening of the door. Tyler walked in.

"Are you alright?" he inquired, prompting me to roll my eyes.

"Do I look alright to you?" I retorted, to which he simply smirked.

"You look terrible!" he remarked, earning a smile from me.

"Yes, I know! So, please leave my room," I requested, but he remained in the doorway.

"Mom told me you need to get ready for dinner with the Villafuertes later," he informed me, and I nodded.

This dinner would mark my final encounter with the Villafuertes, and I hoped it would be the last.

"Yeah, don't worry about me," I assured him.

Tyler lingered in my room, his gaze puzzling me, prompting me to playfully roll my eyes at him.

"Why are you still here? Are you relishing watching me in discomfort?" I teased, but his demeanor swiftly turned serious.

"I'm still older than you, Tyra," he stated, momentarily silencing me.

His assertion that he was older than me hinted at an underlying issue.

"Then what's on your mind?" I probed further, to which he cleared his throat.

"I simply hope you'll find solace in your decision," he responded before exiting the room.

As soon as he left my room, I scanned my closet, searching for a comfortable dress for the evening. My gaze landed on a black backless long dress.

"Should I wear this?" I pondered, holding up the garment. I grabbed my phone and called my friends, seeking their approval on the dress's appropriateness for the dinner.

"You have that dress? I love it!" Joana exclaimed joyfully over the video call. As I awaited Trisha's opinion, we discussed our thoughts on FaceTime.

"How about you, Trish?" I inquired, and she beamed back at me.

"You'll look stunning in that dress," Trisha complimented, bringing a smile to my face.

"Thank you, girls!" I expressed my gratitude before ending the call.

Selecting the perfect pair of stiletto heels, I laid them out on my bed, nodding in approval as I envisioned my evening look. Leaving my room at lunchtime, I spotted Tyler in the living room engrossed in a phone conversation. Perhaps chatting with Joana—a pair of lovebirds! As I made my way towards the front door, Tyler glanced in my direction.

"Where are you off to?" he inquired, eliciting an eye-roll from me.

"Mom was curious about your plans," he added, prompting me to take a deep breath.

"I'm just heading to the mall for a bit," I replied, exiting the house.

Driving to the nearest mall, I sought out a token of appreciation for Mrs. Villafuerte to acknowledge her kindness. While browsing, something caught my eye, leading me to make a purchase. Returning home, I began preparing for the evening. While cleaning out my bag, I suddenly felt nauseous, rushing to the bathroom. Amidst retching, I heard Tyler's voice from the other room, expressing concern.

"What are you doing in there, Tyra?" he called out. I continued until my stomach was empty.

After rinsing my face and brushing my teeth, I exited the bathroom, encountering Tyler outside.

"Why do you always find me here?" I quipped, to which he suggested seeing a doctor due to my vomiting.

"Don't worry about me, I'll be fine," I reassured him, ushering him away from my room.

Returning to the bathroom, I took a refreshing bath. Despite feeling unwell, I needed to compose myself for the dinner with the Villafuertes. I got dressed and completed my preparations. After applying my makeup, I emerged from my room to find my family waiting in the living room.

"You look stunning, Tyra!" Dad complimented me, eliciting a smile from me.

"Thank you, Dad! You look great too," I responded as he enveloped me in a tight hug.

"I'm sorry you have to go through this," he whispered, but I didn't want to ruin my makeup.

"But you look pale, Tyra! Are you feeling okay?" Mom inquired, prompting me to check my reflection. I did appear a bit pale, but reassured them I was fine.

"Don't worry about me, Mom. I'm perfectly fine!" I reassured them with a smile.

"She was sick earlier!" Tyler chimed in, causing me to nearly choke on my own saliva.

"Really? Should we see a doctor?" Mom asked, concerned, and I shook my head.

"I'm honestly fine, Mom," I insisted, relieved when they believed me despite feeling a bit drowsy.

Eager to lighten the mood, I suggested we head out. We left using the family car, with Dad behind the wheel, driving us to the restaurant where we were meeting the Villafuertes. As we arrived, a familiar man approached us with a warm smile.

"I'll show you to your table," he offered, to which Mom expressed her gratitude for his assistance.

Inside the restaurant, we followed the man to the exclusive area where the Villafuertes awaited us. Mrs. Villafuerte stood up upon our approach.

"It's wonderful to see you all!" She greeted us warmly, embracing me tightly.

"You look stunning, my dear," she whispered, to which I smiled in return.

"Thank you, Mrs—"

"I'm still your Mom, Tyra!" she interjected with a gentle smile, to which I nodded.

"My apologies," I acknowledged, and she patted my shoulder.

Mom and Dad promptly settled into the available seats near Laxus' parents, while Tyler took a seat opposite Laxus. Only the spot next to Laxus remained open, and I hesitated. Should I sit beside him?

"Go ahead, Tyra! Take a seat," Mrs. Villafuerte encouraged, prompting me to move to Laxus' side. Pausing before sitting, I glanced at the empty chair.

"Aren't you going to sit?" Laxus whispered, but I simply held his gaze.

Our focus shifted to the woman approaching our table.

"I apologize for being tardy!" Mika announced upon her arrival, exchanging greetings with my family. She flashed me a smile before embracing me, to which I reciprocated, though her demeanor felt insincere.

Seated next to Laxus, the waiter poured me a glass of wine. I acknowledged him with gratitude and took a sip, only to feel the weight of Laxus' gaze upon me. His intense stare lingered, causing a stir within me.

"Waiter!" Mrs. Villafuerte called for the waiter's attention.

"Please serve our meals now," she instructed, prompting the waiter to depart and prepare our dishes.

As we awaited our food, my parents engaged in conversation with Laxus' parents, seemingly oblivious to the tension between Laxus and me. A message notification on my phone drew my attention, prompting me to retrieve it from my bag. Opening Joana's message, I immersed myself in its contents.

"How's dinner with your husband?" Joana's message read, eliciting a smirk from me. She certainly knew how to push my buttons! In response, I composed a message vowing to set up my brother to get back at her.

After sending my reply, I powered off my phone, just as our food was being served. Seafood was the main course, a favorite of mine. Were they attempting to win me over? I savored the salmon, finding it delicious, but hesitated with the lobster as I wasn't sure how to tackle it. Observing Laxus effortlessly crack open a lobster, I was caught staring. Embarrassed, I quickly averted my gaze.

"You just have to ask," Laxus whispered, placing a prepared lobster on my plate. What a surprise!

"Give it a try," he urged, indicating the lobster.

Reluctantly, I sampled the lobster, masking my delight at its exquisite taste. I had anticipated it would be delicious. After finishing our main course, dessert was served.

"Let's discuss our plans for the evening," Mrs. Villafuerte initiated, signaling the impending conversation.

"Are you resolute in your decisions, Tyra?" she inquired, prompting me to take a sip of wine before responding.

"What he did is beyond forgiveness," I calmly stated, noting Laxus' smirk in response to my words.

"Let her do what she wants, Mom," Laxus interjected, prompting me to turn my attention to him.

So, he could be with that other woman. Wonderful!

"I didn't want to stand in the way of his happiness with someone else," I added, feeling the tension in the room thicken.

"Oh, thank you for being so thoughtful," Laxus responded, leaving me unsure whether he was teasing me or not.

"I understand you're angry with Laxus, but why don't you hear what he has to say?" Mr. Villafuerte suggested, leaving me speechless.

"I have nothing to say to her," Laxus declared.

Was he being serious?

"We can't force them to be together if they don't want it," Mika chimed in, catching my attention. Of course! That's what she wanted. She didn't like me for her brother.

"She's right," I agreed, prompting Laxus' parents to exchange glances with my own.

"I suppose this will be our last meal together," Mrs. Villafuerte remarked, offering a smile to my mother.

"We're still business partners, though," Mom replied, looking at me.

"I'm certain Tyra will find a man worthy of her," Mika remarked, flashing a smile in my direction. Her smile seemed suspicious, leaving me wary as I observed her closely.

"I'm offended, Mika," Laxus interjected, taking a sip of wine from his glass.

"And you'll find yours too. You just need to open your eyes to see her. Perhaps she's just waiting for your attention," Mika responded, prompting all of us to focus on her.

Did she have someone in mind for her brother? Was she planning to set Laxus up with someone? The mere thought sent a shiver down my spine, compelling me to shake my head vigorously to dispel the notion.

As I took another sip of wine, nausea returned. I forced myself to calm down and looked at them, wondering why it was happening now.

"Excuse me," I announced, rising from my seat. I rushed to the restroom, searching for an empty stall. Finding one, I immediately emptied my stomach, feeling disgusted by the experience. After flushing the toilet, I washed my face at the sink.

I used mouthwash and reapplied my makeup. What was happening to me? Was I sick? Returning to our table, I was met with concerned looks.

"Did you—?"

"No, Mom," I interrupted, meeting her gaze with seriousness. Mom nodded, and after a short while, we decided to leave.

"I'll just send you the papers," Laxus stated before entering his car. All I had to do was sign them.

"Hold on!" I called out, halting him from getting into his car. Retrieving a small box from my purse, I passed it to him.

"What's this?" he inquired, examining the box closely.

"My final gift as your wife," I replied before turning and walking away.

A few days later, I decided to inform my parents of my intention to leave the country. They granted my request, and Tyler volunteered to join me. Joana also expressed interest in coming along, unwilling to be left behind.

I made the decision to visit the mall to purchase items for my future home. While browsing, I came across a store specializing in newborn essentials. Despite feeling unsure of why I was there, I found myself drawn to a blue t-shirt that brought a smile to my face.

Contemplating the idea of how things might be different if we had a child, I quickly dismissed the thought and returned the t-shirt to its place. Just as I was about to leave, I noticed a familiar figure staring at me.

"Are you pregnant?" Laxus inquired, his gaze fixed intensely on me.