ANY OTHER NAME

CHAPTER 1: THE ECUADOR MAN'S CRY

"JUST TELL IT STRAIGHT TO MY FACE, ASUNTA! I KNOW HE'S NOT MY SON! DON'T MAKE A FOOL OUT OF ME!" Ruffo yelled furiously.

"I can't cheat on you. I don't and I won't, Ruffo," Asunta cried bitterly as she tries to hold his husband's hands.

"HAHAHA! Crop your fiction! Don't make fun of my inability and longing for a son. We're married for seventeen years and do you still want me to believe that there is a god who granted your wish?"

Ruffo's sarcasm turned Asunta's current state. She has turned her unexplained feelings into a serious tone. She cleared her throat and kept her eyes clear forward to Ruffo. She bit her lower lip and spoke of ambiguous thought.

"Who knows? A monster maybe or a devil perhaps," Asunta answered.

Ruffo was stoned in his position. His thoughts were cropped and silenced. He suddenly enclosed his fist showing his inconvenience and fusion.

"For all I know, you don't really want a child so that you can be a real father. You want a child because you want somebody to work for you even you are already gray and old!"

*Blaaaag*

Ruffo slapped her face.

She crushed in the floor and had a cut in her lower lip. It was a strong motion, but the physical pain wasn’t as painful as emotional and mental warfare. She composed herself and kept the tears from falling.

"You must be really kidding me. Cheating and now fantasy? I own you more than the billions I have, you can't just play with me. What now? Fooling a barren man? F*ck up!"

"You don't own me, but I let my whole life follow you. This is too much after all. This too I know, you really know nothing about my love," Asunta said and went to their room.

The tears started falling. Her eyes were blurry and she might lose control anytime.

She remembers how even the petty and simplest things were made special. It was never imagined that the one who promised to take good care of her is the person who will hurt every portion of her senses.

| A S U N T A' S P O V

"I can't keep the same Ruffo, the notion has changed him. I know his fears, but now I fear him. I promised to endure with him, but I can't endure him now. Things really changed, and now that we have the gift that we longed for a lifetime, he doesn't want it.

How can I cheat on someone when my weakness is seeing him struggle of his own thoughts and fears. I saw him, everytime, the weak Ruffo. There, I love him more― the weaker one and the one who knows my worth. He almost forgot that I'm the strength he often described. How I wish I can touch you, my real, my love, Ruffo."

| F L A S H B A C K

"... to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy law, in the presence of God I make this vow."

"YOU MAY NOW KISS THE BRIDE!"

The holy place was filled with cheer and delight. The two clans of Ecuador and Villareal celebrated the union.

"NOW, I ANNOUNCE YOU, HUSBAND AND WIFE!"

The same hall was filled with violet flowers of lavender fragrance. The people, the moment, the place, these are all costly but priceless.

In the middle of celebration, many people are complimenting the grandeur of the wedding. Everybody is making their thoughts and opinions about the couple.

“She must be so lucky. She caught a billionaire man…”

“Bigtime! I hope she’s not somebody who runs after a peso. She just really won the lottery!”

“Who would have thought that the daughter of a …”

| R U F F O’ S P O V

I just finished talking to our friends when I realized that Asunta was not around. She must have replaced her shoes. My wife really deserves a foot massage after the whole day wearing of her heels. I went to our room to check if she is there, but she is not. I went straight to the lounge and there I found her sobbing quietly where I grieved and made my heart furious.

“Alright continue! She is a daughter of what, of whom? A man who just taught the best values that my wife has?”

“Ruffo, our clans are close to each other and I’m just concern about your pride,” the woman responded.

“Guess what? I don’t have the single care about your thoughts. I can’t imagine how disrespectful your family was.”

“Jesus Christ! What did you just say?”

“He said, you may now leave!”

It was my dearest grandfather. The commotion just ended there, but my wife was still dumb founded. From there I looked straight to her eyes and it was a pinched in my heart looking her in that way. I invited her to the table, but she refused.

“Asunta, you can no longer refuse my requests. HAHAHAHA!”

“Waaaaaahhhhh! Let go of me!” she exclaimed as I carried her with my both arms away in the receiving area.

“There… there… I can see you smile now!”

“Alright then, please let me walk,” she said as a slight peace visited my senses.

|| End of Ruffo's POV

***

There was a fine dining of different cuisines around the world partnered with the most fermented rice wines.

“How are you, hija?” introductory words of Fustavo to Asunta.

“I’m just fine.”

It was a short respond followed by a sweet smile. Everyone is enjoying the food when it was interrupted.

"Senior, it would be a great privilege for the newlywed couple if you could give them a sweet message," Drano Eschevera said, Ruffo's cousin.

The old rich man laughed heartily on the thought.

"Ruffo, my eldest grandson, you know what I want before I die. Please start the next generation as soon as possible," Don Fustavo thought and winked to the couple.

Asunta smiled sweetly.

"We will not fail you Senior!! A beautiful and rich generation for sure! I know my wife will help and guide me," Ruffo answered with great delightment.

The lovers interlocked their eyes and trace one another's hand. The moments just seem so secure, without the thought of fears and insecurity. They just meet even in the day or night. They became each other's sun and moon. They lift and enlighten the other with all of their might and soul.

The wedding had finished but the romantic chapters just began.

"Hello there Mrs. Ecuador," Ruffo spoke as he touched Asunta's waist.

"HAHAHAHAHAHA!! That's too much Ruffo, it give me shivers, please stoppp!" she laughingly answered.

Ruffo became the sinecerest husband. He treated Asunta as the queen of his temple. Even they have their own maids, Ruffo refused to let them cook for his wife. He used to it that Asunta will eat the food the he only prepared.

"What do you think of having an heir for the next month?" Ruffo marked his eyes towards Asunta.

"That would be great my love!"

"Really, I still think of doing it for next years after I got new projects of jewels in a fine industry in Japan, but I believe, we are in a rush," he explained.

"Honey, we have a long time in front of us. Say it, we will do whatever you wanted!"

"Thanks for being my strength, Asunta. You don't know how much I thank God that you came in my life."

Immediately, they planned to bear a child. It is cultural value in the Ecuador clan that whoever is the eldest grandson, he will inherit the whole Ecuador's treasure, if and only if, his wife will bear a child before the second decade after marriage.

Asunta’s conception was on her eighteenth year of trial and errors.

"Asunta, how was it? Did you have your red flag these days?"

"Ahmm... yeah. I just started yesterday and really, again, we failed."

Asunta's eyes turned blurry of her eyesight. It seems like anytime her tears might fall. But the great deal that moved her emotions is Ruffo's reactions.

"I'm not a barren man, for Pete's sake. I should try it!"

"What? To another woman? You're saying that in front of my face? What do you think of me? That's bullsh*t!"

Asunta's tears are raging. She can't help but cry seeing the man in front of her stating his desperation.

"Honnn, I am so sorry and I love you, but... you know-- I have a lot of pressure for this conception failure. I am so worried that we might lose everything because we failed to abide the code."

"We have a lot of great doctors; we will undergo another surgeries and operations..."

"And then what? Failed and waste time and money?" Ruffo exclaimed.

"Like, do you think I'm the problem? It's your infertility! I've come to accept you for all these years..."

"Shut your f*cking mouth!"

Ruffo cut her words and hold her in neck. He raised his eyes sternly towards Asunta.

"Uhm-- St--opp please sto-pp. I can't breathe!!!"

"Haha! Bring your entire senses poor woman. You are nothing without me. That's all you've got. That's all you need to do, accept everything."

He pulled her down and slammed the door.

He aggressively unbuttoned her loose floral shirt. Asunta was numb and naked crying and crying all the night. Every kisses were hard and deep that it caused her lips bleed. His tongue played hers and caressed her breasts. He played frankly on her n*****s and took off her under garments.

The night was filled with darkness of hatred and pride. The night was a great sound of pleasure and melancholy. It was the deepest wound that no one could ever heal.

The only son, Ruffo of Marcia and Luther Ecuador wasn't able to give the only wish of their grandfather, Fustavo. 15 years have passed but still, Asunta failed to conceive.

Ruffo was rumored for being second to his father ― Ecuador man that has an inability to impregnate. If that so, Ruffo wondered how he was made into life. Whenever he asks his parents, they told them they undergo different surgeries and operations for fertilization and successful conception.

Ruffo became moody and worried. He seldom visits home and when he does, he is too exhausted and aggressive.

"It was almost the second decade after their union and they almost fail to abide in the cultural agreement. With all due respect, Senior, I think, somebody else should take over. What do you think grandfather?" Drano secretly asked.

"I'm still alive, hijo. I will wait until Ruffo give me what is due to the Ecuador's clan. He will surely give me the heir of the billion stars," Fustavo answered calmly.

Unfortunately, three years after and Don Fustavo died.

|| End of Asunta's POV

***

|| End of Flashback

***

All things are set.

She packed all her things with the emotions that she kept. Her five months womb was moving swiftly. Maybe the little Ruffo felt what Asunta feels in the moment.

Tears are splashing uncontrollably.

The rooms are empty with Ruffo's presence. The servants are trying to stop her decision, but they failed. She was assisted and drove in their province.

| R U F F O' S P O V

D*mn it! I can't believe that I actually hurt her. It wasn't me or I can't believe it was me.

The feelings are torturing me. Things were getting heavier everytime. The pressure and pride kill every part me. It slowly swallows my throat and almost chewed my liver.

I bought cases of cans and bottles of beers to suffice my guilt, but it is suffocating. When I was about to get dizzy and too drunk, I went inside the room to play.

I waited for the big blind for the largest forced bet. I was so unconscious of what I am doing and I unintentionally act even it is not my turn.

“Hey man! You repeatedly do the same thing. Watch your turn or watch as knock your face down huh!?” a black American stood in his seat as he went straight and marked my eyes.

“What now? You want to beat me? F*ck up! Bring it on!!”

The next scenes went blurred. I was hurt, but my body is numb, maybe it was my heart and soul.

Am I really a case of bad karma?

Am I a product of unending curse?

Somebody, please stop it!

|| End of Ruffo's POV

***

Drano Eschevera drove him away from the casino. Beaten and with bruises, but Ruffo refused to be guided by his cousin.

"ASUNTAAA?" the whole mansion is filled with echoing names of the woman.

"Where is my wife?" Ruffo repeatedly ask his people in his unconscious state.

He looked rushly for his wife, but it was too late.

| SABEL 'S POV

I actually know where Madam Asunta is, but it's for her own safety and assurance for her condition. I am too worried about Ruffo, I don't think he can take this anymore. I asked Sir Drano to assist Ruffo on his room. Ruffo is just like a kid back when he was young. He always refuses to be assisted when he actually needs help.

I wipe his body with lukewarm water as I put some ointment on his bruises. As I changed his clothes, I smiled of his murmuring thoughts.

“I’m sorry, Asunta but I am torn with my fears…”

“Asunta…”

The emotional and mental burden is attacking him.

Somebody must be behind all of these tricks and treats.

|| End of Sabel's POV

***

An hour ago, Ruffo stood up in his bed.

Ruffo planned to go in their ancestral home in Leyte to look for his wife. He doesn't have plans and he only thinks of seeing her wife.

The air breeze of 4am run freezes her pale lips and cold hands. He drives fast and furious remembering all the guilt and shame.

| R U F F O 'S P O V

My hands are cold and my eyes are getting poorer. I stopped for a while under a balete tree. For some reasons, I can hear a lot of chanting whispers. I don't know. Is it just my imagination or I am just too drunk? Hahahahaha! Asunta, why you have to leave me? It ki-lls kills me mo--reee. Is he really my son? I really thought my hopes and faith have really failed me already.

All these things are sh*t of me. A man who fails to impregnate and a husband who fails to protect. Wh--at on earth can I bring to be deserving of your love? How can I even see you again Asunta?!

|| End of Ruffo's POV

In the morning, Asunta finally found the place she's rooting to stay in.

"Oh! there you are Asunta. It's been long time since you're here," the woman welcomed Asunta.

"I have to..." but her words are cropped.

"Yeah, I know. You must stay here. The danger is approaching. I can sense how people try to take away your child! You must stay here, forever," the woman continued.

"No. It can't be!" Asunta's tears fell down rushingly.

"I told you Tanya Sevilla Villareal-Ecuador, an Ecuador man was not meant for a marriage. They will hunt your family, it is either humans or monsters!" the woman noted drastically.

"You have to go away from an appointed curse for your son is an Ecuador man or maybe another thing," she added.

Asunta sobbed heavily in the woman’s arms. It feels like she already breathed after a long time of suffocation. She felt that she already felt the freedom after keeping her worries inside the room.

“Go on, dear. You must be so tired all these years. You deserved a break and cheer.”

“Things have really changed. I once thought our childlessness is our problem, but no, it wasn’t that. It is far more difficult than looking and wanting of unlimited things,” Asunta continued as her tears corrupted her soft voice.

Her puppy eyes were all turned heavy, but despite that she was able to redefine her emotions.

Asunta tried to erase the flow of stories into another. She knew that this side of her life with Ruffo is not everyone's love story. This too, is not an ordinary love, but she knew that loving is better than leaving.

"This is too heavy for a welcome, aunt Clindra! A food can be shared with your niece, what do you think?" Asunta inserted.

"Hahahahahaha! You are too good in switching. You are really your mother's carbon copy. Anyway, the food is all set in the table. Come!" Clindra spoke.

"Looook, my son is kicking. He definitely wants to eat," Asunta expressed gladly.

"Welcome soon, young master!" Clindra uttered as she touched Asunta's tummy.

The womb moved as if the undeveloped man inside nodded in his Granny Clindra’s thought.

“See you soon my little one. I am so excited to see and feel you,” Asunta expressed as she hold her tummy once more.

| SABEL’S POV

I know he will run nowhere. I waited Ruffo for an hour after he left and I'm right, he went back sooner. The bell rang and the other maids made their way. They take the master's coat and offer food to be delivered in his room, but he refused. He is so quiet and pale.

He went upstairs and slammed the door. Thereafter I followed him and knocked at the door. I can hear, he is sobbing; a cry of a desperate and lost man. This is what happened years ago in his childhood days when he lost his mother, Marcia. Just the same Ruffo, the young Ruffo.

|| End of Sabel's POV