Vena Pov
I woke up to the sound of a moan which made me confused and I realized that Eren wasn't in bed, I could hear the tap in the bathroom which meant he was in there, but the moan wasn't stopping, and it was coming from downstairs
“Eren?” I called out, but he didn't respond, which made me roll my eyes. Perhaps he was still mad that I slapped him.
I picked up a baseball bat from the dresser and slowly walked out of the room as the moan was getting louder. If this was a robbery, why the hell were they making love in our house?
“You're so good, baby.” A feminine voice mumbled, and a chuckle followed immediately, but I couldn't tell who these people were.
I peeped through the dark hallway to look downstairs and my body froze in my spot as I recognized the woman as Eren's assistant.
“Eren,” I mumbled and both of them turned to look at me.
“Go back to sleep, you have no business here.”
“I'm your wife!”
“The last time I checked, I'm divorced." His words broke my heart into pieces as he continued to kiss her without caring that I was standing there.
I immediately left the room and packed my things and a little of the money to at least get a place to stay. I could stand an arrogant mad but not a cheating husband. I pulled my bags out and left the house with tears rolling down my eyes, but he didn't care.
I went back to the bedroom and picked the divorce paper, I picked a pain and signed it. I would have endured it if it was only me but I wasn’t going to include my baby in this.
I called my best friend “Lorelei” I said into the phone
“Jeez, it’s midnight Vena, what’s wrong”
“I am coming to your place, I will explain when I get there”
I packed my things and the bag of money he threw at me, his child is going to need it and also it’s the payment of what I went through in the past five years.
I took one of his car keys and drove to my friend's house. She was waiting for me in her front pouch.
As soon as I stepped out of the car, Lorelei enveloped me in a tight hug, sensing my distress. Her comforting presence instantly made me feel a little better, but the pain of what I had just witnessed was still fresh in my mind.
"Come inside, Vena," she said softly, leading me into her cozy living room. "Tell me everything."
I collapsed onto her couch, tears streaming down my face as I recounted the heartbreaking scene I had walked in on. Lorelei listened attentively, her expression a mix of anger and sympathy.
"That bastard," she muttered under her breath, clenching her fists. "I can't believe he would do something like that to you."
"I can't believe it either," I choked out, wiping away my tears. "I thought we had something real, Lorelei. I thought he loved me."
"He doesn't deserve you," she said firmly, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "You deserve so much better, Vena. And you know what? We're going to make sure you get it."
Her words ignited a spark of determination within me. I couldn't let this betrayal define me. I had to pick up the pieces of my shattered heart and move forward for the sake of myself and my unborn child.
"You're right," I said, my voice filled with newfound resolve. "I won't let him ruin my life. I'm going to be strong for my baby."
Lorelei smiled, her eyes filled with pride. "That's the spirit, Vena. We're in this together. You can stay with me for as long as you need. We'll figure everything out."
My friend's words might have encouraged her but she couldn’t forget what Eren had done to her, he betrayed her, and her parents and didn’t even feel any remorse, he even brought a lady into her home and that was the last straw.
“Think about the baby in you and stop thinking” she patted my hair
“Thank you” We hugged each other as I found comfort in her arms.
The following morning, I told her of my plans to travel so I can establish myself. I also don’t want to stay where Eren will find out about his child. She understood me and agreed to my suggestion.
“Promise to always call me and give me report about my godchild” she demanded
“Who made you her godmother” I teased
“Who is going to be if not me” she replied
“You” I answered and we burst into laughter.
I booked a train with my phone as tears rolled down my eyes. I never thought I'd have to leave the place I grew up. Time had gone so fast.
From my birth, to my graduation, to my wedding where all my bad luck began to rain on me, many people died because of me.
I paid the cab before getting into the train to meet unfamiliar faces, perhaps my destiny isn't what I thought after all. Soon enough, the journey came to an end, and I was thrilled to breathe the nice air of the Philippines, perhaps my life wouldn't be as bad as I thought it would.
I continued to walk down the streets and out of nowhere I felt myself being pulled back as water came pouring from above.
“You seem to be new here, hello I'm Stefan.” I turned around to look at the man who pulled me.
"Vena."
Stefan had a warm smile on his face as he introduced himself. He was tall, with dark hair and piercing blue eyes. There was something about him that made me feel safe, despite the chaotic situation I found myself in.
"Nice to meet you, Stefan," I replied, trying to wipe the water off my face. "And yes, I am new here. Just arrived today, actually."
Stefan chuckled and handed me his handkerchief. "Welcome to the Philippines, Vena. Sorry about the unexpected rain shower. It's quite common here."
I gratefully accepted the handkerchief and began to dry myself off. "Thank you, Stefan. I appreciate your help."
He shrugged nonchalantly. "No problem. It's not every day I see someone getting drenched by rain in the middle of the street. Are you lost? Need any assistance?"
I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I should trust a stranger so quickly. But something about Stefan's demeanor put me at ease. "Actually, I am a bit lost. I just arrived in the country and I have no idea where to go."
Stefan smiled reassuringly. "Well, lucky for you, I know this city like the back of my hand. How about I show you around? Maybe help you find a place to stay?"
I was taken aback by his offer. It was incredibly kind of him to offer his assistance to a complete stranger. But at that moment, I didn't have many options. I needed help, and Stefan seemed genuine.
"I would really appreciate that, Stefan," I said, a hint of gratitude in my voice. "Thank you for being so kind."
Stefan waved off my thanks. "No need to thank me, Vena. It's the least I can do. Let's get you out of this rain first, and then we can figure out the rest."
We walked together through the rain-soaked streets, Stefan leading the way. As we walked, he told me about the city, its culture, and the best places to eat. His knowledge and enthusiasm for his hometown were infectious, and I found myself feeling more at ease with each passing moment.
Eventually, we arrived at a small café, where we took shelter from the rain. Stefan ordered us both a hot cup of coffee and we sat down at a corner table.
"So, Vena, tell me a bit about yourself," Stefan said, sipping his coffee. "What brings you to the Philippines?"
I took a deep breath, unsure of how much to reveal. But something about Stefan's presence made me feel comfortable enough to open up.
"Well, Stefan, it's a long story," I began, recounting the events of the past few days. I told him about my divorce, the robbery, and the dangerous encounter on the street. I didn't leave out any details, no matter how painful they were to share.
Stefan listened attentively, his eyes filled with empathy. When I finished, he reached across the table and placed a comforting hand on mine.
"I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that, Vena," he said softly. "But you're safe now. And I promise, I'll do everything I can to help you start over here."
Tears welled up in my eyes, but this time they were tears of relief. I had found an unexpected ally in Stefan, someone who was willing to stand by me in my darkest moments.
"Thank you, Stefan," I whispered, my voice choked with emotion. "I don't know what I would have done without your help."
He smiled warmly, his eyes filled with genuine care. "You don't have to thank me, Vena. Just know that you're not alone anymore. We'll get through this together."
And in that moment, as the rain continued to pour outside, I felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, my life in the Philippines wouldn't be as bad as I had feared. With Stefan by my side, I knew I had a chance at a fresh start.
“You look beautiful by the way” he complimented me.
I blushed as I pushed the hair out of my face, it’s been long a guy ever compliment me “thank you” I said with a smile.