CHAP 15
1456 Words
I woke up from a gentle caress on my cheek. Even though I kept my eyes closed, I knew that Valjerome was by my side based on the mixed scent of wine and his perfume.
He didn't speak. He just kept stroking my face as if he were memorizing every part of it.
Even though I wanted to be angry with him, I was more consumed by weakness. What could my anger do?
I stiffened when I felt him crouch over my belly. He laid his head on it and then gently caressed my stomach. I simply bit my tongue and tried to hold back my tears.
I wanted to believe that he was feeling guilty. I wanted to believe what he was currently showing.
But I knew I was only fooling myself.
Valjerome remained in that position for a few more minutes until he slowly moved away from me. I felt him stand up and then carefully carry me. He then started walking.
I had no idea where he was taking me. All I knew was that we had left the maid's chamber because I heard the sound of the door closing.
I kept my eyes closed despite being aware of everything. I felt like a lot would change once I opened them.
A few minutes later, we entered a room. I knew it was my room because I was already familiar with its scent. He walked a few more steps until he gently laid me down on my bed.
Just like before, he tenderly caressed my cheek. He did it a couple of times until I felt him lie down beside me. Slowly, his hands crept around my waist, hugging me tightly as if someone was going to steal me away.
Illusions. These were just my illusions.
He remained hugging me. He buried his face against my shoulder like he normally did last month.
From his heavy breathing, I could tell that he gradually calmed down, a sign that he had already fallen asleep. I remained silent, observing him for a few minutes while keeping my eyes closed before I decided to open them.
I carefully turned my head in his direction. I smiled bitterly when I saw Valjerome's gentle face.
He seemed stressed, but still handsome.
"You're confusing me again," I murmured and lifted my hand to touch his face.
I took a deep breath and forced a smile. "A-Are you...happy?" My voice was shaking.
I couldn't help but cry as I remembered our child. I wanted to think that he just wasn't ready yet, but he forced me to get rid of our poor baby. The words he had said earlier were clearer than water.
He doesn't want to have children with me.
I laughed sarcastically and then closed my eyes. I restrained myself from crying so he wouldn’t wake up.
Just for this time, again. I will take a gamble, I mentally noted and hugged my husband back.
Maybe. Just maybe. We can work it out this time.
EARLY in the morning, I woke up alone in bed. I smiled bitterly and just stared at the ceiling.
It was still the same. Nothing had changed.
Three knocks on the door brought me back to reality. It slowly opened, and Manang appeared. She smiled faintly at me before stepping inside completely.
"The food is ready," she informed me.
I hugged her briefly and slowly got up. I felt like my body was still tired from what had happened.
"Your husband is waiting for you downstairs. You might want to have breakfast together," Manang said, making me stop in my tracks.
I stared at her and blinked a few times. "He's still here?" I asked, confused.
I had already expected him to avoid me like before. I never thought we would be eating together again. There was something inside me that felt hopeful and a little excited at the thought that we were going back to the way things had been before.
"Yes. In fact, he prepared the meal," Manang replied.
My lips quivered in shock and astonishment. Manang simply smiled at me and nodded, as if telling me that even she felt something different but chose to be happy with what Valjerome was doing.
"I'll just wash my face. You go ahead first," I said before heading to the bathroom.
I splashed water on my face several times, trying to wake myself from a dream, but I still remained trapped in my illusion.
"It's okay, Jazzie. Everything's okay," I told myself and tried to smile at my reflection in the mirror.
I should go along with these changes.
I fixed myself for a few more minutes, then finally left the room and went to the kitchen. I found Valjerome sitting calmly while sipping his coffee.
"G-Good morning," I greeted nervously as I sat on the chair beside him.
He looked at me seriously and nodded. "Let's eat," he said.
I simply nodded and started serving myself. This was the first time I had regained my appetite ever since things had become strained between us again, probably because I knew he had prepared the food himself.
We ate breakfast in silence. I occasionally glanced at him, trying to read his actions, but other than his serious expression, I saw nothing else.
"Pack your things later," he mumbled after we finished our meal.
I frowned at him, waiting for him to continue, but instead of speaking, he snapped his fingers. Jaime immediately approached and handed him a brown envelope.
"Here," he said, placing it in front of me.
I took it and opened it. I stiffened and felt cold when I read the papers inside.
Divorce papers.
"I also put a check inside. It's enough to pay you for being my wife for three years," he said.
I didn't speak. With trembling hands, I scanned everything. I saw the check he was referring to, and I laughed nervously when I read the amount written on it.
"Fifty million," I stated and looked at him. "Is that how much I'm worth as a wife to you?" I exclaimed in disbelief.
"How much do you want, then?" he asked coldly.
I laughed sarcastically despite my tears streaming down my cheeks.
"I have a price," I uttered.
"Just sign it and leave it in my room," Valjerome mumbled as he stood up from his seat.
He was about to walk away, but I let out a painful laugh, causing him to stop.
"After killing our child, you're still going to dispose of me like this?"
Valjerome looked at me.
"I never promised that I would keep you," he stated without any emotion.
Again, I tried to laugh, but my voice cracked.
"Did you...ever love me? At least once? At least a little? Did you ever love me?" I questioned bravely between my suppressed sobs.
His jaw clenched. He stared at me for a few seconds before he started walking again.
"I never loved you," I heard Valjerome say before he finally walked out of the kitchen.
That was when I burst into tears. Manang immediately approached and hugged me. I could do nothing but mourn the pain I was feeling.
"I-I tried everything, Manang. I put up with every single thing just to stay with him. I endured everything because I...I love him. But why is it like this? Why does it have to be like this?" I muttered through my tears.
"That's enough, dear. Let go," she comforted me.
"I-I fought, Manang. I chose to be strong for our relationship. I was stupid. I was martyred. Can't it be me, at least for once? The one to be tolerated? The one to be fought for?"
I cried and cried until I tired myself out. When I had calmed down a bit, Manang handed me some water and helped me drink.
I stared into space as I rested my head against Manang. I felt like I couldn't do anything at the moment. Soon, my attention shifted to the papers on the table.
I slowly pulled away from Manang and reached for them. Countless times, I laughed hoarsely and looked up to hold back my tears.
"Manang," I said softly, then looked at her. "Please get me a pen." I tried to smile.
Manang's eyes widened slightly before quickly returning to normal. Without a word, she left and went somewhere. A few moments later, she returned with what I had asked for.
"Are you sure?" she asked as she handed me the pen.
I looked at the divorce papers and smiled weakly.
"No matter what my decision is, his choice will always prevail," I murmured and slowly signed the papers.
I guess it is really over between us.
- Writer
