Keeping His Child (R-18)

Chapter One "Are you sure you're still going to your ex-wife's wake? I don't think it's necessary anymore," Jonathan glanced at Regina, who was sitting on the sofa across from his office. She was absentmindedly playing with her curly hair while crossing her legs, presenting herself flawlessly in front of him. Just last night, Jonathan received news from a friend of his former wife, Colleen. He was informed that she had passed away and her wake was being held at her home in Bulacan. It had been over six years since he last saw his wife; she was still healthy and not suffering from any illness. Thus, he was taken aback to hear that she had died of pneumonia and suffered a heart attack just three days ago. Emotions swirled inside him as he processed the news. He had loved Colleen deeply, marrying her despite their differing backgrounds. He was from a privileged family, while she came from a humble background. His family never accepted her, labeling her a gold digger. He wondered if she had left him because she couldn't bear the snobbishness of his family. Though he didn't approve of how his family treated her, he couldn't really blame them. Since his father's death when he was only eighteen, he had assumed all his father's responsibilities. As the eldest child, he was groomed to be the heir of the Clark family empire. He knew he had to marry someone of equal standing, someone who could share the household responsibilities and be a partner to him. Colleen wasn't that woman. She had no knowledge of business or his lifestyle. She grew up an orphan, raised by a poor family, and hadn't even attended college. His family rejected her for these reasons. Yet, despite all this, he loved her and accepted her for who she was. Sadly, Colleen couldn't withstand the judgment and criticism from various people, not just from the Clark family, but from the entire world surrounding Jonathan. It became easy for her to fall for someone else, someone who could understand and accept her for who she was. Colleen had been honest with Jonathan. She confessed that someone promised her the life she had always dreamed of. Not a life of luxury, but one where she could be accepted regardless of her circumstances. That night remained vivid in Jonathan's memory. He had been kissing her, yet something felt different. He sensed her unhappiness and realized that she no longer loved him. "You know I love you, Joe, but I can't force myself into your world anymore. I'm not meant for you." Tears streamed down her face as she told him she couldn't bear the pain of living in his world. "I was wrong to enter your world, and you were wrong to love me. We can't be together, not really." He remained silent, absorbing her words. He saw the suffering she endured stepping into his world, and he understood that he couldn't prevent her from seeking happiness elsewhere. Countless words swirled in his mind, all expressing the same sentiment. He wanted her to stay, he wanted to beg her not to leave, which is why he didn't utter a word. He knew he couldn't stop her. He wanted to shield her from those around them, from his family, but he failed. She lost her happiness in his arms, a far cry from what he had promised her. A week later, Colleen never returned home. When he tried to find her, he learned she was with someone else. He knew it was the man she had mentioned before, the one who didn't promise heaven, but rather the life she had always longed for. It was bittersweet to realize that he had everything in his hands – wealth, money – but not the life his beloved wife desired. That had been the last time he attempted to find her. They had never filed for an annulment, and he knew she hadn't married anyone else. He hoped Colleen and the man she was with had a strong relationship, comforting himself with the thought that her happiness in her new life was the reason she never came back to him. Joe's attention returned to Regina as she stood and approached him. She took a seat on his lap, adjusting her short hair and dress. "Well, it might be better if you go there to confirm that your marriage is truly null and void," Regina said sweetly. Joe's lips formed a thin line as he shook his head. He gently removed Regina from his lap and stood up. "I'll be there to pay my respects to my late wife, Regina, not to celebrate her death," he said, feeling offended. Regina read the annoyance in Joe's tone and demeanor, so she placed a hand on his arm and shoulder. "I understand, of course. I just wanted to discuss whether we might finally be getting married as well." Joe looked at her, his gaze steady. They had been in a relationship for almost a year. Regina Lawrence was the woman his mother desired for him. Though Joe wasn't in love with her, he saw no point in resisting. After parting ways with Colleen, he believed he couldn't love again. He had been hurt, and as time went on, he had become numb. He felt there was no longer space for love in his heart. Thus, when his mother, Jolina, suggested that he entertain Regina, a woman who was interested in him, he agreed. Regina came from a wealthy family, and Jolina believed she was the perfect match – a woman who could replace his wife as the light of their home. A month ago, when Regina had proposed to him, he couldn't accept due to his marriage to Colleen. He had promised to handle their annulment, but after speaking with his lawyer, he had second thoughts. Annulment was a complex process, and he had never considered divorce when they got married, which was why they had married in the Philippines. If he had known love wouldn't last, he would have married her in a country where divorce was easier. The door opened, and Lorenzo, his butler, entered. "Mr. Clark, the car is ready." He nodded and turned back to Regina. "We'll discuss that when I get back." He didn't wait for her response, simply kissed her and left. In addition to not wanting to hear more from her, he didn't want Regina to see his lack of interest in marriage. He had no desire to remarry, but he knew he needed to have a child, an heir to continue the Clark legacy. Among his siblings – Annabeth, 25; Javier, 23; Logan, 20; and Farrah, 19 – only he and Annabeth were of suitable age. As the eldest, it was important for his child to carry on the Clark name and legacy. That was the sole reason he was willing to marry Regina, even though he didn't love her. He needed an heir. Now he wasn't sure whether he should be happy about the possibility of remarriage. His reason for marrying was that his wife was gone, and he was now a widower. *** As soon as Jonathan entered Colleen's small home, the people there immediately looked at him for the wake. Some were drinking, having coffee, and gambling. None of the faces were familiar to Jonathan. What to expect? Colleen no longer had parents or close relatives to introduce him to. He hardly knew any of her friends, and they lived in Manila. So, it's not surprising that he didn't recognize anyone there. However, those present at the wake were watching him as if they had an idea who he was. They began whispering, as if he wouldn't hear, but it was clear to him that they knew Colleen had a husband, and that was him. Even in death, Colleen seemed to attract envy from the women there. Her husband was tall, handsome, and carried an aura of nobility. He was a young billionaire, making it hard to believe she had left him for a simple man. He was the kind of man any woman would wish for, and now they questioned why she left him. Lorenzo carefully placed a large, elegant white flower that Joe had ordered from a famous flower shop in Manila on the edge of Colleen's coffin. He paused to pay his respects before stepping aside to make way for Jonathan. Jonathan took a deep breath before approaching his wife. He couldn't take his eyes off the photo beside her. She looked beautiful and happy. He realized how much he missed her. He touched the white coffin as if he were touching his wife. He didn't know what to feel. After six years of feeling numb, he couldn't name any emotions inside him. He was empty, devoid of color, without pain, but also without happiness. He felt disappointed. He came to pay his respects to his late wife, but he had hoped to feel something again. He expected that seeing his wife would stir up emotions, but nothing changed. Something was still missing within him. An elderly woman approached him. She was in her late 40s, dressed in a black shirt and long skirt like the other guests. Joe was still wearing his black suit, as he did at the office. The woman knew he was wealthy and respectful, so she stood in front of him and nodded. "Good evening. Do you know Colleen? I haven't seen you around here before, son." Jonathan wasn't sure if she was genuinely unaware of who he was, given the whispers around him. He didn't bother to explain. "Good evening as well," he replied in a low baritone voice. "I'm her ex-husband, Ma'am." The woman was taken aback. She knew Colleen had a former husband, but she hadn't expected him to show up, looking as handsome as he did. "I'm a neighbor of Colleen's. Come, have a seat." She gestured to an unoccupied table. Jonathan didn't plan to stay, but as a sign of respect, he accepted the invitation. As they sat down, she offered him coffee. A sachet of coffee. He didn't drink that kind, but he pretended he would. "I'm Lucille. You can call me Mother Lucille. I apologize if people are staring at you here. Our village is small, and everyone knows each other. It's rare for a man to visit Colleen. How did you learn that Colleen passed away?" "From a friend. Colleen and I were mutual friends before we separated. I'm not sure how she found out. She just told me that Colleen died from pneumonia and gave me the address so I could visit." The woman nodded. "It's good that you came. It's unfortunate that she doesn't have any family to accompany her to her final resting place. Her friends and neighbors, including Simone and I, are helping with the preparations." "Who's Simone?" he asked, curious. "Simone is Colleen's ex-partner's sister. Despite her separation from Samuel, their friendship remained strong. They were very close." Jonathan's lips formed a line. He finally heard the name of the man who stole his wife. So, he's Samuel. "Ah," the woman said suddenly. "I apologize. Did you not know that your wife had a partner? I shouldn't have mentioned it." Jonathan shook his head. "No, I was aware. There's no need to worry. What I didn't expect is that they're no longer together." The woman nodded. "Samuel is in abroad. They couldn't handle the long-distance relationship and eventually broke up. It's been three years." Jonathan nodded and glanced at the photo next to Colleen's coffin. He was surprised to realize he was finally free of that man. He focused his attention back on the woman. "Son, my condolences," she said, sensing his sorrow. He shrugged, trying to hide his emotions. But she seemed to understand him better than he did himself. He still felt numb. "Colleen's burial will be on Saturday. Will you come? We hope you can, so at least there'll be a relative to accompany her. We'll also discuss what to do with Colleen's belongings, especially..." "Mother Lucille?" The woman stood up as she heard a gentle voice. Even Jonathan and the others turned to look. A young woman approached, and Jonathan couldn't take his eyes off her. With her natural beauty, she easily outshone anyone he had met before, with or without wealth. "Oh, Simone. Why did you come down? I told you I'd handle it, you've had three sleepless nights." "Mom, I just put Lindsay to sleep. I plan to stay awake tonight. I'll catch up on sleep tomorrow morning. Also, Carol said a man arrived in a car?" The woman smiled and leaned to the side so that Jonathan and the girl could see each other. Jonathan stood up to greet her. Jonathan was almost stunned by what he saw. With her pale brown hair and eyes, and fair skin, this girl didn't look tired and sleepless as she was supposed to be. Her natural face without any makeup easily surpassed the beauty of any woman he had met, with or without gold. "Hijo, this is Simone, the one I told you about, Samuel's sister." He blinked. When Lucille said that, he immediately stopped himself from admiring the girl's beauty. Samuel's sister... the one who stole his wife, and if he praised and admired Simone, he would be admitting why Colleen left him for Samuel. "Good evening. Have you eaten? I cooked some soup earlier. I'll heat it up, or should you wait for the porridge I'm going to cook?" He raised an eyebrow slightly. He knew the offered food, but he hadn't tried them yet and didn't intend to. "Thanks, I'm good," he politely said. Simone nodded and brushed her hair away from her shoulder. Jonathan couldn't help but notice how beautiful her shoulder and neck were, the color matching perfectly up to her face. She was smiling at him, and she seemed kind. "By the way, how are you related to Colleen?" she suddenly asked, wondering about the handsome man in front of her. "I'm Jonathan Rex Clark, her husband." Simone was taken aback, and her gentle expression turned to annoyance. "Ex-husband, to be exact, Sir," she added, furrowing her brows. "We've parted ways, but we're still legally married, Miss Simone. In fact, I'm sure you know that since you're arranging her funeral. So, I assume you'll also take care of her paperwork, her death certificate, I guess." She crossed her arms, and for some unknown reason, he found himself wanting to stand his ground against Simone. Perhaps it was her attitude towards him, and how quickly she changed her demeanor when she learned he was Colleen's husband. She raised an eyebrow at him. "Why are you here?" "To pay my respects—" "You did, you paid your respect. Now you can leave," Simone said firmly, matching his resolute tone. "Why so sudden?" "Why not?" He glanced at Simone's hand. Her fist was clenched, while Lucille was soothing her, gently patting her shoulder and arm. He looked back at Simone's face. She seemed determined to get rid of him, and he took it as his cue to leave. "Lorenzo will be back tomorrow. He'll handle all the expenses for the wake and Colleen's burial." "I can manage, no need." "I thought Colleen and your brother had separated, uh, three years ago?" he asked Lucille, seeking confirmation. Simone gave an incredulous look to Lucille, unable to believe she had divulged such information to Jonathan. Lucille, on the other hand, was unsure whom to address or side with. Jonathan raised an eyebrow and looked back at Simone. "Nevermind, just let me pay all the bills." "No, leave and don't show up again." "Tita Sisi..." He was about to respond when a young boy suddenly spoke up. Everyone's attention turned to him, and Jonathan felt something as he looked at the child. "Lohan!" Simone quickly addressed the boy, kneeling in front of him to be at his eye level. She ran her fingers through his messy black hair. "Why did you come down? You left Lindsay in the room?" "I wanted to be with Mommy," the child said sadly, longing evident in his teary eyes, which mirrored Simone's emotions. "Sir Jonathan, please excuse us, but you might need to leave," a woman said, not introducing herself, but seeming aware of the situation. Several men from a nearby table, clearly drinking, stood up. They didn't need to speak for anyone to know whether they were drunk or not. "Mr. Clark, we're drawing attention," Lorenzo whispered to him. Jonathan just nodded and decided to leave. But he found it hard to take his eyes off the child that Simone was holding onto. One last look before he turned away. He saw Simone looking at him too, with eyes that seemed to say something. There were unfamiliar emotions stirring inside him that he couldn't identify. One thing was clear, though—he wanted to see them again, both Simone and the child.