Wild Affair

Chapter Two: Twists Of Fate

Chapter Two: Twists Of Fate

Life is filled with decisions that lead us to our own creations, mistakes that are hard to fix. It's easy to blame ourselves excessively, but what truly matters is the lesson we learn from those mistakes.

It has been two agonizing weeks since my company went bankrupt. The pain of losing something I cherished for so long is unbearable, yet I was powerless to prevent it. Despite my relentless efforts, I found myself drowning in debt.

These past weeks have been a relentless storm of stress. I reached out to every contact in the business world, seeking salvation for my company, but no one extended a helping hand. In the ruthless world of business, you're celebrated in success but abandoned in failure.

Even pooling all my resources, it wasn't enough to save my company.

Vera, a beacon of support in these dark times, stood by me without judgment or reproach. Despite being financially impacted as my business partner, she never wavered in her loyalty. Her unwavering support is a lifeline in this sea of despair.

I refuse to dwell on the past, for it only deepens the pain. The decisions that led to this downfall were mine alone to bear. Regret fills me, but it's futile now.

Now, I stand on the brink of bankruptcy, stripped of savings and possessions, left with only my car.

As I took one last look around my condo, my sanctuary for five years, the weight on my chest was suffocating. Tears threatened to fall, but I held them back, unwilling to show weakness. This place holds every memory, every triumph, and every defeat.

"Are you sure about this?" Vera's voice carried a tinge of sorrow.

She had asked me this question repeatedly, her concern palpable. With a forced smile, I nodded, masking the true extent of my sadness. Sitting beside her, I attempted to lighten the mood with a jest, hiding the pain that gnawed at me.

Vera's offer to stay with her was tempting, her kindness unwavering. But I couldn't bear to burden her further, not after the losses she endured because of me.

"I appreciate your offer, but your friendship is more than enough. I will return, especially for your wedding with Austin," I reassured her, masking my inner turmoil.

Vera's eyes held a mixture of sadness and understanding. "You're family, I can't let you go so easily. You know I'm always here for you, my twin," she said, enveloping me in a tight hug.

As we embraced, the weight of leaving weighed heavily on me. Vera's family had been my anchor, treating me as their own. But now, after the company's collapse, I couldn't bear to face them.

"I know, but your support means everything to me. I will come back, I promise," I whispered, holding back tears that threatened to spill.

Accompanied by Vera, I made my way to the parking lot, where my car stood waiting. The bellboy loaded my luggage as Vera struggled to hold back tears.

"Don't cry," I chided gently, comforting her as best I could.

"I hate goodbyes," Vera admitted, her voice wavering.

"This isn't goodbye, just a see you later," I reassured her, promising to return.

After exchanging final words, I drove away, leaving behind a piece of my heart in that condo. The tears I had held back now flowed freely, the pain of loss overwhelming.

The condo, along with all my possessions, had to be sold to settle debts. The weight of starting anew felt suffocating, the future uncertain.

Stopping the car, I let out a deep breath, the weight of emotions crushing me. Frustration boiled over as I slammed the steering wheel, burying my head in my hands.

"Ahhhhhhh!" I screamed in frustration. Emotions consumed me like a raging fire.

"f**k, this is not happening!"

I shook my head vigorously, torn between the desire to go back and the realization that there was nothing left to return to. I slumped in my seat, closed my eyes tightly, and remembered the conversation I had with my mom just a week ago.

I had just returned from the bank, poured myself a glass of cold water, and gulped it down quickly. I felt parched beyond measure.

Collapsing onto the sofa, I closed my eyes, feeling the exhaustion seep into my bones. Suddenly, my cellphone in my handbag rang, and I lazily retrieved it. It was Mom calling. I was puzzled as she rarely called at this hour. I rose and tried to perk up my voice before answering the call.

"Ma, how are you and papa? Why the sudden call?" I greeted Mom with a soft tone.

I heard Mom sigh on the other end.

"Sofia, is it true?" Mom's direct question carried a tone of worry that sent a shiver down my spine. Fear crept into my chest. How did she know?

"What are you talki-" I was about to speak when Mom cut me off abruptly.

"Sofia, stop acting like you don't know what I'm referring to! Vera already told me everything," Mom's angry tone was evident, her voice rising.

I closed my eyes and rubbed my temples. Vera couldn't keep her mouth shut, could she?

"Why didn't you tell us about it, Sofia? If it weren't for Vera, we wouldn't have known what you're going through," Mom's words carried a tinge of hurt.

I exhaled deeply. It wasn't that I didn't want to tell them. I just didn't want to burden them with my troubles.

"Ma..." I called out, but Mom spoke again.

"We're family, and family supports each other in times like this. How long will you keep us out of your life?" I could hear the sadness in Mom's voice on the other end. "I can't bear to see you suffer like this. We're here for you, we will help you."

I bit my lip, tears welling up in my eyes. My chest tightened at Mom's words. I could feel her pain for me.

For years, I had put on a facade of strength and independence to shield them from worry. Since I chose to live alone in Manila, they never knew the struggles I faced. I kept everything to myself, never vocalizing my feelings, not even to Mom. I had grown accustomed to keeping it all inside. And now, hearing those words from Mom broke my heart. I realized how distant I had become from them. How much my silence had impacted them.

I composed myself, refusing to cry, not wanting Mom to worry more.

"I tried to do everything I c-could to s-save it, ma," I choked out. "but it's too l-late."

I wasn't sure if Mom heard my last words as my voice faltered. I wiped away the tears and took a deep breath, feeling like a child running to Mom with a scraped knee, the pain unbearable.

It was the first time I had been so open about my true feelings.

"Oh dear! I don't know how you deal with it all by yourself, anak. You could've told us," Mom's voice was filled with sadness, as if she wanted to embrace me in this moment.

"I'm sorry, ma," was all I could manage to say.

"It's not your fault. Please don't blame yourself. Your dad, claire, and I are here for you. We will help you get through this, okay? What's your plan now?" Mom's comforting words echoed through the phone.

I shook my head, even though she couldn't see me. I had no idea what my next step would be. My mind was in chaos, unable to think clearly in the midst of all the problems I faced.

"Hija, why don't you come back here, with us?" Mom's suggestion felt like a wave of cold water crashing over me.

"No! I mean... I can't, ma!" I immediately rejected Mom's proposal.

I didn't want to go back. Especially not there. Not in La Trinidad.

"But hija, please at least listen to me now. Your dad and I think it would be good for you to come home," Mom insisted.

I shook my head. I didn't want to go back. Especially now that Dylan was there. I didn't want his pity. For years, I had been strong enough to handle my own chaos. What would he think of me now? And Claire, would she just laugh at me for the failed life I had in Manila? Mock me for being a failure.

"Think about it, hija. You're always welcome here, and we'll be waiting for you to come home," Mom's words lingered until the line was finally cut.

I exhaled heavily, my head spinning.

Was I ready to face Dylan again?

***

I hadn't realized I had already arrived in La Trinidad, standing in front of the grand gate of our ranch. I gazed at it, torn between entering and turning back to Manila.

The weight on my chest grew heavier as the realization hit me that there was nothing left for me to return to. This was my home now, the place I once lived in.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped out of the car. The fresh air greeted me, tousling my long wavy hair. This was what I missed about the province—the crisp air and the peaceful surroundings, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of Manila that I had grown accustomed to.

Nervousness crept into my chest as I started walking towards our large gate. My hands grew cold with anxiety. I exhaled, attempting to calm myself.

With closed eyes, I pressed the doorbell twice and waited for it to open. The gate, controlled remotely due to its distance from the mansion, soon swung open.

The nervousness in my chest heightened as the gate revealed the grand mansion at the end of a long driveway, nestled amidst hills and mountains. It was serene and tranquil.

Returning to my car, I drove in, feeling the anxiety double as I approached closer.

It would have been fine if Dylan wasn't here when I arrived, unlike in the past when I would come home. But things were different now; he was my sister's husband. The awkwardness between us was palpable. He was my ex, for heaven's sake!

Mom and Dad welcomed me with tight hugs, their expressions a mix of joy and concern. I subtly scanned the surroundings but couldn't spot Claire and Dylan anywhere. I breathed a sigh of relief; thankfully, they weren't there at that moment.

"Sofia! Thank God you're home. I missed you so much! Why didn't you tell us you were coming today? We could have sent someone to pick you up to spare you the drive," Mom said, her voice tinged with tears.

I forced a smile at them. Coming home today wasn't planned; it was just a coincidence that I needed to leave my condo and had nowhere else to go.

"We're glad you're back, Sofia. Your sister will be happy to see you're home. Let's go inside so you can rest. Esmeralda will take care of your things," Dad said, leading me into the mansion.

"Your sister and her husband are still at the stables. One of Claire's horses fell ill. They'll be here shortly. It's a good thing; it's a chance for you to meet Claire's husband," Mom informed me with a smile.

"I see," I nodded, forcing a smile at Mom.

I didn't want them to notice the awkwardness I felt. I knew I would soon face them, especially Dylan. I didn't want to, but it was inevitable under the same roof.

Moreover, he was the one who left me. Why should I be the one to avoid him? Of all people, my sister ended up marrying him! Was it intentional? It was highly unlikely he didn't know my sister was his wife, given our shared Galvez surname!