Chapter 6
1400 Words
I guess it’s true—when you’re buried under endless work, you forget to think, to feel. My body felt like a wilted vegetable. But despite the exhaustion, it warmed my heart to see customers delighted and grateful for the service I gave them. That made the fatigue worth it.
I was slumped on the couch, resting alone, holding my forehead and massaging it gently. The wave of clients had been overwhelming—I hadn’t even found time to eat.
Moments later, Merylle invited me to eat out. I didn’t want to go at first, but she insisted.
“Just enjoy life, Celestine,” she said. “You won’t win if you stay like this. Show your husband that you’re a good person.”
“How can I do that,” I replied sadly, “when he’s already lost all trust in me?”
She took my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Be strong, Celestine. You still have friends—we believe in you. Forget about your husband for now. One day, he’ll choke on the guilt of how he treated you when you finally prove you’re not the kind of woman he thinks you are.”
I gave her a faint smile. She was right. I could still prove I was not what they claimed me to be.
I let out a deep sigh. The only thing I had left to give him was myself… but how could I even do that when he was disgusted by me? When he had already hurt me so deeply?
I rested my head against the car window, my thoughts spinning, when my phone suddenly rang. I had no intention of answering it—until I saw the name on the screen.
Ezeckiel.
I quickly answered, my voice brightening. “Hello?”
But my heart shattered when I heard his cold tone.
“Annulment papers.”
That was all I heard before the rest of his words blurred into a deafening silence. The pain stabbed through me. My grip on the phone loosened, but I kept it near my ear as he spoke—tears beginning to fall down my face.
I never even had the chance to be his real wife.
The tears flowed freely, and I broke down in sobs.
“Oh my God, Celestine… are you crying again?” Merylle asked from the driver’s seat, worried.
“I can’t do this, Merylle… I can’t let him go. I love my husband so much,” I sobbed. My cheeks were soaked. No matter how many times I wiped them, the pain wouldn’t go away. It was a heaviness pressing against my chest—one I didn’t know how to lift.
“What happened?” she asked softly. “Do you want to cancel our plans? But… I was really craving seafood. I swear, once you see the place, your broken heart will start healing. It’s beautiful—promise.”
I smiled faintly.
Merylle always went the extra mile just to make me happy. I couldn’t ignore her efforts, especially when my own parents—who should’ve been my source of comfort—abandoned me instead.
They hadn’t even reached out.
They’d forgotten me.
When we arrived at the place, I was stunned. It looked like a luxurious resort. Every restaurant had its own specialty dishes, and you could even dine outside while enjoying the scenic view.
As we waited for our order, music started playing—acoustic guitar melodies that drew more and more people toward the stage.
Merylle nudged me. “Wait until you see the vocalist—he’s hot.”
I focused my eyes on the stage, intrigued by the sound of the instruments, although the vocalist hadn’t appeared yet.
“Come on, Celestine. Let’s eat first. You can sulk later.”
I turned toward her and my jaw dropped when I saw how much food she ordered.
“That’s a lot! There’s only the two of us!”
She gave me a wide-eyed look. “Hellooo? Did I not tell you earlier that I’m meeting someone here? My cousin—the model I told you about—she just arrived from abroad. All of this? Her favorites!”
“Oh right…” I said, smacking my forehead. I had completely forgotten.
“So where is she?”
“On her way. Let’s eat while we wait. I’m starving.”
She didn’t lie—her plate was already piled high.
“You’re such a pig, Merylle,” I teased, picking at my own plate with only a few pieces of seafood.
“You can’t be the only one who’s classy,” she laughed. “Here, have more—let’s be pigs together.”
She kept piling food onto my plate until it looked like a mountain.
I gave in and started eating. The moment the flavors hit my tongue, I forgot about everything else. It was so good, I didn’t even realize I’d eaten almost everything.
Just then, her cousin arrived. She looked like a celebrity with her beauty and presence.
“You’re late, Margarette. We almost finished your food,” Merylle teased.
Margarette sat beside me and smiled. “That’s okay, I already ate. I didn’t know you had company.”
“She’s the friend I told you about,” Merylle said. “This is Celestine Monteclaro.”
I frowned slightly. Monteclaro? Why did she have to say my full married name?
“Oh! Are you married to Ezeckiel Monteclaro?” Margarette asked, surprised.
“Yes,” I replied softly, smiling shyly. Of course she knew him. Who wouldn’t? He was rich, successful, and undeniably handsome.
“Hey, Sanya—don’t judge her,” Merylle warned with a glare. “I’ll punch you, even if you’re my cousin.”
“I’m not like that!” Sanya laughed. “But now I understand why that clingy snake is always stuck to your husband. I’ve seen them together—right over there, actually.”
She pointed, then looked furious.
“If I were in your shoes, I’d shave that woman’s head or get her cursed.”
“You’re too much,” Merylle said, rolling her eyes. “Thank God you’re not the mistress.”
“You’re crazy as always,” Sanya shot back, still feisty.
But honestly… she wasn’t wrong. I’d been too kind. I let Eloisa get away with everything. If I fought back now, it would only prove to Ezeckiel that I really was the woman he thought I was—filthy, vengeful.
“Why did you let them be together? Why did you let her destroy your name so easily?” Sanya suddenly asked, her words hitting me hard.
I couldn’t answer.
My fists clenched on their own. Her words awakened something in me.
I would rise. I would make Eloisa pay. I would prove I was never the villain here.
If she’s a b***h, then I can be even worse.
After all, Ezeckiel already planned to divorce me. He didn’t even want me to carry his name.
Fine. Celebrate now, Eloisa. But I will rise—and I will destroy everything you built on my pain.
“Are you okay, Celestine?” Merylle asked. “Do you want to go home?”
I was about to answer when loud laughter interrupted us. The three of us turned to see who it was.
My eyes narrowed.
Eloisa.
“The audacity of that husband-stealing witch,” Sanya spat.
Eloisa stormed toward us and grabbed a fistful of my hair before I could react.
Merylle and Sanya both jumped up and pulled her away, prying her hand from my scalp.
“Hey! Stop it!” Ezeckiel ordered as he rushed over—but the cousins weren’t having it.
“This is your chance, Celestine,” Sanya hissed. “Fight back.”
I looked at Ezeckiel. His glare was sharp—cold. He looked at me like I was trash.
No. Not like this.
I shook my head and bolted. I ran from all of them.
It’s not time yet.
One day, I’ll face them. But I’ll do it when I can finally stand in front of Ezeckiel without crying.
I left without saying goodbye to Merylle or Sanya. I needed time. I headed home to my condo, where I would nurse my broken heart—and sharpen the strength I’d need for what’s to come.
*******
- Writer
