Chapter 9
1392 Words
We were on our way to the event that Señora De Silva invited us to. Both Merylle and I were excited to attend.
It took us over an hour before we finally arrived. Merylle and I were holding hands as we entered the ground floor, while the married couple walked together ahead of us.
"This way, ma'am," said a female usher who greeted us.
"Ah, no, no," Señora De Silva interrupted. "They're with me. They're VIP," she told the usher.
"Okay, ma'am. This way please," the usher replied, and we followed her lead.
The VIP section was filled with people from affluent families—though you wouldn't really notice a difference in their appearance or posture compared to the guests at the regular tables. They all carried themselves with equal elegance.
Suddenly, the emcee spoke, and the entire room fell silent. Everyone’s attention was now focused on him.
I couldn’t help but smile at his words. He was funny and charming—an openly gay man—and he reminded me of my best friend back in the States, whom I hadn’t spoken to since I changed my number.
Then my eyes caught sight of something—or rather, someone—from afar, and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.
Two couples were walking up onto the stage.
Cheers erupted from the crowd as they reached the center, but I was frozen in place. Confusion and shock flooded my mind, and suddenly, a tightness gripped my chest.
There he was—my husband—helping Eloisa up the stairs. My fists clenched tightly as I shot up from my seat.
"Celestine, are you alright?" Señora De Silva stood up beside me, clearly concerned.
"Yes, Señora," I lied, forcing a fake smile. But I couldn’t possibly enjoy this night—not after seeing that.
I slowly sat back down, my chest tightening even more when I saw my parents and Ezeckiel’s parents seated near the front row—close to the stage.
How could the world be this cruel? The people I loved had lost all faith in me over a single lie. And that lie is what everyone chose to believe. The ones who should’ve had my back—my own blood—were the first to abandon me.
Damn you, Eloisa! You’ll pay for this. You didn’t just destroy my reputation—you ruined my whole life. But one by one, I’ll take back everything you stole from me. Especially my husband.
I excused myself from Merylle and went to the restroom. I needed a moment to release all the emotions building up inside me. I couldn’t bear to hear whatever was being announced on stage. The words sounded like noise—meaningless, muffled. My mind was blank. Lost in a fog of emotions, I stood in front of the restroom door, taking a sharp breath, trying to calm the pain in my heart.
I wanted to fight back against Eloisa. But how? She had the scandal video… and worse, the pictures—pictures that could destroy me if she ever posted them on social media. Photos that convinced Ezeckiel something actually happened between me and that man—a man whose name I couldn’t even remember anymore.
I sat down on a clean toilet bowl and stayed there, silently sobbing as I released the pain. I couldn't stop crying. I wanted to talk to my husband again. Deep down, I still believed he was the only one who could help me clear my name and save my dignity. He was my only hope in fighting Eloisa. As long as she held the winning card, I couldn’t do this alone.
But why did it have to be like this? Why did the one person I was counting on hate me so much? I kept thinking about giving up—but no. I would keep fighting, holding on to hope that one day, I would find justice.
I heard footsteps echoing through the restroom. There were people inside. I quickly covered my mouth when I felt like throwing up—I didn’t want anyone to hear or see me crying.
Then I overheard voices. My heart raced when I caught wind of what they were talking about.
They’re engaged?
I froze. Did I hear that right? I listened more carefully from my stall. Were they talking about Ezeckiel and Eloisa?
Could that be true?
Was it that easy for Ezeckiel to move on? To get engaged—while we weren’t even legally separated yet?
I wanted to leave, to step out of the restroom, but fear kept me hidden. I didn’t want to be judged or gossiped about again. I curled up on the toilet seat, hugging myself tightly. I shut my eyes, trying to steady my breath as I waited for the others to leave.
After several minutes, silence fell over the room. I slowly lowered my feet to the floor, but the sound of my heeled sandals echoed softly.
“Hey! Is someone else in here?” I heard a familiar voice call out.
My chest loosened—it was Merylle.
I immediately stepped out of the stall, and her eyes widened in shock. “W-what happened to you? You look awful,” she said in disbelief.
I didn’t answer. I just walked up to the large rectangular mirror… and was startled by my own reflection.
“Is this really me?” I asked aloud, dazed.
“Oh my God, Celestine, it is you. Stand up and stop letting Eloisa break you. Fight back. Be brave—and never let yourself be the loser in your own story!”
Tears welled in my eyes again. “That’s easy for you to say… but you're not in my shoes. What if Eloisa spreads my scandal video? What about the photos? What if they go viral—not just here, but around the world? What can I even do, Merylle? I’m already defeated. I’m trying to be strong, even though I’m hurting. My husband… my parents… You and my friends are the only ones keeping me going. Ezeckiel is the only one who can really help me, but even he—he hates me now,” I sobbed, and she pulled me into a tight hug.
“I’m sorry, Celestine. But we’re here. Your friends will always be here to help you.”
“Thank you,” I whispered.
We left the restroom together and headed back to our table—only to run into Ezeckiel and Eloisa, who was clinging tightly to his arm.
Eloisa gave me a smug smile.
“Aren’t you going to congratulate us, Celestine?” she sneered.
I raised an eyebrow at her, which made her scowl.
“I’ll congratulate you, Eloisa—when you’re dead,” I said firmly.
Her eyes widened in shock, while Merylle laughed and clapped.
She was about to slap me when we heard another voice approaching.
“What's going on here, dear?” It was Evan—and Merylle nearly squealed in delight.
I noticed the anger in Ezeckiel’s eyes when Evan suddenly pulled me closer by the waist. Merylle was beaming, loving the tension.
Ezeckiel’s eyes darted to Evan’s hand on me.
“Let’s go, Eloisa,” he muttered, clearly irritated.
“Whoa! Did you see that? Papa Ezeckiel just got jealous,” Merylle whispered. I shot her a sharp look.
“Oops, sorry,” she said, flashing a peace sign. Evan chuckled softly at her antics.
“Uh, Tine,” he said, using my nickname. “Can I have this dance? Only if you're okay with it.”
“Go, friend! Let him know he’s not the only handsome guy in the room!” Merylle grinned.
“You’re unbelievable,” I rolled my eyes, though I couldn’t help but smile.
Evan reached for my hand. I gave it to him, and he smiled when I accepted.
The music began to play—a sweet melody perfect for couples.
Ezeckiel was watching us from across the room. His eyes were filled with rage as he saw me dancing with Evan.
I placed my hands on Evan’s shoulders, while he held my waist. My eyes never left Ezeckiel’s.
“Don’t mind them, Tine,” Evan whispered. “I’m here to protect you. Especially from Eloisa. Forget your worthless husband.”
- Writer
