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1233 Words
Javier couldn’t believe the story he had just heard from Veronica. He never imagined that such events could actually happen in real life. He thought things like this only happened in movies. Veronica’s life had been too dramatic, a living hell at the hands of her husband and his family.
"Your killer was your own husband...? Are you sure about that?" he asked, utterly shocked.
Who wouldn’t be shocked by such a revelation? Considering the state of Veronica's face, it was clear that whoever did this to her was consumed by rage. Did this mean that her husband harbored intense hatred for her?
Veronica nodded. She knew what she saw. She wasn’t delusional. "You're right. My husband is my killer. He became an intruder in our own home. He thought I wouldn’t recognize him, but I knew—it was him."
Javier was bewildered, too shocked by what the woman had just revealed. "Okay, let’s say your husband was indeed your killer. But you told me that you helped him get a good job, gave him opportunities, and that he became wealthy because of you. What reason would he have to kill you? Shouldn't he be indebted to you?"
Even Veronica had thought the same thing. After everything good she had done for her husband, not a single act of kindness was returned to her?
She let out a bitter laugh. "Trust me, Javier, I've asked myself that question a million times. I may not have been the perfect wife, but I did everything I could to make our marriage happy and stable. I helped my husband when he and his family had nothing."
Javier frowned, trying to figure out what could possibly justify such actions.
"But now, I know."
"What’s the reason, Veronica?"
She shrugged her shoulders. "It’s simple. I’m not the woman my husband dreamed of. I’m not his ideal woman. His family didn’t like me either because I wasn’t rich or a professional woman. They wanted a wealthy woman for their son. And as for my husband, once he got a taste of big money, he started to feel like I wasn’t the woman he deserved. He believed he was entitled to someone who fit the image his family had in mind," she answered with certainty.
Javier felt sad for Veronica. "If what you’re thinking is true, then your husband and his family are worthless. They have no sense of gratitude. Families like that are nothing but social climbers and gold diggers."
"That’s exactly what I said earlier, isn’t it?"
“All I can say is, you didn’t marry a 'man.' He’s just a boy. Probably a mama’s boy. He can’t be a leader, a protector, or a provider. It’s like in your relationship, you were the man, and your husband was the woman. He doesn’t know how to prioritize important things. Your partner should always be your number one priority because you chose to be with them. But your husband chose his family over you. And they weren’t even grateful for the help you gave their son. Without you, they might still be struggling in the mud,” Javier said, his tone filled with frustration.
“That’s how people are when they feel superior to others. They’re the type who forget where they came from,” Veronica clenched her fist in anger.
Javier sighed deeply. He could feel the intense emotions coming from Veronica, and he couldn’t blame her. If the time ever came that he had a daughter, and she ended up with a husband like that, he couldn’t say what he might do. Even though he didn’t have any children yet, no one would be allowed to hurt his child.
He was sure it must have been painful for Veronica’s parents to see what happened to her. But he wasn’t even sure if she had any family, as it didn’t seem like anyone was looking for her.
“Veronica, I don’t want you to think I’m asking too many questions… but do you still have any family? I mean, do you still have your parents? Siblings? Relatives?” he asked cautiously.
Veronica felt a pang of shame at Javier’s question. It had been days since she had regained consciousness in the hospital, and not once had she thought about her family. They must be worried sick about her. But on the other hand, no one could blame her. She had gone through a horrific tragedy. When she woke up, the first things on her mind were herself and her killer.
She nodded. "Yes, I still have my parents. I also have a brother."
The man was relieved to hear that. "Well, do you want me to contact them? So they’ll know what happened to you. I’m sure they’re worried about you."
She became alarmed and quickly stood up from the couch. "N-No! Don’t contact them, please!"
"Huh? You don’t want to connect with your family? But this is when you need them the most. You need your family’s support," Javier insisted.
Fear filled her heart. Her family didn’t know what had happened to her, and she was sure that her husband thought she was dead. She preferred it that way. That way, her family’s lives wouldn’t be in danger. If she informed her family about what had happened to her, she was certain her demon of a husband would find out. But if her family remained clueless and continued to check in with her husband, they would stay safe.
She looked at Javier with pleading eyes. "I don’t need their support. I can fight this battle on my own. It’s better if my family believes I’m just with my husband. Because if they find out what happened to me, my husband will know, and my family’s lives will be in danger," she said, trembling.
The man’s face was filled with disbelief. "What? He’s that dangerous? Why don’t you report him to the police? Everyone would believe you. Just look at what he did to your face. I can testify for you."
She shook her head repeatedly, almost as if she were losing her mind. No! Javier didn’t understand the true situation. And she doubted he ever could.
"No, Javier! No! You don’t understand! My husband isn’t an ordinary man! He’s a demon! A monster!" she screamed, recalling the look on her husband’s face the day he tried to kill her.
Javier stood up and moved closer to her, gently holding both of her hands. "Calm down, Veronica! No one’s going to hurt you here. Explain it to me. I don’t understand. Why are you so scared? I get that you were abused. But help me understand."
Veronica felt Javier's warm breath on her face. His presence was comforting, but it couldn’t erase her fear. "Even if I tell you, you won’t believe me. You’ll think I’m crazy!"
"Explain it to me so I can understand."
Veronica swallowed hard, her heart pounding in fear. "Javier, my husband isn’t an ordinary person…"
She saw Javier’s forehead crease in confusion. "W-What do you mean?"
"I know you won’t believe me… but my husband isn’t human. He’s… he’s a werewolf! He’s a monster!" she screamed hysterically.
Javier swallowed hard. "A werewolf...? What's your husband's name?"
She didn't know why he asked that, but she answered him. "Angelo. Angelo Fuentebella."
She could clearly see the intense shock that registered on Javier's face.
- Writer
