A Scorned Wife's Tale of Revenge

CHAPTER 9

"Camilla!" Nana Luisa gushed when she saw me. "What are you doing here?" she looked around frantically before pulling me inside her house.

"You know your husband would go berserk if he finds out you're here," she worriedly said.

I am not allowed to go around and talk to the other ranch workers. It's not hard since everyone around here has completely shunned me after Ares took over.

"I'm sorry, Nana," I looked at her pleadingly, hoping she would understand what I was about to ask of her.

As soon as Mira took her afternoon nap, I immediately sneaked out to go here. I tried my best to stay away from prying eyes. It's a good thing that almost every worker is busy with the harvest season, even Ares. I was able to go to her house without any hiccup.

It was also an advantage that her small hut was located away from the others.

"But..." I pulled her aside, motioning to lower her voice with my hand. "I need your help!"

I have no time to beat around the bush. I told her the gist of what went down between me and my husband and why I needed her help.

"Please, Nana," I pleaded while holding her wrinkly hands. She looked older than I can remember. I bit my lip, trying to push off the guilt that was building inside me.

I didn't want to drag her into my mess, but I have no choice. I am already desperate!

"I can't just let him take my daughter away!" She's my child for Christ's sake!

"I don't know what I can do for you, Camilla," she sighed.

I took a deep breath to alleviate the tightening in my chest.

"You're the only one I can trust, Nana," I told her brokenly, my voice cracked. "I don't know where else to go. I can't live without Mira."

"I know," she sighed. "I can contact your grandfather's lawyer. He was loyal to your family. Maybe I can ask for help."

"Anything, Nana," I nodded. "I will really appreciate it if you can contact him immediately. I'm running out of time. Tell him I can pay. I have money. My trust fund is still intact."

"I'll see what I can do," she said, squeezing my hands. Her eyes turned glassy with unshed tears.

"This shouldn't be happening to you," she sighed. "If only your Abuelo is alive..."

A lump formed in my throat.

I have long accepted my fate in Ares' hands. For Mira, I was willing to do everything. Even with Sofia around, I thought Ares would keep me his wife for the hacienda. Never in my wildest dreams that he could take it away very easily.

How could I be so stupid? I never had an inkling about his real intention. He was meek and obedient when I hired him. No matter how much I think about it, I couldn't blame my younger self for not seeing through him.

His acting was impeccable. He must have thoroughly planned everything even before showing up. And I was just so stupid to fall right into his trap...

I've been reaping the consequences of my poor decisions for years now. There's no way to end it but to run away.

A tiny voice at the back of my head begs me to fight for my rights. Hacienda Camilla is mine to begin with. All he had were words. He didn't have anything to prove his claims. I could probably win in court, but I don't want to drag this any further.

I just want to get away from all of these. I will be fine as long as I have Mira by my side. That's all I want.

"I need to go, Nana," I told her, trying to contain my emotions.

"I'll find you when I have news," she said.

"Thank you," I muttered sincerely before sneaking away. I felt like a criminal in my own lands.

Well, apparently it's not mine anymore. I bitterly thought while running back.

My heart was beating wildly against my ribcage when I finally returned to the villa. I leaned against the back door while trying to catch my breath. But the air felt like it was punched out of my gut when I heard footsteps heading my way.

I gulped. Did Ares go home? Did he find out I was gone? s**t. What should I tell him?

"Mommy?"

I almost jumped when I heard her call. She's awake! But at least it wasn't her father.

"Mira!" I gasped in relief. I saw her rubbing her eyes as she walked in. I ran and knelt in front of her.

"Where were you?" she innocently asked.

"I'm sorry, amor," I sighed. "Did you look for me? I just... I did something in the backyard."

I felt guilty for lying to her, but couldn't tell the truth.

She raised her hands to me, so I picked her up and snuggled her to my chest. Feeling her warmth against my skin instantly calmed me down.

"Mommy!" she whined after a while. "Too tight!" she complained while wriggling against my arms.

"Oh! I'm sorry," I whispered. I didn't notice that I was already hugging her too tightly. I stared at her face while gently combing my fingers through her hair.

She looked a lot like Ares. When I stare into her eyes, I see her father's, only that her eyes look back at me with love and adoration, the opposite of what I see in Ares' eyes whenever he sees me.

I took a deep breath, trying to contain my emotions. I blinked back the tears that were threatening to fall. I can't lose her.

But right now, I can only hope Nana Luisa will find a way to help us. My fate is in her hands.

"You okay?" Mira asked while cupping my cheeks in her little palms.

"Of course, amor," I sniffed, lying through my teeth. "Why wouldn't I be?" I smiled at her.

She tilted her head while still staring at me, watching me with those innocent eyes.

"You fight with Daddy?" she asked, making me freeze for a few seconds.

She must be talking about what happened earlier. I gritted my teeth, remembering what Sofia had done, how she had just tried to frame my daughter. And how Ares was fool enough to believe her lies!

I took a deep breath to push my rage back.

"No, we're not," I shrugged, already losing track of how many lies I had told today.

"Do you want to have some snacks?" I asked to divert her attention.

"Yes!" she squealed happily.

I chuckled while planting a soft kiss on her forehead before putting her down to prepare a sandwich for her.

"Here," I smiled while handing her favorite sandwich.

"Thanks, mommy!" she beamed before taking a huge bite. I chuckled while watching her, internally swearing that I would never let anyone or anything break us apart. Especially not Ares...