The Womanizer's Contracted Wife

Chapter 1

"He's getting better. We just need to continue his medication," the nurse informed, which somehow made me feel at ease.

My gaze went in my father's direction. When mom was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, his condition got worse too. He could no longer speak properly, lost his mind and spoke to himself even when no one was talking.

Aranthia and I couldn't do anything but to leave him here in a mental institution hoping that one day — his consecutive treatments could make him feel better.

"You need to pay your last month's bill too. If not, you already know what's going to happen, Ms Valderama." I nodded with the information he's given me.

"Can I take him for a while?"

"Sure. Take your time."

He accompanied me while heading nearer to my dad. Fortunately, he remained calm. When I last visited here, he suddenly shouted at me and pushed me. He keeps blaming me for my mom's death.

He keeps mentioning two names too— the name of my mom and my older sister. I can't help but to get sad because he couldn't recognize me. His favourite girl is always Aranthia and even up until now, I was always left behind.

"How's your feeling dad?" I asked while accompanying him with his walk.

He just remained silent. He couldn't even stare at me.

"It's only a matter of time before you recover and you'll be able to get out."

I tried being positive even though I knew I was going crazy about how I could get enough money. My body screams pain to the point that I just want to lay down in bed and rest.

"When you get out of here, I'll make sure that your daughters are doctors and lawyers already," I said as tears dripped from my eyes.

That was one of our highest dreams back then. When I was in highschool, I tried to focus on only one thing — and that's to study. I did everything to be at the top of the class so I could get all scholarships to support my finances.

But then, in all aspects, I know Aranthia is better than me. She also got accepted into a prestigious university in Manila to continue her medical course. That was a bigger opportunity than mine so I temporarily stopped studying. I would have been a graduating student if I hadn’t quit for three years.

As much as I could, I wanted to combine my studies and part time but my body couldn't handle that. The only thing that I did was to wait because my sister promised me that after her, I would be able to continue my practice as a lawyer.

"My sister and I will be waiting for you, dad. We'll be together on one roof again," my voice cracked upon saying those words.

My chest felt a little better when I saw him. Even if he didn't tell me any uplifting words to change my mood, the fact that he was there was already enough.

After that short conversation, I went home. I expect to come home quietly because that is what I am used to. But when I opened the door, Amoli immediately rushed to me.

She sprinkled me with party poppers before she hurriedly took the cake and ran towards my direction.

"Happy birthday to my most gorgeous attorney, eveh!" she mentioned artfully.

Because of the amount of things I had to take care of, I forgot even my own birthday. We used to celebrate it every year but when everybody left the house, I no longer made an effort just for myself.

"What's with that face? Aren't you happy?" she commented while I went to the sofa and knocked myself down due to extreme fatigue.

"Blow your candle first, Sei. We need to celebrate."

I looked at her wearily before I stood up to blow out a candle.

"Let's sleep."

I felt too lethargic today. I'm still early for work. If I close my eyes now, I can sleep for another five hours.

"Get enough, rest please. Go with me tomorrow so I can treat you."

I quickly shook my head at what she said. I can't stop working because I have lots of pending bills to pay.

"If you're thinking about how you'll pay for your house, I'm always here to help. Lower your pride temporarily and accept my help."

Still, I did not agree to her offer. I just kept quiet. She has done so much for me. I can't accept that anymore.

"Just think that I'm paying you for everything you've done for me. I can't graduate and work without your help right?"

"Just rest your mouth, Amoli."

Honestly, I’m getting tired of the scenario of the two of us. She was always there for me but I could no longer accept her help right now knowing that she also had personal issues to deal with.

She was already a licensed English teacher. That was enough for me as compensation.

"I'm sorry. It's really hard for me to see you in this situation. Just sell this house and move to a smaller one. Or you can tell your sister what's your real situation so she can help—

"Stop worrying about me."

Like I was expecting, she started crying. She approached me before hugging me.

"I can't help but to blame your sister. She already has all the money left by your mommy, right? She can already help herself. This time, focus on what your dream is. Put yourself first, Sei. "

I could not speak to what she said. She already told me this thing a lot of times but I still don’t follow. Every time I just want to give up, my sister calls me and says that in a little while, she will finish her course.

"Please, Sei. It's for your own good."

I tried to smile at her just to show that she had nothing to worry about. "I'm fine, Amoli. Thanks for the cake."

She hugged me. "I'm always here. Don't forget that." I nodded before entering the room to rest.

The next day, I felt sick but I still insisted on going to work. I have three part time jobs today. The first is in a coffee shop as a barista, the second is a waitress and the third is as a dishwasher in the Night Club.

I tried to act fine in front of Amoli to stop her from worrying. "Are you sure you're okay?"

I smiled again and nodded. "Be careful. Call me right away if you need me."

"I'll get back to you next time."

After I arrived at my workplace, I didn’t waste any time to start my job. The manager almost didn’t allow me to work because I had a high fever. Fortunately, he still gave me a chance after I insisted that I’m totally alright.

I wasn't aware of how time passes quickly. At six o'clock in the evening, I started working at the NightClub as a dishwasher.

"Are you sure you're going to continue?" Yumi, one of my co -workers, said to me after she noticed that I wasn't alright.

"I'm okay. I can do it," I replied, wearing a little smile.

It's only four hours. It would be a waste of a large salary deduction if I were absent.

I started washing the dishes even though I could gradually feel the heaviness of my eyelids. After a few hours of work, Ayna called me.

"Sei!"

She did it twice more before I finally heard her.

"Why?"

"Can you take it to the man sitting at the bar stool?" She pointed before handing me the tray with steak.

"I'm just on my period so I couldn't work properly. Please take care of it."

Even though I am not yet agreeing, she left me immediately. I have no choice but to follow what she wants. After I finished my work, I immediately went to the man he pointed to.

As I walked towards there, my vision doubled. Even so, I kept going.

"We met again."

I couldn't even understand what the man was saying because I just felt myself falling to the floor.