Through the Maze (Mujer Fuerte Series #2)

Prologue

He was once my most beautiful daydream. Never did I thought that he will end up being my worst nightmare.

"Mom, can we go to Miniso? I need to buy some pens for my collection," said my daughter, Bella.

"Sure, baby. Meet us sa McDonald's na lang. What food do you want me to order?" I asked her.

"Hmmm, I'll have nuggets and cheeseburger with fries, Mom."

"Alright. We'll go there na. Don't take too long." I placed a gentle kiss on my thirteen-year-old daughter's head.

"Alright, Mom! Laters!"

Bella ran off and disappeared in my sight so I turned to see my best friend, Erica.

"Dalaga na iyong inaanak mo," sambit ko.

"Oo nga eh, ngayon nga lang ako makakabawi riyan sa mga utang ko sa binyag," aniya at sabay kaming humalagpak ng tawa.

Si Erica ay isang ganap nang pulis. Ipinanganak ko kasi Si Bella noong nag-aaral pa lang kami. I got pregnant with Isabella Bliss when I was only eighteen years old. I was so madly in love with her father that I did not thought about anything with regards to my future. Fortunately, I am lucky and blessed to have my ever supporting mother, that I was able to continue my studies even though I got pregnant at a very young age.

As of now, I am working as an Editor in one of the biggest magazine companies in the country. I finished my four year course as a Communication student, and I graduated with a laude. I suffered a lot in my college years as it was not easy for a student to juggle their responsibilities let alone for being a college student. What made it more hard for me was the fact that I am also a mother and I juggled two jobs in order to sustain my daughter's needs. I was working while studying because I was eager to prove to my family that even though I already have my daughter, I can still achieve my dreams and my dream career. And I also proved them that having my daughter was my greatest zeal that kept me going amidst all the arduous circumstances that I have faced in my life.

My daughter kept me going.

And she's still keeping me going. She is the only thing I was holding on to. She is the only thing that keeps me sane, as there are times that I so badly wanted to end it all.

"Kumusta kayo ng asawa mo?" tanong ni Erica habang naglalakad kami papunta sa McDo.

I was clinging on to her arm as we both swayed our legs against the floor. I missed my best friend so much. Ngayon lang ulit kami nagkita after so many months of being so busy with our personal lives. Ngayon lang kami nagkaroon ng chance na mag-date with Isabella.

I took a deep breath as I answered, "We are okay. He is doing great in his career, I am too. So far, wala naman kaming problema."

"Sana all may asawa na noh. I am happy for you! Deserve na deserve ni Bella ng happy and complete family!" she said as she hugged me.

I tapped her back and let out a small smile.

"Limang taon na kayong kasal hindi ba?" tanong pa ni Erica.

"Yes."

After that small talk and catching up, we have finally reached McDonald's. Erica found our table and I decided that I will order our food, so that I can buy my daughter's requests. I waited for our orders dahil mabilis lang naman i-serve. Nang makumpleto ang orders ko, nagtungo na ako sa table na nahanap ni Erica para sa aming tatlo. Erica and I fixed our food as we both waited for my daughter.

A few moments later, Bella arrived. Along with her are two paper bags. Maybe she also bought other stuff aside from cute pens that she loves collecting for years now. I have no other problems with her spending because she likes spending her own money that she gets from her weekly alowance. I am proud that I raised a responsible girl, even though she can ask for the things she likes from us, she prefers to buy her whims with the use of her own money.

"I bought eight pens, Mom. And some other cute stuff for my study desk. I hope it's okay?" She formed her cutest smile. I giggled.

"It's okay lang, anak. I have no problem with it."

The day with my daughter and my long-term best friend was overall okay. It was by far, my most relaxing day ever since I got married. I was carefree all day and I did not worry about other things. All I felt was complete happiness and tranquility.

But of course, just like any other normal day, that particular day ended. And all the happiness and tranquility that I felt were immediately vanished into thin air.

As soon as I closed the door of Bella's room, my face swiftly welcomed a hard, loud, and painful slap.

I almost tear up but as usual, I composed myself as I am forbidden to cry.

"Who fucking told you that you are allowed to go out?" he hissed.

Gigil na gigil siyang saktan ako at ramdam ko iyon. Nag-iingat lang siyang hindi marinig ng anak namin.

Ramdam na ramdam ko na rin ang takot. Alam kong hindi lang sampal ang matatanggap ko ngayong gabi, dahil isang bagay ang pag-alis sa maraming bagay na ipinagbabawal niya sa akin.

"E 'di ano ang pinag-usapan niyo ng lintik mong kaibigan? Nagsumbong ka na? Ano? Tapos idedemanda niyo ako at ipakukulong? Para makapanlalaki ka na? Ang kati kati mong babae ka! Pokpok!"

I am sick and tired of all these and his excruciating words that keep on piercing through my heart, because I never thought that the man who I promised to love and cherish for the rest of my life, is now doing the opposite against me.

How could I find my way out from this tiring maze? Knowing that the person who made the maze is the person I was running away from.

My only wish in my life right now aside from my daughter's happiness, is to be alive until I am able to escape from this disruption.