death by a thousand cuts (lenrisa)

the sound of one hand clapping

Author's note: This is a continuation of the previous chapter! To @smvshthepatriarchy, thank you for reading <3

Trigger Warning: death

#NowPlaying: lifetime by ben&ben

BREAKING NEWS: Former Senator Therese Navarro does not seek reelection, but is leaving the country for...? Click more.

It has been 6 years since that unfaithful day.

I lost Therese when I gained the power to serve the public at full capacity. Entertaining Mark was a mistake, but the biggest mistake was letting Therese go.

The headline broke my heart before I could delve into it further.

Therese's existence isn't news to me, of course. With her seeking reelection six years ago, and I vying for the presidential position, I'd braced myself that I'd see and hear the name of the one that got away more frequently than not.

In symposiums and forums, a woman with a violet ballpen in hand would be appearing in bird's eye view. I was knowledgeable enough to figure out that Therese isn't within my midst, but I would try to make sure to not perceive her further—in any case that she'd actually be anywhere within my midst—so as not to cause tension or awkwardness.

Lucky for me that when our paths would cross, we would be with a company—hence not leaving is in an awkward position.
It's a good thing that we never proceeded to run as running mates.

Her, my vice president, and I, her president.

I didn't mind working hand in hand with Therese, but I realized, all through those years, how much it hurt me to see the person I lost because my pride got into my heart and head.

"Ma, did you see?"

Jessi interrupted my deep pondering, worried how I, her mother, would react to the news of her girlfriend no longer partaking in formal politics, and shockingly leaving the country.

I tried to keep my composure.

Not a day goes by where I do not regret not running after Therese the moment my inauguration speech was done.

Not a day goes by where I do not regret not keeping my promise—I could have just thanked her instead of the man who tried to court my, but was nothing but disrespectful with me and my sexual orientation.

Choosing Mark over Therese was the biggest mistake of my life. Hell, choosing a man over Therese was something I'll willingly let myself be crucified for.

The sight of a pink letter band battered on the floor lives in my mind rent free.

Such a painful sight to linger on.
What once was a life long promise turned into pieces of a broken tomorrow.
Our broken tomorrow.

"I did, nakakausap mo pa ba siya?" Jessi couldn't assess whether to tell me the truth, or give an oblivious response.

"Yes, Ma," She paused, appearing as though she's filled with a dilemma,"do you want to know the reason why she's leaving?"