Veronica
The drive to my parents' estate was suffocating. Chris was trying to act like the perfect husband, but every time he breathed, it annoyed the hell out of me. The moment the gates opened and the grand facade of our ancestral home came into view, I felt a different kind of heaviness. This wasn't just a dinner, it was a battlefield, and I was bringing the primary target with me.
The moment we stepped inside the foyer, the cold atmosphere was instantly broken by a high-pitched, joyful scream.
"Mamaaaaaa!!!!!"
My daughter, the only innocent soul in this house of cards, ran towards my mother with her arms wide open. Mom, who was already waiting with a beaming smile, knelt down to catch her.
"I miss you, baby girl!" my mom said, her voice thick with emotion. I couldn't help but cringe a little when she started showering my daughter's face with kisses. Para siyang nanggigigil na ewan. It was sweet, yes, but Mom's affection could be quite overwhelming.
"I miss you too, Mama!" my daughter giggled, kissing Mom's cheek in return.
I watched them for a moment, a small, genuine smile tugging at my lips. But that smile vanished the moment I felt a presence behind me. I didn't need to look back to know who it was. My dear husband. I walked away, leaving the grandma and grandkid to their reunion, and headed straight for the dining room.
I let out a sharp, annoyed huff when I felt him tailing me. God, I almost forgot I actually brought this burden with me.
Suddenly, I felt his arm snake around my waist, his fingers digging slightly into my side in a rhythmic squeeze. My skin crawled. The sheer audacity of this man to touch me after everything. Agad na nanindig ang balahibo ko sa buong katawan, not because of kilig, but because of pure, unadulterated disgust.
I slapped his hand away with enough force to make a sound.
"Don't you dare touch me," I hissed, quickening my pace to leave him behind.
I reached the dining room and the scene was exactly what I expected. My father was at the head of the table, looking every bit the patriarch. Beside him was Veymie, my bitch of a twin, and her lover, Elijah. They were huddled together, whispering about something that looked incredibly serious.
"Hi," I announced, my voice devoid of any warmth. I sounded like I was reporting for a job I hated.
Their heads snapped in my direction simultaneously. It was almost comical. The moment their eyes drifted to Chris, who was lingering awkwardly behind me, their expressions shifted from neutral to pure bitterness. It was like they all collectively sucked on a lemon.
I secretly wanted to laugh. Chris looked so out of place, his smirk faltering as he realized he was entering a lion's den. He let out a low sigh, muttering under his breath.
I told you not to come, you idiot. I warned him. No one in this house had a single ounce of respect for him. He was a persona non grata in this household, and he knew it. But his pride wouldn't let him stay away. Well, bahala siya sa buhay niya. Let him drown in their judgment.
"Good evening, Dad," I said, offering him a small, respectful smile as I approached.
"Good evening, honey," Dad replied, his voice softening for a second when he looked at me. But the moment his gaze shifted back to Chris, his eyes turned into daggers. "I see you brought... him."
I ignored the comment and opted to sit beside Elijah. She gave me a knowing look, a mixture of sympathy and amusement. Nakakainis talaga ang babaeng 'to.
"How's my favorite step-mother doing?" Elijah asked with a playful smirk, leaning in closer.
I let out a sharp exhale, half-laughing at her sarcasm. Elijah always knew how to poke the bear. "Please, don't start with the titles, Elijah. It's been a long day and-"
