Only If

chapter 12 (w*hore)

ELLIE's POV

Tomorrow, I will make an alibi about why we need to go back to Belgium so Arra does not feel bad. Aris is a hopeless case. He never has doubts about whether or not there's a possibility of a mistake in his judgment. He is so sure of his conviction. I never thought of him being that way. He always defends me in every accusation thrown at me... But why during that time, he accept it within himself without letting me explain?

"I am sorry Ella, your mother failed with her mission," I whispered to Ella.

"I am sorry Arra, I can't promise you when we will see each other again," I whispered to Arra

I went out of the veranda, and I took my last look at the front yard of the house which was my hell 6 years ago... and still, until now,  the day I returned, the devil is present. 

I release all my pains, I let out my emotions. I let my tears which I hold for years fall. It flows freely. I surrender now, I failed.

Now, this is the man I choose over my dreams... I chose him over my chance to improve our economic life. The man who made me a slave for 2 years. He gave me nothing but pain, insults, and shame. I made the mistake of choosing what my heart beats over what my mind dictates... To regret is too late. Even if I cry a river, I cannot bring back the two years of my misery. The only reason why I came back is for Ella, but I am sorry, I failed you, my daughter.

We will start our life anew. Your father is now dead.

IVAN's POV

I saw Ellie standing on the veranda looking at a far horizon. Her shoulders are shaking.

"Is she crying?" I ask myself 

She stands there a bit long, I had finished my whisky, and she's still there.

Scenes from our past came flashing...

"Aris, we are heaven and earth... I am not fit for your status. I am a nurse, but I you from the start that I was able to finish my studies because of scholarships and other strategies. I graduated by hustling my tuition fees,"

"That doesn't matter..."

"Later, when you realize you propose marriage to a good-for-nothing nurse, you will bite your elbows in regret,"

"Please say yes, that's all I need,"

"I am afraid Aris, honestly, I may not be able to live to your level. And if ever I will, many will accuse me of being a gold digger,"

"Why care for other people?"

"I will accept my friend's invitation to work in London, he will sponsor my expenses,"

"He?"

"Yeah, my old-time friend from college days,"

"Are you choosing him over me?"

"Why would I choose him, he and I have no relationship, he is a full-pledge gay,"

"Still, I won't agree with your plan,"

"Give me 2 years, promise I will come back... I will  just find my fortune there to alleviate our economic status,"

"Marry me or we will end everything between us,"

My memories of the past and the spirit of whisky brought me to my slumber.

Early in the morning, I saw Ellie and Ella dressed... They get out of the gate and call for a taxi...

I phoned my guard to tell them, and inform me of where they were going.

After a minute, the guard is calling...

"Sir, they were in the public cemetery..."

"Okay, tell me the exact location,"

I hurriedly go to the public cemetery... There I found Ella and Ellie lighted candles and lay flowers in a grave.

"Daddy, I am very sorry, we did not meet... Mommy never knows you are already dead... But Daddy you rest in peace, I forgive you for whatever mistakes you did to Mommy... I love you, Daddy, even though we did not meet," Ella

"Daddy we will go back to Belgium with Daddy Ivan... don't worry Daddy, he loves Mommy and he loves me too... If we happen to go back to the Philippines, we will visit you, Daddy. Don't worry, Mommy told me she already forgave you... Rest in peace, Daddy. Please guard me and Mommy in our everyday undertakings... I pray for you Daddy... see you at the right time," Ella

So, that's the father of Ella... the poor man is already dead... 

I saw them leave the tombstone, and in curiosity, I went to the tombstone to read the name of the man.

To my surprise, the name on the tombstone ---- Renerio Aturdido... he is Ellie's father. But why did she introduce him to Ella as his father... dead father? I am very puzzled.

When I arrived home, Ella and Arra are now having their milk.

"Good morning, Daddy!" Arra

"Good morning, Dada," Ella

"Good morning to both of you," I replied

"MyMy bought me croissants, it's yummy,"

"Okay. Excuse me," I said excusing myself.

After lunch, I saw them watching movies in Arra's room... A cartoon character movie. I can hear the two little girls laugh and giggle. From time to time I hear them screaming and clapping. Arra enjoys Ella's company... The problem is when Ella leaves when they go home... I wish she is conditioned that on the weekend, the two- Ellie and Ella will go back to Belgium.

After a little while Arra's room becomes silent. I go to her room to check. As I peeped, I saw Ellie tucking them in bed, they were now fully asleep. She looks like a loving mother, caring for her daughters... but the fact that she is a cheater, cannot be erased with whatever goodness she will do.

I leave. I saw Ellie go to the guestroom. I cannot deny that even though she's wearing a house dress, she is as beautiful as ever. I want to hug her, but remembering what happened, I shiver with anger. I cannot hug a woman licked by any other man. I cannot imagine how she was able to do that to me when I did everything for her. I even defy my parents will. I never hear their words because I am blinded by my love for her. I disregard my friend's advice, I just focus on my love for her. 

And now... she cheated again and behaved like she never did anything wrong.

A w*ore indeed!

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