THE CROWDED MARRIAGE

Chapter 17

Maeve Dominique Valencia
-present-

Even without Ivory, I can protect myself.

And I'll destroy that man. I don't care if he's one of the important people in society... I'll ruin him.

I will not allow someone to let go that easily. I was shocked at first because he was more potent at that moment... but I'll make him regret what he did.

It's been four days since that happened. I was in a state of shock... making myself realize what had happened.

I wasn't raped, but that dirty person touched me inappropriately.

And I hated myself when I remembered how helpless I was that night.

I hated myself because I felt dirty after that man touched, smelled, and kissed my skin. It's been days that I always stay longer than usual in the bathroom just to remove that dirt I am feeling in my body.

I didn't cry anymore... but the trauma stayed.

It's been four days since I was alone in the penthouse.

I don't know if I'll be thankful because Ivory wasn't here, and I don't know how I will approach him in my state... or I'll be mad at him for leaving me without any explanation.

While looking at myself in the mirror just after I got out of the bathroom, I chose nice clothes for myself.

I went to my vanity mirror and put on my makeup. Inayos ko yung aking sarili na para bang walang nangyari sa akin na kung ano.

Then, after making myself look presentable, I took my handbag with me. I also brought my car key and drove straight to my dad's company.

When I finally got inside the company, people were looking at me. They also greeted me, but I just nodded my head at them in response out of respect... I don't have the energy to talk.

I didn't waste any more time and went to my dad's office. The secretary doesn't want me to go because my dad is busy.

"Tell him it's her daughter," I just said because I didn't want to bring up my name when an employee was just doing his work.

"Okay, ma'am."

The secretary returned to me and allowed me to enter my dad's office. I saw him sitting on his office chair.

He subtly gazed at me and went back to the papers. "You look fine," he muttered in his usual tone.

I couldn't help but remember Ivory... ganyan ba sila? Bakit parang wala lang sa kanila yung nangyari sa akin? They all act cold when I'm his own daughter and Ivory's my husband, who witnessed what happened and then just left me alone on my own.

"I look fine..." I sarcastically muttered, which piqued my dad's interest. He brought down his pen from atop his office table.

"Dad, did you know what kind of man Alfred Tolentino was?" I asked calmly.

My dad just clasped his hand on his table like this is just some sort of meeting he needs to settle with me.

"Ivory told me not to bother you. And I did, even if you're neglecting your responsibility here in our company. What do you want me to do else?"

I fisted my hand while looking at my dad.

"You're stronger, Maeve."

Our eye contact was cut off when someone entered my dad's office room. It was mom with her usual remarkable coincidence.

"Oh, Maeve? You're here," my mom says. She went to me first and kissed my cheeks.

My mom went beside my dad. "I have something to say, but I guess I came at the wrong time. What's happening here?" she asked while looking at dad.