Perfect Imperfection

Chapter 3

Consequences of Lies

Reese's POV

4 years went by, and our so-called contract marriage became a cold, mechanical arrangement.

We slept in separate rooms, had separate meals, and lived separate lives. It was a life full of lies. We smile when there's a camera, we smile when there are events, but at home---no warmth, no connection. He always ignored me.

Riley's anger only grew as he discovered the truth... I had faked the pregnancy.

Nalaman ni Riley na hindi ako talaga buntis.

Paano?

Never lumaki ang tyan ko.

Pero lahat naman ginawa ko---lahat naman pinilit kong mangyari. I want to give him a child. I was unbothered by his fury. He was trapped in this life with me, and that was all that mattered.

And all I want to get is assurance that I have a weapon against him.

And that is a child that will connect us.

A reason for him to never leave me or put me aside.

4 years.

Time flies so fast.

Gabi na nang aksidenteng makita ko si Riley sa kitchen, kumakain ng late night snack. So, I walked over talk to him, sabik na sabik akong magdaldal sa kanya. He's so busy these days.

"Hey Sam," sabi ko, isang ngiti sa labi ko habang pumili ng snack sa table. "Eating late?"

Riley just grunted in response. Hindi naman siya tumitingin sa akin. I pouted. Atleast he should reply. "What do you want?"

"Wala naman," sagot ko, naglalakad-lakad sa paligid ng kitchen. "Pero, have you ever thought about spending some quality time with me? I mean, it's been a while since you moved your hips on top of me. You've become busy since your last business trip."

Riley looked up, visibly annoyed.

I love seeing him glare. It makes him more hot in my eyes. His features have become more mature in the last four years. His shoulder becomes more broadened, and his body becomes more ripped.

"Sex here, sex there. Do you want a child? It's been a while since we're doing it. Pero wala paring nabubuo. I think you should go see a doctor. Baka mamaya baog ka pala." His sarcasm was like a dagger, pero hindi ako nagpakita ng pag-aalala. Tumawa lang ako at nagpatuloy sa pagkain. 

Pinanood ko sya. Hanggang iwan nya ako.

I'll prove him wrong.

Kinabukasan, pumunta ako sa ospital para magpacheck-up. I don't even know why I'm here. I was affected by Riley's words. After my check-up, I was now with my doctor, checking my results. 

The doctor's words were like a punch to the gut. 

"The tests indicate that your fallopian tubes are blocked. We found that you have a hormonal imbalance that can affect your ovulation. I'm sorry, Mrs. Montassori, but it appears that you're infertile. Unfortunately, you won't be able to conceive." He looked at the result and explained more information, 

but one word stuck in my mind.... infertile.

My head won't process.

It becomes blank.

Hindi ko alam kung paano na ako nakabalik sa kotse sa sobrang kalutangan. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang gagawin ko. Ang bigat ng dibdib ko. Sabi ko sa sarili ko, I'll show Riley he's wrong. But he's not wrong after all?