Mirror Mirror

Chapter 21: No DNA Needed

"I love you," Martina murmured, her voice soft and filled with emotion. 

But Alex didn't say it back.

Martina's head rested on Alex's chest, her fingers lazily tracing patterns on Alex's skin. It was nearly 5 in the afternoon, after what must have been six or seven rounds. They'd lost count, too consumed by their passion.

"That was amazing," Alex murmured, her voice thick with satisfaction and lingering disbelief.

Martina smiled faintly, her own body still recovering. "It was," she agreed softly, shifting closer to Alex's warmth.

There was a moment of quiet. The sound of their breathing filled the room, and Martina hesitated before speaking again.

"Mahal..." Martina's voice wavered slightly.

"Hm?" Alex hummed noncommittally, though her jaw tightened. The familiar term of endearment stung—Martina had left her before, and the memory still felt fresh despite the years.

"Babawi ako," Martina whispered, her voice trembling with sincerity. "Please, let me."

Alex's breath hitched. She hesitated, conflicted. Then, she spoke carefully, her voice steady but tinged with restraint. "I want to be honest with you... I just started seeing someone."

Martina froze. Her heart dropped, but she clenched her fists tightly and took a deep breath. "I don't care. I'll do my best. I'll wait. I'll fight for you."

Alex let out a weary sigh, rubbing her temples. "We can't just pick up where we left off, Martina. I can't just forget everything."

"I'm not asking you to forget," Martina said firmly, cupping Alex's face. "I'm asking for a chance to make it right. To start over."

Alex looked away, silent, torn between her lingering feelings and the walls she'd built to protect herself.

Time Skip

The next morning...

Martina rushed into the hospital, holding hands with her twins, Martha and Martin. It was pouring rain outside, and the kids had canceled classes. With her parents unavailable and her siblings tied up, she had no choice but to bring the twins to work.

"Behave, okay?" Martina said, crouching down to adjust Martin's backpack.

Martha grinned up at her, holding a small umbrella. "Okay, Momma!"

The twins held hands as they entered the hospital lobby, drawing smiles from everyone they passed. Their chatter filled the air as they talked about their favorite cartoons and argued about which one had the better lunchbox.

"Martina!" Sab called from across the hallway, standing with Shania near the elevators.

Martina waved as she approached, her kids in tow. "Good morning, Sab, Shania."

Sab tilted her head curiously. "Saan ka nagpunta kahapon? Sabi ng babycakes ko magkausap daw kayo ni Alex."

Martina stiffened but forced a neutral smile. "We just had a meeting."

Shania smirked knowingly and whispered, "Meeting or mating?"

Martina shot her a glare, her cheeks flushing. "Focus on your rounds!"

Sab and Shania laughed but didn't press further as Martina hurried off, the twins trailing behind her.

Martina had two baby deliveries scheduled today, and she needed to leave the twins with someone she could trust. They were on their way to Dra. Yvon's clinic.