Forbidden Relationship (Forbidden Series #3) (Completed)

Chapter 42

Ate Grapes arranges our passports for our return trip to the Philippines. I inform Dr. Cedric that we're going home, and he says he'll join us.

Meanwhile, I begin preparing the requirements for my resignation from the hospital. Kuya Mark hasn't said how long Ate Grapes and I will stay in the Philippines—no exact timeline.

A few days later, we finally leave for home. Kuya Mark picks us up at the airport. As we approach him, I notice a beautiful woman standing beside him. She looks so innocent, especially in her white dress.

Ate Grapes and I exchange glances. When I silently question her with my eyes, she only shrugs.

She walks ahead, so I quicken my pace. Dr. Cedric trails behind us, carrying some of our luggage.

I wasn't supposed to give him one of my bags, but Ate handed it over to him. He insisted on carrying hers, and when she refused, he insisted even more—so mine ended up with him too.

Dr. Cedric looks completely burdened by the load he's carrying.

When we finally reach Kuya, Ate immediately asks, "Who is she?"—her tone sharp, as she points to the woman standing quietly beside him.

Kuya gently pulls the woman closer and wraps his arm around her waist. "This is Claudine, my wife."

I freeze the moment I hear that name. It's been so long since I last heard it—but I know I'm not mistaken. I heard that name before… from Sovie's brother, Kuya Zhack.

Ate Grapes laughs, then glances at me in surprise before turning back to Claudine. "She looks like Aphle," she comments with a chuckle.

I furrow my brows and study the woman. She meets my gaze shyly, offering a small, polite smile. I smile back.

Ate doesn't ask anything more while we're at the airport. It's too crowded, and the noise from families reuniting drowns out any chance for quiet conversation.

We head outside where Kuya's car is waiting. Some of our luggage goes into the trunk; the rest was already loaded into the car Dr. Cedric sent.

That's when I realize—his family must be wealthy. He dresses so simply, you'd never guess he comes from money.

As we drive, Ate Grapes finally speaks up again.

"How long have you been married to Claudine, Kuya?"

"More than 4 months now," he answers.

"We talk often, but you didn't even tell us you got married," Ate says, rolling her eyes and shaking her head.

"It was a simple, private wedding. That's why I didn't mention it."

"Even so," Ate insists. "Aphle and I could've attended—even just through video call."

"We're having another wedding next year. A proper one, in church," Kuya replies. He glances at Claudine with a smile so big I can't help but smile too.

Even if I have a strange feeling about their marriage, I push it aside. If Kuya's happy, then it's okay.

As we drive farther from the airport, I catch the salty scent of the sea. I roll down the car window and realize we're on a coastal road. The ocean stretches out on one side.

The breeze is strong. The scent of the sea is thick in the air. I close my eyes and breathe in deeply. It feels refreshing.

I wonder how the country is doing now. Have the Filipinos awakened? Have they learned from their mistakes?

I hope those in power are doing better. The Philippines wasn't progressing when we left. I never dared check online, afraid that news about my mother's case would resurface.