Once a Wife [English Version]

Chapter 2

Chapter II

In the Regional Trial Court
February 17, 2007
G.R. No. L-20737X
Delaverde vs. Delaverde

DECISION

Upon careful consideration of the evidence presented and in accordance with Article 35 of the Family Code, which declares as void marriages where one or both parties are below eighteen (18) years of age, this Court hereby acknowledges the petition for declaration of nullity of marriage.

It has been duly established that at the time of the marriage between Dominic Delaverde, who was nineteen (19) years old, and Maria Carmina Martinez Delaverde, who was seventeen (17) years old, one party was below the minimum legal age for marriage. In accordance with the law, such marriage is void ab initio, regardless of parental consent.

Thus, pursuant to Article 35 of the Family Code, the marriage between Dominic Delaverde and Maria Carmina Martinez Delaverde is hereby declared null and void.

The Court further directs the proper civil registry authorities to update the relevant civil records to reflect the nullity of the said marriage.

SO ORDERED.

Maricar stared blankly into space when she heard her youngest daughter Huffle call her. It had been a month since the hearing, yet she kept rereading the court's decision over and over again.

"Mommy, Ninang is here," Huffle said. At that exact moment, her sister arrived, and their eyes met.

"Icang, you have to get out of this room," her sister reminded her. After the hearing, Maricar and her children moved to a new place—far from Dominic's knowledge. They settled in Cavite, near her sister's house.

"I know you're still hurting, but... your kids are waiting for you to come out of that door."

"Nanay Lucing is there anyway..."

"Yes, but that's not the point—never mind. Come on, we have somewhere to go." Her sister pulled her toward the bathroom. "Hurry, we have a lot to do today."

Maricar had no choice but to follow. What she didn't expect was that her sister brought her to get a makeover!

"This is too short!" she exclaimed. "Highlights? My hair might get damaged—"

"Don't listen to her," another woman said.

"She's so stubborn," her sister interrupted again.

"What?"

"Don't make me go there, Maricar. Let them do their job!" Her sister answered a call and walked away for a moment. Maricar pouted. Was her sister saying she doesn't listen?

Was she blaming her for the failed marriage? And yet, she's the lawyer, and she didn't even advise her properly! She wanted to throw a fit, but when she saw herself in the mirror, all her irritation faded.

She could barely recognize herself. Was that really her?

"Good job, Ace," Maricris smiled. "Enough sulking, okay? I'm not your enemy here. Just for once, listen to me. I may not know what's best for you, but I won't let you lock yourself in that room forever, Icang."

Her sister was right. She couldn't take her eyes off the mirror. "We're not done yet. Let's go, we have one more stop." She was surprised it was already getting dark outside. How long had she been in there?

"Ate, I can't wear this," she said after seeing the dress her sister gave her. "I'm not Cynthia."

"What do you mean?"