Once a Wife [English Version]

Chapter 6

Chapter VI

"Tania, how are we doing with the bookings for next year?"

"Ma'am, all set. They've confirmed, and some already paid their down payments. The other two will pay early next week. I gave them the go signal since their events are in the last week of January anyway."

"Okay, that's good. Thank you, Tania. It's nice that you all get to enjoy your vacation."

"Ma'am, someone's looking for you," another crew member knocked. "They said they want to talk to you."

Maricar looked at Tania, who quickly checked the calendar on her iPad. "Ma'am Maricar doesn't have any appointments. Did they say who they are?"

"Sorry, Ms. Tania... walk-in visitor."

"Tania, it's okay," Maricar said. "Let them in. I don't have any more appointments today anyway."

She sat on her swivel chair and pulled a pen from the drawer. Maricar was used to handling walk-ins, but lately, she preferred things to be by appointment — more orderly, less chaotic.

But one walk-in won't hurt, right?

Or so she thought.

"Maricar..."

A voice caught her completely off guard. She didn't know how he got in so quickly — and before she could react, he had pulled her into an embrace.

"Finally... you're here."

"Ma'am!" It was Tania. "Sir!" She grabbed Dominic by the arm.

"I'm sorry," he said with guilt in his voice. "I just... I missed her so much."

"Ma'am, are you okay? Should I send him out?"

Dominic shook his head. "I didn't mean any harm. I just want to see my wife."

Tania looked visibly shocked and quickly called security. Maricar was frozen. She wasn't prepared for this.

"What are you doing here?" she asked directly. "How did you even know I was here?"

"Two weeks, Icang... I've been looking for you and the kids for two weeks!" He pulled her into another embrace.

"Dominic..." she tried to push him away, but he was too strong.

"Dominic!" She shoved him hard, surprising him.

She was about to walk out when he pushed the door shut and locked it, standing in front of it to block her way.

"Dominic, please!"

"Can you just talk to me?" he pleaded. "What's going on? Why are you acting like this?" He looked desperate. "I went home, and you were gone. There were other people living in our house!"

He held her arm — gently, but firmly.

"I miss you... I miss the kids. Raven and Gryffin... and you just gave birth to Slyther, right?"

"Dominic!" She pushed him away before he could kiss her. She could already hear Tania and the others trying to open the door.

"For goodness' sake, Icang!" He nearly lost control.
"Talk to me! Explain! Why are you doing this to me? I'm going crazy—no one's telling me anything!"

"Why don't you ask Cynthia?"

"Who the hell is Cynth—"

"She's your goddamn wife!"

"Bullshit!"

She flinched, anger rising in his voice — the same tone he had when he used to explode over work stress and blame her.

She felt fear creep in. She didn't want to revisit that past.

"Please... leave."

"Icang..."

She stepped back when he turned to face her again.
"What did I do?" He held her by the arms again. "I don't understand..."

"That's because it's not 1998 anymore, Dominic!" she cried. "So many years have passed. It's already 2013!"

He hugged her tightly. "No, Icang... you're my wife. You're the one I love."

"Please, let go..." she shut her eyes, shaking her head.
"I'm sorry."

"No, it can't be! What about our sons — Raven and Gryffin? You just gave birth to Slyther!" He held her hand again. "I can't just walk away—"

"But you did, Dominic." Her voice cracked. "You left us. Seven years ago..."

"H-How... I couldn't have... That's not possible..."

"And by the way, our marriage was invalid. The law never recognized it. That's how you were able to marry Cynthia and have a child with her—"

"What?! What do you mean invalid? That's not possible!" He cut her off, panic in his eyes. "And what child?! We have a child?"

"We've moved on, Dominic. Please... don't bother us anymore—"

"I-I don't love her..." he broke down. "You're my wife. Please, come with me... you're my family..."

Maricar couldn't believe this was happening.
This was what she had longed for — seven years ago.

But now... it was too late.

"I love you, Icang." Before she could react, Dominic cupped her face and kissed her.

Her eyes widened in shock.

No!

She gathered all her strength and pushed him away.

She slapped him before he could say her name again.

"Stop this, Dominic! You left us a long time ago. You forgot us — and we did the same to you! So please, just leave us alone! Accept that it's over!"

The door finally burst open. Tania and the others came in with security and pulled Dominic away.

He didn't resist. And she didn't have the strength to stand.

Maricar collapsed onto the floor. Tania kept calling her name, but she could barely hear anything. Tears streamed down her face.

Dominic had ripped open a wound that had already healed.

How dare he show up again — in the very place where she rebuilt her life?

She was still holding her lip — the one he had kissed and bitten. She sighed.

Why did he have to awaken the memories she fought so hard to bury?

With just one kiss, it all came flooding back.

How they met.

How they fell in love.

And how he left her... for another woman.

Seven years.

She was fine now. She had accepted everything.
But why did he have to return?

Why kiss her and hold her like before?

Why now — when she was finally okay?

"Baby?" It was Tristan — breathless, rushing in.
He immediately knelt beside her.

"What happened? What did he do to you? Did he hurt you? Tell me..." She hugged him tightly. "I was so worried when they called me," he murmured. "Baby, please... Did he hurt you?"

"I want to go home, Tristan..." she whispered.
"Take me home..."

"Alright," he nodded, no hesitation, as he kissed her forehead. "Let's go..."