Once a Wife [English Version]

Chapter 11

It was already past 9 PM, and Raven still wasn't back—with Slyther.

She wanted to go out and look for them, but the storm outside was relentless. Rain poured violently, almost as if echoing the storm in her chest. Still, she chose to believe in Raven. She knew he wouldn't let anything happen to them. So she stood there, by the window, watching... waiting.

"Mommy, don't cry."

Huffle quietly wrapped her arms around her waist, hugging her from behind.

"They'll come back, Kuya will..."

She turned, gently cradling Huffle's face. "I'm okay, Puffie," she said with a soft smile—one her heart didn't feel.

But Huffle's eyes clouded over. She let out a shaky sigh.

"What is it, sweetheart?"

The little girl looked up at her, fear trembling in her voice.
"Is it true... that you cheated on Daddy?"

Her world stopped.

Slowly, she tucked loose strands of hair behind Huffle's ear and tilted her chin up.

"Baby... there's only one father you have. And I would never—ever—betray him. Or you."

"But he's not really my dad... Papa Tristan is..."

"Puffie..."

"He doesn't even remember me, Mommy..." Her voice cracked, confusion laced with hurt. "Is he mad at me? Is that why he left?"

"No. Oh, baby, no." She pulled her into her arms. "He got into an accident a long time ago... and lost a lot of memories. You were one of them."

Her voice faltered.

"You were so young... but he loved you. I promise, he did."

She couldn't tell her everything. Not yet. She just couldn't let her children grow up carrying anger like Raven did.

"Mommy, can I ask you something?"

"Of course, baby. Anything."

"Please... please don't let him take us away. Any of us."

The words hit like ice. Puffie didn't need to beg. Not for that.

She hugged her tighter. "I won't, Puffie. I promise."

"I love you, Mommy."

"I love you more, sweetheart..."

The little girl soon fell asleep on her lap.

Moments later, Gryffin appeared in the hallway. He walked quietly toward them. She moved to stand, but felt the weight of Huffle sleeping soundly against her.

"Why are you up? You should be resting," she whispered.

"I'm okay, Mom," he said, sitting on the armrest beside her. "You're still waiting?"

She nodded.

"Don't worry. They'll be home soon."

"I'm sorry, Gryffin," she said, taking his hand. "I didn't want to keep the truth from you..."

He gently squeezed her fingers.

"It's okay, Mom. You did what you thought was right."

"You didn't deserve this, anak. None of you did..."

"Neither did you," he said. "You didn't deserve any of this either."

She blinked away the tears. "Whatever you feel toward your father..."