Once a Wife [English Version]

Chapter 16

Dominic had just arrived home from a date when he received a message from his son.

Slyther:
Dad, are you home?

He smiled upon reading it and replied without hesitation.

Him:
I am. Why are you still awake? I know you're tired.

After Slyther's class earlier, they went out for snacks and spent the afternoon at the arcade. They talked about a lot of things—like Emma, the girl Slyther had a crush on.

They had fun. Real father-and-son bonding time. Dominic only wished Raven and Gryffin could join next time.

Slyther:
I can't sleep.

Dominic's brows furrowed as he quickly replied, asking why.

Slyther:
Kuya Raven and Huffle won't come because Mommy won't come either.

It was about his plan to celebrate Slyther's birthday this coming weekend. He had a feeling Maricar might not join, but he tried anyway.

Him:
It's okay, son. We can still go if you want. What do you think?

The reply didn't take long.

Slyther:
Sorry, Dad, but I can't spend it without them. I hope you understand.

He sighed.

Of course, he did.

Now, he always would.

Him:
Don't be sad, son. Want to go to the arcade again this weekend? Just the two of us?

There was no reply. Maybe Slyther had already fallen asleep.

He entered a house that barely felt like home.

But what could he do now?

Nothing.

⸻

"You're late..." He froze at the door when he saw Cynthia waiting in the living room. "Where were you again?"

Cynthia had been patient with him since he got out of the hospital, but tonight, her restraint was wearing thin.

"I was taking care of something."

"You went to them again." She wasn't asking—it sounded like a conclusion. Her expression shifted as she crossed her arms. "I'm right, aren't I?"

Dominic sighed. He couldn't lie. She was right.

He had been parked near Maricar's house earlier—just sitting in the car, watching them through the window. Watching the family he could no longer touch. No longer kiss. The family he once dreamt of... no longer his.

His silence confirmed everything. Cynthia turned away to hide her tears, but her composure cracked.

"Why do you keep going back to them?" she cried. "What do they have that you can't forget? Why can't you move on?"

"I don't want to fight, Cynthia. Stop this..." He tried to walk away, but she grabbed his arm and turned him around.

"I'm your wife!" she burst out. "I've been your wife for seven years, Dominic. Seven long years..."

"Stop. Just stop, Cynthia!" he snapped, jaw clenched. "I don't want to hear it..."

He locked eyes with her.

He never wanted it to reach this point. But it was spiraling out of control.

"I don't want to keep hearing how I left my family..."