Once a Wife [English Version]

Chapter 17

Maricar woke up feeling under the weather. Her body felt weak and sore, and she couldn't even bring herself to move.

Definitely the pregnancy hormones.

But she was forced to get out of bed and rush to the bathroom to vomit.

Ugh! So annoying! She had been pregnant four times before, but this felt like a whole new experience. She carefully stood up from where she was kneeling and washed her face.

She sighed, looking at herself in the mirror.

This is it. I really am pregnant.

She placed a hand on her still-flat belly and couldn't help but smile.

This baby wasn't just a product of love—it was a reminder of God's promise and faithfulness. He had given her another chance to be happy. Another chance to love and be loved again after everything she had lost.

Thank You, Lord, she whispered in her thoughts.

She went downstairs after freshening up—only to be surprised by who was standing in the kitchen.

"Good morning, Mommy!" Slyther greeted with a kiss. "Let's have breakfast, My! Dad made it for us." He led her to the dining table and even pulled a chair out for her.

"Good morning, Mommy. Good morning, Dad!" Gryffin also greeted her. He was already dressed in his school uniform, ready for the day.

"G-Good morning... Where's Kuya Raven and Huffle?" she asked. "Call them so we can all eat together."

Gryffin nodded and headed upstairs.

Dominic came toward her—wearing her pink apron. The same one Huffle had knitted for a school project. He set down some plates and served her fried rice, sunny side up eggs, hotdogs, and bacon.

"I-I can manage," she said with a sigh. "D-Dominic, you shouldn't be here—"

She was cut off when Raven and Huffle entered the dining room. As always, Raven's stare toward his father was ice cold.

She felt it—still the same hatred.

"Good morning, Raven," Dominic greeted calmly. "Let's eat?"

Gryffin and Slyther sat in their seats and began serving themselves.

"I prepared your favorite breakfast," Dominic added, looking at Raven. He was obviously trying to make peace—but they both knew it wouldn't be that easy.

"Oooh, this looks so good, Dad!" Slyther beamed as he looked at the spread. He reached for the bacon but paused. "Oh, wait. Dad... I don't eat bacon."

"You don't? I thought that was your favorite?" Dominic asked, brows furrowed.

Maricar was about to speak, but Raven beat her to it.

"He's allergic," Raven said in a flat tone as he helped himself to food. "It's Gryffin who loves bacon."

Silence fell on the table for a moment. It was awkward—but at least Gryffin came to the rescue.

"Join us, Dad!" he said, trying to ease the tension. "Huffle, eat more!"

Slyther and Gryffin started chatting, and Maricar reached for Raven's hand and smiled at him.

She admired how he handled things. It was mature of him. Despite what he felt, he never disrespected his father.

That was just how Raven was—selfless and grounded. Even if he hated Dominic, he wouldn't make a scene.

Maybe it was for her sake. Regardless, she was thankful.