Once a Wife [English Version]

Chapter 18

Saturday came, and there was no denying how excited Slyther was for the day. He even woke them up at 5 A.M.

"How are you feeling?" Maricris asked as they loaded their things into the car. "Did you at least eat?"

Maricar nodded. "I'm okay. But can you drive for now? I don't think I can handle long drives... I'm not in the mood."

Slyther had told her that Dominic booked a place in Batangas—somewhere down south, roughly a two-hour drive from Manila.

"Of course," her sister answered. Raven and Huffle still looked half-asleep as they got in the car, while Slyther and Gryffin could barely contain their excitement to see their dad.

They arrived around 7:30 AM. The weather was perfect, and the place was serene and almost magical. It was the kind of place she once dreamed of spending her honeymoon in—and she was sure Tristan would love it too.

But it's not a honeymoon anymore. She's already carrying a child in her womb.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Maricris teased, noticing what her sister was wearing. It wasn't like she was trying to impress anyone at all—just a simple two-piece under a see-through top and denim shorts.

"Wow, and you're not excited to hit the beach?" Maricris laughed.

You'd never guess Maricris was a mother of two. She could easily pass for 25. Must be the genes.

The kids started unloading the car. The air smelled of fresh saltwater—and it was heavenly.

"This is exactly what I needed! A vacation, finally!" Maricris stretched her arms wide and tilted her head back as if she were flying.

"By the way, where's Kuya Eugene and the kids?" Maricar asked. "You should've brought them."

"I did. They'll just follow later. The girls still have ballet, and Uge had to go to work first. But he promised he'd come. And if he doesn't, I swear I'll skin him alive."

Maricar laughed, imagining her brother-in-law's reaction if he dared cancel. But that man adored her sister. No way he'd bail.

"Hi!"

"Dad!" Slyther and Gryffin ran to him. Seeing them reminded her of when Raven used to run to Dominic like that. But back then, it was Raven who always reached him first.

She glanced at Raven, who was helping Huffle unload the rest of the bags.

Maricris nudged her and whispered, "In all fairness, your ex still looks damn fine."

She looked again—and okay, yeah. Dominic was in nothing but board shorts. Seriously, Maricris?

Fine. The man looked like a Gucci model. Wasn't he 37? Same as Tristan, if she remembered correctly.

"How was the trip?" Dominic asked, picking up some of their things. "I've prepared food at the villa. You can all rest in your rooms first if you want."

He guided them in, and the first thing she noticed was how blue and clean the water was.

"Wow. Do you have other guests here?" Maricris asked, stunned by how much food was prepared.

"Oh, it's just us and—"

"Hi!"

They all turned toward the unfamiliar voice of a beautiful girl.

"Dad, here's what you asked for."

Dad? Did she hear that right?

"Everyone, this is Abby," Dominic said, locking eyes with her. "Abby, these are your siblings."