Once a Wife [English Version]

Chapter 20

"YOU looked so happy..." Abby said on their way home, "You have a very beautiful family, Dad" She sweetly said.

He couldn't deny it either. He just can't believe that this would happen, again. It only seems yesterday that he was able to carry them on his shoulder but earlier, he was able to talk with them, play with them and even laugh with them.

"You missed them, don't you?" He nodded yes, but he missed a lot too. He missed so many years that he's having a hard time to keep up with them.

"I'm just curious, Dad" Abby took a deep breath and looked at him, "Why did you leave... I mean, them?"

That question always hit him inside because he couldn't even answer it. How he wishes he knew what he had done in order to do something about it and maybe make it right.

"Honestly, Abby. I don't know," He answered as he focused on the road, "I just woke up and realized that they are not anymore...mine"

Abby nodded understandably, "You must love Mama so much then," she said as she looked out the window, "You know, Dad. Growing up, I never understand why you're not coming home every night until Mama said that... We're the other family"

He was surprised by what his daughter said, "I got so mad at you for that, Dad. That's why I left home because I can't stand that you're doing that and I hate that Mama actually allows it... because no one would want to be..." she paused and sighed, "an illegitimate child, right?"

He saw how Abby's eyes got misty, "But then, one night you came home and married Mama, and everything changes..."

He stopped the car when the traffic light signals red then he took the time to look at her again, "I'm so sorry, Abby" He didn't know what else to say. What kind of father was he to hurt his children this way? What kind of man was he to do this in the first place?

"It's okay, Dad. What matters now is that we're okay." She half-smiled, "They are all nice... except Ra-- Kuya Raven."

"He's a nice lad, Abby"

She shrugged her shoulders, "I think he hates me or is he mad at me? I don't know,"

Dominic sighed, "He's not mad at you," He's mad at me. He thought.

The rest of the ride was just a peaceful silence but that silence didn't last long when Cynthia was still awake when they arrived.

"You said that you'll be home before 7 PM but its past 12 AM, Dominic!" Here they go again, this is what he always tries to avoid every time he goes home.

He can't always fight with his wife. Fuck, he's still not used to call her that.

"Did you have too much fun? Huh?" She pushed him, "Why? What else did you do with her, huh?"

Dominic gritted his teeth, "Don't you dare..." he warned.

"Why? What would you gonna do?" Cynthia taunted with eyes sharped on him. She clenched her fist and jaw but her eyes were composed of pain and fear like this is the moment she didn't want to happen.

He sighed, "I'm staying here because I respect our marriage, Cynthia" He didn't break his eye contact with her as he advanced and towered her.

"Our marriage that I didn't even remember" he added. He was thinking of another way to say it without hurting her feelings, but he left her with no choice.

"She would never take me back, Cynthia. So don't act like a jealous wife because it was already done between us." His heart can't still accept that fact but it's the truth, "Am I really the one who has amnesia, Cynthia?"