Once a Wife [English Version]

Chapter 23

"What?" Maricar's voice shook. "Leave? What are you talking about?"

"Stop the act, Maricar," Clarisse pressed on. "This isn't about the baby's father anymore. Just admit it—you're still in love with that man!" She pointed at Dominic. "You've been planning to leave my cousin!"

Tristan was stunned into silence. He looked down at the plane tickets—and photocopies of their passports with visas.

"Tristan..."

"Maricar, is this true?" he asked.

The words hit her like a slap. But what hurt more wasn't the question itself—it was his silence. That he could even consider believing Clarisse made her heart freeze.

"Tristan..." she whispered, her voice cracking, eyes filled with hurt.

She hadn't even finished her explanation, but her heart was already shattered.

She stood up—refusing to listen to any more lies. And before she walked away, she turned to Clarisse and slapped her. Hard.

"Babe—" Tristan started, reaching for her.

"Don't come near me," she said, stepping back.

She heard nothing after that.

She just wanted to disappear.

⸻

She went home alone.

Left the kids with Tristan.

If only Maricris had been here, none of this would've happened.

She called her sister, who was abroad for a business conference. She was crying, but Maricris quickly calmed her down.

"I'm flying home. I'll book a ticket now. Don't leave the house. Stay in your room—you're not supposed to be stressed. And that bitch? I'm going to have words with her."

After the call ended, Raven arrived.

"My..." He rushed to her and pulled her into a tight hug. "Why did you leave alone? I nearly lost my mind trying to find you."

"How did you even walk that fast, My?" asked Gryffin. "Wait, let me call Slyther. He's looking for you too—"

Before she could stop him, a loud voice rang from outside.

"Maricar!"

Cynthia? What was she doing here?

"Ma, please!" Abby tried to stop her. "Please, not here, Ma!"

"Maricar!" Cynthia shouted as she stormed toward the house. "Get out of my way, Abby! I knew it. I knew I was right. I even swallowed my pride to come to that party—and now the truth comes out! I need to talk to that woman!"

"Gryffin, stay with Mom," Raven instructed and ran outside. But Maricar rushed to the window, trying to see what was going on.

"Ma, the neighbors are watching!" Abby pleaded.

"Be quiet!" Cynthia snapped, yanking Abby's arm and shoving her. Raven caught her before she fell down the stairs.

"Maricar!" Cynthia shouted again.

Maricar stepped outside. "What's going on here?"

"Tita, please go inside. I'm so sorry—" Abby tried to pull her mother away again, but Cynthia resisted.

"What's your problem?" Maricar asked, as calmly as she could.

"You!" Cynthia spat, pointing at her. "You're my problem!"