Once a Wife [English Version]

Chapter 28

The place was buzzing with polite chatter and corporate energy. People in long sleeves, holding wine glasses, laughing about contracts worth millions.

But that wasn't why Maricris is here.

She was looking for her sister.

She could still remember how desperate Tristan had been when he came to her.

"She's not in Lipa."

Maricris looked up from her phone. "What?"

"She said they'd be at a farm retreat. In Lipa. But I checked the farm she mentioned... no scheduled booking. I even called—no event for grief support this week."

Maricris bit her lip. "She lied?"

"I don't know," Tristan said, pacing. "Maybe the venue changed? But something feels... off."

He pulled out his phone and scrolled through Maricar's photos, noticing something strange.

"This was taken today," he said, zooming in. "Look at the background."

Maricris squinted. "That's not a farm. That's a hotel lobby."

"She's in Antipolo," Tristan confirmed, pulling up the venue's page. "I've been there before."

Her heart dropped. "She's not at the retreat...?"

"No," Tristan said, his jaw tight. He was quiet for a moment before turning to her again. "I need your help, Cris. I-I need your help..." His voice was low, pleading.

Maricris couldn't answer. She knew something was wrong, too. She just didn't want to admit it.

"She's not grieving," she muttered. "She's planning something."

And then—she saw her. Across the hall.

Maricar.

Smiling. Dressed elegantly. Confident.

It was the version of her sister she once prayed to see again. But now that she was here, something felt... different.

Her eyes. Her aura. It was like looking at a stranger.

And that feeling only deepened when Dominic arrived—two wine glasses in hand, offering one to Maricar.

He looked at her like she was the only person in the room.

And Maricar?

She took the wine. Laughed. Nodded.

"No. No. No." Maricris shook her head, forcing herself not to scream then and there.

She knew her sister. Knew her inside and out.

And right now?

Something was wrong.

She didn't reveal herself. She didn't approach. She turned away and walked out of the crowd.

⸻

It was almost checkout time. Maricar walked in holding the flowers Dominic had given her earlier, a secret smile slipping onto her face.

"This must be some retreat," a voice cut through the air. "Flowers and all. You looked fine."

"A-Ate..."

"Yes, Icang?"

Silence.

Maricar swallowed hard. "What are you doing here?"

Maricris didn't answer. She just stared. Straight. Silent. Sharp.

"I just wanted to be sure."

"Sure of what?"