Once a Wife [English Version]

Chapter 29

Tristan glanced at his watch for the third time.

Almost 3 PM. She's late. Again.

He gave the admin an awkward smile. "Sorry, maybe she got stuck in traffic. She's usually on time."

"No worries, sir. Pastor Jerome doesn't have any other schedule today," the admin reassured him. "We also have coffee—would you like some?"

He shook his head and smiled politely. His nerves were already too tight for coffee.

A part of him feared she wouldn't come at all.

They had already missed one session weeks ago. And lately... Maricar wasn't herself. The way she spoke. The way she looked at him. He knew there was a wall between them now, especially since she was keeping secrets from him.

Leaning back in his chair, Tristan gripped his phone, checking over and over if Maricar had replied.

Nothing.

He didn't know if she was just late, or if she had decided not to come.

Then, the door opened.

"Tristan?"

He turned. Hope leapt in his chest—only to fall again.

It wasn't her.

It was Pastor Jerome.

"Come, son," the pastor offered warmly, holding two cups of coffee. "Maricar's not here yet? Come wait with me in the office."

What choice did he have? Tristan nodded silently.

Inside Pastor Jerome's office, his eyes wandered to the photos on the wall. A large family portrait hung in the center.

"I have a big family, don't I?" the pastor said, trying to break the silence. Tristan remained quiet, while the pastor sipped from his cup.

But Jerome could already sense the heaviness.

"How are you, Tristan?" he asked gently. "The last time I saw you, you were still in campus."

Campus—that was how the church called its youth ministry. Yes, Tristan had been reached out to by Jerome back when he was a campus missionary.

Time really had flown.

Tristan let out a deep breath. "I'm... okay."

Jerome gave him a knowing smile. "I remember—that's exactly what you said when we first met. Later, I found out you had just lost your dog."

Tristan blinked, remembering. He hadn't wanted to attend service that time because he was grieving his golden retriever, Max. His classmate had invited him to a small group anyway, and that's where he met Jerome.

Back then, Jerome had been intentional. And now, he was being intentional again.

Tristan's lips trembled. "I-I just lost my baby..." His voice cracked. "My baby girl... with the woman I love."

Jerome reached out and placed a steadying hand on his shoulder. "Tristan, I'm so sorry. When did this happen?"

"J-Just a few weeks ago. Almost a month..." He exhaled shakily. "I've lost count. I don't even want to count—it haunts me."

The pastor nodded, waiting. No pressure. No judgment.

"I'm so tired," Tristan admitted in a whisper. "I'm doing everything I can, but it's like nothing's enough. Maricar... she's different now."

"Tell me more," Jerome encouraged.

"She used to be warm, soft. Now it's like she's always far away. She barely speaks to me. Sometimes, she won't even look me in the eye."