Once a Wife [English Version]

Chapter 31

"Abby called. Dominic was rushed to the hospital," Raven announced while pouring milk into his cereal. No warning, just straight to the point.

Maricar froze mid-sip, the mug trembling in her hand.

"What?" she asked, trying to sound casual, though her heartbeat was already racing. "What happened?"

"He just collapsed. Abby texted me at dawn." Raven scrolled through his phone.

Her hand stiffened around the mug.

Abby? Since when have those two been talking?

But the thought quickly slipped away, replaced by worry.

"Do you know which hospital?" she asked softly.

"She didn't say, My. Do you want me to ask?"

Maricar just nodded, then stood. "No worries, anak. Excuse me, I need to make a call."

Of course, she had no plans to call.

⸻

She came to see him.

Maricar walked down the hospital corridor in calm, calculated strides. Black slacks, blazer, dark shades—no trace of her sleepless nights.

But beneath the façade was a heart pounding with dread.

Dominic? Collapsed? Why?

As she turned into the East Wing, a sharp voice cut through the air.

"What are you doing here?"

She turned.

Cynthia. Well-dressed, but her tired eyes gave her away. Panic flickered in them.

"You shouldn't be here."

Maricar offered a small, knowing smile and stepped closer. "I just wanted to check on Dom. I heard he was brought here." She tilted her head, smiling. "How's your husband?"

Cynthia's jaw tightened. "He's fine. So leave."

"Why?" Maricar asked, tilting her head again. "What's the rush, Cynthia? Are you scared?"

Cynthia's fists curled. "What are you doing, Maricar? Don't forget—you're in my territory."

"Territory?" Maricar gave a short laugh. "Didn't think you had that word in your vocabulary. Alright, let's talk about territory then. What does it mean to you?"

Their eyes locked. Unyielding. Sharp enough to cut skin.

"Territory means he's my husband. You're just... the mother of his children," Cynthia spat. "And my father is a shareholder in this hospital. So yes, this place is mine."

Maricar chuckled, stepping closer. "Money. Other than that, what else do you really have?"

Cynthia faltered. No answer came.

"You may be his wife," Maricar pressed on, her voice low and steady, "but you're not his home."

The words landed deep.

Cynthia's eyes shone, but she refused to cry.

"I didn't steal him from you," Cynthia snapped. "He chose me. He left you. He left your kids. Do you know why? Because I'm the one he loves."

Maricar's face hardened at the mention of her children. She inhaled sharply, then smirked.

"Go convince yourself, Cynthia. Go see Dominic now. Let's find out who he asks for first."

"Why are you doing this?" Cynthia's voice cracked. "I didn't do anything—"

"Really?" Maricar stepped forward. Cynthia instinctively stepped back.