Once a Wife [English Version]

Chapter 33

The moment Maricar arrived home, her entire body felt the weight of exhaustion—not just physically, but emotionally.

She was ready to shut everything down. She just wanted peace. For herself. For her children. For Tristan.

So she was shocked when her phone rang again.

Unknown number.

But she already knew. She stopped walking, her hands trembling as she picked it up.

"Good job, Ms. Martinez." The voice on the other line was cold.

No emotion. No name. But familiar.

"You did well. But we're not done yet."

She swallowed hard. "No, I'm done. I have nothing left to prove. We're leaving. My kids and I—we're leaving!"

"Says who?" it hissed. "You're just getting started. He ruined not just your life—he destroyed more than you know. He needs to pay. And you, Maricar... you promised."

"I didn't promise this—!"

"Then your kids will pay."

Maricar went pale. "W-what did you say?"

"You think you can just run? Try it, and you'll never see them again. Now listen carefully." A pause. "You will send him the date when you'll leave. He will come there, and your job is done."

Her whole body trembled. She nearly dropped the phone.

"What are you going to do to Dominic?"

"Whatever you want done." No more words. She sighed. "The truth is... I'm not the enemy here. After all, we've both lost because of that man."

"I don't understand..."

"Send the message, Maricar." The call ended. A text appeared shortly after:

3 PM, Park and Fly. That's where we'll meet tomorrow.

She noticed an unfamiliar car outside and hurried into the house.

When she entered, Tristan had already arrived—Huffle in tow. Raven, Gryffin, Slyther, and Abby were also there. Everyone assumed it was a work emergency.

"Mommy!" Huffle ran to her, noticing the fear on her mother's face. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, anak..." Her voice trembled as she hugged him.

When Tristan looked at her, curiosity flashed in his eyes. "Icang, what's happening?"

Maricar opened her mouth, but no words came out. Instinct took over as she packed their bags. "We need to leave... Tristan, please... we need to go..."

Tristan nodded and immediately told the kids to get ready. "Let's get in the car, guys! Double time."

As they were about to leave, SUVs stopped in front of the house. The license plates looked familiar.

Five men dressed in black got out. They didn't look like kidnappers... more like security. Bodyguards?

"Maricar Martinez?" one asked, coldly. She couldn't respond—suddenly, they drew their guns. "Hands up, or we'll shoot."

"W-who are you?" she shouted.

"Just answer the call," another said. "Don't ignore it."

Huffle and Abby screamed as they were grabbed. Abby struggled, hitting her head and losing consciousness.

"Mommy!" Huffle cried. "Papa!"

Tristan and Raven tried to stop them but were pushed and punched to the ground.