Once a Wife [English Version]

Chapter 35

"Delaverde?" the officer called, looking at Dominic. "Fuentes is inside. You can go in now."

Dominic stood immediately, feeling the weight of each step. The visiting room smelled of bleach and cold steel. A single metal table sat in the middle, two chairs, and a two-way mirror that made him feel like someone was always watching.

Sitting in the other chair was Congressman Fuentes. Silent, but his glare carried enough venom to kill. His jaw clenched, yet he remained still, as if waiting for Dominic to make the first move.

Dominic didn't speak immediately. Instead, he placed a white envelope on the table. Fuentes's eyes flicked toward it.

"Three months," Dominic began, his voice steady but his hands shaking. "Cora was three months pregnant when she was taken."

That caught Fuentes's attention.

"You know your wife. She never shows weakness. But when she told me she was pregnant... for the first time, I saw her afraid."

"What are you talking about?" Fuentes spat.

Dominic leaned forward. "The night of the accident... that was the second time I saw her afraid. She knew I was going to tell you everything. About what she did to me. To my family. For Cynthia."

Silence. Only Fuentes's uneven breathing filled the room.

"She gave me the projects. She helped me reclaim my name. Not for me... for her sister," Dominic's jaw trembled. "Because Cynthia wanted me."

Fuentes's face didn't soften, but his silence spoke louder than any denial. He knew Cora was capable of anything. She would do anything for her sister.

Dominic's chest tightened. "That night... the celebration. She drugged me. Spiked my drink. Set me up with Cynthia, who was drunk too. I don't even remember what happened next, but she became pregnant because of that night."

Fuentes slammed his fist on the table. "Don't you dare blame my wife for your infidelity! You expect me to believe you had no part in it? You married Cynthia!"

Dominic's voice rose, cracking. "Because she threatened my family!" His hands shook. "If I didn't nullify my marriage, she would've hurt them. Hurt Maricar."

"Bullshit."

Dominic's voice broke. "Call it bullshit, but your wife died because she tried to conceal it! She even made Cynthia believe it was real. I respected Cynthia. I believed in her. We were friends... but I never loved her the way I loved my wife."

Fuentes searched his eyes. "So... you and Cora had no relationship?"

Dominic shook his head. "Did you think otherwise?"

He sighed. "It doesn't matter anymore. She's already gone." He said, "Did Cynthia know?"

"No. She was scared too. Scared of losing her sister." He paused, throat dry. "I was supposed to go back to Maricar after speaking with you. That was the plan. But Cora... she couldn't accept it. You lost a child. She couldn't lose you and Cynthia too."

For the first time, Fuentes's eyes glistened. He didn't cry, but his silence said enough. Dominic knew he believed him... because lies were useless now. All Dominic wanted was his life back.

The door opened. Cynthia entered, eyes swollen from crying.

"Kuya," she called softly, glancing nervously at Dominic. "I've spoken to your lawyer. He's on his way."

Fuentes raised a hand. "Don't worry about me. I'll be fine."

Visiting hours ended. Dominic and Cynthia left the precinct together.