The Beast's Rejected Wife (Under Major Revision)

Chapter 3

I strolled into the bar, my steps unhurried and casual. I wore a simple black pair of shorts, a loose gray shirt that hung effortlessly on my frame, and white sneakers. My long hair was tied up in a messy ponytail, more out of convenience than style. I wasn't concerned about my appearance—I was here for a drink and to observe, nothing more.

As I entered, the atmosphere washed over me. The dim lighting cast shadows across the room, while the mingled scents of liquor and sweat filled the air, a mix of alcohol and the unmistakable musk of men. It was a typical bar scene—loud, gritty, and unapologetically raw.

Without hesitation, I made my way straight to the bar counter, easing through the crowd. Wala akong ibang gustong gawin ngayon kung hindi ang aliwin ang sarili at ituon ang attention sa mga alak.

"One vodka," I said, my voice steady, catching the bartender's attention. He nodded and went to prepare my drink, while I leaned against the counter, eyes scanning the room, taking it all in. Maraming magagandang mukha akong nakikita, maraming gwapong lalaki na ang ilan pa'y napapatingin din sa akin ngunit hindi ko pinapatulan ang nagaaya nilang tingin.

"One vodka for the most gorgeous lady I've seen tonight," the bartender said with a playful grin as he placed the glass of alcohol in front of me.

His voice was smooth and confident, as if he'd rehearsed this line a hundred times before. I could feel his eyes lingering on me, waiting for a reaction, but I kept my expression neutral, barely acknowledging the compliment. I wasn't here for flattery or attention—I just wanted to drink in peace.

"Thank you," The glass glistened under the dim lights as I reached for it, taking a slow sip, letting the burn of the vodka settle in. I tasted the familiar bite of the vodka—like water, but with that unmistakable burn that spread down my throat, followed by a mildly bitter aftertaste. There was a hint of sweetness at the end, subtle but present, softening the sharpness just enough.

Without thinking much about it, I ordered another drink, my gaze casually sweeping the room. One finger tapped absentmindedly against the counter, the rhythmic sound blending into the background noise of laughter, conversation, and clinking glasses.

I lifted the glass to my lips again, ready to take another sip, when my eyes landed on someone across the room.

My breath caught in my throat.

It was a face I never thought I'd see again. A person I'd buried deep in the recesses of my mind, convinced that chapter of my life was long closed. Yet, there they were, standing just a few feet away, unaware of my presence—or perhaps pretending not to notice.

The shock rippled through me, freezing me in place as I held the glass, forgotten, in mid-air.

Nagtama ang mga mata namin at kahit may kalayuan ay kitang-kita ko ang pagbabago ng ekspresyon ng mga mata niya. Ang kaninang walang emosyon ngunit kalmado ay bigla na lang dumilim. Nagsalubong ang kilay niya at nagtagis ang bagang na tila nagpipigil na masugod ako.

My heartbeat faltered, becoming uneven as a flood of emotions surged through me. There was a whirlwind inside—confusion, disbelief—but what rose above everything else was the sharp sting of pain, the bitterness of old wounds reopening, the ache of longing, and an undeniable wave of anger.

Memories I had fought to forget rushed back, crashing over me in an overwhelming tide. The years of distance hadn't dulled the hurt or the resentment. If anything, seeing them again stirred feelings I thought I had buried for good. I gripped the glass tighter, my pulse racing, as the mix of heartache and fury churned within me.

Pero, bakit may isang pakiramdam akong hindi maitatanggi na hanggang ngayon ay nararamdaman ko pa rin?

I felt a lump form in my throat, thick and heavy, while my eyes started to sting with the threat of tears. Emotions welled up, pushing against the walls I had carefully built over the years. But because of my pride, I forced myself to act as if I didn't recognize him, as if his presence didn't affect me at all.