Once a Wife [English Version]

Chapter 40

"MR. DELAVERDE," Mark called his attention right after Cora has been shot. The medics are currently attending to her right now while Huffle and Abby has been sent to the hospital, "Ms. Martinez and Mr. Bergstrom are on their way to the hospital, we need someone to sign some documents. Since you're the person who's connected to both parties, we believe you're the best person to do so."

He nodded, "Should I go with you?"

"Yes, Sir. My man will escort you at the precinct while Ms. Fuentes will be sent to the hospital but once she's stable and cleared, we will proceed with the legal action." He added, "Thank you, Sir."

He did what he has to do, though it took some waiting and signing, he just patiently waited.

"Sir, your wife might want to listen to this," Mark said as he handed him the recorder and left him at the room.

He sighed and played it.

Cynthia, by the time you are hearing this it means that I am gone. I know it's not a good way to start a recording but you know me, straight to the point as always.

Probably you're confused why did I make this record, aside that I wasn't kidding with my first statement, I just want to let you know that none of what happened is your fault.

It is mine.

I wasn't there when you needed me the most, I know how you've been strong by yourself when Mom died, I'm sorry I left you... so I promised to myself that I would do whatever it takes to protect you and make you happy.

He made you so happy that I can't forget how you talk about Dominic all day without smile faltering, I saw how devastated you were to know that he's married yet you still accepted what he could only offer - friendship.

You started to bloom as a young woman, starting to create your own name until that night happened. You were so scared, so embrassed and so guilty after what happened between the two of you.

You felt dirty, cheap and bad. I hate it. It was the last thing you shouldn't feel so I did what I could do.

I made him leave his family, threatened each one of them if he dared to hurt you and most especially, I made him marry you.

I'm sorry, Cynthia. It was selfish, but this is the only way I know how to love. I know you would hate me if you found out and I can't blame you because I hate myself, too.

None of this is your fault. Forgive me, Cynthia. Forgive, Ate...

Cora broke down and the recording stopped. He didn't know what to feel or say, should he feel glad that this is over?

He can come clean. He did commit a mistake but he never intend to leave them.

Yes! He should be, because once Maricar finds out the truth she would come back to him and it would save their family, after all they still love each other right?

He would be given another chance because like them, he is also just a victim.

That's right. He would tell Maricar about this. His thoughts were cut when he was called to sign some documents and gave his statement.

He didn't waste his time and headed straight to the hospital. He felt cold and hot at the same time, his hopes went high.

They could stop running and just start again.

Or so, he thought.

He stopped when he heard Maricar and Tristan arguing. How could he forget Tristan? He has been in her life for years, but... He would let Maricar go, right? If he loves her then he would accept and understand that Maricar chose him.

"Something might happen again? What do you mean by that? Is that what you're implying?" Her voice sounded was hurt. Damn, he didn't want her hurt.

Tristan was about to go out when Maricar spoke again, "Are you saying that this is all my fault?"

He closed his eyes. No, Icang... This is all my fault. He thought.

"I-is... I-it true?"

"Tristan..."

"About what Cora said... About everything she said between the two of you..."

He wanted to interfere but his feet didn't take a single step because deep inside he wanted to hear those words from her mouth.

He wanted to hear from her that she chose him.

"Tristan..."

"Just answer me! Is it true?"

Just say yes, Icang...

"Let me explain---" but Tristan lost his composure, he demanded to know the truth.

"Yes, I'm stealing him away from her but that doesn't mean I love him! I'm just doing what she exactly did to me!"

His knees started to tremble, hand shaking and breathless, he bit his lip to stop the tears from falling but he's failing.

"I want to get even... I want them to feel what they made me feel! All the hurt... All the pain they have caused me... you... My children..."

He is like a glass that has been broken into pieces. Shattered and torn apart with what he heard.

It was all a game.

A game he didn't want to play.

It was a lie.

He clenched his fist with frustration. He wanted to get mad, to shout, to point fingers but he can't.

He lost his spirit. He lost his confidence.

The emotions was too high, Tristan didn't even notice him at the corner near the door, he just walked away.

Maricar is on the floor crying when he peaked inside. He wanted to wipe the tears away, to embrace and pull her up, to tell her that everything will be alright.

But, he can't. Even the truth can't make it okay.

He composed himself and decided to go, when he saw Cynthia zoning off while standing at the side of the road.

"Cynthia?" He called her name yet she didn't flinch so he called her again, "Let me drive you home,"

She nodded her head sideways, "I-I'm okay..."

"We need to talk," That was enough for her to get inside his car. It was a quiet ride until they reached her home.

It was too quiet that they could even hear their own breathing. He has to end this. End their misery with the truth.

Truth may hurt, but at least it's liberating.

"She made me do it," He broke the silence and looked at her, "She made me do all of this, Cynthia..."

Her brows furrowed, "What did you say?"

"She made me do it," Tears started to fall again from his eyes, "I remember it now. I remember everything now..."

"What did she made you do?"

He handed her the recording he has heard earlier, "For you,"

"What is this for?"

"The truth." He answered with hopes that this time, it would set them all free.