My Boss Is My Ex-Husband (COMPLETED)

CHAPTER 20

Althea POV

I DROVE into the Zaldivar residence, my mind racing with thoughts of my child. I needed to talk to Blake about our son. He was needed—by me and by Blaze.

Tears streamed down my face again. I was incredibly worried about my child. My child. Sometimes I wondered if I had done something wrong in my past that led to this point. I thought maybe I was suffering from the karma of my generation because my life felt so miserable.

I didn't think I had done anything too wrong. Yes, I admitted I wasn't a perfect person, but I had done everything to serve God. I hadn't forgotten Him... so why was I in this situation? Why was my life like this?

'Everything that's happening in your life is well known to God, my child. He gives us trials to see how far we can go, to understand how strong our faith in Him is. Pray for all your problems, and He will gladly help you.'

I closed my eyes for a moment, hearing my mother's voice. She had said those words to me when Blake left us. I cried in my room that day. I stopped the car and buried my face in the steering wheel, my sobs echoing throughout the vehicle.

'If this is a trial, Lord, I accept it with all my heart. But please, don't take my child from me. Just let me suffer instead. Don't take Blaze away from me. I've already lost one child... please don't take Blaze too.'

That was my silent prayer. Tears flowed like a faucet, unending. I bit my lip to stifle my cries, but my eyes wouldn't stop.

These tears reflected my pain. Tears that mirrored my misery. Tears that longed to escape.

I pressed my hand to my heart as it suddenly felt tight. I wished I had thought of others' situations... not just my own.

With blurry eyes, I looked around and realized I had stopped in front of Blake's house.

A grand black gate stood before me, with the name "ZALDIVAR" elegantly displayed at the top.

I glanced at my reflection in the mirror. I almost laughed at the sight of my smeared lipstick and makeup. I looked like a witch. I quickly pulled out some powder and lipstick from my bag and tidied myself up.

I firmly closed my eyes, then sighed. I wasn't prepared to face Blake. I had no idea what I would say first. But my decision was made. I needed Blake now.

I stepped toward the door, and with each step, my heart raced even more. I bit my lip and pressed the doorbell.

"Who is this?" The sudden sound of the intercom startled me.

I gulped. "Um... is Blake there?" I asked.

"Who is this?"

Should I say my name?

"Althea. Althea Scot."

"Hu? Ma'am Althea?"

I realized it was Manong Rico, the head of the security team. He smiled slightly at me.

"It's really you, ma'am. Long time no see."

I gave him a weak smile. "Is Blake inside?"

He paused at my question. "Yes, he's in there... but ma'am, I'm not sure if he can see you right now because he seems angry."

"Oh... can I come in, Manong? I need to talk to him."

"Of course, ma'am. Please, come in."

He opened the door wide, and I didn't hesitate to step inside. The familiar scent of flowers filled the air—flowers I had planted here. I entered their grand foyer, greeted by a magnificent chandelier and a staircase leading to the second floor. The walls were adorned with portraits of every generation of the Zaldivar family, and my picture was among them. A few household staff noticed me—some were familiar, but there were also new faces.

"Ma'am Althea," they bowed their heads. I just gave them a faint smile.

"Althea! Is that really you?"

I turned to my right and saw Manang Lilian, the housekeeper of the mansion.

"Manang!"

She welcomed me with a warm hug, and I embraced her wholeheartedly. Manang Lilian was like a mother to me in the mansion. She was often my support during the times Blake and I fought.

"I missed you, ija."

"I missed you too."

She pulled back from the hug and looked at me intently. "You're even more beautiful now, ija. How have you been?"

"I'm okay, Manang. I was hoping to talk to Blake."

"Blake? Why?"

"I have something important to tell him."

Her smile slowly faded, replaced by a look of concern. I knew what she was thinking—she was probably worried about our situation. I smiled at her reassuringly.

"Manang, don't worry... Blake and I are okay. I just need to tell him something."

She sighed before smiling again. "If that's what you want, ija. I can't stop you. Just be careful. He's in a bad mood right now."

I was about to speak when I heard a shout that startled me, causing a small figure to wrap around my legs.

"Tita Ganda!"

My eyes widened as I realized it was Leigh. I bent down slightly to meet her gaze.

"Leigh!"

"Tita Ganda... what are you doing here?"

I couldn't help but smile at her. Every time I saw Leigh, I was reminded of Blace... Leigh looked just like Blace. I often thought that if my daughter were alive, they would have gotten along so well.

"I want to talk to your dad."

Her innocent eyes widened in surprise, which made me laugh.

"Is Daddy in trouble? Should I fight him?"

"Pfft... No. It's just about Blaze."

"What happened to Kuya Blaze?"

"Kuya?" How I wished to hear that word again. I missed my Blace so much. I pinched her chubby cheek. Grr... I wanted to bite it.

"What are you doing here!?"

We both turned at the sound of that voice. It was Dianna, Leigh's mother.

She glared at me, wearing a blue dress that matched her blue heels. Her aura was intimidating. I held her cold stare, fighting against her hostile gaze.

Here comes the bitch... be ready, Althea.

"Kaya pala ang pamilyar ng mukha mo, Althea Leigh S. Zaldivar. The ex-wife of Blake."

-YUMEKO ✓