The Wife's Appeal

(Delilah Series # 4)

"Jia..."

Pansamantala kong pinutol ang pagtanaw sa media para tingnan si Attorney Domingo, the man who was in the cabin that night. He gave me a reassuring nod.

I inhaled sharply and stepped toward the podium. The cameras were alert once again as they were fixated on me.

Alec Von Cua is a powerful man. He comes from a very old rich and powerful family of Chinese ancestry. This was the reason why I married him in the first place so I am fully aware of what I am getting myself into as I'm doing this.

"My name is Jia Chen Cua, " I started to speak in a steady voice in front of the microphone.

Nakabibinging katahimikan ang sumunod dito. "I am Alec Von Cua's... estranged wife."

"Are the rumors true that you filed a TRO against your business tycoon husband?"

"Have you filed a case against him?"

"Did you run away from your own husband, Mrs. Cua?"

"Is it true that he abducted you?"

"Did he abuse you?"

Never did I once blink against all the questions they've thrown my way. I stood my ground and did not falter.

"Are you a victim of domestic abuse?"

Napapikit ako sa huling tanong. Nang dumilat ako ay naging tahimik silang lahat. Na para bang napagtanto na nilang sasagot na ako at kailangan na nilang makinig sa sasabihin ko.

"Yes, I am. He abused me... He... He hurt me physically," umalingangaw sa buong paligid ang sagot ko. Pumikit ulit ako para man lang kahit papaano ay maibsan ang sakit sa dibdib ko. "Alec Von Cua is a monster." The memories in that dark, awful room came flooding to me. Bumuhos ang mga luha ko at nanghina ulit ako.

"I am a victim of domestic violence. My husband, Alec Von Cua assaulted, violated... and raped me."

And because of him, I lost my baby. Because of him, I lost myself. And this time, I promise that he will lose everything. His power, his name... and his own self.