Chapter 15: Chapter 15

I woke up from a gentle caress on my cheek. Even though I kept my eyes closed, I knew that Valjerome's presence was on my side based on the mixed scent of wine and his perfume.

He didn't speak. He just kept stroking my face as if he's memorizing every part of it.

Even though I want to be angry with him, I'm more consumed by weakness. What can my anger do?

I stiffened when I felt him crouched on my belly. He laid his head on it and then gently caressed my stomach. I simply bit my tongue and tried to hold back my tears.

I want to believe that he is feeling guilty. I want to believe in what he is currently showing.

But I know I was only fooling myself.

Valjerome remained in his position for more minutes until he slowly moved away from me. I felt him stood up then carefully carried me. He then started walking.

I had no idea where he was going to take me, all I knew was that we left the maid’s chamber as I heard the sound of the door closing.

I remained my eyes closed despite of being aware of everything. I feel like a lot will change once I open my eyes.

A few minutes later, we entered a room. I knew it was my room because I was already familiar with its scent. He walked a few more steps until he leisurely laid me down on my bed.

Just like before, he caressed my cheek tenderly. He did that twice that until I felt him lie down next to me. Slowly, his hands crept into my waist, hugging me tightly as if someone's going to steal me away.

Illusions. This was just my illusions.

He remained hugging me. His curbed his against my shoulder like he normally did last month.

From his heavy breathing, he gradually calmed down, sign that he already fell asleep. I remained silent to observe him for few minutes while seeling my eyes before I decided to wake up.

I carefully moved my head to his direction. I smiled bitterly when I saw Valjerome's gentle face.

He seemed stressed, but still handsome.

"You're confusing me again," I murmured and lifted my hand to touch his face.

I took a deep breath and forced a smile. "A-are you...happy?" My voice is shaking.

I couldn't help but cry as I remembered our child. I like to think that he is just not ready for that yet he forced me to get rid of the poor fetus. But the words he had said earlier were clearer than water.

He doesn't want to have children with me.

I laughed sarcastically and then turned a blind eye. I restrained myself from crying so he wouldn’t wake up.

‘Just for this time, again. I will take a gamble.’ I mentally notedl and hugged my husband back.

Maybe. Just maybe. We can work it out this time.

EARLY in the morning, I woke up alone in bed. I smiled bitterly and just stared at the ceiling.

It’s still the same. Nothing has changed.

Three knocks from the door brought me back to reality. It slowly opened and from there, Manang appeared. She smiled thriftily at me before she went in completely.

“The food is ready,” she informed.

I just hugged her and slowly got up. I feel like my body is still tired from what had happened.

"Your husband is waiting for you downstairs. You might want to have a breakfast together," said Manang that made me stop from my moving.

I stared at her and blinked a few times. "He's still here?" I asked, confused.

I was already expecting that he will avoid me like before. I never thought we would be eating along with each other, again. There is something inside me expecting to and feeling a little excited at the thought that we are going back again to the change where we started then.

"Yes, in fact he prepared the meals," Manang replied.

My lips quivered in shock and astonishment. Manang just smiled at me and nodded as if telling me that even she felt something different but chose to be happy with what Valjerome was doing.

"I'll just wash my face, you go there first," I said and then went to thr bathroom.

I splashed water on my face several times¾trying to wake up from a dream but I still remained under my illusion.

"It's okay, Jazzie. Everything's okay," I talked to myself and tried to smile in front of the mirror.

I should ride along these changes.

I fixed myself for a few more minutes then finally left the room and went to the kitchen. I found Valjerome sitting calmly while sipping his coffee.

"G-Goodmorning," I nervously greeted and sat on the chair beside him.

He looked at me seriously and nodded. "Let's eat," he said.

I just nodded and started getting my food. This is the first time that I regained my appetite ever since we have become rough treating each other again. Probably because I knew he had prepared them himself.

We ate our breakfast silently. I occasionally glanced at him in a simple way, weighing in on his actions but other than being serious, I saw nothing more.

"Pack your things later," he mumbled after we finished our meal.

I frowned at him. Waiting for him to join but instead of speaking he snapped in the air. Jaime automatically approached and handed him a brown envelope.

"Here," he said and placed it in front of me.

I took it and opened it. I stiffened and felt cold when I read the papers inside.

Divorce papers.

"I also put a check inside. Enough amount to pay you for being my wife for three years," he spoke.

I didn't speak. With my trembling hands, I scanned everything. I saw the check he was referring to, and I laughed nervously when I read what was written there.

"50 million," I stated and looked at him. "Is that how much I worth of being a wife for you?” I exclaimed in disbelief.

"How much do you want then?" he asked coldly.

I laughed sarcastically despite of my tears streaming down on my cheeks. "I have a price," I uttered.

"Just sign it and leave it in my room," Valjerome mumbled and stood up from his seat.

He was about to walk away, but I let out a painful laugh. Causing him to stop from leaving.

"After killing our child, you'll still dispose of me like this?"

Valjerome looked at me. "I never promised that I will keep you," he stated without any emotion.

Again, I tried to laugh, but my voice cracked.

"Do you ... ever loved me? At least once, at least a little, did you love me?" I questioned bravely between my suppressed sobs.

His jaw clenched. He stared at me for a few seconds then started walking again.

"I never love you," I heard Valjerome say before he finally got out of the kitchen.

That's when I burst out crying. Manang immediately approached and hugged me. I could do nothing but mourn the pain I was feeling.

"I-I tried everything, Manang. I put up e-every single thing to stay with him. I endured everything because I...I love him. But why is it like this? Why it has to be like this?" I muttered in pain and tears.

"That's enough, dear. Let go," she comforted.

"I-I fought, Manang. I chose to be strong for our relationship. I was stupid, I was martyred. Can at least for once, it would be me? The one to be tolerated? The one to be fought for?”

I cried and cried until my own tears tired me out. When I calmed down a bit, Manang handed me some water and helped me drink.

I stared at nowhere as I rested my head at Manang's body. I feel like I can’t do anything as of the moment. Soon, my attention went to focus on the papers on the table.

I slowly pulled myself away from Manang and reached them. For countless times, I laughed hoarsely and looked up to hold back my tears.

"Manang," I said softly then looked at her. "Please get me a pen." I tried to smile.

Manang's eyes widened slightly and quickly returned to normal. Without a word, she left and went somewhere. A few moments later she returned with the thing I was asking for.

"Are you sure?" she said as she handed me the pen.

I looked at the divorce papers and weakly smiled. "No matter what my decision is, his choice will always be followed," I murmured and slowly signed the papers.

I guess it is really over between us.