Once a Wife [English Version]

Epilogue

DOMINIC

A LOT of people asked me, how could I possibly be happy for Maricar knowing that I'm not the cause of her happiness? Some say that I just pretend to be happy, that I'm a masochist.

Of course, I won't deny that I'm still hurting, because I still do. Geez, I know I'm such an idiot but how would people expect me to move on that easily?

I've known her since we're in high school. I didn't even have the guts to court her because she was the smartest at the first-year level while I, a graduating student who's just about to fail.

Then, I saw her in college. I didn't let the opportunity pass, I knew she was the woman I would love for the rest of my life.

So when she told me that she's pregnant, I became the happiest man alive. We may have got married at the wrong time as I stole her youth but I assured her that I love her that's why I am marrying her.

I've lost count on how many curses and punches I received not only by her father but Maricris, yet I accepted it all because I loved her.

She and our children were my inspiration for life but when I finally proved something, I failed her.

I got so focus and driven to prove to everyone who belittled, insulted and judged my love for her that I didn't realize I was neglecting her.

I neglected our family. I was able to build a strong house for other people but in my own family, I forgot.

Instead of reaching out to my wife, turning to her if I had problems. I walked away. I pushed her away. I got scared she might be dragged into the issue; I committed a mistake.

I cheated on her.

I hurt her and my children, and I lied to another person as well. I did not expect that in just a single mistake, it would affect my life so much.

So, I thought about ending my life would solve those things but death would be easy for me. Not for all the things that I've done.

"What are you doing here?" He asked. I wanted to tell him that I didn't know exactly as well.

"Can I talk to you, Tristan?" I thought he wouldn't agree but he did. We were in his office and all I could see were pictures of Maricar and my children. I will not deny how ashamed I was for myself for not doing that to my family.

"What do you want to talk about, Dominic?" He asked me gently, my attention returned to him. "If it's about her, we have nothing to talk about, Dominic."

I sighed deeply, taking courage.

"Can't you just let us be happy?" I saw terror in his eyes. I must have known, those are the eyes I saw in the rearview mirror when I remembered everything.

"No"

"Why?" I had to hear.

"You can ask me for something but not everything, Dominic," He sighed, "Asking me to leave Maricar is like asking me not to live anymore... "

My shoulders dropped. I've got the answer. No wonder why Maricar, my Maria Carmina fell in love with him.

"I'm sorry, Dominic. But she's mine, "

He didn't look into my eyes but in the tone of his voice, I knew a little more pushing would bring tears to his eyes.

But, I really don't have plans of taking Maricar away from him. I mean, not anymore.

"You really love her?" That was a rhetorical question. He didn't even have to answer, "She loves you too, Tristan" He looked at me with forehead creased.