Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Rigella's POV

Manang continued telling her story, and I just listened in silence. I wanted to know everything—everything about them, before I came and unknowingly disrupted their love.

"...Until the day came when they fought because Lara's grades dropped. She blamed Ivan, saying she spent more time with him than studying. They broke up. Ivan was devastated. Not a day went by that he didn’t drown himself in alcohol. He even neglected his studies because he was so affected. He did everything to win her back. And after a few teasing and chasing moments, they reconciled. They truly loved each other…”

Tears welled up in my eyes as Manang spoke, but I forced a smile. Ivan never once chased after me like that—maybe only now, or if he’s just trying to keep up appearances.

Sometimes I can’t help but wonder: What does Lara have that I don’t? Why does Ivan love her so much? Am I not enough?

"...Then came the day when you told Ivan you were pregnant. That exact day, he was supposed to propose to Lara. His world shattered. As his second mother, I saw how deeply it affected him. He was broken. He couldn’t talk to me. He didn’t go to school. Lara visited him at his condo, but he refused to see her. He was too ashamed… because he loved Lara so much, yet he still managed to betray her," Manang said, bowing her head as tears rolled down her cheeks.

The tears I had been trying to hold finally fell. If I hadn’t shown up… if I hadn’t told Ivan I was pregnant… he would probably be happily married to Lara now. I was the wall between them.

I bit my lower lip to hold back my sobs. Why didn’t I realize this earlier? Maybe I needed to step out of his life so he could be happy. But… why was it so painful to even think about?

"...He didn’t know what to do. He leaned on me. He loved Lara with all his heart, but he wasn’t ready to become a father. And when he told his parents, his father was furious. He already knew—because you told them about your pregnancy. It reached a point where he wanted to end his life… but he couldn’t. Because of Ice. Because of his daughter.

He broke up with Lara. They both agreed he should marry you. It was a heartbreaking decision, but he made that sacrifice because he didn’t want to hurt Lara more," Manang added, her voice barely audible through her sobs.

I closed my eyes tightly. I didn’t know all this. I didn’t know he suffered this much. I thought I was the only one in pain, but maybe what he went through was even worse.

Manang sniffled and continued.

“Did you know that right after your wedding, when Ivan suddenly disappeared, he went to Lara? He begged for forgiveness, but Lara didn’t take him back. He cried to me, and I couldn’t console him. The pain was too deep.

All I could do was wipe his tears. When he hurts, I hurt more—because I see him as my own child. I never had a family. I devoted my life to taking care of him."

Manang’s sobs grew louder, and I hugged her tightly.

Only now do I truly realize—I deserved every bit of pain Ivan caused me. Because I caused his. I ruined his dreams. I ruined them.

I took a deep breath and patted Manang’s back, holding my tears in. Ivan always loved Lara. I understand now why he can’t let go of that love—even if we’re married.

When Manang had calmed down, she wiped away my tears, smiling softly before picking up the tray in front of me.

She chuckled lightly. "My story went on too long. This soup’s gone cold—should I heat it up?"

I shook my head, smiling faintly. "No need, Manang. I’m full. I’m sorry—you ended up crying because of my questions."

She tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and sighed.

"No, anak. I should be the one apologizing. I know it hurts, learning all this." She handed me a medicine pill and a glass of water.

I took the medicine and placed the glass back on the tray. Manang excused herself, and I nodded. Before leaving, she reminded me to wipe myself down.

I prepared a basin of lukewarm water and mixed in some alcohol. I soaked a handkerchief, squeezed it, and began wiping my body. I shivered from the cold.

Afterward, I lay down and placed the cool cloth on my forehead. I stared blankly at the ceiling.

Maybe that’s why Ivan has never seen me as a wife. Because I was the reason everything between him and Lara fell apart. Maybe it’s time to let go… to finally set him free.

I closed my eyes. I was too exhausted—physically and emotionally.

---

“Mommy… wake up. Mommy…”

I slowly opened my eyes. Ice was sitting beside me, smiling brightly.

I managed a small smile. My son—he’s all I have. Since the day he was born, my world revolved around him. Ivan was always distant.

I slowly sat up, removing the cloth from my forehead. Ice handed me a thermometer, and I frowned.

“Dad wants to know your temperature,” he said sweetly.

I slipped the thermometer under my arm. When it beeped a few minutes later, I read the result: 38.5°C. Still high.

I handed it to Ice and asked him to step out for a bit. I picked up my phone from the bedside table and saw a message from Mom.

---

From: Mom

Rigella, Ivan said you didn’t eat breakfast or lunch. That’s why you’re sick. Are you okay?

---

I sighed and replied.

---

To: Mom

I’m fine now, Mom. I’ll visit tomorrow. Are you and Dad home already?

---

I waited for a reply, but five minutes passed. Nothing. I turned off my phone.

I stood, slipped on my slippers, and walked to the veranda. The sky was darkening, and the breeze was cold and strong. I hugged myself tightly.

After a while, I returned to bed and wrapped the blanket around me. I was still shivering.

That’s when my eyes landed on a photo frame—our wedding picture.

I thought Ivan had thrown it away. When it was delivered, he said he’d get rid of it. But now… it hung on the wall.

In the photo, I wore the happiest smile. Ivan gave a slight one—forced, perhaps—but still a smile.

I had married the man I had loved since childhood.

He probably didn’t remember, but I did. He once saved me from a car when we were little. I was Rella, and he was VanVan. We couldn’t pronounce each other’s names properly back then.

We were close until Mom and I left for America—Dad had cheated. I didn’t even get to say goodbye to Ivan.

Years later, during my first year of college, we became schoolmates. My feelings reignited. I fell deeper in love.

But maybe… I shouldn't be the only one happy. He deserves happiness, too. Maybe it’s time I did the right thing.

I was pulled from my thoughts by a knock on the door. I sat up, about to stand, when it opened.

Ivan entered, holding a tray of food. Ice followed, smiling wide.

They walked over and sat beside the bed. Ivan placed the tray down—it had rice, tinola, a glass of milk, water, and the same medicine as earlier.

I glanced at Ivan. He gave a small, reserved smile.

“Mom! Me and Dad cooked that for you!” Ice beamed.

I looked at my son, then at Ivan, and mouthed a soft, “Thank you.”

Ivan seemed surprised—but he smiled back at me.

I ate quietly and took the medicine. Ivan gathered the tray and said he’d put it away and take Ice to his room.

I lay back on the bed and stared at the ceiling. Not long after, I heard the door open and close.

Ivan entered again, this time wearing a plain white T-shirt and pajama pants. He walked over, adjusted my blanket, then lay down beside me and closed his eyes.

I took a deep breath. This is it. Now or never.

“Ivan…” I whispered.

He opened his eyes. “Why? Do you need anything?”

I trembled. A single tear slid down my cheek.

“Ivan… let’s file for annulment.”

His eyes widened. His lips parted—but no words came out.