Chapter 5

CHAPTER SEVEN: Meeting Rigella's POV We have returned to our house. Ice is now sleeping in her room and Ivan has entered his work. While I am, I keep myself busy so that I will not remember what I heard before. I cleaned the whole house before even though we had a maid and now I will change our curtains. I stepped on the stairs and when I weighed myself I stepped on the top. I picked up the curtain and gently hung it up. But I still can't really help but think of that. My own mind is betraying me. Ivan said earlier to Lara on the phone, "I'll marry you soon". Meaning, he has plans to divorce me so that he and Lara can marry. It hurts, it hurts so much. Then he still loves you with him, which he never told me. I"ll admit, I assume. I thought that by giving myself back to him, he would be able to love me. But no, it's still Lara. Am I really that hard to love? I did everything I can but still nothing. The wind blew me away and I shook. It seems that no matter what I do I will never fall in love with him. It looks like I will be forced to sign annulment papers that he will file soon. I was nervous when I saw one foot of the stairs give up. Until the stairs gave up and I just closed my eyes because my back would hit the floor. But after a while I immediately opened my eyes because I felt arms catch me. "S-Seymour ..." I whispered. He just sneered and winked at me before slowly adjusting my position. He frowned and looked at me from head to toe. "Why aren't you getting dressed yet?" He asked with a raised eyebrow. My forehead furrowed and I was slapped on the forehead when I remembered that we were leaving. I looked at the wall clock here in the living room and my eyes widened when I saw it was only three o'clock! I frowned at him. "What about your morning? It's only three o'clock." He just teased me and pinched my nose. "I know you're slow so I'm going early. All right, get dressed. We're leaving." I just stared at him and touched my nose which was red. "I'm still going to take a bath. I'm so sweaty." I said sweat on my forehead. He laughed. "It's your art. You can still smell even if you're sweaty." He said and winked at me again. I just sucked. "I'll just take a shower then we'll leave. You're here in the living room first." I said and walked up the stairs. ~ • ~
It was about six in the afternoon when we arrived at the restaurant where we met the fashion designer that Seymour knew. When he was able to park the car I was about to get off when Seymour stopped me. "Oops, you're just there. I'll open the door for you." He said and got out of the car then opened the door for me. I got out of the car and pinched his cheek. "Gentledog." I said with a smile and he just winked at me. We entered the restaurant and I was amazed at its design. We went to this French Restaurant. There are very few people because maybe it is far from the city. Obviously only the rich eat here. I anchored my arm to Seymour's arm which surprised him but he immediately smiled. He said that the table chosen when he met was at the end, so I immediately pointed out to him the woman who had turned her back in our direction who was sitting at the end table and looked like someone was waiting. We approached the woman and I saw that it was shaded and there were folders on the table. She seems ... she seems familiar to me. "Corrine?" Seymour asked the woman. The woman turned to us and removed her shades. My eyes widened when I saw who it was. Si ... Si Lara. "Uhm, hi. I'm Lara Santillan, I'm Corrine's best friend. She's sick so she's sending me here to talk to you." She smiled at Seymour. "Lara Santillan? Where's Corrine?" My hair would almost stand on end at Seymour's cold voice. I saw Lara swallow. He sneezed first then smiled again and spoke. "Uhm, why don't you sit down first? Sit down first so we can talk properly." He presented us with two chairs in front of him. Seymour and I sat quietly and I noticed that Lara was avoiding my gaze. Does he know me? I think yes because Ivan said it was Lara who gave me the dress I wore to my parents "anniversary party. Then he doesn't seem comfortable now, he seems to be considered ignorant. "So, uhm, Corrine told me that your designs are good, Ri ... Rigella. That's why she wants a partnership with you." He said and handed me a folder and ball pen. Immediately? "Oh, really? Corrine said that?" I secretly criticized Seymour because his sarcastic tone was so obvious. "Ah, y-yes ..." Lara replied. "I thought you're an actress? Why do you go to public places like this?" Seymour still asked sarcastically. Lara swallowed before speaking. "Uhm, it's safe here because there are so few people, it's okay for me to meet you here." She smiled in response. "Uh-huh?" Seymour asked sarcastically so I stepped on his foot under the table causing him to look at me. I have already spoken. "Uhm, Lara? Can I think about this first? Because I'm not very good at doing business yet." I'm embarrassed to say. "Oh, sure. Corrine can wait." Is it just me or do I just think his smiles are fake? I feel like he's just pretending. Ah, I don"t know. "You can afford this kind of restaurant, huh? I thought you're just from a middle class family and you're not a very famous actor so I'm sure you don't have much budget for restaurants like this." Seymour said suddenly so my eyes widened at the same time as I inhaled. "Excuse me?" Lara tried to smile but she was obviously offended by what Seymour said. Seymour smiled at him. "I'm sure you're getting some money. Ah, right. Ivan De Leon isn't he? Your so-called boyfriend who is super rich and owns various companies. I'm more than sure he's the one buy your used Louis Vitton bag today. " Seymour pointed to Lara's bag that sat on a chair. Lara took a deep breath, obviously holding back her annoyance. Seymour is very straightforward and the things he says are a bit below the belt. I don't know but I can't move and speak to stop him. Lara stood up and picked up the folders on the table and her bag. I stood up and restrained his arm from leaving. "Lara, wait-" He cut off what I was going to say and removed my hand from his arm. "I'm sorry, Rigella but I can't do this anymore. Your friend has said too much about me. Excuse me." He said and quickly walked away from us. I sat down again and took a deep breath. I looked at Seymour and he was just seriously looking at the menu. Like nothing happened. I close my eyes emphatically. It still hurts to see and talk face to face with the person the person you love really loves ... Rigella's POV "Why did you do that?" I asked Seymour when he could order. Obviously, we"re still in the restaurant. It would be a pity for our long trip if we didn't eat here either. He just smiled at me. "Why, cupcake? Do you feel sorry for her?" He lost his smile and stared at me then folded his arms. I averted my eyes. Honestly, I don't know what to say to him. All I know is, what he did was wrong. He insulted Lara too much. I just sighed and played with my fingers. I sighed when Seymour pulled me over and suddenly put his arm around me. "Don't be too kind, cupcake. That's why your husband is abusing and fooling you. You're too kind and a martyr. Sometimes, you fight. Or if you want, I'll fight and defend you ..." he whispered in my ear ko. Tears welled up in my eyes at what he said. Why didn't I fight? Since then, Seymour who has always been defending me, even if he is the one hurt, just don"t. I quietly cried as I leaned over her. It was really good and he came back. I will admit, I have always been dependent on him. "Cupcake ..." Seymour called to me so I turned to him. She looks nervous and her forehead is sweating. "Hm?" "Uhm, w-what ... I'll tell you something ..." My eyes widened and moved away from him. "Do ... Don't tell me, will you admit to me that you are gay?" I was shocked by the question. His jaw dropped and he stared at me in disbelief. "WHAT THE F*CK, CUPCAKE? !!" He shouted so the people here in the restaurant looked at us. I covered her mouth and smiled shyly at the people. The other customers were shaken and went back to what they were doing. I jokingly slapped his mouth. "Bad mouth, tsk. Why are you swearing?" He was slapped on the forehead and pinched my nose. "Hm, how can I not swear eh I was mistaken for gay by the person I love?" He says laughing. This time, I dropped my jaw and my eyes widened as I looked at him. I waited for him to say it was just joke time but he didn't say a word. He just smiled looking at me and seemed to enjoy watching my expression. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined this to happen. Seriously? Seymour who is like my brother already loves me? Impossible! I forced myself to laugh. "Ha-ha-ha! That joke of yours isn't funny, cookie monster." He lost his smile and now he is able to fold his arms again. I swallowed without reading the expression on his face. Even his eyes were cold because of the coldness of his stares at me. He looks like he had a badtrip. I stopped laughing and swallowed. I averted my gaze from him. He looks serious. But ... how can he love me eh how many years has he been away from me? Then ... I consider him a brother. I really thought he was gay, actually. He doesn't have a girlfriend until now and many women like him but he didn't pay any attention to them after that ... My cheeks warmed at the thought. Even though I'm married and have a child, I can still be thrilled, right? But nothing has changed, Ivan is still the one I love ... ~ • ~ I was about to get out of Seymour's car when he stopped me. He brought me here to our house after we had eaten quietly earlier. As in silent because not as usual, he does not speak even me. It's just awkward. I swallowed and faced him. "Did ... Why?" I was nervous to question. He took a deep breath and my eyes widened as he hugged me. I was so bitten on my lower lip when I felt and heard her heartbeat. Too strong ... the guy seems to have his heart coming out of his chest. "It's true ... What I said before is true. I love you, Rigela. It's funny to think but since we were kids, I've loved you. I don't know how I loved you, as long as my crazy heart and my heart beat so hard. he says, he loves you. Ever since then, it's just you. There's nothing else ... "Seymour whispered in my ear and I felt him kiss my hair. I close my eyes emphatically. Why didn't I notice that right away? Her sweetness to me, her concern for me, and the things she does for me? Because he loves me he does that. My numbness. I grabbed his chest and slowly pulled him away from me. I saw his forehead furrow and I sighed. If I had always loved Seymour, would I be happy? I think yes. Even now, he makes me happy. But no, he's not the one I love. Ivan is the one I love ... the man who did nothing if he didn't hurt me but I still love him even if he is not deserving. "Se ... Seymour. I'm sorry but, Ivan is the one I love ..." I nodded. I heard her sigh so I looked up at her. She ruffled her hair and smiled at me. But I know his smile is fake. Because his smile is out of sight ... He faked a laugh. "I know that. Hahaha! Why did I admit to you? My t@nga really ..." he said and the pain could be seen in his eyes. Tears welled up in my left eye and he stopped laughing. "Cupcake ..." He said and wiped away my tears. But it kept dripping. "I'm ... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you. You know, if I could just teach my heart, I would have loved you. You deserve better, Seymour ..." I sobbed as he my tears are seriously wiped away. "Shh ... I didn't admit to you to make you cry, cupcake ..." he said softly and quickly kissed me on the forehead. Why is love so complex? I don"t want Seymour to be like me. But how? I don't want him to be my martyr. He deserve something better than that. When I finished crying and sobbing he kissed me on the forehead again but this time, it was a long time. "I love you but I won't force you to love me too. Just let me love you, I'm happy there ..." he said smiling after he kissed me on the forehead. I smiled at him too. Seymour was very kind. Lucky the woman he can stay with. "Thank you, Seymour ..." I said and looked at the time on my wrist watch. It's 9:30 pm, is my child asleep yet? "Uhm, Seymour. I'm going inside ..." I said goodbye to him. He smiled and nodded. "All right, it's too late." I opened the car door and reminded him before he left. "Be careful driving ah?" High eyebrows I said. It's a wreckless driver, maybe something else will happen to him. He sneered at me and winked. "Sure, cupcakes! I'll still love you." He stretched me. "It's really your corn! Oh, go ahead. It's late, go home." "Okay, cupcakes. Just text." Aniya. "All right, bye." I said and closed the car door. I moved a little away from the car and was shaken when he pulled his car over. Tsk, he still hasn't changed. The guard let me in at the gate and I was surprised when I saw another car parked outside the gate. Who could that be? I entered the house and frowned when I saw the light was still on. I went into the living room and my eyes widened. Lara who was crying and Ivan who hugged her and made her lie down, they were both sitting on the sofa. Wait ... is your car Lara's outside? I could hardly breathe because of the weight of my chest. It's like my heart is being torn apart by the pain. My eyes were watering and I couldn"t leave my position even if I wanted to. Lara's eyes widened when she saw me so she immediately pushed Ivan and whispered. Ivan turned to me and looked at me seriously. Anger is visible on his eyes that's why i had goosebumps. Lara said goodbye to Ivan and Ivan kissed her on the lips with a smack before he left. Lara looked at me first before I regretted it and she walked away. I was surprised when Ivan grabbed my arm and he held my arm even tighter than before. "WHAT DID I HEAR, HA ?! What kind of hurtful words did your friend's put*ngin@say to my girlfriend ?!" he shouted so it touched my ear. Although I was having a hard time, I tried to remove his hand from my arm. Seymour is right, I have to fight. When I succeeded I slapped him hard on the cheek. His expression became even more angry. "How dare you-!" I cut off what he was going to say. "How dare you too, Ivan! You don't respect me anymore! This is my house too! You really brought your woman here huh ?! Your daughter isn't ashamed of us anymore! I don't want to! I'm fed up! ! I quit! Too painful! " I cried while sobbing too much because of crying. He was stunned and stared at me and spoke with a nod. "You asked for this ..." he whispered angrily. I grinned bitterly. "Yeah! I asked for this! Yes, it's my fault why we ended up like this! But Ivan, if you can't respect me as your wife and mother of your child, respect me as a woman! Even if I love you I can leave you whenever I want! " Chasing breath I said and he was stunned. "And now is the time ..." CHAPTER NINE: Choose Rigella's POV Roxanne handed me another box of tissue when one box ran out. I took it and immediately wiped away my tears that would not stop dripping. Here I am now in Roxanne"s condo unit. Even though I was having a hard time before, I left Ivan stunned in the living room and then I went out of the house and waited for a taxi. It's true that Roxanne is still awake even though it's a bit late because she's watching a k-drama. I heard her sigh and she sat down in front of me. "Why are you crying? You've already decided, haven't you? You're leaving her. Don't drama anymore. She doesn't deserve your crying. You're Rigella Andrea Crisostomo, I love your tears." He said and struggled. I just sniffed and didn"t answer. Honestly, I didn't really mean what I said before. I was so hurt that I said that. But that half meant, it's really too much. He just shook his head and blinked emphatically. It's embarrassing for Roxanne, I'm already too busy with her. But I have nowhere to go right now. I can't go to my parents' house because they will be surprised at how I look so I went here with Roxanne. "I called Seymour earlier and told him what happened to him. I sent him here but he said tomorrow, he will do something important." Roxanne said frowning at me. It used to be just a call from me or Roxanne and she would come to us right away but now? I was so bitten on my lower lip. I'm so used to the fact that I'm more important than anything else to him. "That one is really amazing. The voice is very serious. Tsk, by the way. Ice? How's your son?" He asked which made me shudder. God! I just left without thinking about my son. I wiped my palm on my face in extreme frustration. How can I take him, I'm sure Ivan won't give him to me? Should I go back there again at home? "Roxanne, how is my daughter?" I fail to say. He scratched his head. "Why, I don't know! I'm the one you're asking, aren't you the one I'm asking?" The wind blew me away. Why didn't I take Ice before I left? "Ah! I know that." Suddenly Roxanne stood up from sitting on the sofa. My forehead wrinkled. "Have you thought of a way?" I will ask. He grinned. "We're going to ask Ryan for help." I sighed. "Roxanne, don't be Kuya Ryan. He's dirty at work. Just don't ..." I said and shook my head. He sat up and frowned. "Tsss, I'm just suggesting. Don't." He whispered. I close my eyes tightly and sigh. No matter, tomorrow morning I will go to my son. And if I don't want to and if Ivan wants, I'll take him. I am his mother and I gave birth to him so I have more rights. I was slowly getting drowsy when I heard Roxanne scream. I lost consciousness and frowned at him. Her eyes widened and her mouth fell open looking at her cellphone. "Roxanne-" Before I could continue what I was about to say, he immediately turned to me and spoke. "Oh my God! Seymour is going to take Ivan to your house! He texted me! Looks like he's going to stay with your wife!" My jaw dropped. "What ?!" "Geez! It's still scary that Seymour is angry! He used to be a gangster, wasn't he?" Frustrated Roxanne said. I got up from my seat. "Come to our house. Please, Roxanne! I wonder what will happen to Seymour!" I passed Roxanne upright. "Is it really Seymour or Ivan?" He asked with a raised eyebrow. I was stunned for a moment but then I spoke up. "S-Of course Seymour! Come on!" I pulled Roxanne over so she could do nothing but get her car key out of the cabinet. When we got to the parking lot we immediately got in the car and he immediately turned it on. We need to get ahead of Seymour so we can stop him from whatever he does. We almost flew at the speed of Roxanne's car. My hands and knees were shaking the whole trip. I was really nervous, I knew Seymour and I knew Ivan too. They both won't lose once someone attacks them. When we got to the opposite side of the house we immediately got out of the car. I was stunned when I saw the unconscious guard lying on the floor. Fortunately, Roxanne pulled me inside right away. Roxanne and I were both stunned when we saw two men exchanging blows in the garden. We immediately approached them and I was devastated to see that they both had bruises on their lips and forehead. "T@NGINA MO, DE LEON! HINDI KA NA NADALA! PALAGI MO NALANG SINASAKTAN SI RIGELLA, T@R@NTADO KA!" Seymour shouted and sneered at Ivan so I sighed. "DON'T INTERFERE WITH US, UL0L! PLEASE BE INTERESTED! WHY ?! WHO ARE YOU ?! YOU'RE JUST RIGELLA'S FRIEND!" "WHO AM I ?! I'M JUST THE MAN WHO LOVES YOUR WIFE, G@G0! AND I'M READY TO CALL HIM WHEN HE LEAVES YOU! HE CAN'T DESERVE A DEMON LIKE YOU!" "WHAT IF YOU LOVE HIM ?! THE QUESTION IS IF HE LOVES YOU ?!" I saw the look of anger in Seymour's eyes and he kicked Ivan hard causing him to be thrown to the floor. "Ivan!" I shouted and they both turned to me. I approached Ivan and tears welled up in my eyes when I saw the bleeding and his cracked lip. His left eye was also swollen and he had a bruise on his forehead. I caressed his sweaty and wounded face and chasing his breath he was just looking at me, his gaze deep. I turned to Seymour and saw him holding Roxanne's arm and whispering to her as well. I saw a mixture of anger and sadness in Seymour's eyes. "Rigella, get out of there! I'll teach that animal a lesson-!" I cut off what he was going to say. "That's enough, Seymour! That's enough! That's enough. Ta ... That's enough ..." I sobbed. Seymour's eyes widened and his jaw dropped as well. "Pe ... But, Rigella. He hurt you, not only emotionally but also physically. That shameless one should be punished!" He even pointed at Ivan. I turned to Ivan and he was still staring at me deeply and I couldn't read the expression on his face. "Se ... Seymour, that's right please ... you two are just hurting." I promise. "NO! I can't miss what he did to you, Rigella. That man is a demon. You don't deserve him!" I sniffed before answering. "Yes! I don't deserve him but I love him so much, Seymour!" I said boldly. Seymour was stunned, Roxanne just surrounded me, she looked disappointed in me. "Rigella-" I didn't let him finish and I averted my eyes. "I'm going to stay here. I'll be back here. I won't leave him." Especially now and he was beaten. I don"t want to leave him in this state. "Rigella, I thought you had already decided ?! I thought you were going to leave that man ?! Why do you want him back now ?!" Roxanne shouted so I turned to her. So Seymour next to him couldn"t believe staring at me. "I'm sorry, Roxanne ... I love her. I love her so much and I can't afford to lose her in my life ..." I replied weakly to her. He dropped his jaw and grinned bitterly then asked me again. "Go shopping, Rigella. Will you leave that man, or will we lose your life? Roxanne and I." Seymour's voice was cold as he looked at me seriously. I sighed at what he said. Roxanne and I are the only ones on my side. Why do I have to choose. I took a deep breath and my tears flowed. I don't want to do this but I have to ... "I ... I'm sorry ..." I could only say to him as I bent down. I heard Roxanne sigh so I looked up and turned to her. Her tears are already dripping as she looks at me, pain is visible on her eyes. Seymour tapped him on the shoulder and sadness could be seen in his eyes but anger still prevailed. "S-So ... you ... you are choosing him over us? We don't want anything but to make you better? We're your friends? Is that so, Rigella?" Roxanne's question was full of resentment as she cried. I just closed my eyes sharply and averted my gaze. "I'm sorry ..." I could only say. Although I was weak, I stood up and supported Ivan to stand. I put one of his arms around my shoulder and held him by the waist. I turned around and walked slowly. Ivan was a bit heavy but I forced myself to walk. Before I entered the house I looked at Roxanne and Seymour one last time. Roxanne was already sobbing as Seymour hugged her. I sighed and a tear dripped from my left eye. I entered the house while Ivan was being supported and we walked towards the guest room downstairs. I knew I couldn't afford to help him to our room so I just brought him here. I laid him on the bed and saw that he had closed his eyes while frowning. I went to the cabinet here in the bedroom and picked up the first aid kit. When I got that I sat down next to him and took cotton, betadine, ointment and band aid. I put betadine on the cotton and I gently rubbed it on his wound. He lost consciousness and I averted my eyes. Because of the depth of his gaze, it was as if he was digging into my whole being. After I cleaned and treated his wound, I applied a band aid to it. I looked into his eyes and he was still staring at me. I took a deep breath and put away the things I used in the first aid kit. I stood up and was about to come out when he grabbed my arm. My eyes widened as I looked at him as my lips parted. "D-Don't ... Don't leave me ..." He said and it was as if someone touched my heart ... To be continued...