Chapter 16

Third Person's POV

Doctors and nurses are in turmoil at the hospital owned by the De Leons. Of course, the owner"s wife and her child are the ones they have to rescue. They hurriedly brought, Rigella unconscious to the emergency room along with Ivan who looks dangerous and serious but nervousness is visible on his eyes.

He was left alone outside the emergency room. Out of anger and frustration, he punch the wall continuously.

He feels it is all his fault. That he was already caught dating. If she had not allowed her husband to leave, she and their child might still be in good health.

He still remembers what happened earlier at the mall. He can't believe it! Lara is to blame for why her husband is here today. He didn't expect it because he knew it well. He knew it couldn't do that. But, does he really know her well?

Ice is in the hands of Creed, his best friend. It still doesn't know what happened to Rigella because it might just be sad.

She closes her eyes tightly. He saw her bled! For him, that seemed to be the most frightening event he had ever witnessed. What if ... something happens on his wife and his child? He can't forgive himself it that happens.

He sat down on the chair and folded his arms before bowing. Her breathing was heavy due to extreme nervousness. Although he did not admit it to himself, he was afraid that he would lose one of his parents.

He also infuriated Rigella's bodyguards. He punched them to death. Though, Creed stopped him immediately because that might get to the superior.

He only asks for one thing at these times, that hopefully nothing will happen to his mother because otherwise ... maybe that's what he can do. He can't control himself when he's mad.

~ • ~

It's been five hours but the doctors are still not coming out of the emergency room. He's starting to lose his patience and at the same time, he's worried.

His heavy breathing and clenched fists were remarkable. Why? Because of Lara. He knew in himself that Lara had done that to his wife. The CCTV anwers it all. Lara pushed Rigella away.

If Lara wasn't just a woman, she might have beaten her up. But it was not his job to hurt the woman. But once it's repeated, he doesn't know what he's capable of.

Rigella"s friends Roxanne and Seymour are also here. They throw bad looks at him but he just ignores it.

Later, his cellphone rang so he immediately took it from his pocket. He answered the call without looking at who the caller was.

"Hello?" He said patiently.

["Is this Mr. Ivan De Leon?"]

He heard an unfamiliar voice so he frowned at the phone screen to see who had called. It's Mr. Ricardo Crisostomo, Rigella's father.

"Why is my father-in-law's phone late?" He asked the person a serious question.

Roxanne and Seymour got the attention then so they immediately turned to Ivan from staring at the emergency room door.

["Uhm, I'm a nurse from Martinez Doctors Hospital, Sir. We couldn't contact their daughter Rigella Crisostomo so we only contacted you since you are their daughter's wife ..."]

Ivan was immediately taken aback. She feels something bad has happened to her husband"s parents.

"Can you just tell it to me? I love my time so please hurry." He said annoyed but deep in side he felt nervous.

["Uhh, sorry sir. And I'm sorry to tell you too that ... Mr. and Mrs. Crisostomo are dead on arrival. Their car had an accident a while ago ..."]

She sighed. Is it really just a coincidence that the Crisostomo family was hospitalized at the same time? Earlier, he also went to the hospital with Rigella's brother Ryan because he was stabbed inside the cell. But according to the doctor, it is safe. It's just amazing for him. There seems to be something wrong.

But worse now, her husband's parents have died. How would he tell this to Rigella?

She sighed. "Alright, thanks for the info. I'll send one of my men there to take care of Mom and Dad. I'll hang up."

["Okay, Sir."]

He dropped the call and shaking his hands he gripped his cellphone tightly. This is so frustrating! If only his brother was here, he would have sympathized. But he was busy studying abroad so he couldn't disturb her.

"What's that, De Leon?" Kunot when Seymour asked him.

He turned it over and sighed. "Rigella's ... parents are gone ..." her voice got weaker and weaker as she said those words.

Roxanne sighed and tears welled up in her eyes. Seymour immediately hugged him even though he was also weakening. Rigella's parents are both good. They are like parents and they are like children.

The door of the emergency room opened so he immediately stood up followed by his wife's two friends. The exhausted -looking doctor came out and first removed his face mask and gloves.

"Is my wife alright? Our baby? Did you save them?" He asked one question after another. Damn, he's so eager to know if his mother's condition is okay.

The doctor sighed. "We successfully saved your wife, Mr. De Leon ..." the doctor announced so he seemed to be breathing easily.

"How's my friend's baby, doc? Did you save the baby?" Roxanne asked worriedly.

The doctor bowed so he frowned. It was quiet and seemed unable to answer Roxanne's question.

But at last, the doctor also answered. "I'm sorry, but the baby didn't make it ..."

That made his world ... shattered into pieces.

How can she explain this to her husband? She lost her parents and then ... she also lost their baby ...

~ • ~

Seymour's POV

"How is this, Seymour? Her parents are gone, as well as her baby. How can we explain this to her?" Sobbing Roxanne promises to be next to me now in the chair.

I just sighed. I know myself, I don"t know either. It will cause Rigella too much pain. He lost three important people and was very ill.

I hate to see her cry. But he needed to know what had happened. Then no matter what we do in hiding, he will know and will know too.

I promised to look at De Leon who was bent over and with a bandage on his hand. After he found out that their son was gone, he recklessly punched the wall in the emergency room. But as the owner of this hospital, doctors and nurses treated him immediately.

And even more surprisingly there, I saw him cry. After all, who would not be hurt if they lost their child?

~ • ~

Ivan's POV

As I entered her room, I immediately felt the sadness that was inherent there. I saw him turn around as he stared at the large glass wall illuminated by the sun.

I slowly walked closer to her and when I was finally able to get closer, I saw her crocheting while smiling. Sad to be smiling.

"Rigella ..." I called to her and she immediately turned to me.

She smiled at me sparingly and continued crocheting. I sat down next to her and gently stroked her hair. I saw someone help a bead of tears from his left eye but he immediately wiped it away and continued what he was doing.

"Do you know ... Did you know I already thought of the name of our baby?" He asked almost in a whisper.

I swallowed and grabbed one of her hands so she put down the crochet tools first. He didn't look at me and he just looked out the window crying.

"Rayven Isaac for a boy and Iscelle Rayne for a girl ..."

I spontaneously smiled bitterly. What a wonderful name.

"But he's gone ... what's the name I thought of, isn't it?"

I kissed the top of his hand and my tears started to flow. It hurts me when I see him like this.

"Even though she is still in my womb, I have already planned her baptism, first birthday, and my dreams for her. I am excited to know her gender. I am also excited the first time she walks, talks, smiles ... "she sobbed and hugged the diaper she had crocheted earlier.

I could do nothing but nod at him.

"Then ... why did my parents disappear? He took our baby from me, why my parents? Why is He so cruel to me?" He took a deep breath. "But I can't blame Him, Ivan. I have strong faith in Him ..."

I just hugged him and stroked his back. If only I could do something for her. If only I could get back everything lost. But no, I can't because I'm not a god to do that.

He hugged back to me and cried into my chest.

"Shh ... stay ..." I whispered in his ear and kissed his head.

"No ... I can't understand anymore! Why is that? Have I been in so much pain for seven years for this to happen to me? Why am I always left behind ?!"

"Shh ..." I kissed him on the head again and leaned my forehead on his shoulder and there quietly cried.

It's my fault. I am the cause of all his suffering. I hope I can just accept all the pain he feels.

"I'm sorry ..." I whispered repeatedly in his ear.

He moved away from me a little and I saw the swelling in his eyes. He stroked my cheek so I closed my eyes. "Why are you saying sorry, Ivan? It's all my fault. I ruined your life so I should be the one to apologize. Our life wouldn't be like this if it wasn't for me. So I should be the one to apologize ..."

I was shocked by what he said. Why is she blaming herself? How can she be this kind? How could I just ignore him then?

"I'm the one to blame for everything. Because I love you so much, I ruined your life. I'm sorry because I still came into my life. If I hadn't-"

I cut him off and kissed him on the lips. I don't want to hear him blame himself for what happened.

Then I put my arm around him and we watched the sunset together.

"They said that, sunrise symbolizes a beginning and sunset symbolizes an ending ..." he said so I turned to him smiling watching the sunset. "I just realized something. Any day above ground is a good day. Before you complain about anything, be thankful for your life and the things that are still going well ..."

I just stared at him and my grip on him tightened even more. This is her, this is Rigella. She's always positive when it comes to life.

I smiled and looked at the sunset. "Maybe ... I'm just going to smile like nothing is wrong, talk like everything's perfect, act like it's all a dream, and pretend that it's not hurting me anymore ..." I whispered.

He frowned at me so I turned to him too.

"Hey, stop that pretend thingy, Ivan. Just feel the pain until it hurts no more. Just take it all out. I know it hurts to lose a child but we need to face it. A negative mind will never give you a positive life. .. "he preached to me so I smiled even more.

A moment of silence prevailed. I admire Rigella"s resilience.

"Is God true? If I pray, will he hear me?" I asked out of nowhere.

She sighed. "Sometimes, I wonder if God hears my prayers. Maybe sometimes, yes and sometimes not but I know he still has a plan for me. Just pray, Ivan. Don't be double minded. Be steadfast, be immovable so that you can always bound in the things of God. Don't allow your mind to sway and shift when it comes to worshiping, believing and trusting God. Keep your mind stayed on Him. Let His word be your guide. Don 't allow your situation to cause you doubt what God has said. God is all-powerful and all-knowing. He is well able to deliver you no matter what you are going through ... "

I smiled. Rigella is a rare type of a girl. How come I didn't notice it?

"One little prayer can change one huge situation because prayer is power, Ivan ..." she smiled sweetly at me.

"Let's pray then ..." I said, smiling.

She closed her eyes and did sign of the cross so do I.

Dear Lord God, whatever happens, please let me stay with this woman until the last breath of my life. Take care of our little angel there, in heaven. I know, I'm asking too much because it's been a long time since I prayed but please, grant my prayer. I can't imagine my life without her and our son, Ice. Thank you for all the blessings you have given me and ... thank you for giving me an almost perfect family. Thank you so much. Amen.

I signed of the cross again and opened my eyes. I saw Rigella sign of the cross as well and opened her eyes. She smiled at me.

"It's comforting, isn't it? Just trust Him, Ivan. We can handle it ..."

I nodded. "Yeah. God is everything."

"It was also a long time before I realized that God can help me so I understand if you haven't accepted him very well. You can take it slow. Pray, then let it go. Don't try to manipulate or force the outcome. Just trust God to open the right doors at the right time. Let go ... and let God. "

I didn't say anything so I just kissed him.

"But, I realized something ..." I said after.

"What is it?" She asked.

"I love you ..." I said with sincerity.

Rigella's POV

"Thanks for coming ..." I smiled sparingly and shook hands with Mom's best friend Tita Ranette.

He nodded and smiled sadly. "My condolences, sister ..."

"Thank you ..." I said and swallowed to hold back my tears.

I made Tita sit down and when no one came to sympathize I sat down again in the front and looked at my parents' coffin.

My parents, they are the best people I have ever met. They raised me well, taught me what was right and wrong, and loved me so much. It's just really sad because they're gone.

I smiled at the thought that they might be with my baby now. Even though I lost three important people, I knew God had a plan for me.

"Hey ..."

I turned to the speaker. It's Ivan. I smiled at him and he sat down next to me and then put his arm around me. He put my head on his shoulder so I leaned on him.

"Hmm, have you delivered Ice yet?" I will ask.

"Yeah. Creed's taking care of him, don't worry. By the way, are you tired? Do you want to take a break?"

I sighed. "I'm not tired. I can still ..."

"You sure?"

"Yup .."

I felt him nod and kiss my head.

On this hill of Mom and Dad, I never cried. They told me before, I will never cry that they are the reason.

"Do you want to sue Lara?" He asked out of nowhere.

My eyes widened and moved away a little from him. I stared at him and it seemed like he just didn't have what he said.

"Wha ... What?" I was shocked by the question.

It's been four days since I got out of the hospital but it still hurts. But I just hope in god for everything.

She sighed and clasped her two hands.

"She's the reason why our baby's gone, Rigella. Let's file a case against her ..." she was calm but I could see the anger in her eyes.

I closed my eyes emphatically. "Nevermind..."

When I opened my eyes I saw the frown on his forehead. "What? Why?"

"Let karma punish her. Besides, I don't want to have another relationship with that woman ..."

"If that's what you want then. But tell me right away when you change your mind. I can easily call the police and let them bring that bitch to jail."

I swallowed because I could feel the anger in his voice. Who wouldn't be angry with the person at fault for losing your child? As for me, I was really angry but I didn't understand that. I really draw strength from God.

~ • ~

Ivan's POV

I slowly laid Rigella down on the bed who was sound asleep. Probably because he was tired of taking care of his parents' hill.

"I love you ..." I whispered at her ear and kissed her forehead.

I was about to lie down next to him when my cellphone rang. I patiently sighed and took my cellphone from my pocket.

I gritted my teeth as I've read the name of the caller. I immediately answered the call. Damn, the earlier anger I forgot for a moment is back again.

"What now, Lara?" I can clearly hear my stone cold voice.

["I ... Ivan, let's ... let's talk please ..."] I could hear him sobbing on the other line but I ignored it.

If before, I was hurt when she cried, now not anymore. I didn't even notice in the eleven years of our relationship that he behaved. The habit is bad.

"After what have you done, Lara? You really expect me to talk to you?" I asked sarcastically and clenched my fist.

Damn it! If I could just take my life, I would have done it. I would have killed Lara in return for killing my son.

But no, I believe differently. Rigella's right, karma strikes fast and I know Lara will feel that.

["Ivan, I'm sorry ... please, talk to me. No ... I didn't mean to. I don't know that she's pregnant. If I knew ... if I only knew I wouldn't have pushed her ... "]

I closed my eyes tightly and left the room. This is the room of the chapel where Rigella's parents lay on the hill.

"Even if she's not pregnant you shouldn't have done that, Lara! You have no rights to hurt her!" I shouted angrily.

["No ... I will never hurt her again. Just please, talk to me ..."]

I smirked. "You should never hurt her again, Lara. Because if you hurt my wife ... I won't hesitate to kill you with my own bare hands." I strongly threaten.

I heard her sigh. ["I'm sorry ... please, let's talk. I have something important to tell you ..."]

I laughed heartily. "I have no time for your lies, Lara. Thank you and my wife is kind because she doesn't want to put you in jail. Look, if you still have your dignity and pride, you will leave me alone. You will leave us alone!"

["But, Ivan! We need to talk, please ... let's talk. Parang awa mo na ..."]

"I HAVE NO TIME FOR TALKSHITS, LARA!" I screamed irritably.

["But, Ivan! I'm not talking shits here! You have to stand up for me!"] He shouted on the other line.

For no apparent reason my heart pounded. What the fuck is this?

"What do you mean?" My eyebrows almost met because of the urge to hear what he would say to me.

["I'm pregnant with your child, Ivan. You have to stand up for me ..."]

And ... those words made my heart skipped its beat. Darn it.

Rigella's POV

"What do you need from me?" I asked Lara angrily and sat down in the chair.

It's just that someone called an unregistered number on my phone and when I answered it I found out it was Lara. He invited me here to this coffee shop because he said he would tell me something important.

At first, I refused. Not because I was afraid of what he could do to me but because I just remembered that he was the cause of my son's loss. And most of all, I was nervous about what he would say to me. I just don"t know why. Just, I feel bad about it.

But I also thought of agreeing because of his voice earlier on the phone. It looks like he really wants to meet me so ... here I am and I brought him here to the coffee shop.

He sniffed and removed his shades. I almost swallowed when I saw his puffy eyes. Why is it?

"I have something important to tell you ..." even though he seemed to be reluctant to speak because of his hoarse voice, he still forced himself to say those words.

I could not answer immediately and averted my eyes. I was really nervous for no apparent reason. Why is it like this? I can not understand myself!

"What ... What are you going to say? Just so you know, you're bothering me. I'm busy and I still have a lot to do at my parents' hill." I forced myself to steady myself and looked at him bravely.

I saw him swallow and then he bowed slightly. I was a little sympathetic to his appearance because he looked like he was going through a hard time. My lips parted when I saw a tear dripping from his left eye.

She bit her lower lip to suppress her sob. "I'm ... I'm sorry for pushing you, Rigella. Believe me or not, I didn't mean that. I didn't know that you were pregnant. I hope you'll forgive me ..." he sobbed.

I averted my eyes from him and closed my eyes firmly but ... tears dripped from my eyes again.

I opened my eyes and stared at him. "Do you think that sorry will bring my son back?" I gritted my teeth because of the ranging anger I felt.

"I didn't ... I didn't really mean it, I swear. If I only knew you were pregnant, I wouldn't have pushed you. I was just ... so angry that time because you're the reason why Ivan and I broke up. up ... "he sobbed as he bowed but I didn't take it.

"I'm not doing anything wrong, Lara! And to top it all, I was never the reason why the two of you broke up! I don't even know the slightest reason why you broke up! So please, don't just give all the blame on me because I don't know! " My throat was shaking with the anger I was feeling. My shout was getting a little louder and someone was looking at us but I ignored it.

Lara was stunned and swallowed. Does he want me to even slap him with the fact that I know no reason why they broke up?

For damn's sake! All I know is that Ivan loves her so I can"t understand why they broke up. And yet, am I to blame now? Just what the hell!

"We broke up because ... because he didn't want to sign the annulment!" He shouted so I was the one who was shocked.

My forehead furrowed and I bit my lower lip. I thought, he didn't want to sign the annulment because Lara left her! And now, I just discovered that it is the reason why they broke up?

I can't understand Ivan anymore. He really wants us to be annulled but ... why in the first place doesn't he want to sign?

"I think ... I think he's already fallen for you ..." I blinked because I could hear the pain in his voice.

He's already fallen for me? Yeah, he told me that he loves me but ... I didn't take it seriously. I feel like he's just lying because we lost a child and he knows I'm hurting.

But ... could it be possible? Is it possible that Ivan already loves me so he didn't sign?

Ugh! This revelation makes me damn frustrated and curious!

I cleared my throat. "It's ... it's impossible, Lara. Ivan loves you. It's just you ..." I said that even though it was painful. Truth really hurts.

She smiled bitterly. "How I wish it's true. But no. Judging from his actions towards me, he really do love you. He even threatened me to stay away from you and don't ever hurt you again or else ... he'll kill me . "

I was gripped tightly by the glass filled with water. What the hell? Did Ivan really threatened Lara? I can not believe!

"I can't believe it ..." I whispered to myself, subconsciously.

My eyes widened when Lara held my hand. I turned to her and felt sorry for her because her eyes were like a faucet because of the tears that kept falling from her.

"Please, Rigella ... just give me Ivan. I need him ..."

I immediately took my hand away from him because I heard his plea. She looks so ... desperate. But I understand him. They"ve been together for eleven years already and I know they love each other very much.

"I need him too, Lara. I've lost a child, I've lost my parents. I need him more, Lara. I really need him by my side ..." someone helped liquid in my hand and I realized I was crying me too.

My lips parted and I heard the sigh around. The famous Lara Santillan just knelt in front of me! He held my two hands resting on my lap and beggingly looked at me.

"Please, Rigella. I need him. I'm pregnant with his child. The father needs our future child so please ... just give him to me ..."

I did not immediately respond to what he said. Depressed my shoulder dropped and I bowed. Lara also let go of my two hands so I covered them with my face which was already blurred with tears.

Lara ... she's pregnant with my husband's child. It's Ivan's child.

It hurts. Very painful. I lost three loved ones and now ... my husband's infidelity to me resulted?

Why ... why do I have to go through all this? Are the ones I lost still missing?

I removed my hand from covering my face and Lara was still sobbing as she knelt down. Someone else was already curious and standing near us.

"She's an actress, right? Lara Santillan?"
"OMG! Why is he crying? Is it because of that girl?"
"She's pathetic. She's on her knees oh."

I grabbed Lara's two shoulders and forced her to her feet.

"What are you doing, Lara? Stand up!" Despite crying I was still able to make him shout.

But he held my hands and he did not stand up. "No! Please, Rigella. Give him to me. Akin nalang siya, please. I won't stand up here until you give him to me ... I already told him about my pregnancy but he just told me to abort our baby "Please ... I know you are the only one who can allow him to hold me responsible. Please, give him to me ..."

I closed my eyes emphatically. How can I suppose to give him my husband just like that? I can not do it. I could have done it before, but now I can't. Too painful.

And, what? He already told Ivan about her pregnancy? Then, why did Ivan didn't tell me about this?

I was about to speak when someone grabbed my arm and made me stand up from my seat.

"Ivan ..." I whispered but he ignored me and gave Lara a bad look.

"I told you to stay away from her, Lara!" He shouted and the whole area became silent.

Lara was about to speak when Ivan immediately pull me out of the place.

I smiled bitterly and wiped my tears out. He came.