Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Rigella's POV

I had no choice but to groan and climb into the front seat when Ivan suddenly jumped into his car in the parking lot. I was a little taken aback when I got in because he didn’t yell at me or hit me. I simply stared out the window. Maybe he’ll slap me later when we get home. I hope not—I’m tired of his abuse.

“Rigella,” he whispered coldly, and I stiffened with fear.

I turned to him slowly and saw him leaning back in his seat, eyes closed, one arm resting on the steering wheel.

I almost murmured, “A... What’s a—?”

He suddenly raised his head, his expression stern.

“Why didn’t you pick up Ice earlier?” he asked, frowning.

I gulped and bowed my head before replying.

“Ah, we arrived late at Roxanne’s mall earlier…”

He let out a loud groan and abruptly slammed on the brakes.

“What if something happened to your son? Would you really choose shopping over him? Thank God I got home early!”

I sighed, my eyes starting to tear up. He was right. I should’ve come home sooner. If something bad ever happened to my child, I don’t think I’d be able to forgive myself.

“I’m sorry… it won’t happen again,” I said softly.

He cut me off. I could tell he was furious from the way he was breathing.

“It better not happen again!” he shouted. “From now on, you’re staying home! Take care of Ice and do your job there!”

I couldn’t even respond. I just cried silently. My biggest mistake was thinking more about myself than my son. What if something had happened to him? What if he disappeared? My heart was overwhelmed with guilt and pain.

We sat in silence for a while. All I could hear were my quiet sobs and his heavy breathing. For some reason, he still hadn’t started the car again.

Then, in a calm voice, he said, “Tomorrow is your parents’ anniversary. They’ve moved back to the Philippines.”

I stopped crying, surprised by what he said. They wanted us to be there for the celebration. A sudden wave of joy washed over me.

“Really?” I asked, eyes wide.

He looked at me, clearly annoyed. “Tsk. Yes. Just say, ‘Eh, I can.’ My parents will be there too. So behave. They all still think we’re happy together.”

He was right. Our parents still believed our marriage was strong and full of joy. But they were wrong—so wrong.

I was stunned. He just started the car and drove off while I nodded silently.

The whole drive, I stared out the window. I was happy that my parents were back, but also sad, knowing they’d only stay for a short vacation before returning to the U.S.

When we got home, Ivan got out first. He didn’t even bother to open the door for me. I sighed and stepped out by myself.

It was 9:00 p.m. when I glanced at my wristwatch. The house was dark except for the lamps.

I went straight upstairs to check on my son’s room. Relief flooded me when I saw him sleeping soundly. I walked to his bed, gently stroked his hair, and kissed his forehead.

“Good night, son,” I whispered. “Sleep well.”

Then I quietly left the room and headed to our—his—room. But the doorknob didn’t turn. It was locked.

I sighed again. Looks like I’d be spending the night in the guest room—again.

I entered the guest room and immediately collapsed into bed. It had been such a long and draining day. I needed rest.

---

The next morning, Ivan was already dressed in a suit and tie. I smiled weakly as I helped get our son ready. Ivan had given me a white, off-shoulder dress earlier. I wore it now, pairing it with light makeup. I even used concealer to cover the bruises on my arm.

It was a bit hard fixing my son up since he was distracted by his robot toy. After dressing him and tidying myself up, Ivan was ready too.

We were heading to my parents’ mansion—my childhood home.

Just before we left, I gently grabbed Ivan’s arm. He frowned at me, and I had to cough to find my voice.

“I… I just wanted to say thank you for the dress,” I said with a small smile.

He scoffed.

“It’s not from me. It’s from Lara. Thank my girlfriend. She was nice enough to give you a dress.”

Then he pulled his arm away and smiled as he picked up Ice.

My chest tightened. I blinked back tears. Lara? She bought this dress? I hadn’t even met her. I didn’t know what to say.

We got into the car. Since children weren’t allowed in the front seat, Ice and I sat in the back. By the time we arrived at the mansion, it was already dark.

Colorful LED lights welcomed us at the entrance. My eyes searched for my parents immediately. I spotted my mother chatting with some of her friends.

When we got closer, her eyes lit up.

“Rigella, my daughter!” she exclaimed, kissing my cheeks and hugging me tight.

Ivan only gave a small smile to my mother, then greeted my father. They were both seated at a table with Ivan’s parents, Mommy Jen and Tito Iverson, along with others.

“Ricardo, your daughter and her family are here!” Mom called cheerfully.

Dad turned to us and quickly stood up, pulling me into a warm hug. I was crying again—I missed them so much.

After hugging me, Dad embraced Ice and even Ivan’s parents hugged me warmly.

Just when I was about to sit down, I froze.

It was my brother—Ryan.

He stepped forward, serious-faced, and said, “Ella…”

I was shocked. We weren’t close. We didn’t hug. But now he did. I hesitated, then hugged him back.

“B-brother Ryan…” I murmured.

Mom was beaming as we sat down. It was the first time my brother and I hugged. Maybe that’s why she looked so happy.

We chatted endlessly over dinner. I was amazed by the food.

Then Mommy Jen asked me with a smile, “How are you and Ivan, sister?”

I looked at Ivan, but he didn’t react. He was busy feeding Ice and barely touched his food.

My eyes widened slightly when I noticed he was wearing his wedding ring. He only ever wore it at family gatherings.

It still felt strange seeing it on him. I gave a soft smile and responded, “We’re okay…”

I glanced at my brother, who was giving me a sour look. He seemed unimpressed with my answer. I just looked down and kept eating.

A while later, Ivan excused himself to use the restroom. I stayed behind to care for Ice. After some time, I decided to go ahead to the room.

I don’t know why, but my heart was racing as I approached the hallway near the conference room.

Then I saw it—the door was slightly open.

And inside… I saw Lara and Ivan.

They were kissing.

My world stopped. I ran behind the wall, slapped a hand over my mouth to silence the sobs, and cried again.

Why do I always cry? Don’t tears run out?

Then, out of nowhere, someone hugged me from behind. I froze.

“Shh... stay still, Miss,” a gentle male voice said. “He doesn’t deserve your tears.”

I turned to look at him, confused. “W-who are you?”

He smiled and wiped my tears with his thumb.

“You’re mean to me, Ella,” he teased. “Don’t you know me?”

Then it hit me.

“Seymour…” I whispered, stunned.