Prologue

“Sumasakit pa ba ang ulo mo? Nag-aalala ako,” a man’s voice.

I looked up at him, staring at his concerned face. Ngumiti lang ako at hinawakan ang kamay niyang nakahawak sa akin. “Okay lang ako, don’t worry.”

“Napapadalas na naman ang pag sakit ng ulo mo,” he said. He let out a deep sigh and kissed my forehead. Little by little, I’m getting used to his presence, his kisses, his touch. Sa mga tao rito ay siya lang ang taong pinag kakatiwalaan ko. When I woke up, he’s the man who was with me the whole time.

Because he is my husband, that’s what he says.

I stared at the ring I’m wearing. As I stared at it, I could feel this unfamiliar emotion that was lingering in me. It feels… sad. Maybe it’s because of the trauma? It’s been five years since the accident. Vince was the one who patiently answered all of my questions, my curiosity.

Mabait siyang tao, maalaga, at mapagmahal. Kaya siguro siya ang napangasawa ko. He’s the one who took care of me, who guided me the whole time I was suffering. He’s the only family I have. My parents were already gone when I was a teenager. Si Vince na lang ang kasama ko ngayon.

“Vince? Matagal ka pa ba riyan?” I asked him and watched him cook.

“Malapit na, maupo ka na at paghahandaan kita ng pagkain.”

“No it’s fine, ako na.” I helped him prepare for our dinner.

“Mabuti at marami kayong nahuling isda?” tanong ko habang pinapanood siyang mag lagay ng pagkain sa plate ko. He’s a fisherman. We’re living near the sea, iyon ang minsan na trabaho ni Vince.

I’m content with our life, it’s peaceful. Hindi kami mapera pero maayos kaming namumuhay. I’m also working as a waitress. Hindi malaki ang kita pero sapat na. I want to help Vince with our finances.

“Elora. Hindi mo ba tatanggapin ang offer ko?” tanong ni Mrs. Trinidad. I almost remember her offer, a big offer. Muli kong pinag isipan iyon.

“If you accept it, it will change your life. At… matutulungan mo na rin si Vince. Minsan lang ang offer na ganito, don’t lose the chance. Hindi ba ay kailangan ni Vince ng opera?”

I nodded. I fell into deep thought over what he said. Vince needed surgery for his shoulder because there was something wrong with it. But we didn’t have any money. Mrs. Trinidad’s offer could help us a lot. To become the babysitter of the child of a wealthy businessman. She said he was extremely rich—and that this opportunity could help us rise in life.

He’s willing to give a high salary. And I’m willing to grab this opportunity. Madali na lang ang mag-alaga ng bata, I’m actually fond of kids. I love kids, I used to give a free tutor to the kids in our street.

“Tatanggapin ko po, Mrs. Trinidad. Sasabihan ko lang ang asawa ko. Kailangan din po kasing lumuwas sa Manila kaya hindi madali.”

She smiled and clapped. She looked so happy that I finally accepted it. The satisfaction in her face is visible. “I’m glad! Well, it will not disappoint you, Elora. This will change your life! I promise, gaganda at magbabago ang buhay mo.”

When I finally got back home, I saw Vince resting. Umupo ako sa tabi ng sofa kung nasaan siya. “How are you? Pagod ba? Magpahinga ka na,” he stood up and sat beside me.

“Ayos lang ako. Can I ask you something?” He nodded and caressed my face.

“Dito na ba tayo nakatira… bago tayo ikasal?” I asked, which surprised him. He just didn’t expect it. He sighed and stopped caressing my face. He looked at me with a serious face. He’s like this everytime I asked him a question about the past.

He looked away and answered me without facing me. “No. We live in a City, Elora. But living there… It's hard and messy. Payapa rito.”

I nodded. “Mrs. Trinidad offered me a job, right? What do you think? Maybe this could help us–”

“Elora. I can provide. You don’t need that. Paano kung mapahamak ka?” He turned to me as if the topic was unfavoured to him. Hindi ko na siya kinulit.

I never expected that the day would come when strange men—men I didn’t even know—would come to our house. Their purpose was to see Vince. Vince didn’t allow me to show myself to them. He looked troubled, like something heavy was bothering him. I had no idea what was going on, and he clearly had no intention of explaining anything to me, even if I tried asking. He always just said he wanted me to be safe. I don’t know if it’s wrong to feel this way because he’s my husband, but… it’s starting to feel suffocating. It’s as if he’s hiding me… for unknown reason.

I understand—he doesn’t want me to get hurt. But after all these years of always being kept in the shadows… it gets tiring. It gets exhausting. I’m always relying on him for everything—and I don’t want that anymore.

“I need to leave… just for months. I just need to fix things, Lor. Don’t worry, I’ll come back. Just stay here and wait for me,” he said, taking his backpack. He pulled me a hug and kissed my forehead.

“Who are the people who came yesterday? Are they loansharks? Did you do anything wrong?” gulong gulo ako.

“No, they’re just… someone I know. May kailangan lang akong gawin. Babalik ako. Take care of yourself and stay here.”

I sighed and let him go. Days have passed, Vince sent a message yesterday asking if I’m okay. I’m just staring at the sea. Mrs. Trinidad caught my attention. She smiled and gave me a small envelope.

“Take care, Elora. And enjoy! Ako na ang bahala sayo. Sige na at baka mahuli ka pa.”

I nodded. “Thanks Mrs. Trinidad.”

I took the envelope. Inside is money and a ticket for my transportation. My decision is final. I will accept Mrs. Trinidad’s job offer—without Vince knowing. There’s something inside me pushing me to do this.

It’s final—I'm going to be the babysitter of the son of one of the richest men in the