CHAPTER 3

When I woke up, I found myself in a different room. I sat down, noticing my clothes neatly folded nearby. Quickly, I took a shower and got dressed. As I headed downstairs, I looked around to see if anyone was there, but the place was empty. I walked until I stopped in front of his room.

I hoped that when I told him "I love you too," he wouldn't have heard. I needed to admit that I wasn't foolish enough to engage in a physical relationship with him unless I genuinely wanted to. Could it be that I already loved Zack? I questioned whether this was right, given that I didn't fully know him yet. Perhaps, for Zack, I was just another girl.

I gazed at his room; he was sleeping inside. Slowly, I entered and smiled.

"Monica," he suddenly spoke, causing me to look at him.

"Monica, I love you." I smiled in response. Is that me? My name is Monica, right? So, it's me? I carefully sat down next to him and observed the pictures he was holding. Just as I was about to take one, he abruptly woke up and sat up.

"What are you doing here?"

"Ah, just saying goodbye."

"Are you heading home?"

"Yes," I replied.

"Alright, be careful." That was all he said, then he turned his back to me. I left his room, feeling perplexed about his reaction. Was that all? Just like that? If he truly loved me, it seemed rather casual. As I made my way downstairs, I noticed someone. I hurriedly approached the person.

"Excuse me?"

"Oh, ma'am?"

"Can I ask you a question?" I inquired with some excitement.

"Yes, what is it?"

"Is it about Zack?"

"Yes, what would you like to know?"

"Does he have a girlfriend?" The person, Manang, remained silent for a moment, then sat down in the dining room. I followed suit.

"Ma'am Monica is his wife," Manang revealed. I was shocked by this revelation.

"Monique?"

"Yes, ma'am. Monic is his wife."

"Where is Monic now?" I asked softly.

"She left him."

"Left?" Manang handed me an envelope, and I took it, looking at it.

Annulment?

"I added that, ma'am. Monic wanted an annulment because their marriage was arranged. Ma'am had another partner, and sir was unaware of it. He loved her until she left him for a man in Germany. After that, sir became a womanizer."

"Did they have a child?"

"Yes, but Ma'am Monic had an abortion. She loved her boyfriend so much, and they were both drunk when it happened." I struggled to hold back tears.

"You are one of the girls that sir brings to his house. Ma'am, stay away from him while you still can. I know you haven't been together for long, but sir only spends a week with a girl." A week? This was my third day. Was I just one of his temporary flings?

"I understand," was all I managed to say before turning away and leaving.

Monica? It's another Monica, and her name just coincidentally matches mine. I cried in my car, overwhelmed by hurt. Why me? Why was I so foolish to agree to be one of his girls? Why? I felt like disappearing. As I was about to drive away, I noticed him running in front of my car. I quickly wiped my tears and got out.

"Hey, why?"

"Don't leave yet," he said with a smile. Was he going to spend our day together? It had been three days, and there were four more to go.

"Why?"

"You'll stay here with me first."

"Huh?" I was shocked by his request.

"Come on, babe." He handed the car key to the guard and led me into his mansion.

"Zack?" He ignored my questions and took me to his room.

"You're not leaving. You're mine, Monic. Don't worry, you're only mine." Each time he mentioned my name, it felt as though he was addressing his wife, not me. Should I tell him that I know everything? Should I reveal that I already understand him? I just smiled; I loved him, so I would endure these four days. I would love him fully. I would give my all because he was the cause of my current state. I stood up and hugged his neck.

"Yes, I won't be angry," I pouted at him, and he smiled. He immediately hugged me and kissed my lips.

Zack, over these four days, I will love you completely. I don't care if you discard me after a week. As long as I love you for a week, I will be content. I love you so deeply.

We released the kiss, and I looked into his eyes.

"Why do I have to stay here?" He just smiled.

"Wait for me; I'll just get dressed." I nodded and sat on his bed, watching him get ready. When he finished, he immediately took my hand.

"Let's go shopping."

"Shopping?"

"Yes."

"For what?"

"Let's buy something." I smiled in response.

(Mall)

Once at the mall, we entered a women's boutique. He picked out clothes for me, even though I protested.

"Zack, I have plenty of clothes. You don't need to buy more for me."

"Don't stop me," he insisted, handing a pile to the saleswoman.

"Good luck with your boyfriend," she said, causing me to smile.

I hoped her words were true. I thought silently to myself.

We went to the counter, and he paid for everything. As I looked around, I noticed a woman watching us.

"Zack, I'll just use the restroom," I told him. He looked at me and smiled.

"Okay, I'll wait for you here." He leaned in and kissed my lips, which brought a smile to my face.

In the restroom, I realized the woman was following me. I checked myself in the mirror, and she entered.

"Another target?" she said with a laugh while applying lipstick.

"Are you foolish?" I shot back.

"I'm just his wife," I replied, shocked by her revelation.

"If you're with him, leave before you end up pregnant. He has a particular plan for girls like you. When he finds out you're pregnant, he'll do only one thing."

"Abort?"

"He's wicked, isn't he?"

"Are you sure? Zack wouldn't do that; he loves me," I retorted bravely, although I was shaken.

"Loves you? You don't believe me. Zack loves me dearly, and he'll do whatever it takes to win me back. I know his tactics; he wants me to return, but I refuse. I love my father and son more now, and he knows I have a child."

"Is he warning you?"

"He's warning you, girl. Zack has numerous women, and do you know what he wants to happen to women like you? If you get pregnant, there's only one thing he'll do."

"Abort your baby?"

"Exactly. He's evil, right?"

I couldn't bear it, so I left. I saw Zack waiting for me with a smile.

I won't leave him;

 there are only four days left. I'll endure it. I love him, and if I become pregnant, the Lord will take care of me.