Chapter 8 (The Woman)

My mom took me home because she believed that I wasn't in the right state of mind. Thus, I wasn't planning on going back to that mansion and starting a fistfight with Jericho. What he did to me was upsetting, unforgivable! 

Nevertheless, I started to have some recollection of my memory. Like I was cooking in the rusty kitchen alone in a small apartment. I must be very lonely.

Were these memories flashing in my head because of my vulnerability? I mean, I almost got hit by a car, though. 

"Honey, are you alright?" My mom's eyes dew as she asked me how was I feeling.

If I were, to be honest, I would have said I am feeling wrecked by a wrecking ball. However, I shrug it all off as I replied, "I am feeling better." 

"I'll give you time by yourself, then," My mother said, turning around to leave me alone in my room. 

"Mom, wait!" I exclaimed, rushing to her side. Then, she turns around to give me an uncertain look by raising her brow. 

"I have so many questions in my head, and I am starting to doubt if I was Erina," I told her honestly, although I heard a pang on my chest.

My mother's eyes widen in disbelief, and she starts to quiver in fear.

"What are you talking about, Erina?! Don't tell me that because you've always been my daughter." 

She sounded so broken, making me regret what I'd done. 

Inhaling, I said. "I am sorry mom for giving you a wrong thought, but I wasn't doubting you. I am doubting my existence, my identity."

A hand then cupped my cheek, rusting her thumb on my skin. "Erina, you shouldn't be. I know how hard it is for you to remember everything. But, you always have us."

"Tell me, mom. How did I end up with Jericho?" With pleading eyes, I am sure she couldn't take me. 

I heard my mom sigh, and she led me to the bed with her. We sat down there quietly. 

"Erina, do you still remember the day you met him?" She asked me curiously, and I did not hesitate to answer her as I said, "No, I don't remember anything about him." Even if anything about me, the Erina they said. 

"You see, you met him four years ago in one of our business meetings, and you fell in love with him at first sight." When she told me, her hands starts to get cold. 

So, I place mine on top of hers as I was grossed out by the words she said. Me? Love at first sight? That's impossible! I didn't even have a love affair be--- Wait, what am I rambling about? 

Then, I started to see the kid. His silhouette keeps appearing in me, leaving so much mystery. The kid lifted his face, and I saw a glimpse of his eyes. They were beautiful pairs of grey. I don't know, but I felt like the kid is happy to see as he chimed, "Dreanna! It's been a while, let's play!"

'Who is this kid?!' It's starting to bug me.

"Dreanna, you have to remember!" The voice echoes in my head, and I began squirming. 

"Erina?" Concerned, my mother checked on me as my mind was wandering around. 

'Why am I remembering something different?' 

I rub my forehead as I tried to compose myself. Then, I told my mom to continue.

"Are you sure, Erina?"

"Yes, Mom. I deserve to know," Yet, it doesn't feel right. 

"I think he felt the same way as you since he courted you for a year, and it blossomed into a relationship as you two started dating after a year of courtship. You were so happy at that time. I still remember how your cheeks will turn red if you talked about him." I stared at her face, and I could see the loving moments lingering in her eyes. 

I see... The old Erina did love him. But, does she know that Jericho has been cheating on her?

"Mom is there any circumstances that I said something odd about Jericho?" 

When I asked that, my mother flinched. Looks like I ring the bell. So, the old Erina must have known something is going on with their relationship. 

"There is one." Biting her lips, she looks at me, looking so broken.

"What is it, then?" 

"You caught him cheating with another woman." 

Damn, that man sure is a cheater. So, I was right! The old Erina knew about it.

"So?" 

"You two had a big fight, and you started to question your worth, which devastated me. I did not want you to know about it because, because I don't want to see you so lost and broken, and I--" She started to murmur things that saddened her. 

I cut the chase as I told her with a voice laced with venom, "I caught him cheating again. Mom, you sent me there for what reason? He cheated on me, and I can't find that! Why do I have to go back to him?" 

"Because you said that you will go insane if he wasn't there! You love him too much for you to lose yourself, Erina!" She yelled at me as her frustration exploded, and I get it.

"You didn't want to be separated from him, and you begged to give your marriage a second chance. Thus, I know how much you wanted it, so I did not stop you because I just wanted to let you be happy! I am so sorry, Erina." Mother Blare starts to cry, and I could feel the mother's pain in her.

How lucky you are, Erina. You have such loving parents. Too bad, you are too foolish to think of a second chance in your marriage with Jericho. I must find out about that witch first. 

"Erina? Why do look so calm?" My mother was utterly surprised to see me like this. I wasn't expressing anything. I let my mother talk. 

'Because once a cheater, will always be a cheater. Where's the surprise?'

Of course, I wish I could tell her, but I can't. It's all up to me now. I can't let her feast on my problem. It's between me and Jericho now. 

"Nothing, I was thinking how fucked up I was." I reasoned, which left her bewildered. 

"Mom?" 

She then takes a deep breath, blinking her eyes. "That was the first I heard you swearing." 

"Well, people change, I guess?" Then, for a laugh. I am quite relieved that my mother starts giggling. 

"You've changed, and I can tell it's for the best. It's been a while since we've talked like this," she mumbled, patting my head. 

Mother Blare is truly a kind-hearted woman, and I feel so natural around her. Maybe, she's the only person I could place my trust in. 

"Anyway, honey, do you want to go back to---"

Before she could finish her question, I turn it down as I said firmly, "No, I am staying here. Can't I?" 

Chuckling, Mother Blare said, "You could stay here as many times as you wanted. This is your home too, Erina." 

Smiling, I felt warm and happy. 

"Thanks, mom!"

Planting a kiss on my head, she lulled, "Take a shower and rest. Good night, Honey." 

Nodding, I smiled at her. 

Later on, my phone rang, catching my attention. 

I look at the phone ID and the name that's written on the screen boils me.

It's none other than Jericho Arison, himself. 

Then, my door suddenly opens, startling me. I looked at my mom with widen eyes.

Then, she announced. "I am sorry, Erina. I forgot to tell you that Mr. Collins invited us to his opening party. I am hoping you could join us?" 

Her eyes are sparkling, and I could sense her excitement in my spot. I couldn't reject her invitation because she looks so innocent for me to hurt. So, I happily accepted, "Of course, Mother. I'll be there." 

"That's great! Your father will be very happy too!" After that, she closed the door of my room.

Speaking of father, I haven't seen him or talked to him. I wonder... I'll probably see him by tomorrow?

Soon, I realized that Jericho was calling me, and I looked back at my screen, and I ended up not answering his call. Damn! 

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Jericho POV

My phone suddenly rings, and I checked the message. It's from Celtic. 

Raising a brow, I checked on the message. 

'Boss, Erina is not in her room. Did you know where she is?' 

Surprised, I sprang out of the bed. 

What?! Where did she go?

"Honey?" I heard Serena groan n the bed. 

"Yes, honey?" I asked, but she looks so sleepy, so I lull her back to sleep.

"Don't mind me, okay? Just go to sleep." Then, I kissed her on the lips to give her assurance. She giggled lovingly at my kiss as she said in defeat, "Fine, I'll go back to sleep. You better take me to that---" Then, she dozes off. 

Right after, I started dialing her number. I am glad that it is still on my phonebook. 

It rang! So, I waited for her to answer. 

Then, suddenly, 'The number you are calling is currently unavailable. Please try your call later.' 

Fuck! Why is she not answering me? Where did she go? 

I looked at Serena on the bed, and she was fast asleep. She looks too lovely that I couldn't stop myself from melting at her beauty. 

However, I must know where Erina is. I start to dress in my formal attire. The usual black tuxedo with a black tie. 

Then, I come out of my office room. There, I see some commotion between my secretary and an office attendant. 

"What's going on here?" I asked them in a stoic tone, and I heard my secretary click her tongue. 

"This attendant of yours led someone in your office during your office hours." My secretary said, making me caught off guard.

"What?! Didn't I tell everyone, not to anyone enter my office hall?!" Frustrated, I could feel my veins popping out of my head.

"My apologies, Sir. But, that businesswoman said she was one of your biggest business partners. So, I couldn't just ignore her." My attendant explained. 

Wrinkles start to show on my head as I think hard, "Who was she?" 

"I forgot to ask for her name." 

"Stupid! How could you forget!" I was so mad because my stupid attendant forgot to ask for that woman's name. Like, who would forget a basic question? 

"What does she look like?" I need to know because I can't afford to lose any business partners. Damn, I was having sex with Serena in my office. 

"She looked-- she looks gorgeous. A woman who is around in her late 20s. She is about 5'7' ft. tall, and she looks beautiful in her curly brown hair." The attendant was flustered as she describe the woman, getting tongue-tied. But, I wonder who she is? I don't remember having an important appointment tonight. Damn, I am missing something important. 

Rolling my eyes, I told the attendant to get out of my sight as I instructed my secretary to go look for that woman. Both me and Serena are being too careless. Shit! 

Most importantly, How did Erina manage to get out of our house?

Note: Uh oh, Drama really comes all the way to disturb this couple. I wonder what will happen next. 🤔