Chapter 1: Witnessing the Husband's Affair

I took a single gulp of the shot of wine. I can feel the bitter drink caressing my throat.

"I thought you were okay, why don't you look like it?"

I didn't pay attention to Luis in front of me, instead it was as if my eyes were fixed on the two people who seemed to be lovers. They are very close to each other with their lips meeting every so often.

"How about let’s rush and beat them up?"

When I put the glass down, I calmly grabbed the handkerchief from my pocket.

"Yes, let's do that," said George staring seriously at Luis.

Luis Castillo is my boss- no, my former boss. He possesses both Filipino and Indian blood, who owns a clothing business. George is a friend of Luis who came with us back to the Philippines.

I worked as a manager, for almost 2 years, under Luis in Delhi. However, I resigned 2 days ago to have a talk with Lejandro, my husband, and now here I am.

I couldn't help but stand up when I saw them get up and go out. I was no longer able to pay attention to my companions.

"Xan?"

"Excuse me, I need to go to the powder room."

Even though I was dizzy, I quickly walked through the door. My heart was pounding as I watched them from afar.

I couldn't help but smile bitterly when I saw them go to the hotel receptionist just after exiting the club.

Even from a distance, I can see Lejandro with his arms wrapped around the lady. From time to time, his hand came down to simply squeeze his mistress’ plump buttocks.

I feel nauseous.

After a while, they headed to the elevator, still constantly caressing and flirting. I want to follow them and confront them but my legs won't listen. It was as if they were too heavy to lift.

Lejandro and I have been married for almost two years, for as long as I have been working in India. We got married the day before I had to go abroad. We couldn't even share under the blanket.

It was supposedly an emergency business trip for three days, but the days became weeks, months and eventually a year.

We couldn’t reschedule our wedding at the time due to various reservations and preparations that was already done. So we have no choice but proceed and rush the whole event.

I absentmindedly took out my cell phone and dialed his number. I saw how the man frowned, hung up and tapped his mobile phone.

'Darling, I'm sorry I can't answer you, I have an important meeting to attend to. I’ll make it up to you next time. I love you.'

In a daze, I clutched the phone tight as I read the message he sent one after another. I cant stop my hand from trembling severely.

‘Please understand, this is for our future so you won’t have to work so hard and come back. I love you.’

Maybe he was tired of waiting.

‘Don't get too tired, okay? I love you so much babe. Don't go hungry there.’

He was always sweet. So even though I felt guilty that we weren't together, I never suspected that he would find someone else.

his excited announcement just this morning resurfaced on my mind.

"Babe, I bought a car so when you come home we can go for a walk by ourselves. You know it's a road trip. I miss you so much, my wife."

How I felt thrilled by his unfailing greetings on the important days of my life. His tongue remained sweet whenever he talk.

That's why I was so worried when I found out that he was with someone else, if it hadn't been for my best friend who told me about his dirty affair I wouldn't have believed it.

That's why I resigned abruptly and flew back immediately, without telling anyone, not even my family or my best friend.

I don't know how I was able to got back to our table properly.

I secretly wiped the tears that fell from my cheeks before smiling at the two.

Their worried eyes make me swallow my sorrow and create a strong facade.

"I'm okay, really. Let's go to another place, this time, my treat?"

Fortunately, Luis and George immediately agreed.

Since we didn't have a car with us, we had no choice but to book a ride.

We waited a few minutes for a taxi, maybe it was because of the rush hour so there was quite a bit of traffic.

When we got to the bar we went straight to the second floor following the private bar staff.

"Just push the intercom, if you have any order or concern. Enjoy your night."

"Thank you."

After a few reminders, the staff left immediately.

After it left, I immediately went to choose for drinks, snacks and some desserts and food to pair with them.

We spent the night drinking to our hearts content.

While I forced myself to forgot about the pain with the company of my friends.

…

For at least five days, we continued bar hopping.

Enjoying each others company.

"We’ll be going first. Don't forget to keep in touch and heal. Contact me if you want to work again. I have a feeling I won't find such a good employee such as yourself."

Luis nagged making me smile.

"No thanks. I intend to make the most out of being unemployed. Also, there are so many people waiting to take my job even though it's tiring. Give my excellent disciple a chance."

Laughing I pushed him away.

"Whatever."

"Anyway, thank you for coming home with me."

I spread my arms and couldn't resist but gave Luis a tight hug.

"I really appreciate it and don't feel responsible for my marriage, it's between us. It's not your fault."

I loosened my arms and smiled at George.

"Thank you for tagging along. Travel safely."

"Don't mention it, I enjoy the company too."

The two are leaving for Palawan. Luis actually drove me to Manila with his friend.

They said they will go for a short vacation with their other friends and will eventually go back to Delhi to where their company is.

"You really don't want to come?" Luis asked again that he had been repeating yesterday.

"Just go. Take care."

Before he finally left, he gave me a tight but very much comforting hug again.

"While you are at it, get laid. You will be able to move on more easily."

Scandalized, I patted him hard on the back.

"Hey!"

I can feel my cheeks blushing at the touch of it.

"Your mouth is so foul."

"Keep in touch!"

Luis laughed out loud before striding inside the airport with George.

"I know, you’re so annoying."

I know he's still worried that's why I forced myself to appear strong and nonchalant to assure him.

I am very thankful that I met him because I found another brother because of him.

"Take care!"

I just sighed when they disappeared from my sight. Somehow I forgot my problem because of the two of them.

If they hadn't dragged me for the past few days, I would have just sulked when I arrived in Manila.

At least I feel a bit better now but still the pain is there.

I need time to think. I don't know what I should do in this situation.

Can I even forgive my husband and forget his betrayal?