Chapter 2: Where it all began

I was in college when I first met him, he was so charming and I found myself wondering if I could get a chance to know him. One fine afternoon, during my bio class, he appeared suddenly and sat beside me. "I got lost, thought I was late", he said. "You're just on time, Mr. De Luna has not yet arrived", I shyly replied. 'Oh my God, he's so damn cute' uttered my subconscious mind.

"Good afternoon everyone, welcome to your bio class", Mr. De Luna said, "remember the person next to you as they will be your lab partner for the rest of the semester". The class was excited about it and I couldn't be more happier. The guy whom I was fantasizing earlier outside the lobby turns out to be my future partner, haha in my bio lab.

"Nick", he offered his hand and I shake it in response. "Jessica". And that's how it started. We end up getting lunch together, late project night outs, early morning discussions and so on. Until one day he told me he has feelings for me and I can't wait to be his.

Months have passed, Nick and I are officially together. In the campus, we are always seen by everyone as the perfect couple. One night, the day before our graduation, he asked me to come over to his apartment. "Jess, I can't imagine my life without you. Be with me for the rest of my life" he sprung out of nowhere bringing the diamond ring out from the box. I was so shocked yet I said "YES". Without even thinking.

I came from a poor family, Nick is handsomely wealthy. My parents worked so hard to get me to college and wanted to help them once I got a decent job. When I told them that Nick asked me to get married, they were shocked. "Are you out of your mind? You're still young! We expected you to help us here, with your sisters", my father angrily said. "I didn't know you were that stupid Jess, throwing away our only hope", my mom added. "I loved him and he loves me. He promised we will help our family even after we get married", I cried. "It will never worked that way when you are already married", words came out from my father as he was devastated from the rush decision I have made.

Nevertheless, our marriage happened. My parents were not so happy about it but they still showed a supportive face. Nick's parents were so happy that they throw an extravagant wedding for us. I felt like I was a princess, and my prince is waiting for me at the altar. I was very happy I couldn't bare. After the wedding, I live with Nick's family. They were loveable, at first.

Nick had a serious drug problem that his parents could not handle him. So when he decide to get married, they thought it would be the best idea to get rid of him from their sight and transferred the responsibility in me. I never imagined getting my life in this kind of trouble. My so long fantasy, turned into a nightmare that I have to live forever. My dad was right all along, I shouldn't rushed of getting married. And now, I end up taking care of a sick man.

I didn't tell my family about it. They only knew that Nick was a perfect husband. I got a job from a local hospital near our home, while Nick is working in his dad's company. At first, everything seems normal and happy. We get along with his brothers and sisters. Until one night, Nick came from work looking so pale and in panic. "I was being chased by aliens outside, they said they will take me and feed me to their daughters", he said. "Nick!!, what's wrong with you!!?", I shouted. I knew he's having hallucinations. "It was you who told them about me!!, I will kill you!!" he choked me so hard I couldn't breathe. His parents came to our room and found us. Hurriedly stopped Nick and rushed me to the hospital as I lost my consciousness from Nick's assault. Laid in the hospital for 2 days but none of these things were told to my parents. I kept it with myself. For months, it will always happen to us. He said he will change, the next day he would do it again. His parents couldn't send him to rehab, as he would only escape from there and rush to home. His treatment will never be completed.

One night, i found out I was pregnant and happily told him about it. He got furious and shouted, "that child is not mine, you are having an affair!! Tell me who's child is that?". He turned like monster, I never knew of. He's been hearing voices and his condition got worse. I told him to get help and yet he refused to do so. He was violent, and i end up getting beaten every time.

Sometime I tried to end myself then I remembered my parents and how regretful I was for getting myself into trouble. But I couldn't help myself anymore.  Nick's parents would say to extend my patience and that they will help Nick to get a rehab for the sake of my unborn child. I was like a bait. Being fed to their son. I was a punching bag that they couldn't help.

Months have passed, I delivered our daughter. Nick was better and accepted the fact that she was her daughter. My parents still doesn't know about what I have suffered from the hands of my husband. I endure the pain for the sake of my daughter. Days, weeks and months gone so fast and my daughter is already a year old. We were happy but my sense of fulfillment is no longer there. I was heaving for something and I wanted to achieve that. My perspective in life has been altered.

Althea, my daughter, has been playing with Nick's phone and accidentally opened a message conversation. I was shocked to have read my husband's affair with another woman.