2

Despite my desire to monitor Ivan closely, my mother-in-law and the rest of the family were adamant that I should return home to get some rest. They advised me to come back in the afternoon. Nevertheless, I found it difficult to rest at home, so I returned to the hospital before noon.

I was surprised not to find Ivan in the ICU. Luckily, his mom called just in time, saying, "He woke up earlier, so we transferred him to a regular room."

Thank you, my God!

I quickly sought out the private room that my in-laws had prepared for Ivan. As I gently pushed the door open, Ivan's mother warmly welcomed me with an embrace, and I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with emotion.

I expressed my gratitude to God for his recovery, relieved that Ivan was no longer on the verge of death. Despite this, I couldn't shake the sense of sorrow, knowing that our paths were drawing nearer to separation.

I approached his unconscious form, gently caressing his hand and planting a kiss on his lips, grateful for the chance to do so freely.

"I'm relieved that you're doing better now. I love you so much, Ivan," I softly murmured into his ear.

The doctor had informed us that my husband could wake up at any moment, so my in-laws decided to stay a while longer. Just as we were finishing our snack, I noticed Ivan's eyelids flutter, prompting me to rush to his side.

We gathered around him, eagerly awaiting any sign of further movement. A smile graced my face as his fingers flinched at the hand I was holding.

"I'll get in touch with his doctor," my brother-in-law declared.

Shortly after, Ivan slowly opened his eyes, looking at the surrounding people, and then he blinked several times.

"Ivan, my son," Mom called his name. She gently stroked his arm while I continued to hold one of his hands.

Ivan remained silent, his brow furrowed, and his gaze fixed on his mother before shifting to the other family members present.

"Mom, why am I here?" he finally spoke, his voice perhaps strained, probably because of a dry throat.

As the room's door opened, revealing my brother-in-law and the doctor he had called, Ivan's gaze turned in my direction. He tilted his head, his forehead creasing with concern.

His next words sent shockwaves through us all. "Who are you?" he asked me, nearly shattering my world.

I glanced at my mother-in-law.

"Who is she, Mom?" he inquired once more, turning his gaze toward my hand that had been holding his. As a result, I slowly released it, though my gaze remained fixed on him, tears welling up in my eyes.

I find it hard to believe that he doesn't recognize me.

"She’s your wife, son. Don't you remember her?" My mother-in-law asked.

Ivan shook his head.

"I don't know her," he replied, his voice reflecting both confusion and seriousness.

My shoulders sagged, and I moved away from him, standing beside the doctor who approached Ivan for an examination.

"How did she become my wife?" he asked, still clearly bewildered. It appeared he was suffering from amnesia.

"Where's Maureen?" he asked, a question that broke my heart. It was still Maureen. Even amidst his amnesia, that woman remained etched in his memory.

"How did she become my wife, Mom?" he asked in frustration and with a hint of anger. "I don't know her. Maureen is the only one I love. How did she become my wife?"

Tears continued to well

up in my eyes. His words felt like a recurring dagger in my heart.

"Ivan," his mom gently admonished.

"Ivan?!" We all turned to the door when we heard Maureen's voice.

We all looked at Ivan, whose face immediately brightened.

"Honey!" he exclaimed to his ex-girlfriend.

Surprise registered on Maureen's face, but she quickly regained her composure, smiling as she approached Ivan. My husband embraced her tightly, and she responded with warm hugs.

I couldn't bear to see the two of them together, so I decided to leave the room. The pain was overwhelming, watching my husband and the woman he truly loved being happy in each other's arms.

I may be his wife, but I have no claim to his heart.

I may be the wife, but I am not the one he loves.

I left the hospital and took a seat on one of the benches beneath the mahogany trees. In silence, tears welled up in my eyes as I avoided drawing the attention of those nearby.

It's agonizing, incredibly painful.

I had believed I could see them happy and united, but that wasn't the case. Now I'm uncertain about my place in Ivan's family, especially since he no longer remembers me, while Maureen has returned.

I wiped away my tears and gazed at the sky, trying to ease the anguish that enveloped me.

I found solace in reminiscing about the happier times when my parents were still with me.

However, I had no one to confide in or share my feelings with. There was no one willing to lend an ear to my grievances, and I lacked the support I needed to navigate the challenges I face today.

Now that Ivan has completely erased me from his memory, I'm contemplating the idea of removing myself from his life altogether. But where would I go? This was a question I had pondered before, but I hadn't truly considered the answer.

"Dear..." I turned to face my mother-in-law, who had quietly followed me here.

"Please be patient with Ivan. He's suffering from amnesia, but don't worry; we're here to help you. We'll do everything we can to make him understand you are his wife."

I mustered a bitter smile. "It's alright, Mom. I understand why he only remembers Maureen."

She gently placed her hand on mine and nodded with sympathy.

"Let's hope that his memory returns soon."

I responded, "Even if his memory comes back, Maureen will always hold a special place in his heart."

"Don't say that. I believe that you and Ivan can work through this. Trust me."