Due to Ivan's condition, my father-in-law sent Maureen back home and advised her not to come here, as it would only worsen the situation. He mentioned that Ivan already had a wife, so she needed to distance herself from my husband.
I was genuinely taken aback when she returned to the country. When Ivan and I got married, she was extremely upset and confronted me, pulling my hair forcefully."You're a promiscuous person! A snake!" she repeatedly yelled in my face while I could do nothing but cry. Ivan embraced her and offered numerous apologies.They left the house, and Ivan returned home late at night. I had no idea what they did or what they discussed, but I had a fear in my heart that their relationship might persist even though we were already married. Especially since I knew we were only married on paper. All I had was a legal document, not his heart.A week after that incident, I received news that Maureen had flown to America with her family. Ivan had never visited that country, so, in some way, I felt relieved.However, even in Maureen's absence, his coldness towards me persisted. He rarely wanted to talk to me and refused to eat the dishes I prepared, yet I continued to serve him.Despite having a regular job, I woke up early to prepare his breakfast and lay out the clothes he would wear to the office.But my efforts still fell short because his heart remained closed, and he had no intention of opening it to let me in.Now that Maureen has returned, I fear I might lose my place in his life. This is what my husband used to repeatedly tell me: he would leave me after a year, and his parents couldn't do anything to change his mind. He told me that enduring a year with me was enough."Come inside," my mother-in-law invited me. "I think it would be best to make the most of him not remembering anything. Take care of him as you've been doing. This way, he might eventually fall in love with you."I had my doubts about what my mother-in-law said because now that he had no memories, he openly expressed his love for Maureen.My mom entered Ivan's room first, and I followed. Ivan was still awake. When I walked in, he focused all his attention on me.He gazed at me, leading me to believe that he truly couldn't remember me, as he never once looked at me closely for an extended period. It was as if he found me repulsive back then.I forced a smile."Hi, h-how are you feeling?" I asked in a trembling voice.He shrugged his shoulders."Can he eat now?" I asked my mother-in-law, who was silently observing us from the corner.She smiled and nodded."Do you want some rice porridge?" I asked Ivan in a slow tone.He was quiet, but his eyes remained focused on me. I couldn't help but feel nervous because I wasn't used to him looking at me. I was accustomed to the disdainful glances he used to throw at me, especially when I was being dramatic like this.Despite his lack of response, I proceeded to prepare food for him, grabbing a bowl and spoon from the table in the corner and retrieving the thermos food jar with porridge inside, which I had brought earlier.I added shredded chicken to it and approached him slowly. Because of my nervousness, my hands were trembling. I sat on the side of his bed, drawing closer to him as if it were normal for us to be this close because we were a married couple. He couldn't remember anything, so I seized that opportunity, just as his mom had suggested.I mixed the porridge, which was still steaming. Taking a spoonful, I brought it toward his mouth, but he didn't open it. Even though he couldn't remember, he certainly wouldn't let me serve him."It's still hot," he remarked. "Blow on it." His request surprised me. Blow on it? Was he sure? My breathing near him used to annoy him, so why did he want me to blow on his food? It seemed like his amnesia might have its advantages. I might even enjoy this.I followed his instructions and blew on the porridge. After it had cooled down a bit, I fed it to him."Did you cook this?" he inquired after swallowing."Y-yes. Did you like it?"He nodded in response. I added more to his spoon, and he relished a hearty meal, finishing the food I had prepared for him.After taking some water and taking his medication, he lay down once more. He continued to experience bodily discomfort, and the bruises on his sides, arms, and legs maintained their purplish hue, making it challenging for him to move. I provided help.Around eight o'clock, his parents bid farewell and left the ward. They mentioned they would return early tomorrow so I could head home and get some rest.Ivan was sound asleep. Meanwhile, I sat on the large sofa, considering taking a short nap in case drowsiness set in. As the clock struck ten, I began to feel a wave of sleepiness washing over me. Ivan was resting peacefully, so I decided to join him for a brief nap.I remained unsure about the number of minutes or hours that had passed when I suddenly heard faint whispers engaged in conversation. I cautiously opened my eyes but promptly closed them when I discerned the voices more clearly.It was Maureen! Maureen had returned to the hospital and was now conversing with Ivan."I miss you so much, Ivan," Maureen said, her voice tinged with tears."I miss you too," my husband replied."I came back just as we discussed before. I returned after a year."Given the way Ivan was conversing with Maureen, I couldn't be certain if he truly had amnesia."I'm confused, Maureen. I know I love you, but why did I marry her?"I froze upon hearing Ivan's words. I couldn't bear to listen to Maureen's response, so I pretended I was about to wake up, although I had been awake for a while, eavesdropping on their conversation."I think she might be waking up. I need to leave before she informs your parents. I love you, Ivan."I heard Maureen's footsteps as she made her way to the door.She had been gone for a few minutes, yet I kept my eyes closed, not wanting Ivan to realize that I was awake and not wanting him to see the sadness in my eyes."I'll use the toilet." After waiting for a minute, I slowly opened my eyes. I got up from the sofa and approached Ivan, assisting him as he got out of bed and guiding him to the toilet. I waited for him outside because it seemed like he was still uncomfortable with my presence. "Are you finished?" I asked from outside. "Yeah," he replied, prompting me to open the door. Once he was back in bed, I returned to the sofa, lying down. As I glanced in his direction, our eyes met once more. He was gazing at me. "How did we end up getting married?" he inquired. He seemed quite puzzled, as he had been asking this question repeatedly since waking up. I believed it was better for him to hear the truth from me rather than from Maureen. During their relationship, I had witnessed her rude behavior and often overheard her questioning why I would live with Ivan's family, wondering if I had no other relatives. She mentioned that she was uncomfortable with my presence and didn't trust me.Well, t
I carefully trimmed Ivan's fingernails on his hands and feet. I'm pleased that even though he's not entirely comfortable with me, he allowed me to do it. He remained quiet, only occasionally stealing glances in my direction. "There we go, all finished," I said with a smile. It's his third day in the hospital, and he may be discharged tomorrow. He gazed at me unwaveringly, prompting me to divert my eyes. "Um, are you hungry?" I inquired. He responded by shaking his head. "Do you want me to peel some fruit for you?" I asked, and he nodded slowly as if speech was a challenge for him. I peeled an apple and an orange, placing them in a bowl on the bedside table for him. As I went back to the sofa to organize some mess, he called for my attention. "Aren't you going to feed me?" he asked, furrowing his brow. "Your hands are improving, aren't they?" I replied. "It still hurts!" he complained. I wasn't certain if he was being truthful, but despite that, I approached him. To
Despite what transpired last night, I continued to care for Ivan. I provided him with a meal and assisted him with dressing. The doctor has given the green signal for him to go home, so we're just waiting for his bills to be settled. I was seated on the sofa, Ivan occupied the edge of the bed while his sibling stood near the door, seemingly trying to gauge our emotions. I couldn't help but notice the tension in Ivan, yet I refrained from making eye contact with him throughout. "Let's go," my mother-in-law declared, clutching the receipt and a few prescriptions for Ivan's take-home medications. A nurse with a wheelchair awaited behind her. "You should head home and rest there." I remained silent, anticipating Ivan's complaint, but all he offered in response was a deep sigh. With help, he was settled into the wheelchair and went out the door ahead, propelled by his sibling. My mother-in-law gave me an assuring smile. She embraced me and guided me outside while I remained silent. I
"Is it delicious?" I inquired of Ivan, even though it was evident from his reaction that he was enjoying the meal I had prepared. He responded with a smile and a nod, taking another bite and grinning once more. His eagerness to eat was unmistakable, bringing a sweet smile to my lips."Why aren't you eating?" he asked."You go ahead and eat first because I'm not hungry yet," I replied. It was only six in the afternoon, and he needed to take his medication, so I helped him with his meal."Are you on a diet?" This man had many questions."Not particularly," I responded."You're quite slender.""What do you mean, slender? I'm sexy, you know," I retorted with a pout, suppressing a sigh. I was tempted to mention Maureen's slim figure, but I decided against it as I didn't want to bring up his mistress's name.He pouted. "Am I not sexy?" I raised an eyebrow. He simply smiled. Ah, whatever! "One last thing," I told him. The 'baby bull' had completed the meal I had cooked and prepared for h
While waiting for Ivan to finish his shower, I prepared his clothes for him. I also freshened up the bed sheets and pillowcases. They weren't soiled, but Ivan is very particular about his belongings, even before his amnesia sets in. He insists on having his towels and bedding laundered daily, and he's even more particular about these matters than the average woman. I was the one changing them, but the laundrywoman took care of washing them. As the bathroom door swung open, I couldn't help but steal a quick glance in his direction. However, the sight of him clad only in a towel prompted me to discreetly avert my eyes. I couldn't help but wonder why he didn't make use of the bathrobe hanging in the bathroom.I discreetly cleared my throat, feeling a dryness in my throat, and then slowly approached him, keeping my gaze fixed firmly on the floor. I guided him towards the couch, where I had thoughtfully laid out his clothes. While he should have been capable of dressing himself, his dis
I refrained from returning to our room for the time being. Instead, I spent some time in the garden and came back once I was certain that Ivan was asleep. With each passing day, the burden I carry grows heavier and heavier. Honestly, I'm causing harm to myself with my actions. Rachelle was right; I truly became a self-sacrificing individual in matters of love. However, all of this is temporary. Soon, I'll be leaving this house. I'll be leaving Ivan. And eventually, everything will become a part of the past, memories to look back on and laugh about. For now, Ivan needs me, so I'll stay to take care of him. I'm still his wife until I leave, and he said he's going to file for an annulment. My gaze ascended, fixing upon the star-studded heavens above, where the moon shone resplendently, its silvery roundness casting a luminous glow."How are you up there in heaven, Mom and Dad?" I reminisced about the time when my grandfather departed from this world during my tender years. My mothe
I woke up later than usual, finding that Ivan had already left our bed. It had been nearly dawn when I drifted off to sleep, and I hadn't noticed him getting up.After a refreshing shower, I left our room with a smile gracing my lips, but it quickly faded upon seeing the scene before me. Maureen was here! She and Ivan were sitting together on the couch. It was already past nine, so my in-laws had left, and Ivan's siblings had also gone to work. I watched the two of them for a moment; Ivan was smiling, and Maureen was talking non-stop. Whenever they laughed, Maureen would hug him, and Ivan would put his arm around her. Once again, I was seized by a sudden, profound ache in my chest. I had hoped to become emotionally numb, yet it appeared impossible. The pain was still very real. Uncertainty gripped me, unsure whether to make my way to the kitchen and feign ignorance or retreat to the room and wait for Maureen to leave. Why does this woman persist in constricting my world? It's not
Seeing Maureen, I walked directly, without glancing back, leaving the house in annoyance since I was supposed to have breakfast in the garden. Upon spotting a taxi, I quickly hailed it, clutching my phone containing my ATM card, and directed the taxi driver to make a brief detour to the nearest ATM for cash. I headed to the church, fervently praying and wrestling with the tears I had bottled up. Eventually, I let my emotions flow, relieved that only a handful of people were entering the church, sparing me the discomfort of shedding tears before the Lord. By noon, I resolved to leave the church, lighting a candle on the side to pray for my parents before my departure.Afterward, I made my way to the mall, where I enjoyed a meal and watched a movie. As the clock approached five in the afternoon, I decided to head back home, assuming that Maureen had likely left the house.On the way back, I pondered whether I should stay or break the commitment I had made to remain for a month,