TW: RapeA man who penetrates her wife without her consent or against her will commits sexual violence upon her, and the Philippines defines and penalizes the act as rape under R.A. No. 8353.-I was terribly crying from what Zach did. He just ditched me all for Samantha! When will I ever learn from this? I thought I had everything planned. I didn't know that his actions were turning me softer for him. My plan in the beginning was to make sure he's miserable; that he won't get the happy ending, but as I stood here I realized that my actions were nowhere in accord in the plan. I was completely wrong expecting that everything's on my way, because it won't and will never be. I called Clyde to drive me home to Ayala. I don't want to talk to Zach, not this time. I was surprised to see how Clyde drove that fast. It hasn't been twenty minutes since I was waiting for him. He was the only person I could think of. My diver is on his paternity leave. He waved his hand when he went out from his

I couldn't move. I just sat there, crying endlessly. Inabutan ako ng tubig ni Rosie. She looked at me worriedly. I knew how ruthless he was, but not to the extent of hurting me physically. He never did this to me. Not even once. I pity myself for dragging myself into this mess. All for a fucking revenge. "Just get rest," I told her. She helped me stand up. "I'm fine, Rosie." "Mamaya na lang po, Ma'am. Gusto ko po kayong samahan.""Rosie. Please, don't make this hard for me. Matulog ka na," sabi ko sa kanya. It took her a while before she nodded. I couldn't sleep well that night. I even woke up at 10 in the morning. Mabilis lang akong nag-ayos. Nanghihina pa rin ako sa nangyari kahapon. Pagkababa ko ay nagulat na lamang ako nang makita si Zachariel sa kusina, like he was waiting for me.I ignored him the usual like he wasn't around. Narinig ko siyang tumikhim. "Vell, can we talk?" I heard him asked. Napansin ko na may nakahanda ng pagkain sa mesa. Fried rice, hotdog and egg were

What went wrong? Was it when he made me feel he was never mine? Was it when I got pregnant? Or was it when he denied my baby's existence? Everything I've mentioned all put me in this situation.It was already lunch when I woke up. I feel better now than I was earlier. To my surprise, Zachariel was still on the corner of the couch with his phone."You're awake," he said, looking at me."Yeah."Pinilit kong tumayo. Nagulat pa ako nang inalalayan niya ako. Gusto ko Mang itulak ko siya ay pinigil ko na lamang ang sarili."Do you feel better now?"I nodded."Okay. I'll go now since you're okay.""You should've gone home.""Not when you're not okay."I rolled my eyes. "Whatever.""Can you please at least be kind to me? I'm trying, Vell. I'm trying to make this right..." He breathed.I scoffed. "Can't believe you really have the nerve to say that, Zachariel.""Vell...""Umuwi ka na lang, please. Your mere presence gives me a headache."He sighed. "Fine. Just let me know if you need anything

He couldn't speak as he was staring at me. He was holding his cheek. I was sure that must hurt him. I hurriedly went upstairs. Mabuti na lang ay hindi na siya sumunod sa akin.The frantic beat of my heart never left me. I sat down, and calmed myself.I drifted myself to sleep because of how tired I was.The next day, I saw Zachariel was in the dining area. I thought he already left."Vell." I heard him call me. It's another day of trying to ignore his presence."Vell, can we please talk about this maturely?"I almost laughed at what he said. Mature? Out of all the people, he really had the guts to say it to me. "Are you hearing yourself, Zachariel?""I'm the father of your baby. I'm your husband. Get that in your head."Hindi ko pa rin siya pinansin. Nagtimpla ako ng gatas. Ramdam kong nagmamasid lang siya sa akin.Pagod ako ngayon. Parang tuwing nag-uusap kami ni Zachariel kinukuha niya lahat ng lakas ko.I walked and I could hear his strides following me. Sinundan niya ako hanggang

I received a call that night, that Zachariel was in an accident. His father was telling me that he was driving after work, then the crash happened. We were in the hospital, outside of the operating room. His father's hands were clasped together. While I, and Manang Sally stayed still as we were sitting. I closed my eyes. Zachariel might have been cruel but nobody deserves to die that way. Oo, gusto ko siyang masaktan pero hindi sa ganitong paraan. Kahit na malamig ang ospital ay ramdam ko ang butil ng pawis ko. Tito Samuel was calling someone. I also got a call from my father saying he's going to be here. "Magiging maayos din ang kalagayan ni Zachariel," Manang Sally broke the silence, trying to assure me. Things might not be okay for us, but Zachariel doesn't deserve this. I hope so. Ngumiti ako sa kanya. "Sana nga po."She also smiled at me and warmed my heart. Manang Sally knew all the dilemmas I've been through. From my younger years, until now that I'm on my age where I st