Chapter 3

[CHAPTER 3]

HANABI

PUZZLE, NOT IN ITSELF.

Three days have passed since I learned the truth. It's hard to accept and painful to think about. During those three days I was not myself, I was confused as if there was nothing around me.

I only eat and sleep in the past days.

I was just lying quietly on the bed when the door suddenly opened and Alex spat out.

"Are you all right?" He asked worriedly after approaching my seat.

"You've been out of your mind for three days Jerishee." he said before sitting next to me.

Jerishee? It's not me but why does he still insist that I'm his wife?

"I'm not Jerishee." I answered emphatically.

"Please... believe me just once. I'm trying my best to communicate well to you. I let you go, do you still treat me badly?" He asked me with a hint of pain.

Yes, he is hurting but what can I do? I am not his wife so he still has no right to lock me in this room.

"That's enough... how many times do I have to repeat to you that I am not your wife? I just met you today." I will convince you here.

"I can feel it. I know you are the woman I loved. You are Jerishee, you are my wife." He still insists.

"I want to see Mom. I don't want to see you anymore, please, just get me out of your bed." I begged here before my tears began to flow.

"When... I let you go, you won't come back to me?" He asked rudely.

I turned to other habits. Will I even come back? why does it seem like someone is urging me to come back even though it's against my mind?

"No… I don't know." I answered confused.

"I see." He answered sparingly, which is why I turned to him, "You can't love me, right?" He asked with a nod.

I was quiet before going. I feel guilty but I can't do anything, I don't love him. I didn't want to live in a mansion that was hidden from other houses.

I barely looked at his behavior when he suddenly stood up from sitting next to me.

"Go... leave now, Hanabi." his eyes were filled with pain as he gestured with his hand to the door that was now open.

"Alex..." I whispered back.

"I'll be okay. Go... enjoy your life." He still insists on me.

I slowly walked out of that room. maybe, this is my chance to escape from his power.

When I was about to go down the stairs, he spoke again causing me to face him, "My driver will take you home, keep safe." He said before turning away from me.

I stopped for a while because of his behavior and later I decided to get off.

I was immediately amazed when I got out of the house. I just noticed the design of the mansion. When you leave the house, you will immediately see the scattered flowers that smell delicious. There is also a large fountain with clean water.

"Señorita, come." I immediately turned to the speaker with a shocked face.

When I was careful, I looked at the man. I noticed that it was wearing a black suit. this is probably what Alex is referring to who will take me home.

He guided me into an expensive car so I immediately thanked him. before I boarded, I took one last look at the entire mansion until my gaze landed on a window where Alex was now looking out. I was stunned for a moment before I decided to get inside the car.

"Señorita, are you the missing wife of Señorito Alex?" I immediately looked at the driver who was now driving the car.

"Oh! I'm not his wife." I responded shyly before trying to smile.

"Señorita, are you afraid of Señorito?" It's a question again.

I suddenly thought about his question. Am I really afraid? Maybe?

"I don't know Manong." I answered sadly.

"Señorito is very kind. He's the one treating my son. I've been in charge of Alex for a long time, and since then he's been very kind as a child. I even remember back then, the time his parents passed away, he promised himself that he wouldn't let his future family lose him, that he would protect them one day and that's what he did when he got married. That child is very vulnerable. It's just sad that his wife suddenly disappeared like a bubble." He continued to talk.

I bowed slightly when I heard Manong's story about Alex. I didn't know that Alex felt something like that, because for a few days when we were together, I didn't even feel his problems.

"We're here Señorita." I immediately turned to Manong when he suddenly spoke.

I turned around outside and saw our house.

"Thank you very much for the delivery." I smiled and said to Manong.

"Kuya Jun, just call me, ija. I'm sorry for my rudeness earlier. Take care, ija." He said that I nodded before getting out of the car.

....

When I ENTERED THE HOUSE, Mom immediately looked at me smiling.

I immediately hugged it tightly before my tears fell.

"I miss you, Mom..." I said crying.

"How are you?" She asked after we hugged.

"That's good." I replied with a smile before rolling my eyes, "Where's Nina, mom?"

"Daughter... Nina was attacked by her illness the day before and---"

"Where is she Mom?!"

"Daughter, calm down. Your sister is doing well, thanks to your lover and he paid all your sister's bills."

My forehead furrowed a little because of what I heard. Lover?

"What? A lover? Is it Nate?" I asked curiously.

"Oh no! I'm talking about Alex! that boy was very kind... he helped your sister. He also visits her every day and he even brings fruits. That kid is really funny." I stopped hearing that.

Is that why Alex always leaves the house because he goes to see my sister? I suddenly felt a pain in my heart. After I spoke bad things to him, he did something good for me.

"Is that so?" I asked before forcing a smile.

"Yes sweety. Go ahead, take a rest and you might be tired." she said before leaving in front of me.

I was left standing silently while thinking about all the things Alex had done for my family. Feeling guilty...

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