After my first day of work, I was so exhausted. A chauffeur drove me home, he was assigned by my wife, Heuzen. I felt touched, my wife actually care for me.
I went home at five in the afternoon. Akala ko wala pa si Heuzen sa bahay kasi ng pagkakaalam ko madalas siyang umuwi ng hating-gabi. Pero, himala, nasa bahay na siya at may ginagawa.
She’s in the living room while facing a computer. She’s doing something, maybe her work. When I saw her, I felt thrilled. I excitedly rush to her and greeted her.
“Heuzen! I’m back!” I hugged her waist. Hindi siya nagsalita o tinutukan man lang ako ng baril, hindi rin niya ako sinamaan ng tingin kaya nawala ang kaba ko.
This is a total miracle.
“You don’t have work anymore?” I asked. As I know, her work was dangerous. Based on Auntie Solene story, Heuzen always went home bloody. She also leave the house super early.
That is what I was worried for. She has dangerous work and she’s my wife. I wanted to know more about her. Sa ganda niya, p’wede siyang mag-model o artista pero bakit pinili niya ang delikadong trabaho?
“I already found my brother, there is no need for me to work.” She answered and put down her computer.
Huh? I was confused. Nagtatrabaho lang ba siya para hanapin si Heizen? Sa pagkaka-alala ko, sinabi niya na long lost brother niya si Heizen. Ngayon nakita na niya si Heizen, ibig sabihin hindi na siya magtatrabaho ng delikadong trabaho?
Pero nagtataka pa rin ako. Anong connect ng delikadong trabaho niya sa paghahanap sa kapatid niya?
I flinched when I felt someone flicked my forehead.
“What’s inside that little head of yours?” Seriyosong tanong ng asawa ko.
I pouted my lips.
“This is not little. Iniisip ko lang kung anong connect ng pagtatrabaho mo sa paghahanap kay Heizen.” Sabi ko.
She stared at me then smirked suddenly. Even though it’s a creepy smirk, she’s so gorgeous in my eyes. I was stunned as my heart beat faster than usual.
“When do you want to buy me ring? It’s quite embarrassing to show this f*cking ring to people.” She said.
I felt my face heat up, I looked away. Wala nga akong singsing! Mag-iipon ako ng pera para ibili siya ng magandang singsing.
“Soon, my wife.” Sabi ko at ngumiti sa kaniya.
“Wife your ass.” Sabi niya at tumayo na.
‘Why would I wipe my ass? Aish!’
Tumayo rin ako at sumunod sa kaniya. While climbing up stairs, I am telling her what happened to me the whole day. I also told her that some of my workmates bullied me because I am a newcomer.
Hindi naman sa aping-api ako, medyo minamaliit lang at inuutos-utusan. Kapag siguro sinabi ko na brother-in-law ako ni Heizen, iiyak ang mga nam-bully sa akin. I have that ev*l plan but I won’t really do it. I don’t want to get a high position by my wife’s brother. I want to work hard, for my wife.
Pumasok siya sa kwarto niya, sumunod naman ako. Hanggang ngayon namamangha ako sa linis ng kwarto niya.
“Here.”
Napatingin ako sa kaniya nang magsalita siya. Binigay niya sa akin ang isang maliit na kahon. Ano ‘to? Regalo niya ba ito sa akin? Thinking of that, I’m thrilled.
Binuksan ko ang maliit na kahon. I was surprised to see two rings inside. I stared at Heuzen.
“Wear the bigger ring while I wear the other one.” Sabi niya.
I am slightly hurt inside and embarrassed at the same time. Siya pa ang bumili ng singsing imbes na ako. Hindi talaga ako qualified na maging asawa niya, parang ang baba-baba ko.
“I didn’t made it clear for you from the first day so I’m gonna tell you now. I noticed unusual on your behavior towards me. It’s my fault for not making it clear. But, that contract is indeed legal but, I just want to tell you that, we’ll divorce soon.” Sabi niya.
I am shocked. Hindi sumagi sa isip ko na magdi-divorce kami kaya nagulat ako. Seeing my reaction, her expression became grim.
“I don’t believe in romance, or romantic love or whatever was that thing. I just make you sign that contract for my enemy to stop attacking me. He said he liked me but now, he stopped after knowing that I’m married. After months, we’ll divorce. I made you stay here because I’m worried that my enemy will attack you after knowing you’re my husband. If you die, you’ll be my burden.” Paliwanag niya.
I suddenly felt a pang in my chest. I didn’t show it on my face but, I felt hurt. Why do I feel this? Bakit parang ang sakit kapag iniisip ko na maghihiwalay din kami? We’re merely strangers to each other, we aren’t attached to each other.
But why do I feel reluctant to be away from her? We’ve been known each other for just few days. We only know our names.
“It’s now clear. I made it clear.” Sabi niya, tumingin pa siya sandali sa mga mata ko bago tumingin sa maliit na kahon na hawak ko kung nasaan ang dalawang singsing. “Wear it.”
Humaba nga ang sinabi niya, masakit naman.
My hands are trembling when I pick the ring and wore it on my finger. Kinuha ko rin ang isang singsing at isinuot ito sa daliri niya. She’s just watching me the entire time.
She suddenly glare at me.
“What now?! What this drama all about?! Don’t tell me you like me?! If you like me, better sign a divorce paper now! I don’t want someone to have that f*cking thing towards me!” She yelled at me.
I startled and gulp. I bowed my head and subconsciously shook my head. I don’t want a divorce.
I admit, the first day I saw her, I liked her. I like her because of her cool air of power and outstanding appearance. Then suddenly, I became curious about her, about her life.
“N-no, I–I don’t l-like you.” My voice was low.
Doon lang siya kumalma at walang emosyon ulit na tumingin sa akin. Did she already learnt to control her anger management issue?
“Good.”
Unexpectedly to me, my heart broke. I thought it’s just a simple crush? A very simple like? But why do it feels hurt?
“You can now eat your dinner and sleep. I won’t eat.” Sabi niya at humiga na sa kama niya.
I swallowed and nodded my head slowly even though she’s not looking at me. Tumalikod na ako at lumabas ng silid niya. I fist my hand and rub the gold ring on my ring finger
‘I don’t want a divorce. I will make you fall in love with me, Heuzen.’