CHAPTER 11

LANCE

Atashia's mother slapped me across the face, not once or twice. I couldn't even remember how many there were. I stood like a tree trunk protecting my wife. I accepted all the insults and remained silent.

I am not a saint, but I did everything I could to avoid further conflict. She is, after all, my wife's parent. I must respect her despite her bad attitude.

"Nanay, tama na." My wife begged her mother. She was terrified and trembling. "Lance, okay ka lang ba?"

I nodded kahit nahihilo na ako dahil sa mga sampal na tinamo ko. It was my first time being beaten. I, Lance Henzon, was always treated like a prince. But for my wife, I am willing to be a sacrificial lamb.

"Sino ba iyang lalaking iyan, ha? Bakit kung makasigaw para patigilin ako ay akala mo kung sinong anak ng hari?" My mother-in-law asked Atashia.

"He is the son of Congressman Henzon, ma'am," singit ng abogado ko.

"Pwede ba, huwag kang pa-Inglis-Inglis? Pinoy tayo, Pinoy!" Atashia's mother emphasized.

"Sir, would yo