THERA forced herself not to gape because of what Sean said. Should she protest? Should she insist that he was not her ideal husband? But the man looked stern. She would feel bad if she’d debunk his belief about her first love directly.
She was married to this man for almost ten years, yet he looked nothing but a stranger now. She could not remember their wedding anniversary or how they met, or the real reason why they got married early.
Love? What else? They probably would not last ten years if they were not in love.
But who is Babe? What about the possibility that Sean was having an affair? Did her twenty-nine-year-old self know the woman who called Sean’s phone? They said whoever was involved was the last one to know. Should she pity the older Thera because she had no idea of her husband’s mischief?
Thera glanced at the man’s hands on his sides. He sure was wearing
December 5, 2009Baguio City, PhilippinesSean strode inside that music bar in Baguio City. He was on his ride from Manila going home to Baguio when he received a call from Miguel. His mother picked Thera up at the Teacaf.A few days ago, Sean told her that he liked someone and he has a plan of marrying her. He remembered mentioning Thera but he did not expect Charry to drive to Baguio City to personally meet her ASAP.Sean was not prepared by the sudden meeting. And what he worries about the most was that his mother might have told Thera his plan of marrying her when he’s not even courting her yet. Sean had to rush things. He needs to marry Thera by June. He was not used to courting and such, but he was planning to propose to her once he has the chance.The loud music from the performing band greeted Sean as he entered The Hype Bar. His eyes immediately wandered. He coul
“Thera…”Thera gasped. She recognized Sean’s voice. It sounded so clear as if he was very near her. She held on to the edge of the tub tightly for support. She shut her eyes. It felt like her head was spinning around.“You sent all my belongings to the guestroom downstairs. I didn’t tell you I’d sleep there.”The hair on Thera's nape was standing up thinking that Sean's gaze was buried behind her.“Did you even forget now how to use the tub?”Forget seemed to be the magic word. Thera came to her senses and turned to the one who spoke. She almost slipped when she saw her husband standing behind her. If Sean hadn't grabbed her by the hand, she would probably have fallen into the tub."The reaction is delayed for a minute or two, Thera," he said. She was not sure if he was sarcastic or not.Thera slowly freed herself from him and straightened her back. Sean’s touch gave h
Sean saw Thera went out of the villa as he stood at the veranda that connects the master suite and the guestroom where he was staying. His gaze followed her as she walked towards the porch going to the poolside. She sat on a rattan lounge chair and leaned her back against its backrest. She looked up. The night sky was full of stars. It was past ten in the evening. Maybe just like him, she found it hard to sleep too.Sean doubted that Thera has amnesia when she asked him about his mother. But what happened hours ago made him think otherwise. He saw the guilt, disbelief, and pain in her eyes. Those emotions were real and genuine. Thera could not believe she could hurt someone just like what she did in the video.He let out a deep breath when he saw Thera hugging herself. When she rubbed her arms using the palm of her hands, Sean wanted to jump out of the veranda to hug the woman and make her feel his warmth. Sean
Mara clenched her teeth. She glanced at the pay to cash check before focusing her angry gaze on him. “I did the same thing to your male cashier two weeks ago. You were there. I demanded to talk to you, but you just walked past me. What makes this particular employee of yours special that you’re willing to pay me in exchange for my apology?”Sean pressed his lips. He did not want to answer that question."I'm not going to apologize, Sean. Not in this lifetime. ” He grabbed the check, then marched out of the office.“You have a unique way of breaking someone’s heart, Sean,” Miguel said, shaking his head and then went out of his office.Sean grabbed his bag from the desk and followed Miguel out.His eyes automatically searched for Thera but she was no longer at the counter, she was not even serving the customers.She must be crying her heart out in the restroom. Sean knew Mara intentionally humiliated T
Baguio City, PhilippinesTHERA woke up at seven the next morning. Her back was sore from lying on the couch all night but surprisingly she had a great sleep.She flexed her muscles and stretched her body as she got up. The sun was already sneaking from the glass window of the room. She forgot to lower the blinds down before going to sleep last night.She yawned as she walked into the spacious bathroom. She turned the shower on when she got inside the multi-water jet shower enclosure. Thera retreated in shock as the cold water flowed out and splashed her feet.After a few minutes of staring at the flowing water from the shower, she closed it and went out. She could not muster enough courage to bathe under the open showerhead.Thera tied her hair and went down to check and help Fely prepare breakfast.Would Sean join her for breakfast? If yes, though feeling awkward, she cou
THERA’S tears had gone dry when they returned to the villa. She was still in disbelief. Uncle Jaime is dead, and Sean hid it from her.The old man died of cardiac arrest, according to Rowela. She did know if she should get mad at Sean or not. She chose the latter. Maybe Sean was thinking of her situation. He did not want to shock her despite showing a viral video of last night.Thera wanted to hit her head on the wall. Maybe she’d regain her memories by doing that. Her uncle died, and Joshua remained poor while she got to be in a good place and enjoying a luxurious life.Thera stared at the eco bag Rowela gave her. One by one, she took out the things inside. Most of them were her academic notebooks. The cheap stuffed animals were from the night market she went to alone.Thera sat straight when she saw a bind, thin notebook. It was her diary. She brushed it when she noticed a few pages torn by termites. Her smile was bittersweet when she began
October 23, 2019Baguio City, PhilippinesTHERA blinked when she heard a groan. It was enough to pull her back to the present from the memory of five years ago. She swallowed when she saw Sean’s creased forehead. He was staring at her intently as if studying her face.“Are you not feeling well?” he asked. Thera wondered if she actually sensed a little tenderness and concern from his voice.She flinched, thinking Sean would reach out to touch her neck to check her temperature. But he remained still. His fists clenched as if suppressing the urge to reach her.Or was she just imagining things? Perhaps it might be because of the intimacy from the tiny piece of memory a while ago? Thera never pictured herself taking bold steps toward any man. She’d rather be swallowed alive by earth than even think of doing it.But she did. She begged her own husband to love her and make love to her that night. It was degradi
Ringgo hadn't parked the car properly yet at the Mall’s parking space but Thera immediately got out of the car upon seeing the familiar woman who was stepping inside The Palace Mall’s entrance. She was her fake friend, Kisses who just arrived from a trip with the company CEO, Mr. Hernandez. With her eyes narrowed and her lips pressed into a thin line, Thera walked inside the building.Thera’s glare followed her as the woman stepped into a famous boutique shop. She smirked. She still hadn’t changed even after almost a year of living abroad. Kisses’ fashion brand and style are still the same. She knew because the covetous witch was copying her since time immemorial. Thera went inside the famous boutique. She did not even throw the slightest glance at the staff who were scrambling to greet her.She walked towards Kisses whose gaze was focused on a red elegant handbag. When she was about to take it, Thera grabbed it immediately. The woman look