CHAPTER 40

I was surprised by Eric's sudden visit to my unit on Saturday morning. He hadn't even bothered to send a text message beforehand.

"Is there an occasion?" I asked him as he stood in the doorway.

He wore a royal blue polo shirt and khaki pants, quite different from his usual tees and denim jeans. He walked inside. "Come with me. We have an appointment with the wedding planner today."

I slumped my shoulders and glanced at my watch. I bit my lip, knowing I had a crucial appointment waiting. I closed the door behind Eric. "This seems sudden. Don't you think it's still too early?"

"I don't want any problems on our wedding day," he said, his tone authoritative. "Since you're already dressed, let's go. I've already informed her about our meeting place."

"I also have an appointment today – "I started to say, but he suddenly grabbed my left arm.

He held my arm tightly and said, "We're going now! Cancel that appointment, damn it!"

My throat tightened, and fear wrapped its icy fingers around me. Eric's grip loosened, and he exhaled sharply, rubbing his temple. His eyes flickered with a secret he wasn't ready to share.

I stared blankly, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. No matter how carefully I planned everything, disaster shadowed my steps. Eric had changed so much, and I was always afraid of him. My eyes glazed over, lost in a fog of regret. How had I let things spiral so far out of control?

I regained my senses when I felt his arms wrapping around my body. He was standing in front of me. "Baby, I don't want to hurt you. You must listen to me and follow."

I gave him a silent nod, my gaze still fixed on the floor. Guilt coiled tightly in my chest, making it impossible to meet Eric's eyes.

Eric kissed me on the forehead, and we proceeded to his appointment. At that moment, hundreds of thoughts were racing through my mind. What about my appointment? How did Eric notice everything so quickly? How did he find out about this?

I sat in the car, my eyes unfocused on the passing scenery, my mind churning with chaotic thoughts. I noticed that Eric kept glancing at me. Am I a bad girl? I'm trying my best to fix everything. Why do things keep getting more complicated for us?

The sudden echo of my phone's ringtone brought me back to the present. It was Mommy Gloria calling.

I pulled the phone out of my tote and answered. "Hello, Mom."

Eric glanced at me again.

"Will you be able to meet us, Ara?" Mommy Gloria asked.

"I'm sorry, Mom. I had a sudden change of plans. I'm with my fiancé now."

"Is that so?" she replied, silent momentarily. I could hear her deep sigh. "Ara, we're leaving soon for the U.S. That's your plan, right?"

I couldn't find the words to answer her. Deep inside, I thought, Good! Good decision. But another part of me wanted to cave in on crying because I would never see Hector again.

Mommy Gloria asked if I was still on the line. I regained my composure. "When are you planning to return to the States? Did Hector agree?"

"Maya agreed first and convinced Hector," she said.

"Okay, Mom, go ahead. Let's continue with the plan."

"We will meet you before we leave," Mommy Gloria said.

My vision blurred with unshed tears, the urge to end the call growing stronger with each passing second. "No, Mom, it might be better to leave soon. It's my decision; don't worry about me."

Disbelief washed over me, the weight of letting him go again pressing down like a heavy shroud.

"I respect your decision, Ara. I'll hang up now. Bye, and thank you for everything, hija."

Her voice disconnected. I slowly lowered my phone and placed it on my thigh, still clutching it. My hands were trembling as I turned my head to look out the car window. Silent tears traced down my cheeks as I stared blankly at the blur of scenery outside.

"What's the matter?" I heard Eric ask.

I wiped away my tears, trying to hide them from him. "I'm okay."

I forced a smile, trying to mask the storm brewing inside as we met the wedding planner. Tita Cecile had referred us to her. I listened to her ideas and suggestions, but everything she said went in one ear and out the other. Hector's impending departure loomed over me, casting a shadow on every thought and drowning out the wedding planner's words.

Eric often glanced at me, and I knew he noticed my lack of enthusiasm. He took on the questions from the wedding planner to avoid embarrassing me. I put him in awkward situations but couldn't pretend I was okay.

We stayed briefly. Eric told the wedding planner that I wasn't feeling well. She promised to schedule another appointment. After an hour, we ended the meeting, and he drove me back home.

"Do you want to go to your clinic?" Eric asked while driving.

I heard him, but I kept my gaze locked on the road. "No, I want to go home," I said, feeling completely drained.

"Shit," he muttered under his breath, his frustration simmering just below the surface. He pulled the car to a sudden stop, causing me to jolt forward, nearly hitting my head on the dashboard.

"What is your problem?" His voice was louder now, trembling with barely restrained anger. "Answer me!"

I kept my gaze fixed straight ahead, refusing to meet his eyes. "I'm not in the mood, Eric," I replied, my voice tinged with irritation. "I don't want –"

"Was it Hector—huh, that damn married guy?" His voice broke, revealing the depth of his hurt. He reached over and grabbed my shoulder, forcing me to face him. I could see the storm brewing in his eyes.

I twisted away, my hand fumbling for the car door's lock. "Open the door, Eric; let me out!"

"Answer me!" He slammed the dashboard with his fist, his anger spilling over.

Tears welled up in my eyes, and I couldn't hold them back any longer. "Eric, please open the door."

His grip on my shoulder loosened, and he took a shaky breath, his eyes softening. "Baby, I'm sorry." His voice was a whisper now, filled with regret.

But the fear still gripped me, and I pounded the window with my clenched fist, desperate to get away. I could feel Eric's arms reaching for me, but I shrank back, pressing myself against the door.

I heard the click of the door unlocking and seized my chance. I opened it and fled, running as fast as my legs could carry me. Behind me, Eric's car horn echoed in the distance, followed by his agonizing scream.