CHAPTER 47

We embarked on a frantic search for Marco, our hearts pounding with fear and concern. The urgency was overwhelming, pressing down on us like a heavy weight, making every breath feel labored. Even the usually composed security team was on edge, their anxiety reflecting our own. Marco had been with us just moments ago, and we hadn't noticed his absence. The realization that he could be in immediate danger, especially with the relentless downpour outside, intensified our worry to a fever.

Hector, standing beside me in the chapel at Maya's funeral, tapped his head in a cryptic gesture. Without a word, he bolted out of the chapel, and driven by curiosity and concern, I followed him. As he stepped into the pouring rain, my anxiety surged. The downpour drowned out my voice as I called after him, leaving me with no choice but to follow his enigmatic path. My heart pounded with worry and intrigue, unsure of what we might find at the end of this mysterious chase.

The sky was gradually darkening, and the streetlights flickered to life, casting patches of light on the slick pavement. My heart raced with a potent mix of fear and concern for Hector. We sprinted along the roadside, and I couldn't shake the dread that a passing car might hit him. Hector seemed to be heading somewhere purposefully as if he knew where Marco was. But how could he possibly know? The uncertainty only fueled my growing anxiety, each step making my heart pound harder.

When we finally reached the playground, Hector stopped running, and I came to a halt beside him. Not far away, we spotted Marco sitting alone on a swing, staring blankly ahead, seemingly unbothered by the heavy rain. How did Hector know where to find him? Whether it was instinct or something else, I was amazed.

Hector sprinted to his son, and I quickly followed. The sight of their reunion—their embrace filled with overwhelming relief and joy—was like a soothing balm to my worried heart. All the fear and anxiety melted away then, replaced by a warm, comforting pleasure.

"Papa, Mama said she'd come to play with me here," Marco said, his voice tinged with confusion.

Hector burst into tears, clutching Marco even tighter. "She's gone! She left us."

I covered my mouth, feeling my heart break at his words. The raw pain in his voice cut through me, revealing the depth of his grief. It wasn't logic that had brought us here; it was the aching pull of his heart.

Marco, too young to understand such sorrow, looked up with wide, innocent eyes. I stood there, helpless, watching them, feeling a wave of helplessness and sadness over me.

I invited them to go back. When we arrived at the funeral home, the three of us were shivering from the cold. Everyone, especially Mommy Gloria, was shocked, so they immediately attended to us. Fortunately, I brought extra clothes and quickly changed since there was a bathroom in the sleeping quarters near the chapel. I also helped attend to Hector and Marco, who seemed dazed. Marco's prolonged exposure to the rain made me fear he might suddenly become ill.

"I don't know how Hector lived during those past years without us knowing he was alive," said Mommy Gloria.

We sat on a bench inside the sleeping quarters, watching Hector and Marco sleep on the bed.

"Maya used to say that Hector's amnesia and headaches affected their daily lives," I said. Mommy Gloria shook her head. I held a cup of hot tea and wrapped a towel around my back. "They moved around a lot. I felt a strange relief when I first saw Marco's face because he looked so much like a young Hector."

"Did you know they faked their marriage contract? Maya's last name is De Leon, so there are two De Leon's," Mommy Gloria revealed, catching me completely off guard. "They weren't married, and even my grandchild's birth certificate was fake."

"They managed to hide it for seven years. Thankfully, I found out just in time; otherwise, Marco would have struggled so much more," she continued, her voice filled with concern. "Ben and I are working on that now, trying to fix this mess."

"My grandson wasn't as friendly in school as Hector was," added Mommy Gloria. I smiled, remembering the old Hector, but I also felt sad because their previous lives greatly impacted Marco's personality. "You know him, right?"

I placed the teacup on the side table and held Mommy Gloria's hand. "Mom, I know someone from the NSO. I can help you with Marco's birth certificate."

Mommy Gloria nodded, biting her lip bitterly. She took a deep breath. "Did you know that Hector fought for you during the final days of his petition paper process? He chose you over us, so we had no choice but to stop his petition."

Something tugged at my heart as she spoke those words. Even now that I've forgotten those memories, they still bring me back here. Tears welled up, blurring my vision as a sob built in my chest, finally escaping in a flood of pent-up emotion. It almost broke me into tears, but I quickly changed the subject. "Mom, take care of Marco. Give him all the love and care his mother can no longer provide."

"Don't worry, Ara; we will include Hector."

I excused myself from Mommy Gloria momentarily and went to the bathroom. I locked the door and looked at myself in the mirror. I suddenly covered my mouth as I burst out crying. Why did Hector's love for me, which he had fought so hard for, come to nothing now? He can't bring back those moments. I felt like everything was wasted.

***

The next day, Maya was laid to rest in a memorial park in Parañaque. Although most attendees hadn't known her personally, the atmosphere was still heavy with sorrow. Hector and Marco wept endlessly, their tears flowing without pause, filling the air with their heart-wrenching grief.

Hector confided in me that he was gradually accepting his wife's death. Yet, he remained uncertain about the cause of it. I never left his side, even though it pained me to see him hurting.

After the burial, I asked if I could stay for another day to be with him and his family. I temporarily stayed at their row house unit in Parañaque.

"Ara, take a break. Come on, let's eat," Mommy Gloria said gently. With no housekeeping help, she and Daddy Ben took turns looking after Hector and Marco.

I kept researching treatments I might want to share with them. When I turned off my tablet and went to the dining table, I found that everyone was already present.

"Sit here," Hector said, surprising me.

He smiled as he pulled out a chair for me, and I couldn't help but smile back at his gesture. Over the past few days, I noticed he was always by my side, and sometimes, I would catch him staring at me.

I was surprised when Hector served me some rice, which was an unexpected gesture. I glanced at Mommy Gloria and Daddy Ben. Their faces lit up with beaming smiles. After almost seven years, Hector's simple act made my heart flutter. It felt like we were beginning anew, a fresh start. I let him take care of me, savoring the moment's warmth.

Now, I am sure of my decision. I don't want to lose moments like these in my life. I know who holds my heart. I am ready to choose again; this time, I won't have any regrets. If I believe this is right, I will stand by it, no matter what.

***

On Monday morning, I decided to visit Eric's studio. Upon entering, I expected to meet someone other than the person I would meet inside.

"Melay," I said. Her face showed surprise, and I understood why she reacted that way.

"Oh, hi. How have you been?" She asked as if I were a stranger she'd just met.

She didn't even have a hint of concern about what was happening between Eric and me, but I ignored it. I still answered her, "I'm okay. Is Eric here? I want to talk to him."

She quickly replied, "He's not here; he went out."

"Oh, okay? I'll be leaving then."

Melay's cold treatment pushed me away; she was not eager to talk. I left Eric's studio and decided to head to my clinic instead. We hadn't communicated for a week, and that was my choice. Walking towards the parking lot, I suddenly felt someone hug me from behind.

It left me stunned as I stopped my pace. "Baby, I miss you. I'm sorry!" Eric said behind me.

Eric's hug was tight, his body shaking with sobs. I closed my eyes, feeling the intensity of his emotion, and then gently turned to face him. "Eric, let's talk," I said softly, leading him to my car.

"I'm going crazy thinking about you, baby," he said, his voice trembling with emotion. I stared blankly at him, trying to gather the courage to say what I needed. "Why didn't you answer my calls and texts?"

"Eric, I have something to tell you," I said, taking a deep breath. "Things haven't been going well for us," I couldn't see his swollen eyes but felt his gaze pierce me.

I had been falling short in our relationship and had made a decision. "I've thought about it a hundred times."

I paused, the weight of my words hanging in the air. I could feel Eric's intense focus on me. "I'm breaking up with you—let's end this."

At that moment, I felt like I was a terrible person, but I needed to be honest. This was the right thing to do.

We sat in silence, the tension thick between us.

"Did you know?" Eric finally spoke, his voice lifeless. "It's my birthday today."

I closed my eyes again. Oh, right, I had forgotten. Guilt rose in my heart again, but I stood firm, believing I was doing the right thing.

"Eric, I'm sorry, but we need to end this. There won't be a wedding. I keep hurting you, and it's not fair. Can't you see that?"

I removed the ring from my finger and returned it to him. Eric burst out crying, but he didn't take it, so I put it in the pocket of his polo shirt.

"But why?" he asked, his voice breaking. "I endured the pain when you hurt me. But leaving me, Ara..."

I started to cry. "I love that man! It's always been him."

He suddenly gripped my arms tightly, wanting to hug and kiss me. He wasn't himself because he kept crying. "Eric, let me go! I feel hurt. Get out of my car, please."

"Clara, I love you. Don't end this; I can't bear it."

I was scared because his grip was getting tighter. "Get out, please!" I exclaimed.

Eric reluctantly got out of the car, but I was startled when he slammed the window, tears streaming down his face. Quickly, I closed the door, my whole body shaking with fear and my heart heavy with guilt. I never thought I would have the courage to choose Hector over him. With a deep breath, I drove away, leaving that place behind.

In the side mirror, I saw him chasing after me. When I sped up, he fell to the concrete road, crying like a child. I couldn't believe what I had done to him. He was heartbroken again, and it was all my fault. I swallowed the words I had once told Tita Cecile.

When I was far from the building, I stopped the car on a quiet sidewalk. I leaned back in my seat and closed my eyes, my emotions swirling again.

After this decision, I thought I would feel better, but my heart felt even heavier. Eric loved me, but I couldn't return that love. I've hurt him so many times, so leaving him was the right thing to do.

True love is honesty, and I made an honest choice I won't regret. Even though it hurts to see Hector going through this now, he's the one who has genuinely held my heart and mind all along. Trying to push him out of my life felt like killing a part of myself every time.

I buried my face in the steering wheel and cried again. I'll be okay eventually. I need to forget Eric completely, and I also need to forget the wrongs I did to him.