Chapter 34：DANGER

I would be lying if I told myself that I don't love Ace. Of course, I do.  If I don't love him that much we will not last for five long years. I admit, I'd been desperate for his unattainable love which made me hold on to our marriage for so long but my devotion finally stopped into an abrupt end when the harsh truth slapped me, suddenly my sensibilities returned, realization hit me—Ace was not the man meant for me.

I guess, I never got tired of loving him but I got tired of the man he has become. That's why I set him free and give him the freedom he asks for but it doesn't mean that I could not get hurt seeing him marry Angela—the mistress turned to a legal wife. I am a person and not a wall that couldn't feel emotion.

Seeing him say I do, breaks my heart into shards. Yet, I could not do anything because he wasn't mine—well he never was. 

I'm not made of stone nor I made of cement, of course, I'm fragile as glass and I break so easily. I am a woman of emotion. I am sensitive to pain that I cry so easily over things that hurt me. But despite my weakness, I have come to discover how strong I was and how strong I could be.

My name is Phoenix, it was the name mom gave me because my eyes were phoenix-shaped. Aside from that, the name was unique, beautiful, and it possessed a deep meaning. The bird Phoenix was said to rise from its ashes, spread its wings beautifully, and soar high into the sky. Maybe at the right time and the perfect moment, I could become as bright and as free as a bird too.

As I sat there in the park, I was able to tame the emotions that had overtaken me a while ago and now I was as calm as the soft billowing hair that played with my hair.

Instead of going back home, I decided to spend my time with nature where I could chill and relax while I pretend my problems don't exist. I was thankful that my plans worked and I felt so better now.

The bench shaded by an old tree was a perfect spot for me. As I sat there and weighed things out I realized that things were better this way. I reminded myself that I was better alone and this was for my good. I still have a long way to go, it's not the end of the world...only the beginning. I could not see positive results now but one day I would shine as bright as the stars.

I walked around the plaza when I got tired of sitting and watched as the children played on the playground with my eyes gleaming with satisfaction. They are so adorable, words wouldn't be enough to describe them. Their high-pitched laughter filled my heart with glee.

I was engrossed watching them play while softly caressing the swell on my stomach. I hope someday my daughter will have the same blissful childhood as those children. 

Faith. That is what I decided to name my daughter. Like those five-letter words, I have faith for the future. She will be born so beautifully as the future that awaits her.

The sky was growing darker, soon the rain would pour again.  The last thing I wanted was to make my health worse by catching a cold. It's okay if I would be the only one to suffer but I don't want my baby to feel ill as well. 

I hailed a cab, climbed inside, and tell the driver my destination. The car sped and I leaned comfortably on the backseat while my hands automatically flew to my stomach, caressing my womb where my baby was peacefully asleep.

Five minutes later, I safely reached my apartment. I paid the driver and clambered out of the car. Shocked wasn't enough to describe how I feel when I saw Ace standing in front of the apartment while desperately rattling the gates and calling my name.

He was still wearing the tuxedo he wore at the wedding ceremony. It took me a great amount of self-control not to march towards his direction and punched him hard on the face until his senses returned.

It was his wedding day. How could he march here after his wedding? Don't he have enough sensitivity with him?

"Phoenix! I know you're there. Please talk to me." He shouted. His fingers were wrapped into the closed gates, forcing it open. It was locked and only a key would make it open. So he just stood there, impatiently rattled the gates.

Soon the rain began to pour, I hid under a tree for protection. I was standing a meter away from him and it would be impossible that he would spot me there since his car blocked the view.

"I'm sorry, Ace," I mumbled and turned in the opposite direction, unmindful of the rain. Escaping was the only thing in my mind.

Before I could move further,  a hard object landed on my head, almost breaking my skull, throbbing pain followed. I heard a loud thud on the ground—it was my body. 

Blood... There was blood flowing out of my broken skull, terror filled my spine with chill. Before I could understand what's happening, darkness swallowed me up. I have no strength left in me to fight so I allowed darkness to take me in.