The CEO’s Ex-Wife Can’t Escape

To Love You Again, My HusbandAll text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

Chapter 18: Hate Every Bit Of You

As soon as they stopped beside a restaurant where it was the only place for four-wheeled vehicles to park, the driver had to park there and for the rest, they needed to walk. Airina half-embraced herself then a coat from Jena was draped on her shoulder. Airina felt that having an assistant wouldn’t be that bad, actually.

Jena anxiously asked, “Mam, you’re not going to suicide here, are you?”

Airina bewilderedly looked at Jena, who glanced at the driver who nudged her with an awkward clear of his throat. Jena pursed her lips, learning that she had asked an unsettling question. Honestly, nothing was out of place since it was quite common for people who came from lower backgrounds to be intimidated. When she first saw Matthew, Jane regarded him as a good person – kind and courteous. While Airina exuded intimidation and coldness, it was as if she was the CEO and not a shareholder. Well, the most intriguing part was the fact that Matthew didn’t feel challenged at all, he was amused.

Jena corrected, “I was just asking since I have heard stories of such a thing…”

Airina nodded in comprehension. “Well, some people are truly pressured and forced to act differently from who they are. It couldn’t be helped but your question took me by surprise.”

The driver added in reluctance, “Mam, but why did you go here? Is this where your boyfriend lives?”

Airina laughed, “If he was here, what would be your reaction?”

Jena gasped, “That would be surprising! Would he know your identity, would he stay amidst the circumstances?”

Airina then responded, halting while overlooking the house that she had left for almost two years. “I don’t know, people leave whatever may come.”

Jena and the driver exchanged glances, as they were not knowledgeable of what she had gone through. Since things could have gone south, they didn’t say a word, wordlessly staring at the same place where they remained momentarily.

Airina turned to them, “You two can sit on that bench, I’ll just have to talk… with my father.”

Jena gasped, “… Of course.” Everything she had said was totally unrelated to Airina’s purpose of coming in here.

This was the first time in two years since she had come here. Airina felt nostalgic. This was the playground she used to run around with her mother, while her father laughed and smiled at them. They were in a good relationship, she even precepted her family relationship as the perfect one she had ever seen in her entire life.

Near the house was her father. He was sitting on the fallen tree with a branch in his hand. He looked… soulless.

Airina hesitantly walked over to his side.

“Pa…. I’m here.”

Her father turned his head at her and gaped in surprise. He sprang from his seat, staring at Airina’s face, and laughed.

“You… you grew up so well…”

Airina frowned. “How have you been? I’m sorry, I was too busy to visit you. No, rather, I…”

Her father woefully smiled, “It’s nothing. It would have been better if you hadn’t visited.”

Airina’s ears perked in amusement. “Hadn’t visited? A-am I not welcomed anymore?”

Her father’s tears fell from his eyes. “You knew that Linda was using your pieces? She told me…”

“Why didn’t you stop her, Pa?”

He roughly wiped his tears, “Could I have stopped her? I am near my death…”

Airina crouched down, looking up at her brokenhearted father. What happened for the past two years she was gone? Even the house didn’t feel the same as it was. The warmth and coziness have left this house.

“What are you saying…? You’re healthy and strong!”

Her father looked away, not wanting her to touch him as he didn’t want her clothes or her hands to get dirtied.

“I was at fault, I had you marry that man thinking you’d be happy. My daughter… I…” he hiccupped, “Forget about your father. I am unruly and didn’t act as a model.” He attempted to touch and caress her cheek, but he had halted midway and lowered it on his lap.

In a hurry, Airina held his hand. She could barely get mad when she saw this strange vibe from him. What did happen?

“Pa, tell me what happened. I will help you. You see, I have a good career and a… good house. Better than this one.” She was desperate. Was she not the only one broken in this house? Had it always been all of them?

Was all along, she only thinking of herself and not the people around her? Guiltily, she bowed her head in frustration. After her parents’ divorce, everything had felt amiss and odd, but she didn’t think of it that much since she presumed it was a natural occurrence. After all, they had just divorced, and her father came home with another woman – his first girlfriend.

Her father shook his head, “I’m sorry. I was… a bad husband and even a father. I… your mother, Wendy…” Before he could finish his words, he covered his eyes as his tears fell.

Everything was just strange. How did it come to this? How did the happy family her memory had, had fallen to its ruins? Why does this home feel devoid of anything?

Airina gazed at her father who suddenly caught his breath – he was having heart palpitations which she was surprised about. Frantic and panicked, she yelled to Jena and the driver.

“H-hurry! Call a doctor. Je, Jena… my father.. he…”

***

Jena worried and looked at Airina, softly speaking. “Mam, your father’s health seemed to be deteriorating for a long time, causing him to palpitate usually.”

Airina’s hands were linked, and her eyes were swollen. “Did the doctor say it can be cured?”

“Yes, without a worry. Mam, it’s… already 9 at night. Will you remain here or go back?”

Airina glanced at her, and the driver then urged them away. “I’ll stay here with my father. You two go back.”

Jena shook her head, “No, Mam. I will stay here with you.”

Airina smirked, “Just do as I say”, she closed her eyes, “I want to be alone.”

Left without choice, the other two left the City and went back to their own houses feeling worried. However, Jena who was clever called Matthew. She informed him of her situation and told her not to worry as he’d send someone who would help Airina.

It was none other than Jackson who drove all the way to the Balkan City just to see what her father was doing. Her father was the one who saved him back then and to think that he was having health problems, he was naturally concerned. He had also purchased supplements, flowers, and food to cheer him up.

It was already past midnight when he arrived there. Upon opening the door of their house, he noticed Airina’s figure. She was sleeping at the edge of her father’s bed, which looked uncomfortable. He sighed in exasperation. He was late again.

With soft two taps, he whispered to Airina.

“Get up, don’t sleep here. You’ll get fatigued.” He held her shoulders, waking her up. Briefly after his words fell, her misty, red eyes looked at him and sighed. She rubbed her eyes, assuming she was seeing things.

Jackson said, “Come, I’ll help you up.”

Airina stood up with his help, frowning in confusion. How did Jackson get here and why was he here?

When they were outside of her father’s bedroom, she pulled away from his grasp. “W-why are you here?”

Jackson looked at her in worry. “Matthew called me.”

Airina chuckled in annoyance. Among all he could have called, should it be Jackson and not her mother Wendy? She massaged her forehead.

“Then leave”, she waved her hand, “You’re not needed here.”

He shook his head, holding her close to him and leading her to her bedroom, “I won’t go unless you’re well.”

She pushed him with all her might causing him to falter and hit the doorknob. With a soft wince, he turned to her who was glaring at him.

“This was your fault. If it hadn’t been for you, I would have gotten a better life. No one would have been hurting!”

Jackson hurried to her, “Calm down, don’t hurt yourself.”

Airina then lifted her hand and strongly slapped his cheek.

“I seriously hate every bit of you, Jackson.”