The CEO’S Orphan Wife

A few minutes of heavy silence lingered. With hesitation, I parted my lips. “O-Okay,” I nodded.

He sighed, affirming his decision, and gradually retreated from me until he left the room. I lost track of time as I stared at nowhere. When I finally blinked, the dampness on my cheeks revealed the silent tears.

Swiftly, I wiped them away. What should I do? I contemplated for a few moments, then reached for my phone.

Anxiety tightened its grip on me, prompting the need to find someone to talk to instead of surrendering to a breakdown. I refused to let weakness take over. Given the challenges I’ve faced, heartbreak felt like nothing more than a fleeting mosquito bite.

“Hello? How are you? Are you okay?” Rachelle bombarded me with questions.

I hadn’t spoken to her since the incident. My life was a whirlwind of events. Kidnapped, and now Ivan was informing me about the impending annulment.

I cleared my throat, gazing up at the expansive sky before uttering, “Ivan is ending things with me.”

A brief silence enveloped Rachelle. I glanced to confirm if she remained on the line. Just before she spoke, she drew in a sharp breath.

“That damn jerk! Is your husband completely out of his mind?! Damn it! Your life had finally been quiet for years; you and your daughter were at peace. And then, he appeared and forced himself into your world, but now, he’s choosing this moment to disrupt your lives?”

Her fury was palpable. I struggled to catch the rest of her words. Our daughter’s birthday was looming, yet he opted to depart and part ways with me.

I couldn’t suppress the tears any longer.

“Stop it. Just stop,” Rachelle uttered, while I wiped away my tears.

I shouldn’t be crying over what transpired. Shedding tears for that man felt unjustified. After all, for the past few years, I believed we were already separated. It shouldn’t have such a profound impact on me, right?

The situation had calmed down, but he chose to upset everything once more. Did he not feel any remorse? Ivan, you’re so heartless. What did I do to deserve this, and why must you keep hurting me repeatedly?

Rachelle vented out her frustration on the other end of the line.

“Go home with Heather! If you’re worried about what happened, stay with Almira in the meantime. We’ll increase security here!”

“Alright.”

“Leave immediately! It’s infuriating!”

She had a multitude of instructions, but it felt like they were merely passing through my ears. I wasn’t myself as I gazed into the vast sky, my thoughts consumed by my daughter. I knew she would be hurt again, hurt because of her father.

Seeking someone to confide in and shield myself from breaking down, I reached out to Almira. I preferred not to expose the depth of my earlier distress to others. Similar to Chelle, Almira harbored intense anger.

“You should have punched that jerk in the nose!” Almira exclaimed with intense irritation from the other end of the line. “If that were me, he’d end up with a black eye. Leave. You can stay here for now with Heather. Before you go, punch him on the nose bridge! Don’t even think of shedding tears in front of him. You and your daughter need to leave first! I’m so furious at that jerk!”

I laughed while clearing tears from my eyes.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“Don’t bother bringing any belongings! Do you have money there?”

I had gone through my belongings earlier, and my wallet was nowhere to be found. Perhaps Lucinda didn’t place it there. Lucinda, too, should I just leave her behind?

Almira had given me advice on many matters. She suggested I go to her brother’s company, and Heather and I could take a chopper from there. I just need to mention that I’m a friend of Almira.

Since there are numerous guests at Chelle’s resort, their chopper is currently unavailable. Initially, I had contemplated staying at the rented apartment with my daughter, but Almira’s suggestion seemed more sensible. Rather than dwelling here in Manila, I should return to the island where my friends are.

I changed into jogger pants and a shirt. Upon stepping out of the closet, the room door creaked open. Initially, I thought it was Ivan, but I was relieved to find Lucinda. I’m uncertain about confronting or interacting with Ivan right now. It might be beneficial for both of us to take a break from communication. If he wishes to discuss matters or receive updates about the child, Lucinda can serve as the intermediary.

I shrugged. I didn’t care about him anymore and then massaged my temples.

“When are we leaving?” Lucinda asked with a tinge of sadness.

I couldn’t find any words.

“Aren’t we going to leave? Are you going to stay?”

“We’re leaving.”

She squeezed my arm. “I’m here for you and Heather.”

“Thank you, Lucinda.”

We settled onto the sofa, gazing into space for a few minutes.

“Should I just talk to him?” I mumbled. That way, I could leave without too much lingering on my mind.

“It’s up to you.”

As adults, we should converse like mature individuals; after all, we’re married. This wasn’t a simple break-up.

It was already noon, prompting me to seek out Ivan downstairs. I instructed Lucinda to bring Heather.

“Baby, accompany Auntie Lucinda for now,” I directed Heather, who was playing with her cousins in the garden.

At a nearby table, Ivan and the others were engaged in conversation and drinking. The contents of his glass remained untouched, so I was confident he was still in a suitable state for conversation.

Mom and Dad rose from their seats. My sister-in-law gestured for the nannies and nieces to head inside.

I’m not sure about the reason behind their actions, but given the duration of my stay with them, I believe they already understand me quite well.

As the children and their maids entered the house, that was the moment I moved closer to Ivan. He had been stealing glances at me, but as he realized I was approaching, his eyes widened slightly.

His friends shifted in their seats, directing their full attention towards me.

“Ivan…”

“Y-Yes?”

He attempted to maintain a cold behavior, but confusion and nervousness were evident on his face. Why was he so on edge?

“When will you initiate the process for our annulment?”

His parents gasped, and even his sister, eager to interject, was held back by my father-in-law.

Ivan couldn’t find his voice. His lips were slightly parted. I gave him a few more seconds to respond, but as silence persisted, I spoke again.

“One week, Ivan. I’ll wait for you on the island for that duration. If you don’t come, I’d assume you’ve finalized our annulment. I’d also peacefully move on.” I cleared my throat, my voice trembling.

“After one week, I’ll do my best to forget you completely. There won’t be another chance. I won’t accept you again if you change your mind.”

I bit my lip and looked up.

“Regarding your visitation rights with Heather, I’ll discuss it with my lawyer. Don’t call me. If you want to talk to your daughter, contact Lucinda. If you have questions about Heather, ask Lucinda; you know her number.”

I forced a smile. “We’re leaving. It’s better if we’re the first to go.”

I gave his mom and dad a gesture of respect. They were already crying. His sister couldn’t look at me. She was teary-eyed, but I could see the anger on her face.

I told them, “Thank you. You can video call Lucinda to talk to Heather. Sorry for the hurt I’ve caused you.”

I walked straight into the house. Lucinda and Heather were sitting on the sofa. My daughter was quiet. She looked sad, but when she saw me, she forced a smile.

“We’re going home, Mommy?”

“Yes, baby. We’re going home. Is that okay with you?”

She nodded.

I knelt before her and embraced her tightly.

“I’m sorry… I’m sorry.” I apologize because Mommy couldn’t provide you with a complete family.

As your parents, we regret the pain we’ve caused you. I tried my best and did everything to make things right since we reunited after several years, but it just didn’t work out. Maybe we’re not truly meant for each other.

We hailed a taxi, and fortunately, Lucinda had money. We directed the taxi to the Montenegro company. Almira’s brother was gracious, but she had many questions about her sister. Unfortunately, I couldn’t provide satisfactory answers because I wasn’t sure if they were aware of Myrrh.

In under ten minutes, the helicopter showed up. Getting on it, a feeling of sadness surrounded me. Heather stayed quiet, and Lucinda tried to console us like a family friend. As the chopper ascended, I gazed down at the Greco tower.

Goodbye, Ivan. Take care always. If you find a new woman to love and marry, I hope you choose someone with a good heart who can accept Heather.

God, assist me in forgetting him. Strengthen me for the sake of my child.

As she will become a full-grown woman one day, I hope this situation with her father does not inflict trauma upon her.

We are not providing a good example for her.