Chapter 2 Pain and plea

Chapter 2

"Miguel, Are you going to the office?" I asked him fearfully.

He had just woken up, but I could already see him holding a bottle of alcohol. My Miguel wouldn't drink this early. He usually wants me to make him his coffee and have breakfast with me at the table, taking care of me and showing affection. But now there were no emotions, only cold glares directed at me.

He kicked the table, making me jump in fear. "You go there if you want!"

"Okay, I'll be the one to go today," I whispered nervously.

Fortunately, I had already showered early this morning. I knew he wouldn't go to his office today. I had been the one attending the company lately because he was always busy with gambling.

He still didn't care and remained immersed in his alcohol. I prepared his breakfast before going upstairs to change clothes.

"Eat your breakfast, Miguel," I said softly, but I didn't receive any response from him.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror. After two years, I could see a completely different person from the one I used to be. A broken woman who couldn't stand up for herself, defeated by love and oppressed by her husband, I accepted all the bruises I received because of my foolishness in love.

I am no longer the cheerful and strong Clea. I am now a new Clea who doesn't fight back. I wanted to defy my heart and Miguel's abusive behavior, but I knew I couldn't. Because I love him.

As long as I love him, I won't give up. I know he is deeply affected by his father's imprisonment and what has happened to the company in recent years.

I applied concealer to hide the bruises from last night. I often do this, especially when I go out of the house. Behind my glamorous appearance lies a fragile wife who is willing to be hurt because of love.

"Stay strong, Clea. The day will come when Miguel will realize that he should take care of you instead of hurting you," I whispered to myself, encouraging me to continue with life.

No one knows about all the hardships I endure inside this house. People think I'm a fortunate wife living a luxurious life provided by my husband's wealth and power. But I'm not lucky. I can't hide the broken and bruised self I am when I'm not around people, even with my expensive and glamorous clothing.

"Good morning, ma'am Clea," Manong Lando greeted me with a warm smile.

The day must go on. My pain and sorrow shouldn't be an excuse to give up on the company. I don't know how to run such a big company, but for the sake of the employees who work here, I will find a way to prevent it from collapsing.

"Good morning to you too, Mang Lando. You have such a beautiful smile today," I sincerely replied, making him scratch his neck shyly.

He said, "You are even more beautiful than my morning, ma'am. Sir Miguel is lucky to have such a beautiful and kind wife like you!"

I just gave him a small smile in response to his long comment before finally entering the office.

I sighed. Another day, Cleopatra.

"Here comes Ma'am Clea again."

"Poor ma'am, she doesn't know her husband is cheating on her."

"Yeah, I saw Sir at the bar last night. He was with another woman! I'm sure that wasn't Ma'am Clea."

"He's fooling around because they don't have children yet."

"And guess what? I saw Sir picking up Mikko's sister, Maui, the other day. She's pretty, but Ma'am Clea is even more beautiful."

I closed my eyes upon hearing their words. I can't close my ears, so I'll at least close my eyes to lessen the weight of what they said.

I know what they're saying is true. I'm well aware of it, but in my current situation, there's nothing I can do. They don't see me, so they speak loudly. I pass by their desks before reaching the office door.

I saw Karen standing in front of my office door with a serious expression, surrounded by our employees. She's my acting secretary since Miguel's secretary was transferred to the main branch in Manila.

"You bunch of idiots! Why are you making so much noise in the morning?" she shouted at the employees, making them stop their conversation.

"Ma'am!" they all shouted in surprise when they saw me standing behind them. They looked pale.

I just nodded and quickly walked into my office. Karen followed me and closed the door behind her.

"What a bunch of idiots your employees are. They're already gossiping early in the morning!"

She angrily commented from behind me, but I could only manage a weak laugh. I placed my things on the table and sat down.

Karen looked at me suspiciously and asked, "Is something wrong, Clea?"

She raised an eyebrow, but I avoided her gaze because I knew she was studying me. Karen is my best friend, and with just one look from her, she would know something was off. She knew about Miguel's foolishness, but she didn't know how severe it was. She didn't know that I was being physically abused by my husband.

"Please, Clea, I know when something's bothering you. Tell me when you're ready," she said gently, reaching out to touch my hand for comfort. "I'll prepare your schedule for the whole day and make you a coffee. You seem out of it, Clea."

I knew... I'm slowly losing my sanity. I closed my eyes multiple times because I felt dizzy in front of the computer. I didn't get a good night's sleep because my hand was hurting badly. Thankfully, Karen didn't notice the bruises on my hand.

A phone call interrupted my work, and even though I didn't want to answer it because I knew it was Mama Editta calling, I had no choice. She's my mother-in-law, and I love her.

"Mom?"

"Child! I need your help because I'm being chased by people your father Bernard owes money to," she complained.

I massaged my temples as I listened to her rants. I grumbled and asked, "How can I help, Mom?"

She's in Manila right now, trying to escape from all the troubles here in Negros. But she hasn't been able to escape from the debts left by Papa Bernard.

"Can I borrow at least half a million, Clea? You know how much Bernard owes, and even here in Manila, I'm still being chased by all his creditors."

My mother's never-ending demands How can I say no to the mother of the person I love and loathe at the same time? She always comes to me first when she needs help.

I saw Karen enter with a cup of coffee in her hand. I just let her put the cup on my table.

I sighed and said, "I will wire you the money today, Mom."

I knew Miguel would be furious because of the money. Our savings in the bank account are almost gone, and now I will lend money to Mama Editta. Most of the money she borrows never gets returned to me. But I understand her. She doesn't have a job, and she only has a small jewelry business in Manila, which is not enough to pay off all of Papa Bernard's debts.

"Thank you so much, my child. Kiss Miguel for me. Bye, my dear."

She ended the call, and I let out a loud sigh. Karen asked, "Was that Doa Editta?"

I looked at her with raised eyebrows, then nodded and took the steaming coffee she had brought.

I sighed again and said, "Wire her five hundred thousand, Ren. You can use the money I asked you to keep the other day."

That money I had her keep in a separate bank account is mine. I saved it after finishing my studies and when our relationship with Miguel was still okay. He didn't let me work, but he always gave me money. I didn't spend it because I stayed at home and just played the role of a wife.

Miguel's money, the money he was so eager to have and hurt me for, I transferred to another bank account under my name to keep it from being completely depleted.

If I can fix the company's situation, I'm sure I can help Mama Editta with all of Papa Bernard's debts. Maybe it will also resolve our problems with money, and Miguel will return to how he used to be.

Karen grumbled and gave me an angry glare. "You're unbelievable, Clea! Lending her money again? It's your own money..."

She complained with frustration, and I avoided her gaze. I couldn't deny the lady.

I smiled and shook my head. "Just let it be, Ren."

Her angry expression didn't fade away, and she glared at me before storming out of the office.

Indeed, as long as we provide for those we love, no matter how tired we are, we'll keep going because of them.