FIXING THE BROKEN VOWS

Chapter 1

"Love, I'm ticklish!"

I playfully avoided Miguel, who was now laughing at my reaction.

I am happy to be married to this gorgeous guy. He looks like a morning star to me. His eyes are my temptation. His love is my weakness.

"Let me kiss you, baby," he groaned.

I abruptly laughed at his reaction and ran away from him.

"Cleopatra, c'mon. Just one kiss, hon."

He muttered as he slowly approached me.

"You already had your kiss this morning, Miguel." I teasingly laughed and caught his lips that were heading towards me.

My husband is indeed the most gorgeous masterpiece that God ever created. Gorgeous and lickable Miguel, my God! You corrupted my innocent mind.

"You're so stingy; it's just a kiss."

He looked at me with a hint of annoyance and pouted as he sat down on the sofa where I was seated.

"Just one kiss, please." I enjoyed his sulking tone.

I couldn't resist mocking him because he looked so cute. He resembled a baby who didn't get what it wanted and was throwing a tantrum.

I can't thank heaven enough for giving me such an adorable and loving husband. He is my treasure, and I will cherish how adorable and mischievous he is.

"Just one kiss? I can give you much more than that, Miguel." I smirked and winked, hearing a muffled groan escape from him. He quickly stood up and trapped me in his strong arms, but I pushed him away forcefully and ran into the kitchen.

I burst into laughter at his disappointment and frustration. Miguel... You don't know how much self-restraint I'm exerting to keep myself from going crazy for you.

"Caprice Cleopatra Montaverde Velarde, come out and give me your sweet kiss."

He shouted, and I couldn't help but laugh at how cliché his words were. What a poet!

I slowly crept out of the kitchen, still laughing, my eyes watering, and stopped him with a tight hug. He groaned and kissed me passionately.

If things were to change tomorrow, I know I would forever be in love with him.

"Wherever you go, I will keep on chasing you because you own me. I am yours, Cleopatra. You belong only to me," he said in the midst of our fervent kisses.

"Even when our vows wither?" I raised an eyebrow, but he held me tightly.

"Even if our vows wither, my heart and everything I own are yours. No matter how many times our promises may fade, I will still love you as much as I do now."

Sweet... I couldn't help but get teary-eyed while hearing his words. They were so promising. Miguel... I am completely and irrevocably drowning in you for eternity.

My husband has a face like a Greek God, perfectly crafted with a well-shaped face, thin and kissable lips, a chiseled jawline, and a pointed nose, accentuated by his mesmerizing blue eyes. Thick eyebrows and his curly, long eyelashes

"Thank you," I said while crying, and he gently planted a kiss on my forehead, then my nose, until it reached my lips.

"Thank you for the unconditional love, Miguel. Thank you for marrying me and loving me, " I whispered wholeheartedly amidst our kisses.

"No. Thank you. I should be the one thanking you, Cleopatra. You gave me a second chance to love even more." He wiped my tears and kissed my hair.

Our future isn't planned. We don't know what tomorrow will bring. Storms are yet to come. We are just starting a new phase of our lives together. We are uncertain about everything, but what I know is that I will love him even if the ocean remains turbulent.

In sickness and in health, in riches and in poverty, my love for him will remain the same.

I woke up to loud thuds downstairs. It was already past one o'clock, and I was sure it was Miguel again, making a ruckus. I didn't know how to approach him anymore, fearing for my life.

He has changed.

I realized that this beautiful dream that happened in the past was just that-a dream, a blissful memory I had with him before he turned into a monster I never expected him to become.

Those memories give me a glimmer of hope that everything can be restored to the way it was in the past.

It's not new to me anymore-the nightly commotion downstairs. Broken things and numerous bruises have become part of my daily life. Sometimes, others look at me as if I'm crazy, wondering why I stay in this house if it's like living in hell. I taste hell, trapped in my own home, becoming his punching bag every day.

I never thought this day would come because I was blinded by all his promises, but now they are just distant memories, shattered and fragmented.

"It hurts, Miguel. What are you doing? I'm in pain!"

I begged, but he didn't listen. He was furious, not even acknowledging my tears and pleas.

"Shut the fuck up! Give it back to me, Clea."

He slapped me again, and my vision became blurry from the tears. The pain throbbed in my cheek.

"I can't. Our money is running out, Miguel, and you're just wasting it on gambling!"

He grabbed me by the hair, and I struggled to free myself, but I didn't have the strength to remove his firm grip. All I could do was cry and beg him to stop.

I pleaded, but he didn't hear me. He was too consumed by anger to hear my cries.

"It hurts, Miguel. Please... I'm begging you..."

He pushed me, and I crashed into the wall, causing everything on the floor to shatter violently.

I didn't know how terrible it was to be a battered wife until I became one. My life resembled the movies I had watched. I felt so useless, trapped in this house, becoming his punching bag every day.

I never imagined that this would happen. I was fed with his promises, but now they are just distant memories, shattered and broken.

"Please, Miguel, I'm begging you." I cried uncontrollably.

Maybe it's because of the pain, but I stepped on broken glass, feeling my heart shatter as well.

Before, I adored his eyes, but now they seemed like burning ice that I could never break through. They were like an ocean full of terrifying sea creatures.

"Shut up!" He yanked my hair again, and I tried to remove his tight grip, but I had no strength left. All I could do was cry and beg him to stop.

I pleaded, but he didn't listen. He was too blinded by anger.

"It hurts, Miguel. What are you doing? I'm in pain!"

I begged, but he didn't dodge. I pushed him forcefully, causing him to crash into the wall, breaking everything in his path.

I didn't know how terrible it was to become a battered wife until I became one. My life has become like those movies I watched. I feel so useless being stuck in this house and becoming his punching bag every day.

I never thought that this day would come because I was being fed by all his promises, but now they have become memories, blurred and broken.

"Please, Miguel, I'm begging you." I cried, tears blurring my vision.

I saw Miguel snoring beside me as I woke up. For a moment, I was confused about whose calloused hands were wrapped around my belly. I slowly opened my eyes, only to be greeted by the sight of a handsome monster. His eyes were still closed, and I gently touched his intricately beautiful face.

I didn't realize that even though I'm already shattered, I still see myself drowning in the demon that is Miguel. The monster beside me calms the erratic beat of my heart.

Even if I'm already broken, I still love him, just like before. I am indeed a masochist, still longing for the warmth the monster provides.

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.

Chapter 3

Night had fallen, yet I was still busy in my office, buried in paperwork. It was dark outside, and I could see through the office window that employees were slowly leaving for the day. But I remained busy, engrossed in my work.

"You're not going home yet, Clea?" Karen peered through the office door.

Her eyes held curiosity and understanding.

I averted my gaze and shook my head slowly. "No, I still have papers to read and sign," I replied. "You go ahead..." I added.

She entered my office with her confident demeanor, fixing her gaze on me and giving me a look full of sinister intent.

"No! Stop working, and we'll go clubbing!" She forcefully slammed the table, startling me.

To hell with this woman!

I looked at her with a mix of awe and bewilderment, while she continued to glare at me with intense hostility. She quickly grabbed the computer mouse from me, turned it off, and started tidying up my disheveled things on the desk, placing them all in my bag.

She huffed and wiped the sweat forming on her forehead. Irritated, I massaged my nose and watched her eagerly organize my belongings. I knew she was dead serious.

"Get up from there, Clea, or I'll drag you out myself," she sneered.

I slowly stood, taken aback by her aggressive behavior. I stood on the desk, still watching her as she meticulously arranged the scattered papers. She shouted excitedly, "There, I'm done! Fix yourself while I organize my things on my table." She gave me another disdainful look and hastily left my office.

My gaze followed her until she disappeared from sight as the door slammed shut. I was sick and worried about how strange my friend had become.

"Clea! Come out or I'll drag you out!" she yelled.

She peered through the door again, her eyes rolling as usual. Seeing that I still hadn't moved, she forcefully dragged me out.

"My bag, Karen!" I protested, yelling at her.

There was nothing I could do but let my friend lead me. She took me to a popular bar in Duma.

The place was buzzing with activity, filled with neon lights and people dancing and swaying to the fast-paced music. The loud cheers echoed from table to table. I even spotted some couples engaging in passionate kissing in the dim corners of the bar.

"What's the matter? Are you going to stare all night?" Karen loudly asked me, but her words were drowned out by the heavy music.

Unable to hear my response, she pulled me towards an empty table. I looked around the place once again, realizing that I had missed this chaotic atmosphere. The loud roar of the music helped momentarily distract my troubled heart.

Sometimes, when your mind is in turmoil, you need to go far away to find tranquility and rest for your weary self. But what I needed was a loud crowd that would make me forget the monster I had to deal with when I got home.

Karen looked at me again, raising her eyebrows as if asking me what she should order for me since she had the menu in her hands.

"A bottle of tequila will do," I sluggishly said.

She quickly ordered it for me: "We should eat dinner before drinking. Would you like menudo?"

Despite not wanting to eat that night, I nodded in response to her question, knowing that she wouldn't leave me in peace with just the tequila.

She called the waiter, placed our order, and he attentively left to process it.

As the night grew deeper, people continued to withstand their intoxication from the excessive alcohol. The place became livelier as most of the people started swaying and dancing to the loud music.

On the other hand, I enjoyed the bitter taste of tequila as it slid down my throat. Its bittersweet flavor made me feel dizzy and drunk.

Karen snatched the glass that was supposed to be my next drink. "I brought you here to enjoy, not to get wasted, Clea."

I laughed and snatched my drink back. If this were my last day on Earth, I would drown myself in vain for the love that brought me nothing but misery.

"I am enjoying it, Ren. Can't you see?" I acridly replied.

She let out an exasperated sigh, rolled her eyes, and glared at me. Then she turned away and started swaying her hips joyfully as the music enveloped the entire place.

"You're drunk!" she shouted angrily, but I laughed loudly, which only frustrated her more.

"Let's dance!" I shouted at her, pulling her up and making her sway her hips along with me. The boisterous crowd cheered as we danced our hearts out.

She looked at me, gasping for breath, and gently brought her mouth closer to my left ear. "Miguel will kill us if he sees us here."

"He won't. He already killed me a long time ago. I'm sure he's busy enjoying his night out at some club with some whore," I replied, understanding what she said and continuing to sway to the rhythm. "He won't. Let's just enjoy ourselves!"

I shouted and then returned to our table, pouring another round of tequila. I watched Karen as she walked back, and in my peripheral vision, I saw her stumbling.

"Hey, Cleopatra. Should we order another bottle?" she slurred, lazily sitting in front of me and swiftly grabbing the bottle to take a sip.

I shook my head, annoyed. "No, that's enough. I'm as tipsy as you are."

She nodded lazily and finished the remaining liquid in the bottle. Damn! That was supposed to be for me!

I was tipsy, but I was still aware of my surroundings. I knew I could still drive, even in my dizzy state, and I could take both of us home.

I pulled Karen, who was leaning on the table and seemed to be falling asleep, up and tapped her shoulder to wake her up. She turned around, pushed my hand away from her shoulder, and slumped back onto the table.

"Karen Abigail. Let's go home. I jolted her again. She opened her eyes drowsily, gave me an angry look, and suddenly stood up, causing her to stumble and fall onto the table.

Thankfully, I managed to guide her through the bar's parking lot, despite her ranting and mumbling incoherent words. We were true friends, both going crazy when drunk! We babbled about all sorts of things.

"Clea, You should leave Miguel. He has many other women; shouldn't it just be you?" she half-opened her eyes and spoke to me from the back seat, but I ignored her. Karen tended to say all sorts of things when she was drunk.

The sun was rising by the time I reached home. I accompanied Karen to her apartment and made sure she was taken care of before leaving. I felt relieved knowing that her landlady was there and would look after my intoxicated friend.

The porch of our house was dimly lit, the gate was unlocked, and our room was illuminated. I was certain Miguel was already asleep at this hour.

I cautiously entered the house. The entire living room was dark, and I took slow steps towards the kitchen because I was thirsty.

"Where have you been?"

I shrank in fear as a deep, baritone voice asked me. Suddenly, the entire house was lit up, and the light enveloped the room, revealing the cold, piercing gaze of the monster before me.

I trembled in nervousness as I saw the darkness in his eyes. I took a step back as he approached me.

"I-I..." I couldn't find the words to explain.

Should I even bother explaining? Was there any point? Would anything change if I told him why I was drinking? Would he love me again, care for me, and nurture our relationship?

I sneered. "We should rest, Miguel."

I turned away from him and quickly made my way to our bedroom. I scanned the room before lying down, and to my shock, I saw a woman's clothes on our bed.

Tears started streaming down my face as reality sank in. There was another woman. He had brought another woman into our house, into our own bed.

Damn it! How could he do it in our bed? Why here?

A creaking sound from the opening door caught my attention. I saw him become alarmed when he saw me holding the dress in my hand. I knew it wasn't mine. I didn't wear provocative dresses.

"How dare you fuck someone else in my bed, Miguel? I angrily snapped at him.

I slapped him, and he retaliated with his gaze, snatching the dress from my hand and throwing it into the nearby trash can.

"You should rest, Clea. You're drunk," he said, massaging his temple in frustration, his eyes filled with deep animosity. I quickly took a step back, and I could see the difficulty in his eyes as he looked at me.

"Clea, why are you drinking?" he gently asked when he noticed me taking another step away from him.

When the person you love continuously inflicts pain on you, the trauma remains forever. The bruises may fade, but the wounds caused by their hurtful words leave a lasting impact. No matter how many ointments or remedies you apply, the trauma remains.

If I told him the reason why I was drinking, would anything change? Would he understand? Would he love me again?

I shook my head and quickly made my way upstairs to our bedroom. The entire room was engulfed in darkness, but I didn't care. I changed the bedsheets and pillows, removing any trace of the despicable act that had taken place. I saw Miguel out of the corner of my eye, standing by the door, motionless.

I turned to face him and raised my middle finger before quickly hiding under the covers. I heard him groan, but sleep had already taken over, and I wasn't aware when he wrapped me in his warmth.