Chapter 20 AWAKE

AS they discussed, Hunter takes me back to his unit. My family just drove me and they just made sure I was ok before they left me and go back to Bulacan. Kyla is no longer with us.

I am in bed when Hunter enters the room with food. He laid it on the side table and set it in the bed.

"Would you like to eat?" he asks.

"I want to rest, can you please leave me." I heard him sigh.

"I'll just leave it here, you might get hungry later." I just nodded then tilted my back to him.

"If you need help I'm just in the other room."

"I can manage, please lock the door." I didn't hear anything from him until the door closed completely.

When he left I got up. I am not crippled to let him take care of me. I am strong and I can handle myself. Besides, I know that he did it because he is guilty of what happened.

I didn't sleep all night or let's say I couldn't sleep. I spent all night thinking about the decision I would make. I never thought that all my sacrifices would come to nothing and that I would lose something very important to me. But it serves me a lesson not to give all your love to the person who is unworthy. And you don't find any appreciation from him.

Learn to apply the word 'give up' before you lose something just to let you know that you did is very wrong. Don't wait to the point 'you're on your worse you.' that even a little chance you don't have.

The next day Hunter knocked early in the room. I didn't open him but he still got in because he knew the room password.

He brought some meals and put them on my table. I know he saw the food he brought last night that wasn't even reduced. I also knew that he knew I am awake because I swing my feet while covered with a blanket

"I brought breakfast for you."

"I'm not hungry, thank you."

"You want to go outside to get fresh air?"

"No." He no longer answered, instead, I felt the bed move as a sign that someone was sitting there.

"I'm sorry Ley." I could feel the sincerity in his voice. But I chose not to answer and let him talk.

"I never thought that would happen, things are happening too fast." I remained silent and listened to him.

"I have no intention to lose the baby, believe me, Ley," he added. "I didn't expect that you will lose your baby, I hope you'll forgive me."

"Our baby." I started but still didn't look at him. "Your child. Whether you accept it or not, it doesn't matter to me. I don't care anymore," I added but I still didn't face him.

"Ley, sorry for causing you pain."

"If you're asking sorry for all the hardship you've given me don't worry, I'll forgive you. Even if you don't apologize to me, I already forgive you and I meant it," I replied then removed the blanket and looked at him in the eye, "I forgive you so calm yourself and remove the guilt." Then I covered up again.

"Why can't you be mad at me?" I stop moving my feet then get up and sit on the bed.

"Because I love you. I'm the first to get hurt when you're hurt."

He took my hand then squeezed my palm, "Forgive me, Ley. But I can't teach my heart."

"Don't say sorry Hunter, I realized that I was all to blame right from the start. I snatched you from the woman you love, so forgive me. Don't worry, I'll set you free. "

He was surprised by what I said. He stared into my eyes as if to see if I was telling the truth.

You don't have to force your heart, Hunter. I accepted my fate that you will never be mine. My child sacrificed himself just to make me realized all my stupidity. Everything I did but still not enough.

Now you are free. I will set you free.

I wished that one day you will love me too but it is also tiring to hope. I thought the heart can't get tired. But it's worse when it's tired. When it woke up from stupidity because it hurt so much.

"Ley,"

"You're free Hunter."

"Do you mean it?" I can't recognize in his voice whether he's happy or sad. But I know he's happy. This is what he wants, he is just sad and sympathizes with me but deep inside I know he's happy.

"Yes I did, and I won't take it back. I'll file an annulment soon when I'm ok."

"Are you sure about this?" I nodded at his question. He smiled at me then stood up.

"I need to go to work. Can we talk about this again when I come home? I'll be home early, so we can talk more about this. Is it ok?" I nodded to him, he came to me closer and kissed my forehead without any effect on me. "I'll go ahead. Take care." I give him a smile until he finally walks out the door.

I don't need you anymore Hunter and you are completely free, the loss of my baby is enough for me to make me aware of the work I am doing. I have forgiven you and Kyla for the hardship you did to me, I have forgiven you for hurting me physically and mentally.

I accept that it all started in me. I forgive you for torturing me because it was compensation for me for taking away your freedom to love and be with Kyla.

But you have not been paid for what you did to my baby and I will not forgive you until I can't take revenge for both of you. If it was just me, I could endure anything for the rest of my life.

But my child is different, my child who was not even released into the world and until his last beat in my womb was not even accepted by his own father.

I waited an hour since Hunter left before standing up. With difficulty, I forced myself out of the house. I already called Atty. Cruz to file an annulment. He is just waiting for me for confirmation to file the case in court.

When I arrived in court, Atty and I immediately filed. I was immediately given an annulment paper which I immediately signed. I gave Atty the copy and told him to give it to Hunter, today or tomorrow because I was going straight to the province.

I said I had already discussed it with Hunter. That we were going to split up and we both agreed. They will only update me when I need to attend a hearing and appearance in court. He agreed and said that today he would bring the copy to Hunter.

I said goodbye to Atty and leave. I gave him a down payment that was more than he expected and he said he would do everything to make it easier.

I quickly drove the car on the highway out of Manila. I had already entered Bulacan and I went to the hidden road with a wooden bridge that is rarely used by people.

Have fun with both of you, because this is what you want. But whatever the outcome of it, I will make sure you lose. When I live, I will come back to you and charge you for what you did to my child. But when I die, the more you will not be able to fulfill the pleasure you desire and I will make sure my family finds you for the charge.

I pressed the car's gas and then dropped the car on the bridge.

'See you in heal Hunter and Kyla.'