Chapter 36

Chapter 36: Trevor

I could not do anything else to stop Mew's plans because the kids are already here. I did not want them to know about the tension between Mew and I. This problem is between us only. The kids are out of this. So even if it was against my will, I agreed to the idea of the four of us eating together.

Did the kids see what Mew was doing to me? I hope they didn't! Gosh! What would the children think then?

Mew is really annoying! I will never let that happen again!

One by one, Mew moved the lunch boxes to a dining table here in my office. The two kids were restless on their chairs which seemed that they were very close to each other.

I wonder if they played together while in the nursery?

Mew Jr. looks exactly the same as Mew except for the color of his eyes which are blue. He probably got them from his biological mother. Who is his mother, anyway? Mew's ex-girlfriend?

I felt a slight pain on my chest.

On the other hand, Hugo looks so much like me when I was only five years old.

"Papa, look. There are chicken nuggets! My favorite," Hugo happily declared.

"I made sure that I brought your favorite, budd," Mew replied. He patted Hugo's head lightly. I stared at him. But he just smirked at me.

"Really, s-sir?" Hugo asked shyly.

"Just call me papa or daddy."

"Really? I can call you papa?" my son asked excitedly.

I quickly went in front of Hugo, blocking his vision of Mew.

No way!

"No Hugo," I warned him as I glared at Mew. I could not see Hugo's reaction because my back was against him.

"Why Papa? Maybe he can be my second papa," his voice was disappointed.

"No. I am your only papa. And that's final."

"Fine, Papa," the frustration could not escape his voice.

Hugo, please don't make this harder than it already is.

"Why don't you let Kuya Hugo, Daddy Gulf?" Mew Jr. groaned.

What the fuck? Who did he just call daddy? And Kuya Hugo? Does that mean Hugo is older than him?

I turned to the boy but instead of showing him that I got angry with his words, I just smiled at him, like how an adult should treat a child.

"Just call me Uncle Gulf, Jr. Not Daddy Gulf."

"But Daddy said to call you Daddy Gulf." Jr. frowned. "And please call me MJ. That's my nickname."

"Oh I see. Sorry MJ. But please just call me Uncle Gulf too. That's my nickname. Let's eat," I said bluntly. I couldn't hide the annoyance in my voice anymore because I really don't want him calling me daddy. Sorry MJ. But we are not a family.

I sat down next to Hugo who has a frown on his face. Mew sat down in front of me and started putting food on MJ's plate. I did the same with Hugo's plate.

"Start eating baby," I told my son.

"No/Okay." Hugo and Mew answered at the same time.

I glared at Mew. Thank God these children are still innocent. And Mew should behave. He is really getting on my nerves.

"Eat Hugo or I'll give all the chicken nuggets to MJ. You'll be left with nothing," I joked, convincing him to eat.

"Let Hugo call me Daddy," Mew interrupted.

But I ignored him.

"Hugo. I. Said. Start. Eating," I said seriously and emphasized every word. He quickly picked up the spoon and fork, afraid with my tone.

He knows the consequences when I do not like what he is doing and he knows that it was my warning. If he doesn't want to have no TV in a week, he should behave too.

"Good boy. That's more like it." I kissed the top of his head.

I glared at Mew. He has no say as to how I want my son to call him. I am Hugo's only dad.

"Here."

Mew tried to hand me a plate full of food. I accepted it to keep things simple. I do not want us to argue in front of the kids.

I never looked at Mew again and just ate quietly. The same goes for the two children.

After eating, I took Hugo to the nursery again. And since Mew really wants to get on my nerves, he took MJ along with us.

I can't help but be disappointed with myself. If the kids hadn't come, I might have given in earlier with Mew's tactics and seductions!

Still, thank you Lord. Because even though you did not give me the strength to resist him, you still made a way.

"Allow me to take MJ there by myself," I offered to Mew. I don't want to be with him in the elevator again.

"No. I want to go with you. We look like a family," he said before he winked at me which made me roll my eyes.

Sorry, Mew. That no longer has an effect on me. Has he forgotten that I have not forgiven him yet of the things he did in the past?

He cheated on me. He broke up with me. I would be too stupid if I make up with him. That will never happen.

He has to stop acting like this. Especially in front of the kids. They might get the wrong idea. Maybe MJ knows that I am his father's husband but Hugo doesn't know about it. I don't want him to expect something from Mew. Because he will only end up disappointed with him like how disappointed I was with Mew.

After we took the kids to the nursery, I held Mew's arms and pulled him to the parking lot of the building. Other employees were looking at us but I did not care.

The expression on my face was angry.

It's only my first day but I already have an idea about Mew's plans. I don't get his relationship with Tommy. If they broke up recently or whatever. But I don't care. What I want is for him to stay away from me and Hugo because all I want is a peaceful life.

I did not come back for him. I came back because I want to continue my father's legacy. I have no intention in making up with Mew.

I let go of his arm when we reached the parking lot. Good thing nobody is here except us.

I faced him and made sure that our eyes were locked on each other so he would know that I'm serious with what I want to say.

"I am not sure about your plan but I assure you that you will not succeed. I have no plans to ruin whatever you and Tommy have so I hope you stay away from me and my son. I would really appreciate it if you do, Mew." My voice could never be more serious.

"Like I said, there is nothing going on between me and Tommy," he defended himself.

I took a deep breath.

"Okay, fine. Let's just say that nothing is going on between you and Tommy. Honestly, I don't care. But I hope you stop bothering me already. I came back because I want to continue my father's legacy. And there is no other reason. So whatever it is that you are planning, please stop. I'm begging you."

"Please give me another chance to make it up to you," he said sadly. He tried to hold my hands but I harshly pushed it away.

"You can't change the past. You made your choice back then. Stand by your decision. It even came from you that everything about us ended five years ago. So please, let me live a peaceful life."

"I admit, I made a mistake back then. But I was just carried away by envy and jealousy. Because I can't share you with someone else."

"So you would rather lose me than have a part of me?!" I raised my voice.

He could not answer my question.

"I wasn't able to push through with our annulment five years ago because I prioritized staying away from you and forget about everything. But now that I am back, things will never be the same again. My lawyers already submitted the petition and our first court hearing will be next week. I hope you cooperate," I said with no emotion.

I'm already tired with these dramas. I just want all of these to be over.

"Please, Gulf. Just another chance. Promise I won't waste it again," he begged.

"There won't be a third chance, Mew. Even Popoy and Basha only had a second chance. And here you are, demanding for a third chance. There isn't a third chance. What do you take me for? A fool? I am not foolish. Just let me be happy, Mew."

"I know that I can still make you happy. I am still capable of giving you happiness." His voice was hopeful.

"Yes, I know that too. But I also know that you will only hurt me again. You will only hurt me. You never fail to hurt me, Mew. May it be intentional or unintentional," my lips trembled, but I continued to speak. "Please let me remarry."

He was surprised with what I said. It took him a while to recover.

"I will not give up on our marriage, Gulf. I will make sure that the case will be thrown out on the first hearing. I will prove to you that our marriage deserves a third chance. I will prove to you that I became a better man. I won't let you remarry. Because I know that we are meant for each other."

"All you do is talk, Mew. You never walk the talk. But guess what. You already gave up on our marriage when you cheated on me. If you still believe in our marriage, then see you in court. Because I will also make sure I get the annulment that I want."

I turned my back on him and left.

I can do this. Even if I am to completely move on from him, I have to accept that there are things that are just not meant to be.

---

In the days that followed, I always arrived at my office with a sunflower bouquet on my desk. And along with it, a note.

"Have a great day, my sunflower ❤ -MDF"

"Still waiting for that day when you'll give me another chance ☹️ - MDF"

"I still love you, my sunflower. -MDF"

"Please let me be your sunshine again 😢 -MDF"

I'm not stupid to not know where those flowers are from. MDF. Of course they are from Mew who is Matthew Darth Fletcher. But I always immediately throw them in the trash.

On my second day at work, he again tried for us to have lunch together but it did not happen. He tried to do the same technique. But this time, I was prepared.

Mew laid the paperbags on my table containing the foods. I quickly stood up and opened them all.

Fearing that what had happen yesterday happens again, I preceded him.

Please forgive me Lord. I just can't let him continue doing this.

I poured and threw the food at Mew. I even threw the lunch boxes at him.

I'm really sorry Lord, I will make it up to you.

"Get the hell out of my office," I commanded him.

He could not believe what I just did but he managed to leave anyway.

When he was already out, I felt guilty and realized that what I did was too much. But every time I remember everything he did to me, the way he made me feel before, I can't help but be terribly ruthless.

I just hope that he stops this nonsense already. I don't want to be the bad guy. But Mew is pushing me to my limits.

After that day, he stopped visiting my office. Good thing he got my message. But despite that, he still continued to send food, only this time, someone else was bringing them to my office. I always don't want to accept them but the delivery guy says he might get fired if I refuse to accept them so I just did. I don't want to be the cause for someone to losd their job. What I did instead was order a member of my team to give it to the street dwellers outside the building.

---

Monday of the following week came. I feel nervous. Today is the first day of the court hearing for our annulment. I could not sleep well last night because I kept thinking about what might happen today.

I trust my lawyers. I just hope that the judge's ruling favors us.

My lawyers said that I could not plea psychological incapacity because I might lose custody over my child. I also do not want to accuse Mew of psychological incapacity as the basis for the nullity of our marriage because he might lose custody of his child. I am not that cruel. I wanted to play fair. That is why I am leaving it to my two lawyers on how they would win the case.

Mew was also present during the court hearing. I don't really get him. Why doesn't he want this annulment? Isn't this what he wants? I do not understand him.

At the beginning of the session, my lawyers seemed to want to withdraw from the case.

"You didn't tell us your husband's lawyers were bar topnotchers!" one of my lawyers whispered to me when the hearing started.

"What do you mean?" I asked with a frown.

"All three lawyers of your husband are first placers in the bar exams! All three of them! The bests in the country!" whispered my other lawyer.

I felt hopeless. Mew's lawyers were really good and exceptional that even I got carried away with their arguments when they presented them.

Even though I already knew that there was a better chance that the judge's ruling will favor Mew, I still felt anxious and a little hopeful to hear his decision after hearing the arguments of both sides.

"Petition for Nullity of Marriage denied. Case closed. Next case!" the judge smashed his gavel, signaling the end of the case.

That's it? No second hearing? I felt my body weaken.

"Yes!" I heard Mew shout in joy. Afterwards, he shook hands with his lawyers.

Fuck! How could this happen?

"Thank you. Thank you," I heard Mew say to his lawyers.

Still, I forced myself to shake hands with my hired lawyers and thanked them. I am disappointed with the result, but I'm still grateful for their effort.

"I'm sorry Gulf. But as I said, we should have used the psychological incapacity against Mew to win the case," my lawyer spoke.

"No. At least we played fair. That's okay."

Mew approached me. He is wearing his usual business attire.

"Congrats to us. We're still married," he said, smiling from ear to ear.

Doesn't he get tired? Yes, we are still married. But we are not together. What's the use of our marriage then?

"We are now only married on papers, Mew. Our marriage ended five years ago," I declared. My face was serious.

I turned my back on him and was about to leave but he spoke again which made me stop.

"I will win you again Gulf, just like how I won this case. I'll be sure to get another chance from you. I know you will give in to me someday. Because in the end, we are meant for each other."

I did not look at him. I just walked straight out of the court room.

"I won't give up this time. You'll see," he shouted, enough for me to hear before I finally got out of there.

Even if I did not win the annulment case, it still does not mean that we will get back together. Let's just see how long he can keep going. Because I will make sure that it will be him who will be filing for the nullity of our marriage next time.

---

I still received sunflowers every morning from him after the case.

The same goes for the foods for lunch. What does he think of me? Do I look like I don't have money to buy food?

Our interactions were minimal. Maybe he knows that I am still angry for losing the case so he is waiting for my anger to subside. It's good that he knows! Because I'm not sure of what I might do in case he starts bothering me again.

Last week, I also started noticing someone following me from the building until I reach our house. At first I thought it was a stalker so I was very worried. But I found out it was Mew. Which made me even more worried!

He did it every day. Following me until I get home. I do not know why.

Honestly, when will he ever stop?

Every time we meet at the elevator or at the hallways, I always ignore him. He greets me but I just ignore him. I don't give a damn about him.

On the other hand, Trevor and I became much closer to each other.

Hugo and I often have lunch with him.

Trevor is a great cook. His food always tastes delicious to the point that I asked him if he could always bring food. His future partner will be so lucky!

"Be honest. Are you stressed out with Mew? Why do you look like you're not stressed?" Trevor commented as we were eating lunch. Hugo ate ahead of us and is now asleep on the couch here in my office.

"Why?" I asked curiously.

"You're blooming. Maybe you're not really stressed." He pinched my cheek.

I frowned.

"Ouch! How many times have I told you to pinch everything but not my cheek?" I complained as I spanked his hand.

He laughed at what I did.

"I'm sorry. I can't help it. Your cheeks are so cute," he pouted his lips.

"I know. But please, don't ever do that again."

"Wait, you said I can pinch you anywhere. Does that mean I can pinch you on your...?" he raised his two eyebrows, signaling me of something malicious.

I gave him an angry look.

"Pinch me where?" I asked.

"Your ass," he winked at me. I hit him quickly with my hand. Asshole!

"Take things in stride! And lower your voice! Hugo might hear you!" I warned him.

"So it would be fine as long as Hugo is not here?" he tried to look serious but you could see that he was holding back a laugh.

"One more of your dirty jokes, and I'll pinch your groin."

"Hey! It was a joke! HAHAHAHA! But why does your threat excite me? HAHAHA."

"Fucker! We have a presentation for the board today!" I almost stood up from my chair when I remembered that the meeting will be on one o'clock this afternoon.

"I almost forgot. What floor is that again?" Trevor asked me. He stood up and put away the utensils we used in eating.

"Why are you asking me? Aren't you my executive assistant?" I arched a brow.

"HAHAHAH, my apologies. I sometimes forget things every time I'm with you. Ayieeee."

Oh gosh!. He is yet to be over with his cheesy moments!

"If I fall for you with your corny jokes Trevor, I swear I will really strangle you," I threatened him.

"Don't worry, I'll catch you if you fall anyway." He winked at me again which made me fall silent.

"Whatever, Trevor! Nonsense."

I approached Hugo and gave him a kiss on his forehead.

I left Trevor and went out of my office first. I told one of my staff whom I met at the lobby to watch over my child.

"Wait for me!" Trevor shouted.

He chased me into the elevator. Good thing he was able to catch up before the door closed. He stood beside me.

And he did not just stand beside me. He was so close that our arms were touching.

"Which floor do we need to go to?" I asked him. I moved slightly away to maintain the space between us two. I was carrying my laptop on my hand.

"30th floor," he said before he pressed the button for the right floor. The elevator door closed and we started descending.

"Gulf, remember your question to me during your first day?"

I was confused by his question. I tried to think but I could not remember it.

"What question?"

"If you're a good kisser? Do you remember?"

"Oh. Yeah. What about it? You still haven't forgotten about that?" I frowned.

Now I remember it. He told me that I was not good because we just kissed for a brief period of time and I did not use my tongue so he lacked the basis whether or not I'm a good kisser.

"Yes. And I want you to change my answer."

"What do you mean?"

His movement was fast. He touched both my cheeks, cupping my face.

Trevor claimed my lips and kissed me deeply without any warning. My eyes widened. I was stunned by what he did.

The elevator opened on cue so I pushed him quickly.

But it was all too late. Mew was standing outside the elevator. And I am pretty sure that he saw what just happened.