Chapter 6
Chapter 6
Rigella's POV
I woke up to the sunlight streaming through the window. I rolled my eyes and sat up in bed, taking a deep breath before glancing at the wall clock.
My eyes widened. Ten o’clock in the morning? Oh my god—what time did I even go to bed? Did I sleep until noon?
I leaned back against the headboard and swallowed hard as I realized where I was. Ivan’s room. I was in Ivan’s room—with him. It had been so long since I’d last been here.
The last thing I remembered was him saying, “Don’t leave me.” I didn’t leave him—I stayed and watched him until he fell asleep. I must have dozed off without realizing it.
But why was I here now, in our room? Did he carry me here? My cheeks warmed at the thought.
I let out a shaky breath as last night’s events came rushing back. How did it come to this? I no longer had friends—I chose Ivan over them. Tsk. Why did I even have to choose?
I stood up and fixed the bed, then grabbed a towel and a dress. It was one of the few outfits our parents gifted us when we got married. Hopefully, it still fit. My figure hadn’t changed much in the past seven years.
I went into the bathroom and took a lukewarm shower. I shampooed and conditioned my hair. As I stood there, I suddenly gasped, remembering—My child! Is he at school already? I didn’t even prepare his breakfast.
After my shower, I got dressed in the bathroom. When I came out, I blew my hair dry, combed it neatly, and checked my phone. I was hoping for a message from Roxanne or Seymour, but my heart sank when I saw none. Only Mom had messaged—and several missed calls.
---
From: Mom
Rigella, I think you're still asleep. I've been trying to call you several times but you’re not answering. Please call me as soon as you read this. It's important. Please call me right away.
---
My forehead creased. What’s so important?
I called her, and she answered within three rings.
“Hello, Mom?” I said.
I heard her sigh with relief on the other end. “Thank God you called, Rigella!”
I swallowed. “What’s going on, Mom? What’s so important?”
I heard her begin to sob. My eyes widened. My mouth fell open.
“Y-Your brother was arrested, Rigella. The police took him in this morning for allegedly stealing a large amount of money from a company. My God, I didn’t know he was involved in a mafia group! He’s been doing all sorts of illegal things!” she cried.
I was stunned. I had warned Kuya before to stop. But he wouldn’t listen. He was too focused on getting rich. But what’s the point if the money is dirty?
Tears rolled down my cheeks. We weren’t that close, but I still loved him. I felt awful for Mom—just hearing her voice, I knew she was devastated. She wasn’t supposed to get stressed—she had heart disease.
“Mom, calm down. Please, don’t make yourself sick,” I reminded her gently.
“Rigella, please, son, come to the *** police station. We need you here,” she pleaded, her voice breaking.
I bit my lower lip. “Yes, Mom. I’m on my way. Please wait for me.”
“Thank you, anak. We're lucky to have you.”
I gave a small smile. “I’ll hang up now. I’ll be there soon.”
“Okay, anak. We’ll wait. I love you, Rigella Andrea.”
“I love you more, Mom. Bye.”
---
I ended the call and quickly grabbed my shoulder bag from the side table. Ivan must’ve brought it here last night. I slipped on a pair of cream flats that matched my simple cream dress.
Just as I was about to leave, the door opened—and Ivan walked in. I blinked in surprise. He was still home? At this hour? He usually left for the office earlier. He wore a short-sleeved polo and casual pants.
He frowned. I looked away.
If I give him the cold treatment, will he react? Let's see.
“Where are you going?” he asked.
“Why?” I replied coldly, avoiding his gaze.
He seemed caught off guard. When I usually spoke gently, now my cold tone surprised him.
“A-Ah, nothing. I just wanted to know if I should take you… or go with you,” he said, and I froze.
What the hell? This was the first time he’d offered to accompany me anywhere.
But I shook it off. “I’m going to the police station. Kuya got detained. I’m meeting Mom there. Don’t worry—I’ll manage. I’ll take a taxi.”
“What? But you haven’t eaten yet! You’ll get sick.”
I stared at him. Since when did he care about whether I ate or not? He used to not even notice me. Now he’s worried?
“You don’t care…” I muttered.
“I do care. You’re the mother of my child.”
My jaw clenched. That’s all I am to you? The mother of your child? Nothing more?
“And… I’m going to marry you,” he added. I turned to him. He swallowed, avoided my eyes, and touched the back of his neck. Was he… shy?
I ignored it—even though part of me wanted to believe him.
“Whatever. I’ll take a taxi,” I said and walked past him.
But he grabbed my arm. I frowned and glared at him. After a moment, he looked away.
“I’ll take you. No—let me come with you. I want to understand why your brother got arrested.”
His grip was gentle—unlike before. He no longer handled me roughly. He was being… careful.
When we went downstairs, he gave instructions to Manang. She gave me a teasing smile. Ivan held my arm again, and I smirked slightly. So he regrets ignoring me before, huh?
We got into his car. I was about to open the door myself when he gently took my hand and opened it for me. My eyes widened.
What’s happening?!
He stammered, “G-Get in…” avoiding my gaze. His hand supported my waist as I sat. My hands grew cold.
He started the car. Silence. I kept my eyes on the window.
Thirty minutes later, we arrived at the station. Before Ivan could open the door for me, I got out quickly and went inside.
He followed. I found Mom talking to our lawyer, and I rushed to her. She hugged me tightly. Dad greeted Ivan with a handshake and a hug.
We weren’t able to talk to Kuya. The officers said he didn’t want to see anyone. We respected that.
A few hours later, Ivan and I headed home. Mom stayed behind for more legal matters.
---
In the car, Ivan didn’t start the engine. The heat from earlier had made me dizzy—I just wanted to go home and rest.
“Aren’t we going home yet?” I asked, irritated.
He sighed. “Let’s talk first—before we go home.”
I groaned. “Can’t it wait? I’m tired. I want to rest.”
He looked at me with regret. “I’m sorry. You’re right. Rest first—we’ll talk at home.”
I just leaned back, closed my eyes, and tried to rest.
What is going on with him lately? Why does my heart want to believe him, even if my mind resists?
---
Rigella’s POV
I woke up with a throbbing headache and chills from the cold air. I realized I was in our room again—probably Ivan carried me here.
I struggled to stand, slipped on my slippers, and turned off the air conditioner. I was used to cold air, so why was I shivering now?
It was 3:00 PM. Ice would be home in thirty minutes.
I went downstairs, gripping the handrail for support. I was dizzy. At the kitchen, I poured water into a glass, but before I could drink—crash. The glass slipped and shattered.
“Rigella!” Ivan’s voice shouted as he ran toward me.
I couldn’t look at him—I was too dizzy. He grabbed my arm and cursed under his breath.
“You’re sick. You have a high fever. Tsk. You didn’t even eat earlier.”
I’m sick? I thought I was just light-headed.
He picked me up bridal-style and carried me upstairs. He gently laid me on the bed and handed me one of his shirts.
“W-Wear this. It’s warmer than your dress. You’re cold,” he said.
I put it on—it smelled like him. Why did even his shirt smell so nice?
I closed my eyes and drifted off.
---
I woke up to Manang Lisa gently shaking me. She had a tray with medicine, water, and hot chicken soup. There was also a basin with alcohol and a handkerchief.
I sat up slowly. My head still hurt. My eyes widened—Ice!
“Ma…Manang, Ice. I didn’t get him—”
She cut me off with a smile. “Don’t worry, anak. Ivan picked him up earlier. They’re playing now.”
I let out a breath. Good. Ivan rarely did that. He never had time before—not with me, and certainly not with Ice.
“Oh, anak. Eat while it’s hot. Then take your medicine,” she said as she placed the tray in front of me.
The soup smelled amazing. I took a spoonful and smiled—it tasted just like Mom’s chicken soup.
“Manang… thank you. This is delicious.”
She smiled shyly. “Ah, anak… I didn’t cook that. Ivan did.”
I froze. Ivan? He cooked?
“He even called your mom to ask for your favorite recipe when you’re sick,” Manang added.
I swallowed hard. Ivan… why are you doing this to me now? You’re breaking down the walls I built.
Manang laughed gently. “You know, Ivan used to help me in the kitchen. He wanted to take Culinary Arts, but his dad didn’t approve. When he met Lara, he started cooking more—to win her heart.”
My smile faded. Lara. So that’s how he fell in love.
I sighed. Maybe it’s better if I just love him silently—at a distance. That way, I won’t get hurt again.