Contract And Marriage

Sarina

The last I heard about Ralph was that he was in police custody. But now Mariano is here because he suspects that my life as Bella is in danger, and my fake husband might be involved in my disappearance as Sarina. After reminiscing about the moment I regained consciousness, I looked at my son, Chase, who was happily playing with Jerome. I smiled because he had changed so much since we arrived in the Philippines.

I am thankful that Maximus, not that beast Ralph, is his real father. It has also been confirmed that the medication I unknowingly took affected Chase’s brain development, but there’s a high possibility that he’ll be fine as long as the treatment and therapy continue.

I can’t ask for anything more than for all the chaos in our family to end. For Ralph to be caught so that the threat to my life and Chase’s will finally disappear, and most importantly, for Maximus and his grandmother to be okay, so that my husband, can finally be happy.

I asked Maximus how I had disappeared, and he said it was his fault. I don’t believe that because I know how much he loves me. But he doesn’t want to tell me more, maybe because he’s not ready yet and still blames himself. I just hope that the time comes when my lost memories return because only then will I be able to understand what really happened to me.

“Ma’am Sarina, have a snack first.” That was Lisa, bringing a tray of pancakes and juice. It was 9:30 a. m., and we had breakfast at 6:30 a. m. We wake up early here, so even the children do the same.

“Thank you.” The elderly woman smiled at me before I turned to look at the two playing nearby. “Chase, Jerome, come eat first.”

The two looked at me and happily ran over. I am truly grateful for Lisa’s grandson, who acted as my son’s big brother.

We started eating, and I called Lisa’s family to join us for a snack. We were happily chatting when the doorbell rang. Carlito offered to check, knowing full well that he couldn’t let anyone in, even though we all knew the subdivision’s security was tight. We still didn’t want to take any chances because a bad person like Ralph could find many ways to execute his evil plans.

“I’m going to the bathroom, ‘Mom,” said Jerome.

“CR too…” Chase echoed, making us laugh. I was about to stand up to accompany them when Rocel spoke and stopped me.

“I’ll take care of it, Ma’am Sarina. You go ahead and eat.” I nodded at her and continued eating while she led the two children to the nearby bathroom designated for pool users so they wouldn’t have to go inside the house if they needed to use the restroom.

We were waiting for Rocel and the kids to return when Carlito returned with an unexpected visitor. “Dona Sol,” said Lisa, rising from her seat. I turned around and saw Maximus’s grandmother.

Out of respect, I stood up as well. I didn’t want to argue, and even though Maximus and I own this house, as he said, the elderly woman before me is still his grandmother.

“You’re living like a queen while my grandson suffers at work.” Her tone wasn’t angry, but it was clearly sarcastic. It’s not like I need to work since my husband is wealthy, right? I wanted to respond that way, but I held back.

“Good morning, Grandma.”

“Don’t call me Grandma!” I flinched at her sudden outburst. Since she was speaking calmly earlier, I thought it would continue that way.

“I’m just being respectful,” I reasoned. I couldn’t just let her have her way.

“What are you all looking at? Leave me alone with this woman.”

Lisa’s family looked at me before I smiled and nodded at them. Aside from speaking harshly, I knew she wouldn’t physically harm me.

“Please have a seat.” She sneered at me before taking a seat opposite where I was sitting.

“You really won’t leave my grandson, will you?” I was about to sit down when she spoke, so I looked at her before pulling the plastic chair closer and facing her.

“Maximus and I are married; most importantly, we have a child.”

“Maximus loves that Sarina, so don’t be so sure he won’t leave you if that woman returns.”

“If you didn’t understand what Maximus said last time, let me clarify.” I took a deep breath and looked at her seriously to show I wasn’t lying. “Sarina and I are the same person. My disappearance had a reason that we are still trying to solve. I don’t remember anything from my past except waking up in the arms of another man who is now trying to harm me and my son.”

“What nonsense are you talking about?”

“Please let me finish speaking,” I said just to get it over with. “You can be angry with me; I won’t stop you. But please, in front of Maximus and my son, control yourself. I don’t want him to think his grandmother doesn’t accept him. I don’t want him to be hurt, especially after what he went through in the hands of the man he thought was his father.”

“I don’t care about your life or your son. My only concern here is my grandson. Now, tell me how much you want.” I chuckled when I heard her say that. Is this a movie? “How much must you leave Maximus and let him be with Midori?”Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

I’m no longer amused by this old woman. I don’t know how I treated her before, but I hope I don’t lose my patience with her now. I must consider her age and that she’s the grandmother of the man I love.

“Mommy-” My eyes lifted when I heard Chase’s voice. He was standing with Rocel and Jerome, not far behind Grandma.

“You go inside, I have to talk to-” I didn’t get to finish what I was saying because the old woman suddenly stood up and shouted,

“Mauricio!” She was staring intently at Chase as if in disbelief. She looked like she was about to cry, as if they had known each other for a long time and were only now meeting again.