Senorita tried to understand what the nurse meant by her question about Miguel. She asked, "And what did you mean by that?"
The nurse smiled faintly before taking Senorita's hands. "Well, if he isn't unemployed, then he must be the most caring husband." Senorita raised an eyebrow, watching the nurse with mock horror.
But the nurse wasn't finished. "Throughout the three days you've been in the hospital, he's been right there by your side. Even when the doctor said he could go home, he refused and stayed the night with you, only leaving when it was absolutely necessary. I started wondering if he really had no job."
Senorita wasn't sure how to respond. She wanted to rest before the chatty nurse interrupted. And she wanted to think about her real life. She felt that the real Senorita's memory, pain and everything were becoming too real, makig her forget who she truly was and it was beyond her capabilities, yet she was not going to give up yet.
'I know I am to serve justice for Senorita but I will not be a tool for her. I also have people who I need to avenge on. And I must try my best not to forget my memory as Anne Mu.'
'I am in a new body which has a mind of her own but I don't wish to neglect my former self.'
"Mrs. Li, promise me you won't let him go. He's a handsome, wealthy, and caring man. A woman couldn't ask for more. I envy you. I wish I were in your shoes—"
Growing tired of the nurse's prattle, Senorita interrupted. "Well, Nurse, if you don't have a husband at home, I could arrange for you to have him."
The nurse quickly withdrew her hands, realizing the sarcasm in Senorita's tone. "I'm terribly sorry if my words upset you."
"Trust me, Nurse, I'm not upset, and I mean it. You'd be doing me a huge favor."
The nurse swallowed her embarrassment and changed the subject. "Mrs. Li, it's a good thing you're awake. Your body is responding to treatment quickly. Make sure to eat fruits and vegetables for your health and the baby's."
Senorita nodded, her thoughts returning to her harsh reality.
*A Few Days Later*
As Senorita's health improved, the doctor cleared her for discharge and prescribed medications, advising her to schedule regular check-ups.
Senorita wasn't sure if she could, as she recalled how Miguel always monitored her every move. He believed she was an attractive woman and that she'd entertain other men given the chance. In his eyes, she was his possession; he'd cared for her for almost five years now.
Senorita's return home marked an eerie change in Miguel's behavior. He greeted her with an unfamiliar warmth, a sight she hadn't witnessed in years.
Ignoring him, she walked to the guest room, determined to keep her distance. After a shower, she wrapped herself in a towel and changed into her nightdress before returning to bed, bundled in a blanket.
Senorita lay there, contemplating her new life and how she would survive it. She also pondered how she could get revenge on Miguel and the girls who had nearly pushed her to her death. But could she?
If she left Miguel, she'd be left with nothing. Her freelance job wouldn't provide enough to live on, let alone fund any plans for vengeance.
While lost in her thoughts, she heard the door creak open. She kept her eyes closed, unwilling to engage with Miguel at the moment.
Miguel entered and broke the silence. "Rita... I know you're not asleep."
As Senorita turned to face him, she realized she needed to choose her words carefully. Miguel's ink-black eyes felt penetrating, and she couldn't let her guard down. "Please, Miguel, I'm tired. I want to sleep."
"It's only 8 pm, darling. It's still early."
Senorita chose not to respond, her mind racing with thoughts.
He interrupted her, "Rita, why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"Tell me what, Miguel?"
Miguel's struggle to express himself was evident. He spoke with an unusual vulnerability. "About the baby. Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant?"
Senorita's heart raced as she contemplated this unexpected change in Miguel's demeanor.
His eyes.
Could it be genuine remorse?
Could they finally find common ground?
'No, don't remain a fool. A monster is always a monster, a blackened heart can never be pure even though it is cleansed a hundred times.'
Senorita decided to play the game. After all, it took two to tango.
Miguel added, "I wouldn't have treated you that way if you did tell me. You know how much we have been waiting for you to birth a child. You know how much I endured from my mother but still, I chose not to leave you. You could have told me that and I would have forgiven you without second thought."
"I... I didn't know how you would react, Miguel. After everything, I was scared. You might have said since everything has been tight for us, it would be better to abort it. I just wanted to have enough courage before telling you."
Miguel's eyes displayed a mix of regret and remorse as he stared at her, inching closer and making her slightly uncomfortable.
He tousled his hair roughly and looked at her apologetically. "I see. Rita, I... I want to apologize. My brother, he... he said some things, and I lashed out at you because of it. I'm sorry for the way I treated you."
Tears welled up in Senorita's eyes, and she struggled to find words.
Why was she crying?
Was her heart buying his pretense or was her heart buying her own pretense?
Miguel settled more comfortably on the bed, suggesting an idea. "We should work together, Senorita. Now that we know you can have children, we can try again. We can have a family."
Senorita's heart sank in fear and annoyance as Miguel moved closer, his intentions becoming palpable. Her body tensed, the scars of abuse still haunting her.
"Come to me, Rita. I already apologized. Why are you running away from me? You are my wife, and I promise not to hurt you anymore."
Senorita trembled with fear; she knew she couldn't bear to be touched by him again.
But why was her body weak?
Why was she still acting like the old Senorita?
Why was she this weak and in tears?
"Miguel, I... I can't."
Miguel's anger flared up once more, and he lashed out, striking Senorita's face, leaving her shaken and in pain. "Why do you always have to defy me, Rita?"
Scared that he would harm her and hurt her baby, Senorita shifted, searching for any potential weapon. But before she could react further, he loomed over her, his words menacing. "What did your Bible teach you? Wives should respect their husbands! You have no right to oppose my decisions. I have complete control over you, Rita!"
Senorita bit her lip, her head hazy, and weakness creeping in.
Was it because she was pregnant?
Or was she simply too weak to make the decision to fight back?
It was understandable that the old Senorita was traditional; always living in her husband's shadow.
Anne Mu was naive, believing in goodness, and not seeking revenge.
But after all they had endured, couldn't the both women who were now one now, at least try to be stronger?
Determined, Senorita chose to try her luck. She kicked him hard in the groin and immediately ran to the door.
However, as she tried to turn the knob, she realized it had been locked. Before she could comprehend the situation, Miguel was already standing in front of her, wearing a sinister smile. "I molded you to become who you are now, but it seems you're breaking free of your chains, woman."