Contract And Marriage

Maximus

“Are you ready, my wife?” I asked Sarina. She looked at me and gave a slight smile. Today was the day of her scheduled consultation with a psychologist recommended by Dr. Jerold.

At first, she was hesitant because she didn’t want to remember what had happened to her. She said she feared she wouldn’t be able to handle it, especially since she was already terrified just from the nightmares. But after giving it some thought, she decided to face it to hold whoever harmed her accountable.

“Hi, I’m Dr. Miraez.”

“Good morning, doc,” I greeted, then glanced at Sarina, who gave a hesitant smile. “She’s my wife, Sarina.”

“Hello, Ma’am Sarina.” My wife just nodded as she tightened her grip on my arm. “Please, have a seat.” And so we did.

At first, the doctor asked Sarina gentle questions, ones that wouldn’t trigger her trauma. I noticed my wife gradually becoming more comfortable, and the doctor handed her a form to fill out. “I believe Mrs. Lardizabal will be able to handle everything. Based on her answers, she’s a very strong-willed woman. She may be affected once her memories return, but that’s only natural,” the doctor said, glancing and smiling at Sarina.

I breathed a sigh of relief at that confirmation. My wife just needed to undergo several therapy sessions and continue taking her medication. She had been off her meds for quite some time, which only drugged her and wasn’t good for her, so the doctor mentioned it might take a while for her memory to fully return.

For me, that was fine. But knowing that the person who had taken my wife might still be out there, I couldn’t help but feel nervous and afraid that they might try to take her again away from me. We needed to find out who that person was. Sarina slowly revealed that the man spoke Tagalog, so she was sure he was Filipino because he was fluent in our language.

After the check-up, Sarina decided we should pick up our son from my grandmother’s house. I was hesitant, but she made a good point. “Lisa and her family, especially Jerome, are there, and you know how much he enjoys playing with him,” she said, so I agreed.

After we picked up our son, we headed home. I pondered whether to go to work or stay with my wife and bring my work home instead. But all my doubts were put to rest when she said, “If you’re thinking about skipping work again, I’m telling you to stop. I’m fine here at home and have plenty of people around.”

“But, my wife,” I said as I sat in my office chair. We had both gone to my mini office when we got home because Jerome had immediately greeted Chase. Our son was overjoyed because he had only been with my grandmother at the mansion and hadn’t had anyone to play with except the elderly woman.

“No buts. I don’t want your work to be affected and suffer because of me.” She then sat on my lap and placed her hands on my shoulders. I quickly wrapped one arm around her waist while the other rested on her thigh.

“How often do I have to tell you that you and our son are the most important things to me?” I asked. We both worry for each other; I guess that’s because we love each other.

“Even so. That won’t change if you still go to your office. Some people rely on you, and you might not realize it.” I knew she was just reminding me. “Don’t worry, like Dr. Miraez said, I’m strong. I won’t let anything bad happen to me, especially since there’s a possibility our son might witness it.”

“But promise me,” I started to say, but she cut me off.

“Promise, I won’t go anywhere without you.” She smiled at me, and I could only sigh.

The next day, I followed her wishes. I went to work, leaving her and our son at home with the house helpers, security guards, bodyguards, and Lisa’s family. I believed they were safe there, but my only concern was that if she fell asleep and had another bad dream, I wouldn’t be there by her side.

“Sir, I’ve arranged your schedule so you can go home earlier. I’ve also informed your secretaries, so they’ll schedule all incoming appointments later in the day.”

“Thank you, Aries.” I didn’t know what I would do without this man. Surely, I owed him a lot, so I made a mental note to compensate him when everything was okay.

“Sir Mariano also called and asked if Ma’am Sarina had any intimate relationships besides you.”

“And?”Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

“She only had one boyfriend, Mr. Jason Satudez.” As soon as he mentioned the man’s name, I paused and remembered that he had also been in Las Vegas during that time. “Sir, sir!”

“Ah, sorry. I just remembered something,” I said, which caused him to furrow his brow.

“Jason Satudez was in Vegas as well.” My assistant asked me with curiosity after I said that. “He didn’t see me, and I don’t know if Sarina spoke with him again after they met there. But I’m sure they didn’t meet again in person because I was with my wife, and I never left her alone.”

“Would you like me to check when he returned to the country then?” Aries asked. I looked at him and nodded. I didn’t want to think about it because, according to Sarina’s parents, Jason was a very kind man. I didn’t believe he could have hurt the woman he loved for so long, even if they didn’t end up together.

However, I felt a strange unease when Aries mentioned his name. I just hope he had nothing to do with the terrible things that happened to my wife because I’m sure that if Sarina’s memory returns and she remembers that Jason was the cause of our separation, she will be devastated.

I know Sarina loved Jason deeply, so I hope my instincts are wrong.