Chapter 9: The reason

His mother's disapproving expression materialized before me. I inhaled deeply, mustering up the courage to apologize.

"Didn't I explicitly instruct you to take care of our grandson?!" he bellowed at me, his anger palpable.

"Prima, your pregnancy is not some trivial matter. Why must you be so obstinate?!" he added, his frustration evident.

Tears streamed down my face as I recalled the pain Diego had inflicted upon me. The hurtful words he had uttered. If only they knew the truth.

"Please forgive me, Mom. How is the baby? How is my child?" I asked hesitantly.

A mixture of anxiety and concern coursed through me at that moment. I couldn't forgive myself if anything unfortunate happened to my child. And when it did, I found it even harder to forgive Diego.

"Our grandchild was on the brink of death. Thankfully, Diego rushed you to the hospital immediately," his mother responded sternly.

"Thank God," I whispered, tears still streaming down my face.

"I cannot bear for this to happen again. I shudder to think what I might do to you if anything were to happen to my grandchild, so please, be cautious with your pregnancy," she replied gravely.

My mother suddenly entered the room. She swiftly approached me, enveloping me in a tight embrace. Concern filled her eyes as she gazed at me.

"What happened, Prima?" mom asked, her voice laced with worry.

"I suppose I'm just exhausted, mom" I softly replied.

"If only your daughter wasn't so headstrong. Then this wouldn't have occurred," Diego's mother insisted.

"I had already advised her against doing household chores. We have a maid, but she insists on taking on additional responsibilities. She doesn't even consider the child growing within her," she added.

"That's disrespectful, Mrs. Alfonzo. But why do you seem to blame my daughter for what transpired?" My mother questioned firmly.

"It's my fault, Mom," I confessed, not wanting them to argue any further.

Diego abruptly entered the room, and both our gazes shifted towards him. He sensed the tense atmosphere between our mothers.

"What's happening here?" he asked, his tone serious.

"Son, it's just a misunderstanding," his mother replied calmly.

"Alright, the doctor mentioned that Prima can be discharged tomorrow," he stated with a serious tone.

He didn't even bother to glance at me, and I couldn't help but let out a sigh. Is this man's heart truly so hardened?

"Mrs. Alfonzo, I will personally take care of my daughter in our own home. Please don't worry, we won't deprive your grandchild," the mother offered willingly.

I was taken aback by my mother's words, and I couldn't agree with her decision. Diego's mother seemed to share the same sentiment.

"It's not possible. What will others think?!" his mother protested.

"Yes, Mom. I'll be fine at the mansion. Perhaps I'm just being stubborn. I'm not accustomed to having no work to occupy myself with," I reassured my mother.

I heard my mother let out a sigh, seemingly hesitant to believe me. However, she eventually came around and agreed with my choice.

"Promise me first that you'll take care of yourself. I don't want you to exhaust yourself," the mother said gently.

"I promise, Mom," I replied.

The following day, the doctor granted us permission to leave. Mother pleaded with me to accompany her to the mansion, even if it was just for a day. Diego's parents agreed, and I couldn't contain my happiness.

I had finally gotten a break from all the household chores for a few days. Diego's behavior in front of my mother had been impeccable as well. As I looked around, I couldn't help but wish that this blissful moment was a reality.

However, the day eventually arrived when my mother had to return home. Deep down, I was devastated, but I didn't let it show. I didn't want her to worry about me, yet I couldn't shake off the feeling of fear that engulfed me. I knew that once she left, I would be back to my old life with my husband, and that scared me for the sake of our child.

"Take care, daughter. Remember, you can always call me if you need anything, alright?" my mother said gently.

"Diego, I truly appreciate you taking care of my daughter," she sincerely thanked him.

Little did she know the truth about my relationship with Diego. But I had to stay strong and keep up the pretense for the sake of our baby.

After my mother left, I glanced at the car and then turned my gaze towards Diego. He was looking at me intently, and I tried my best to muster a smile. However, a mix of nervousness and fear consumed me as I anxiously waited for him to speak.

Just as I expected, I heard hurtful words from him again. I'm not surprised anymore, but I can't help but feel hurt. It's obvious that he doesn't really care about my feelings.

"Why are you pushing yourself so hard, Prima? How much longer will you continue to force yourself upon me?!" he inquired with a scowl.

"Diego, I implore you, that's sufficient." I pleaded with him.

"How can I possibly stop when I see your face every single day?" he asked resolutely.

"Hold on, weren't you the one who proposed to me? Why am I always in the wrong?!" I exclaimed passionately.

"I simply have no other option," he replied firmly.

My chest felt constricted, making it difficult to breathe. I wouldn't have exerted myself if he hadn't gotten me pregnant. I will do whatever it takes for the sake of our child.

"We're in the same boat, Diego," I sobbed, tears streaming down my face.

"Damn it!" he cursed and stormed away.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down and not let my emotions affect the child growing inside me. Just as I was gathering my thoughts, I heard Vecky's voice from behind. I turned to see her approaching me with a warm smile, inviting me to have a snack.

"You have to try the cupcakes I made, Ma'am," she said cheerfully.

I couldn't help but ask, "Do you know how to make cupcakes?"

"Of course! I've studied making desserts so that whenever they have guests, they can offer a homemade treat instead of buying,"Vecky replied proudly.

"Mom and dad are really lucky to have you, Vecky," I said, genuinely appreciating her efforts.

She smiled at my words, and together we made our way to the kitchen. Vecky helped me settle into a chair, and somehow, in that moment, I felt a sense of comfort and companionship.

She placed a plate with three cupcakes in front of me, and I couldn't help but smile at how delicious they looked.

"Go ahead, give it a try, Ma'am," she encouraged me with a smile.

"Alright," I replied, returning her smile.

As I took a bite, a smile spread across my face. The cupcakes were absolutely delicious, and I knew I had found a new favorite treat.

"It seems like I have a new favorite, Vecky," I said, beaming at her.

"Did you enjoy it?" she asked, her smile widening.

"Isn't it obvious?" I replied, smiling back at her.

We continued to chat and enjoy our time together. Our conversation eventually turned to Vecky's family, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of envy for the loving relationship she had with her husband and children. She was truly fortunate, and I couldn't help but wish for the same happiness and completeness in my own family.

Unbeknownst to me, tears began to fall as I listened to her. She immediately noticed and apologized, thinking she had said something wrong.

"Did I say something wrong, ma'am?" she asked, her confusion evident in her voice.

"No, Vecky. I was simply moved by your story," I replied, a smile gracing my lips.

"But why are you crying?" she inquired, concern lacing her words.

"Perhaps I am just a sentimental person. The bond between you and your husband is truly admirable. I can only hope that one day I will have a happy family of my own," I responded, mustering a smile for her.

"The baby will arrive soon, ma'am. One day, you and Sir Diego will have a blissful family," she reassured me, a warm smile on her face.

"Do you think we will ever learn to love each other?" I asked, surprising her with my question. In that moment, I felt compelled to confide in her, trusting her completely with my innermost thoughts.

Vecky took a moment to process my words before opening up to me.

"I believe it is possible for you to love each other, ma'am. It is not difficult to love Sir Diego. He is a kind-hearted man, but his demeanor changed after being betrayed and abandoned by his ex-fiancée," she explained.

Her response left me astounded, as I hadn't expected such insight from her.