Chapter 80- Austin’s Almost Betrayal

Chapter 80- Austin’s Almost Betrayal
Austin POV 

It has been three months since the incident involving Daphnie and Alexander. Mommy still refuses to have what happened investigated. I asked them how they managed to escape the kidnappers, but they always dodge the topic. Hmm…

For the past three months, I’ve been coming home to the family mansion after work—for Alexander. He needs a father by his side, so for now, I’m filling that role.

“Daddy, you’re home!” he shouted excitedly as he hugged me. He even asked to be carried, so I had no choice but to lift him, even though he’s already heavy. He’s six years old now, after all.

He’s such a good kid. Good thing he didn’t take after his mother. It’s not hard to love Alexander—maybe because he really is my blood. I just hope that someday, he and Jairee will get along… when everything is finally okay.

“Austin, you’re here already.”

Daphnie greeted me cheerfully and stepped closer, trying to kiss me on the lips, but I avoided her. For three months of living together in the mansion, all she’s done is try to seduce me. But even if she stripped naked in front of me, it wouldn’t affect me anymore. Whatever we had ended a long time ago. I’m only being civil because of Alexander—I don’t want the child to get hurt.

“You’re just in time; dinner is ready,” Mommy said as she approached. I leaned in and kissed her on the cheek before we all headed to the dining area.

As soon as we sat down, Daphnie spoke.

“Babe, try this one. I cooked it,” she said, placing adobo on my plate.

I looked at her coldly and spoke softly so only she could hear.

“I can serve myself. Stop wasting your energy, Daphnie. You’re not my wife.”

I took the serving spoon from her and put food on my own plate, feeling the heavy silence between us.

“S-sorry…” she said, then served food for herself and Alexander.

I ate quietly, not wanting to start a conversation. But after a while, Mommy spoke.

“Any updates on the search for Faith?”

Her question was direct. I straightened up, drank some water, then answered.

“No updates. No leads, Mom. She doesn’t want to be found.”

I replied calmly and wiped my lips with a white table napkin. I was about to stand when she spoke again.

“Have you tried Zambales?” she asked, staring straight at me.

I didn’t flinch.

“We did. Nothing. Who would hide and then go back to where they came from, Mom?”

A brief silence followed, then Mommy’s cold but firm voice.

“Then tell your people to hurry the search, because I want you and Daphnie to get married.”

“Mommy!” Daphnie exclaimed, clearly shocked.

I smiled slightly and shook my head.

“Mommy?” I repeated teasingly.

“W-what—”

She didn’t finish because Mommy cut in.

“I’m training her to call me Mommy,” she said, pride in her voice.

I smirked and shook my head lightly.

“Whatever… Excuse me.” Good thing Alexander doesn’t understand Tagalog.

I stood up and left them in the dining area. As I walked away, every step felt heavy. I was going to check on Dad in his room—he wasn’t feeling well, one of the reasons I agreed to stay in the mansion for now.

It was already past midnight, yet sleep wouldn’t come.

I decided to go outside. Carrying a few cans of beer, I headed to the pool area. I sat by the edge and dipped my feet into the cold water. The surroundings were quiet—so soothing.

I miss my wife.

I miss Jairee so much.

I pulled out my phone and stared at the ultrasound photo of Faith and my baby while slowly drinking my beer.

This is what gives me strength now. My inspiration to endure everything, even as I feel myself slowly burning out.

“Can’t sleep either?”

The voice came from behind me, making me quickly pocket my phone. I turned around—it was Daphnie, wearing a bathrobe, clearly planning to swim.

She walked over and sat beside me. Without a word, she took one of the beers, opened it, and drank. I let her be.

“What were you looking at on your phone earlier?” she asked, studying my every move.

“None of your business,” I replied coldly and took another drink.

“So grumpy,” she said with a slight smile. “I just wanted someone to talk to.”

“I want to be alone. Will you please leave me alone?!”

My voice rose slightly—irritation and exhaustion obvious. But she stayed calm, just staring at me as if I hadn’t said anything.

“Okay, I’m feeling warm from the beer. I’ll go swimming,” she said, then slowly stood up. Without another word, she removed her bathrobe.

My eyes widened, and I almost choked on my beer when I saw what she was wearing. She left almost nothing to the imagination. My gaze swept over her from head to toe, then back up again.

The bottom was a thin piece of fabric barely covering what it should, and on top, one small movement would reveal what shouldn’t be seen.

“You might as well have taken everything off,” I said mockingly, then stood up and walked away.

I decided to continue drinking in my room—maybe sleep would come.

I had only taken a few steps when I felt her arms wrap tightly around me from behind.

“Austin… why can’t you talk to me or look at me like you used to?” Her voice trembled.

I removed her arms from me and turned to face her.

“Why don’t you ask yourself?” I replied coldly.

“I’ve regretted what I did to you for a long time,” she said as she began to cry, but I didn’t budge.

“Then congratulations,” I answered sarcastically. “So you expect that just because you regret it, I’ll take you back? It will never happen, Daphnie.”

“Because of Faith? Huh!” She shook her head and laughed bitterly. “Where is your wife now, huh? She’s hiding from you, right? You don’t know—maybe she already has another man, that’s why she left!”

Her words made my ears ring. Before I could stop myself, I grabbed her and choked her tightly.

“Don’t you ever say anything bad about my wife!” I said firmly, my voice rising.

“I refuse to compare her to you, because you’re nothing compared to her! She would never betray me the way you did!”

“A-Austin… i-it hurts… I-I can’t… breathe…”

Her words came out broken.

I released her and stepped back. She collapsed into a sitting position, gasping for air, while I shut my eyes tightly, trying to keep myself from exploding in rage.

“We have a child, Austin! Why can’t we just be a family—me, you, and Alexander… Alexander who is your own flesh and blood!”

Her voice was loud, filled with emotion.

I couldn’t stop myself.

“I’m not the f—”

I didn’t finish. I almost exploded with anger and frustration. I rubbed my hands over my face, restraining myself.

“What were you going to say, Austin?” she asked angrily, clearly hurt.

“I’m not the reason Alexander grew up without a father. You hid him from us. Blame yourself,” I said coldly and firmly.

“But he needs a family…” she pleaded, her voice shaking.

“I have my family. Even if I end up alone, I would never choose to be with you.”

Those were my last words before I left her crying on the lawn.

Overwhelmed by my thoughts, I drank too much. Aside from the beer, I even took hard liquor. I was dizzy, my eyelids heavy. I lay down on the bed, Faith filling my mind.

Moments later, the bedroom door opened. Someone came in, but my vision was blurry. Still, the scent was familiar—my wife’s scent. I forced my eyes open.

It was Faith, wearing the red lingerie I loved seeing her in. I tried to sit up, pulling her into a hug and kissing her.

She returned my kisses and embraces. Oh—I really missed my wife.

“You’re back… I miss you, honey,” I said as I kissed her from her neck down to her chest. She didn’t speak, only responded with gentle yet heated touches.

I quickly removed her lingerie and grabbed her chest, alternately sucking and squeezing. My eyes were struggling to stay open. I wanted to see her reaction, but it didn’t matter. She was here—that was all that mattered. I longed to feel her again.

I laid her down on the bed and kissed her again; she eagerly responded. The way she kissed felt unfamiliar—perhaps she missed me just as much.

My hand traveled over her body, down between her thighs, still covered by a thin fabric. I hadn’t removed it yet, so I slowly slipped my hand inside. Then, suddenly, my drunkenness vanished. My wife has no pubic hair.

This wasn’t Faith.

I jumped up and turned on the light. I was right—it wasn’t Faith who had entered my room.

It was Daphnie, clueless about how to cover her body.

“Now you’re shy? Earlier you were bold enough to crawl into my bed. Get out of my room. Starting tomorrow, I don’t want to see your face!” I shouted as I dragged her out.

“A-Austin, wait, I’m naked,” she begged, but I was deaf to it. I just wanted her out of my sight. I almost committed a sin against my wife because of her.

Once she was out, I slammed the door shut as she continued pounding on it.

I picked up the lingerie from the floor and angrily opened the door.

“Here!” I threw it at her face. Just then, Mommy and Daddy were approaching.

“What’s happening here?” Dad asked, unable to look at Daphnie because she was almost completely naked, covering herself only with the lingerie.

“M-mommy!” Daphnie cried, seeking help from her mother.

I ignored them and shut my door again—this time making sure it was locked.

“I’m sorry, honey…” I whispered into the air, hoping somehow it would reach my beloved wife.