Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1: MEETING THE EX-HUSBAND AGAIN

I was shocked when Attorney Mendez showed up at Casa Amara after two years. He had come to ask for my help. Nexus Almeradez, my ex-husband had been in an accident and could only remember me. His family wanted me to help him remember everything.

 The thought of seeing Nexus again made me want to burst out. He was the man who had shattered my life and caused me so much misery. I couldn't believe that his family would expect me to agree to stay by his side. 

Attorney Mendez told me that Nexus's mother, Leticia Monroe, was offering a hundred million as a down payment. I was surprised that she would come up with such a proposal, considering she had been against our marriage two years ago. 

“We are aware that you are facing difficulties expanding your business, as you are unable to start construction due to a shortage of funds. We know what you've been through—” 

“You don’t know anything!”

The lawyer was momentarily taken aback by the rise in my voice. When he regained his composure, his tone was professional again.

"Millions of dollars in exchange. You can use that money to accomplish a lot of things. You'll just have to stay by your ex-husband's side and help him remember. After that, you'll be free again. Think about it, Miss Mijares.”

A hundred million dollars as a down payment... 

After our annulment was granted by the court, Nexus's side provided me with a substantial sum as a separation payment. Instead of sulking and completely ruining my life, I started again. 

I built Casa Amara and made it a successful business. I thought I had moved on from my past, but now it was coming back to haunt me.

A hundred million was a lot of money. I could finally start the construction of the expansion of my business.

MY eyebrows furrowed when I heard my best friend asking me for the third time if I was sure of what I was doing. I had come to Manila City to see my ex-husband. 

At first, I had been firm in my decision to refuse the offer. 

I didn't want to get involved in their lives anymore. But then, just a day ago, Leticia pleaded with me.

Leticia was also invited to the birthday party of my good friend, Castiel Revamonte. Just like before, the woman was still arrogant, treating me like the old Amara Stephanie whom she used to bully when I was married to Nexus. It seems like Nexus's family was desperate already.  

"As far as I remember, you swore to destroy Nexus Almeradez," Meimei said.

"I need the money," I replied.

My best friend whistled. "I couldn't reach you. It seems like your goal is to become like the youngest billionaire—Kylie Jenner," she joked. "You've changed. You used to be a poor girl back when we were in high school. Do you have a plan to be one of the wealthiest in the country?"

Meimei has been my friend since high school. I consider her to be my closest friend, and even though she lives in the city now, we haven't lost touch.

When we arrived at the GICC hospital, I quickly got out of the car. I told Meimei not to pick me up and that I would just take a taxi back to her apartment where I was temporarily staying.

I made my way to my ex-husband's VIP room after asking at the nursing station in the lobby. Every step I took felt like I was walking towards the end of a cliff. It was dangerous, and I might not make it out alive if I slipped.

I grabbed the cold door handle, feeling a strong thud in my heart that I tried to ignore. I knocked three times before finally opening the door. As I entered, everyone in the room turned to look at me. I met each gaze - Leticia's, her eldest son Hordan's, Alejandro's, the two nurses, the doctor's, and the pale man lying in bed.

It was hard for the man to move his lips to smile.

"S-St...ph," his voice was weak, but it shocked my system. "S-S...t-teph."

His eyes, which were lifeless blue earlier, suddenly sparkled when he saw me. There was a clear look of longing in his eyes.

If it weren't for Alejandro, who slightly pushed me, I wouldn't have been able to tear my gaze away from Nexus.

I caught Hordan and Leticia's eyes in the corner of my eye and I quickly looked away. I didn't want to see the triumphant look on their faces.

I stopped at the edge of the bed, not daring to go any closer. Nexus looked so weak and fragile lying there. It's hard to believe that this was the same man who used to dominate me and make my life a living hell.

"Nexus," I said softly, unsure of what to say.

"S-Steph," he tried to say my name again, his hand reaching out towards me.

I shuddered as our skin touched. I bit hard on the inside of my mouth, struggling to move my lips into a smile.

My emotionless eyes desperately tried to come alive.

It’s a good thing that you are finally here, Mrs. Almeradez," the doctor broke the silence.

I bit harder on the inside of my mouth at the doctor's address. My hand, not held by Nexus, secretly clenched.

The doctor mentioned that Nexus's injuries included broken bones and a loss of memory that impaired his ability to walk, speak, write, and read... When asked again by the doctor what he remembered, Nexus answered, ‘wife’ and ‘married’.

"The patient cannot be forced to remember. With the proper therapy, his memories will return on their own. We don't know when because only he can help himself. It's a big help that you are by his side, Mrs. Almeradez..."

"Amara," I didn't want to attach that surname to mine, anymore. 

"You are the only one he remembers. Your presence is a big help in his recovery. Gaining back the memories needs time and patience. We can't push him too hard or else it might cause stress and make his condition worse. You should be prepared for a long journey," the doctor said before excusing himself.

When the Doctor left, Leticia and her eldest son—Hordan went out together with Nix’s step-brother from his father’s side, Alejandro. 

We were left alone. 

"A-Are...you angry?" the question was almost incomprehensible. His eyes pleaded for me to answer. It was the same way he used to ask if was mad at him.

"S-So... r-ry."

Without making it obvious, I took my hand from him and avoided eye contact.  "No. I need to go out and make a call."

Disappointment showed on his face but he nodded in the end.

I only then realized that I had been holding my breath as soon as I left the room. 

My teeth clenched and my hands balled into fists. My anger and resentment towards him that I had been suppressing for so long resurfaced. How dare he forget what he did to me? How dare he act like nothing happened while lying in that hospital bed, helpless.

I didn't want to be here.

I didn't want to see him.

I didn't want to pretend that I cared.