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CHRISTINE's POV

"Welcome home!" Everyone of us greeted full of joy the moment upon the door opened. My mother, who was on a wheelchair, was teary-eyed seeing us welcoming her home, and the happiness was evident on her beautiful face. My father was the one who was pushing the wheelchair for her.

He was the only one who went to the hospital to pick-up our mom because today was finally the day for her to be released from the hospital. She spent eight days at the hospital but quickly recovered because our entire family made sure to stay by her side and made her feel that she was not alone in this battle.

We deliberately didn't go to the hospital to bring her home because we planned a surprise for her. We wanted to make this day special. Everyone of us then approached her one by one and gritted her by hugging her. Marky was the one who handed the bouquet of flowers while Maggie was holding him by his hand.

My nephew then kissed his grandmother kisses on the cheeks and mom hugged him joyfully. Even Marco gave her a bearhug.

"Thank you for the flowers, Marky. You're such a good boy." Mommy praised and Marky smiled widely.

"You're welcome, nonie." My mother chuckled because even though Marky's words weren't that clear yet, his cuteness was emitting a good vibe. Everytime she sees Marky, she's happy. Well, Marky's their first grandchild.

"Welcome home, mommy. I'm glad that you finally came home." It was Maggie. She looked emotional yet happy. My mom smiled at her and then took her hand.

"Thank you, darling. Everyone's support gave me strength to fight." She then looked at me and then took my hand as well. "Just knowing that you two came all the way here to visit me made me happy. To be honest, I really missed you two." I chuckled and then hugged her.

"I missed you too, mom. Sorry for not visiting you ever since you decided to stay here." I suddenly felt the urge to cry because of guilt. I became selfish and didn't think of my mother's feelings.

"Me too, mom. Sorry for not coming home more often. Don't worry; from now on, we'll make sure to come home whenever we can so that you will have bonding time with us, especially to my children." Maggie promised.

"Oh, you two. Don't worry about me. I don't want to obligate you to come. I know that you two are busy."

"Mommy, we want to do it, not because we're obligated to do it, but because we want to see you and be with you and daddy. Besides, it's better so that we can bond more often." I answered while shaking my head.

"Tin's right, mommy. We're a family and we should be together more often whenever we can. Besides, Marky loves visiting here because he wants to be with you and daddy."

"Chris and Maggie are right, mom. Even though we're busy, we can find a way. I'll make sure of that." It was Marco. As usual, my sister's husband is very supportive. He always finds a way.

"Aw, really? You'll do that?" Maggie asked her husband.

"Of course, my queen. We're family anyway." I almost rolled my eyes when my sister happily kissed her husband and of course, Marco, enveloped her into a embrace. Then to everybody's amusement, Marky suddenly forced himself between them and said, "Mommy, daddy, I'm hungry."

We couldn't help but to laugh. He's such a cutie. Later on, we ate lunch together. Everyone was cheerful while talking about different topics. Then, while we were enjoying eating our dessert Marco and Maggie suddenly announced something.

"We've decided to stay here in America for good. Well, it has been months since Marco and I started talking about living here and I think, this is the right time for us to do so."

"Yes. Our family is growing and I don't our children to grow up distant from you guys because they're not used to be with everyone. Besides, I know that Maggie here tends to get lonely from time to time because she misses everyone. We always visit Sicily that's why we never stayed here for more than a week whenever we visit.

"At least if we live here in the USA, she won't get lonely anymore. At least, we could still visit Australia whenever we want to." It was Marco.

"Are you sure about that, Maggie, Marco? This is a big decision." Our dad asked with furrowed eyebrows. My sister smiled.

"Don't worry, daddy. Just like what Marco said, we've been thinking about this for months. Besides, it will be more convenient for us if we stayed here. Marco always visits Alessi airlines here in New York anyway and me on the other hand could continue my work at Super L. I know that you need my help here." Maggie answered. I could tell that they've already made up their mind.

"Well, I won't deny that I'm the happiest because of this decision of yours." Mommy admitted with a smile and everyone laughed.

Well, I felt happy too. At least, we would be living in the same country again. Australia's quite far from the USA. Besides, it was good that they've decided to stay here for good because no one was staying in their mansion here in New York aside from the household helpers.

They just visit whenever they manage to take a vacation from work.

We continued chatting until we finally finished eating. After that, we went to the living room to watch a movie while our parents went to their room so that mom could rest. Marky on the other hand was busy playing with his toys on the carpeted floor of the living room.

The house really became lively because of our presence.

We were in the middle of watching when Marco's phone rang. He answered it and talked with the caller for about three minutes. When he finished, he sat back on his seat with a smile on his face.

"What happened? Who was that?" Maggie asked her husband curiously. Marco put his arm over his wife's shoulders and then kissed her temple.

"Nothing, my queen. It's just one of the organizers. It's about the party. He informed me that everything's done now." My eyebrows creased.

"What party is that?" I asked curiously.

"It's the TBG's anniversary party. This year's my turn to host it. It was supposed to be conducted at our home in Australia, but I had to cancel it because of what happened to mom. But then, when we got here, Maggie and daddy suggested to conduct the party at our house here in New York and I agreed. It was a rush decision.

"I thought, the people I contacted to do all the work wouldn't finish the preparation in such a short period of time so I didn't say anything to you yet. But now, they called me and told me that everything's finally prepared. The new invitations were sent too because the venue of the party has changed." He gave me an hesitant look.

"I hope that you could come with us. It's two days from now. Well, all the people that are invited confirmed their presence at the party."

"Sure, I'll come." I answered with a smile without thinking.

"Are you sure, sis? I mean, yes, I want you to attend the party, but he's invited as well." My eyes widened when I suddenly realized what my sister said. I shook my head.

"Damn. I-I think, I'll pass." Suddenly, I became a coward but I didn't care at all. I didn't want to see him anymore.

"But you'll be my date, Auntie." Marky suddenly spoke. He was still sitting on the carpeted floor, holding his robot toy while staring at me. I couldn't help but to chuckle amusedly. We thought that he wasn't listening because he was busy with his own little world.

"Really? You'll be Aunt Christine's date?"

He nodded his head. "Yes and daddy's date is mommy." Maggie and Marco laughed full of amusement. Marco ruffled his son's hair. He looked so proud.

"Good job, my boy." Marky giggled happily and I couldn't help but to smile.

"Okay. Since, my cute nephew will be my date, Aunt Christine will come." Maggie snapped her head to my direction. Worry was evident on her fave.

"Yehey!" Marky cheered happily and came towards me for a hug. He even raised his hands as if he won a competition which made us laugh. I stood up and picked him up onto my arms.

"You're happy, huh?" I asked him and he giggled.

"Yes." I kissed his cheek.

"Are you sure about this, Tin? Jace will be there too." Maggie couldn't help but to ask worriedly.

"Of course, I am. So, what if he will be there too? This party will be hosted by you and Marco and just like him, I'm invited too. He's not the only one invited. That's not his party so I don't care if he'll be there." I even sneered and Maggie shook her head.

"Well, I'm just worried about you." I smiled at her reassuringly.

"You don't have to be worried about me. I'm fine."

She finally smiled. "That's good then."

The next day, I went out together with Maggie and her family to buy our outfits for the party. After that, we toured around the area. Our parents didn't come because mommy needed to rest and they wouldn't attend the party anyway.

Marky was enjoying the moment especially when we went to the zoo. He looked so cheerful while kept on squealing everytime he sees every animals there.

While watching him like that, I couldn't help but to remember the past again. That familiar pain crawled within me as my chest tightened. I heaved a sigh. Even though I didn't want to, I kept on remembering about it and it always gives me pain in the heart.

"Are you okay?" I heard Maggie ask. I released a breath and forced a smile.

"I'm fine. Don't mind me. Just enjoy with your family."

"Whatever you're thinking right now, stop it. Just enjoy the moment." I chuckled.

"Fine. Whatever you say, sis." We spent the rest of the day touring other tourist spots there. It has been a while since we had the time to visit those sites, so we even took pictures together.

Later that day, Maggie and her family went home to their house so that they could prepare for the party. There house was just around 15-minute drive from ours, so it wasn't that far. While me on the other hand stayed home and bonded with my parents.

I wanted to make the most of it because soon, I would return to Houston for my work.

Then, the day of the party came. I made sure to be on my best look. I wore a body-hugging blue evening dress and did my make-up. My long hair was tied into a bun. When my parents saw me walking down the stairs, they looked pleased.

"You look so beautiful, darling. I'm glad that you decided to go to the party. Who knows? You could finally meet the man of your destiny there." My father said playfully.

"Your father is right. You're so pretty in that dress. It's been a while since you attended a party that isn't a business related one. I'm sure that you'll get a lot of attention from bachelors there." It was my mother.

I chuckled. "Thank you, mommy, daddy. It's such a waste because you can't come with me. I just hope that the party will not be boring because if it is, I will go home early."

"Don't think about going home. Just enjoy the party, darling, and make sure to have fun."

"Okay, mommy. I'll try." I kissed them on the cheeks and then exited our house. Our driver, Rogelio, was the one who drove me to the party. When we arrived at Marco and Maggie's mansion, I thanked Rogelio and was about to open the car door to get out when someone suddenly opened it from the outside for me.

My eyebrows creased and looked up at the person who opened the door. I bit back a gasp when I recognized him. I mut admit. He looked dashing on his suit. As usual, my heart started thumping like crazy but I ignored it and acted naturally.

"What are you doing here?" I asked as I raised my chin defiantly. A lopsided grin appeared his lips.

"This is TBG's anniversary party, mi amor and I'm one of its members, remember? Besides that, I'm here because I want to be my wife's date tonight, of course." He offered his hand to me. I eyed his hand and then looked back at him and laughed sardonically.

"I have a date tonight, so the answer is no." I swatted his hand away and then scooted over to my left side to open the other door and got out of the car. I then strode my way towards the entrance briskly, intending to leave him behind. But I haven't even got away from him that far when he snatched me by the waist and pulled me to his body.

I gasped in surprised as I face-planted on his hard chest. I was about to yell at him when he spoke.

"No one has the right to date my wife tonight or on any other day aside from me, your husband." He even emphasized the last two words through gritted teeth. His face was void of any emotions and I knew him enough to realize that he was mad.

I gritted my teeth and met his gaze bravely.

"Have you forgotten that we're about to get divorced, mister Montejo? Besides, you already told me that you would sign the divorce papers soon, right, so we're as good as divorced." My blood was starting to boil as my anger slowly flared within me. His eyes darkened as our eyes locked.

I tried to read him this time but I couldn't even tell if he was still mad or not. He changed.

Before, he couldn't hide his emotions on his face from me. He was always the transparent, especially whenever we were together. But now, it looked like he really changed.

Then, the corner of his lips twitched. "So excited to divorce me, huh? Why? So that you could finally be together with that guy?" His voice held sarcasm.

"What are you talking about?"

"Did you really think that I didn't know about that guy? You know me, mi amor. I always have eyes everywhere especially around you." My jaw flexed.

"You've been spying on me?"

He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. "Who knows?"

I smacked him on the arm angrily. "Damn you! What right do you have to do that?!"

"I'm your husband!" He drew his face to mine and a gasp escaped my lips because our lips were almost touching already. His eyes were fiery.

"Not anymore! You promised to sign the divorce papers!" His lips stretched with a dangerous smirk.

"I don't remember promising you that, mi amor." His voice became husky as his grey eyes gazed down my lips. I swallowed hard. I knew that look...

"D-Damn you! Don't y-you dare!" I warned him because I already knew what he was thinking. His breath was fanning my face and his manly and neat smell sent my senses reeling. Even though I didn't want to get affected, my body was deceiving me.

"Let me go or else, I'll scream!" I threatened as I tried to wiggle out of his embrace with all my might but I failed miserably. Instead, his arms tightened even more around me. His face continued drawing closer to mine so I just closed my eyes shut tightly. I thought he was really going to kiss me but he didn't.

"Do you really want me to sign those divorce papers, my dear wife?" He asked sensually. I slowly opened my eyes and met his gaze.

"If you really want me to sign then do everything I say." My forehead crinkled.

"What do you mean?"

"Start by being my date tonight." To my surprise, he pecked me a gentle kiss on the lips. My heart went wild.

"How dare you—" Whatever I wanted to say was cut short when his arms loosened from around me. But instead of totally letting me go, he put his arm over my shoulders this time and pulled me closer to his body.

"Quiet. If you really want to get my signature, then do everything that I want. Take it or leave it." My anger rose in an instant. I pushed him away with all my might and I finally succeeded this time. He didn't expect what I did so he was caught off guard.

"I don't need to oblige to your wishes just to convince you to sign! I can always take the case to court!" I was already breathing hard because of rage. His eyes turned into slits.

"You know me, mi amor. You can always take it to court, but I can always use my connections to block your efforts. Yes, I know very well that your father has connections too but I will fight it in anyway I could until nothing will happen to that divorce. I'll do that until you finally give up the idea of divorcing me." My hands balled into fists. I wanted to fly into a fit of rage because of this arrogant man!

I was itching to slap him to shake some sense in him but I held myself back.

"Damn you." I uttered full of resentment. I saw the flash of guilt in those tantalizing grey orbs of his but it was just for a second. It disappeared as soon as it appeared.

"Just do what I want, mi amor, and you'll get what you want in no time." I released a frustrated breath, trying to calm myself down. I didn't want to let him know that I was getting affected of what he was saying to me.

"Fine., but promise me that after this, you will be out of my life for good because I don't want to see you anymore."

"Sure." He answered and then snaked his arm around my waist. "Let's go then. The party is about to start." Even though I didn't want to, I just went on with the flow, holding onto the thought that after all these, our marriage will finally come to an end.

By that time, my life will start with another man. Probably, I'll finally achieve real happiness that I haven't felt after all these years.

Just thinking about the future gave me strength to deal with the present. With Jace, to be exact, and I promised myself that I would get what I want this time. 

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What do you think of this chapter?

What do you think Jace will make Christine do next?

Will Jace really sign the divorce papers in the end or will this be the beginning for them to fix everything in their marriage?

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