In Another Life

Emma Belle

Copyright © 2024 Mabelle Cuchon

All rights reserved. No part in this book may be produced or transmitted in any form, including electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the author.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual events, locales, or persons living or dead, are coincidental.

Published: Emma Belle 2024

emmabellexx@gmail.com

For you.

Contents

Before

Chapter One

Before

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Before

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-one

Chapter Twenty-two

Chapter Twenty-three

Chapter Twenty-four

Chapter Twenty-five

Chapter Twenty-six

Chapter Twenty-seven

Chapter Twenty-eight

Chapter Twenty-nine

Epilogue

Before

Delphine had just come out of the restroom when she felt someone grab her arm. She immediately tried to pull away. When she realized who it was, she struggled even more, but the grip only tightened.

Let go, Harry, she commanded. She didn’t want to be scared, but she felt a pang of fear, especially since it seemed he had no intention of letting her go. His grip tightened, and she was starting to get hurt.

He violently pulled her closer instead of obeying her command. She stumbled into his chest. His arms wrapped around her. Her eyes widened as he pressed her against the wall and pushed his body against hers. She was trapped. Harry was tall and big.

She continued to struggle. She was more nervous now. Harry seemed to enjoy her struggling because he grinned. He brought his face closer to hers. She tried to turn her face away.

You’re so arrogant. You had the nerve to walk out on me on the dance floor. I know your type. You’re a gold digger, just like your mother and sister.

Delphine was ready to knee Harry because he was about to bury his face in her neck when he suddenly moved away. The pressure against her was gone. The man screamed. She realized someone had grabbed his hair and pulled him away from her violently. Caught off guard, he let go of her. She didn’t check who helped her right away but continued with her plan to knee Harry. He yelled again and started cursing.

Someone threw Harry to the floor.

Stay down, ordered a male voice.

That’s when Delphine looked at her savior. She gasped. He was beautiful. Probably the most beautiful man her eyes had ever seen. She seemed to forget about Harry suddenly.

His handsome face unnerved her.

`You okay? he asked her.

She couldn’t respond right away, just stared at him. His voice...

Miss?

Delphine forced herself to focus. I’m fine, she said before she kicked Harry, who was trying to get up from the floor. He fell down again.

When she looked back at the man, she saw a small smile on his lips.

I could take care of him, but thank you, she said.

He’s drunk.

He’s a horrible human even when sober. She was dancing on the dance floor with her girlfriends when Harry pulled her and decided he wanted to dance with her. She immediately decided not to be polite. She pushed him away and left the dance floor. She didn’t expect him to wait for her outside the restroom.

Delphine walked away. She didn’t want to get near Harry again. She breathed a sigh of relief when she felt the man who helped her follow her. She wanted to get to know him. She wanted to know his name. But she also wanted to get away from Harry.

She wanted to believe she could deal with Harry alone and that she didn’t need help. But what if she couldn’t? What if no one had helped her? She shuddered at the thought of what could have happened. This was why she didn’t want to go out with friends tonight. It always seemed like there was a Harry. She rarely felt safe in such places anymore.

She looked back at the man who was still following her. He kept a respectable distance. He seemed unsure of what to do. What’s your name?

Rafe.

She smiled. Thank you, Rafe. I’m Delphine.

He returned her smile. You’re welcome, Delphine.

She felt safe with him. She wasn’t sure where the feeling came from. Maybe it wasn’t just because he helped her. Maybe it wasn’t just because he was handsome. She just felt calm inside. He was not going to treat her the way Harry did.

I love you. I will always love you.

Delphine framed Rafe’s beautiful face with her two hands. Only you, she whispered. It will always only be you.

She could not believe the depth of her love for this man. She was very grateful he felt the same for her. She was certain he felt the same. She could feel it every time he looked at her. Every time he kissed her.

Rafe was going to be the only one. She was quite certain her heart was no longer capable of loving anyone else.

He was only going to love her.

It was everything. This love for him. This love from him.

This can’t be true, Delphine said, crying, as she held the piece of paper that caused her world to crumble. She shook her head. This can’t be. It just can’t be.

She looked at Rafe, who was already staring at her. She had never seen him look at her like that before. Full of hatred and anger. She also saw the anguish.

Despite everything, she understood his reaction. She didn’t understand what was happening, but she understood his reaction. There was a piece of paper that told him she betrayed him in the worst possible way.

Rafe... Rafe... listen to me. She dropped the paper and tried to approach him, but Rafe immediately stepped away from her. It seemed as though he couldn’t bear for her to touch him. It seemed as though he didn’t even want to look at her.

I didn’t... I didn’t... Believe me. I don’t know why the results are like that, but it’s not true... It’s you... She knew she wasn’t explaining herself properly. She knew she needed to explain, but she didn’t know how. She didn’t know how to start. She didn’t know what words to use.

She was sobbing now. Her chest was tightening. He had to believe her. Whatever that piece of paper said, he had to believe her more. Because that was the truth.

How can you do this to me? he asked, his voice full of anguish. She realized that Rafe was also crying. His heartbreak was very evident. I love you. I love you like there’s no one else for me, Delphine. I was ready to do everything for you. I was ready to change my whole life for you. I made plans. And you did this to me? How can you do this to me?

Rafe, I swear... I fucking swear she’s—

My sister is right. You targeted me. You’re exactly like your mom and sister. A gold digger.

She slapped Rafe before she even realized what she was going to do.

Rafe—

I can never forgive you for this. Never.

Chapter One

Now

Delphine saw her mother-in-law sitting in the outdoor dining area. Leticia Leyva, dubbed as the Woman of Steel, was probably the strongest woman she knew. The woman she looked up to. The woman she aspired to be. The woman who truly broke through the male-dominated world of construction. She founded Archion Construction and Development Corporation, one of the biggest construction and development companies in the country.

It pained Delphine to see her in this state. Melancholic. Vulnerable. Staring into the void.

She had expected this. She was allowed to be sad during this time. They were all allowed to mourn the loss. No matter how much time passed, the pain and sadness remained. Regrets lingered.

Delphine walked to a console table where framed photos were displayed. She picked up a particular frame and gazed at the photo inside. It was a picture of Arnault with the twins. She touched Arnault’s smiling face with her fingertip. His eyes sparkled, and his face was bright. That was the face she wanted their children to remember. She wanted Bella and Mina to think of that face whenever they thought of their father.

There was no trace of the constant misery Arnault had when her husband was alive.

In another life, Delphine... In another life, I would be the best husband to you. I’d be the best father. But in this life... In this life... I just can’t.

With a sigh, she put the photo down. The girls were too young when they lost their father. People would often say she was too young to be a widow. Her mother-in-law would never get over the loss of her only child.

Delphine approached the woman she had come to regard as another parent. The woman who saved her when she needed someone to rescue and believe in her. The woman who remained strong for their family over the past decades. Her heart broke for her because she knew her mother-in-law was in so much pain right now.

She bent down and kissed her cheek before sitting on her right side. She didn’t notice Delphine approaching, so she flinched slightly. She looked at her, seemingly taking a moment to recognize her. She gave her a small smile, but the sadness remained in her eyes.

Delphine reached for her hand and squeezed it. Are you okay? It felt lame to ask her because she obviously wasn’t.

I’m fine, she said. She took a deep breath. I’m fine, she repeated, this time with more conviction and strength in her voice. It’s just the day. The day he was gone. Another year has passed since he’s gone. I think about how time has moved on for me without him.

I miss him, she said in a small voice. Delphine couldn’t even imagine how hard this must be for her, for a mother.

Mama Leticia nodded, her eyes glistening with tears. She tried to speak but quickly closed her mouth, struggling to contain her emotions. Delphine tightened her grip on her hand.

They heard the twins before they saw them.

Stop obsessing over my hair. It’s fine, Bella said.

It’s not. You can’t be bothered to comb, and blow dry it? It’s already short, Mina replied.

That’s why it’s short so I don’t waste time. It doesn’t have to be perfect like yours.

It can be if you put in a little effort.

Why are you obsessed with hair? You’re going to be a doctor.

By this time, the two had already made their way to them. Delphine saw some of the sorrow leave her mother-in-law’s face. She watched her grandchildren with a smile on her lips. A smile that, for a moment, reached her eyes. Perhaps her earlier question was answered. How did time move on for her without Arnault? Because of her twin grandchildren. Because of Bella and Mina.

Bella quickly bent down and kissed her grandmother’s cheek. Good morning, Grandma! I love you very much. She gave her a big hug before turning her attention to Delphine. She hugged and kissed her, too.

Mina followed suit, hugging her grandmother. I love you, too, she said before kissing her cheek.

Mama Leticia’s eyes welled up with more tears. My loves, she said, looking at her two grandchildren. She lost her only son, and that would always bring her pain, but she had two lovely granddaughters.

The twins were extra affectionate because they never forgot that day. They knew it wasn’t easy for their grandmother to remember their father’s death. It wasn’t easy for the whole family.

Delphine watched her children. Many times, she wondered where the time had gone. It felt like she hadn’t noticed it passing. How did she have two adult daughters now? How were they twenty years old? It felt as if just yesterday she was carrying them.

She made it. Delphine wanted to believe she had been a good mother to these beautiful girls. She wasn’t done being a mother, and many more challenges were to come, but she wanted to believe she did a good job.

She couldn’t help but reflect on the past. She didn’t want to, but it was unavoidable that day. The day of Arnault’s death, her husband.

She was too young to be a mom when she got pregnant. She was in love, and there was hope for a happy ever after, but nineteen was still very young. She was naive, idealistic and optimistic. She believed love could conquer all. But she was also terrified.

Everything went wrong when she gave birth. It started going wrong when she went into labor four weeks early. She was out of town and didn’t give birth in the hospital she was supposed to. Her doctors weren’t there.

She could still remember what it had been like. She would never forget it as long as she lived. She was utterly convinced it was the end of the world. She thought she knew what it was like to be terrified, but she was completely wrong. What was a stronger word for terrified? Petrified?

She was utterly and completely petrified. She thought she was going to die. She believed her heart had stopped beating. But it wasn’t true; it was still beating. Broken hearts still beat. She wished it would stop. But it wouldn’t. It couldn’t.

Delphine looked at Mina and then at Bella. It felt as though her world had stopped then, but it didn’t. It couldn’t. She had children, and she was a mother.

So, she had been wrong. Everything went right when she gave birth four weeks early in a hospital she wasn’t supposed to.

Bella caught her looking. I didn’t do anything.

Mina elbowed her. We didn’t do anything.

Delphine’s eyes narrowed slightly. You two did something, she said.

The twins shook their heads simultaneously. They looked at her, lips sealed and eyes wide. They definitely did something.

Or you’re about to, she said.

The two continued to shake their heads. Oh, there was trouble brewing. But she didn’t pry further. Her children were grown up. They were responsible young adults. They never really got into serious trouble. They would never cross a line they knew they could never uncross. She trusted them on that.

Bella and Mina were not perfect by any means, but she was blessed with good daughters. She was extremely grateful that neither of them had ever given her any major headaches. They were kind and responsible. It seemed like they were happy.

Delphine didn’t fuck them up. She didn’t give them trauma. There was no inner child that needed healing. Mina had once told her that, and it made her heart happy.

She didn’t fail as a mother. She reminded herself once more that she wasn’t done yet. She hoped she would never completely fail. She knew she was not a perfect mother. She had many shortcomings. She knew there were many times she had disappointed her children. But she wanted to believe that she wasn’t the worst. She was good enough. She had given her best and was still giving her best.

Be good, she reminded her children.

The two nodded simultaneously and smiled at her.

How are things? Leticia asked her grandchildren.

Great, they both replied in unison.

I’m about to finish something and you’re gonna love it, Bella said before taking a bite of food.

My grades are good, I promise. I think I deserve a new bag, Mina added.

Their grandmother nodded but said nothing.

When I sell an artwork, I’ll buy you one, Bella told her sister. Just a small one though.

Mina fed Bella some fried rice. Thank you very much.

I’ll find time for us to go shopping, Delphine promised them.

Yes, Mina said happily, while Bella groaned.

They finished breakfast and prepared for the day. It was not going to be an easy day. Bella and Mina stayed close to their grandmother, chatting and trying to cheer her up.

Delphine remained silent until they reached the memorial park where her husband’s remains were laid to rest. She felt the sadness engulf her entire being. She felt someone hold her hand. She smiled at Mina and kissed her temple. Yes, she was very lucky to have her daughters. If she had to go through it all again, she would. She would gladly go through everything she had been through for her two daughters.

Hi, Daddy, Bella and Mina greeted cheerfully when they arrived at Arnault’s grave. Hi, Mama Mia!

They laid down the flowers they brought and arranged them before sitting on the grass. Delphine lit the candles. Then she helped Mama Leticia sit down on a bench. The staff had prepared the place before they arrived. Aside from the flowers they brought, there were others already there.

Bella and Mina chatted. It was as if they were updating their father and Mama Mia about their lives. Bella shared about the art piece she was currently working on.

It’s gonna be epic, Daddy.

I think I’m ready for a new boyfriend, Mina said. What do you think, Mama Mia?

Delphine felt a pang in her heart. When Bella and Mina were still children, they asked her why they had to call a dead lady named Mia Mama Mia. She was their mom, so why call another woman—dead woman—Mama? Who was this woman? She didn’t know how to answer and explain.

She is someone important, my loves. Someone that should always be remembered and loved. I will explain when you’re both older, okay? I promise when the time is right, I will tell you all about her.

Until now, she hadn’t fulfilled that promise. The girls stopped asking why. She wasn’t sure if they were no longer curious or had decided it wasn’t that important.

She assumed there were still questions lingering in their minds. Besides wondering who the woman was, they might wonder who she was in their father’s life. Why were Mia and Arnault buried together? Why was the date of Mia’s death the same as their birthdate?

Delphine knew her children were intelligent. She knew they had probably formed theories and conclusions. Maybe she could be considered a coward for not sitting them down to explain. Maybe she was waiting for one of them to ask. Maybe she was avoiding it. She always told herself she wanted to protect her children, but she couldn’t completely deny it.

She was protecting herself.

Do you think the day will come when you’ll have to tell them the truth? Mama Leticia asked as she watched Bella and Mina in the distance. They were saying their hellos to the other graves. The two had made it a habit to greet the graves around their father’s every time they visited. When they were children, they said they wanted to greet their dad’s neighbors. She believed they were doing it now to give her and Mama Leticia privacy with Arnault and Mia.

Delphine couldn’t help but sigh as she watched her children. They were so beautiful and perfect; she felt a little ache in her chest.

Will the day come when I have no choice but to tell them the truth? she said instead of directly answering her mother-in-law’s question. "There were times—especially in