Chapter 52 Unwilling

"B-but.... you were with Alice that time when we tried to rent the place… and at the restaurant, we saw you putting a ring on her hand…" "So, you were really there and Alice wasn't mistaken when she told me that she saw you there. The truth is, Alice is already engaged with another man. We had just met recently due to a coincidence. We haven't been in contact for a long time because when you left me, I blamed her and pushed her away. We were not on good terms the last time we saw each other. We coincidentally saw it at that restaurant you're talking about and she showed me the ring her boyfriend gave her. Then… when I knew you're back, I used her to get revenge on you because… you know… I'm really jealous of Carlos. I feel inferior. But I regret all the things I did. And right now, I just want us and our son to be together.", Rico happily said. However, Dina gently pushed him, enough to free herself from his arms. "I'm sorry Rico but I have no plans to do that…" "Dina, Carlos already said everything to me. He told me the whole truth… out misunderstandings… that I am still the one you love even up to now.", Rico sounded as if he is pleading. "I am also glad to find out the truth, Rico. But it's all in the past. The US is already in the past, Rico. There's no more US. As proof, you even planned to get revenge on me, right?" "That's because I loved you so much and--" "Your ego is hurt. We're different, Rico. When I found out and thought that you still love Alice, I was willing to sacrifice, to let you go and be truly happy. However, when you thought I left you for Carlos, you threatened us, you want to get revenge. You didn't do it because of love, Rico… you did it because you're arrogant and prideful.", Dina said truthfully. Rico wanted to complain but he is too guilty and he is worried it would only anger Dina even more. "Dina... you love me and I still love you, isn't that enough for us to be together again?", Rico sounded really desperate. "No, Rico. You don't love me that much… and I wasn't wrong with what I initially thought of you. All these years that I've been gone, how many times had you used and had sex with other women aside from that woman we saw at the family-friendly café? When Alice left you, you were just a moody and stern man, but when I left you, you had a fun time with other girls…", Dina said, straight to the point. Now Rico even felt more guilty with Dina's sharp words, which he expected because she is never a dainty lamb. "That's because I became more desperate. Never compare yourself to Alice because I loved you more and deeper than anyone. That is why I became like that because I was desperate. I always want to find you… mistakenly looking for a Dina in other women… but no. They are not you. There is no one like you. I am sorry, Dina... but we still have a chance to set things right. That's why Carlos is returning you and our son to me because it is the right thing to do.", Rico answered, trying to convince Dina to come back to him. 'But it's not easy to trust again, Rico. You were not willing to forgive me if you hadn't found out the truth… how much more the trust?" "But you can, Dina... if we both love each other then we can teach our hearts to trust again, right?", Rico wanted to beg her. He really wants to be with Dina again, to make up for his mistakes… but has her principles and this is his biggest enemy because once Dina had set her heart on to it, even if she loves him, she will ultimately stand by her principles. She will never ever go back against her words. 'I gave my whole self to you once, Rico. I had put my trust in you… but we failed, Rico. And right now, we are both broken.", Dina sadly answered. "Dina, please..." "Rico, do you remember the time when you told me that whatever happens, you would still choose me against Alice even though at that time we both thought that you are still in love with her? I am in that kind of situation, Rico. You see, I also gave my word to Carlos. I told him that between the two of you, I will still choose him even if I am in love with you. I am true to my words, Rico because once the trust you put into your words is broken… it will never be the same anymore even if you still love that person.", Dina meaningfully said to Rico, both talking about her and Carlos's situation as well as Rico's and her's broken trust with each other. Rico understood every word that Dina had said. The broken trust between them, the trust that became rotten because of his desire to get revenge… all of these, now he regrets deeply. He doesn't know when the wounds he had caused her would heal but he is willing to do everything and to atone for his sins just to have the woman he loved going back to him again. "I am sorry, Dina... but... I can't just give up. You love me and knowing that... I can't just give up. The wrong things I've done to you, I will atone for that forever, just to get you back. I want to have you back...I love you, Dina. Always.", Rico cried as he realizes that there is no way he could convince Dina right now. He is remorseful of what he did and now, it seems like everything is trying to get back to what he has done… Dina is still not willing to go back to him. "I will let Dino be with you and his grandparents for now. But I will return one day, to get him back.", Dina said. When she was about o leave, Rico held on to her hand, stopping her to go. "Can't you just stay with me?", Rico pleaded. "I'm sorry...", Dina was certain with her words and decision. She slowly removes Rico's hands on hers. Rico felt his heart crumbling into pieces. He is still madly in love with her and he is aware she loves him too but he felt that he has no right to stop Dina from going back to Carlos because of the wrong things he has done. Alice was right, he will really regret his revenge. Just like he is today, totally regretful of the bad things he did and the bad things he was about to do too towards the woman he truly loves.