Chapter 39

Reincarnated as a Fisherman and a Dad Chapter 39

Maya safely put the pearl in the secret compartment in the cabinet that only she and Karlos knew about, placing it in a small box where she kept the jewelry she had inherited from her parents. She was happy to have gained another pearl, and this time it was bigger and far shinier than the last one.

When she left the house, her eyes immediately caught sight of Karlos burying the useless meat from the clams and oysters. As for their shells, Karlos intended to crush them before adding them to the soil in the garden where Maya grew herbs, vegetables, and a few flowering plants. Using shells was good for the garden.

He had only learned this after living by the seaside and observing how the older fishermen’s wives maintained their backyard gardens. Shells could improve the soil.

"Look after the kids, I'll cook today."

"Okay." Maya sat at the entrance to block the kids from possibly leaving, as the twins had been getting more adventurous by the day. Arabella was more interested in exploring the outside, her curious eyes always searching for something new. Even the fence Karlos had built was no match for the naughty little girl, who would climb over it whenever they weren’t paying attention.

"Is there anything you want?"

"Stir-fry vegetables with eggs." Maya craved it and subconsciously licked her lips as she imagined the aroma. She was happy her husband pampered her whenever he had nothing else to do, taking over the kitchen duties without complaint.

"I'll do it."

He went to the backyard and picked eggplants, okras, and tomatoes fresh from the source. When he checked the chicken coop, he was pleased to find eight eggs nestled neatly in the straw. The three hens were exploring the backyard, scratching the dirt and pecking at small insects for food. Karlos and Maya didn’t have to feed them except for leftover scraps after meals, which made them low-maintenance and cost-efficient. Sometimes they gave them feeds if they couldn’t provide scraps.

Karlos went to the kitchen and started the fire. He could hear the twins giggling as Maya played with them. He smiled softly, his chest warming at the simple joy of their family life while listening to their adorable laughter echoing through their small home.

An hour later, the rice and stir-fry vegetables with eggs were ready, and the smell filled every corner of the house. The couple ate with satisfaction while feeding the twins between bites. The kids especially loved the eggs, happily chewing on the soft pieces.

"Let's take the kids outside using the strollers. Arabella is getting too active," Maya suggested, and Karlos had no problem with the idea, knowing fresh air would do them all good.

"While we’re out, let’s buy meat from the wet market. I’m craving fried chicken. I’ll cook later," Karlos added with a grin.

Maya nodded and continued feeding Iñigo, who was frowning impatiently for his next bite. Arabella was being fed by Karlos, who also wiped the bits off her cheeks. Once the twins were done, the couple wiped their faces clean, as eating always left them adorably messy.

That whole day, Karlos did all the chores, from washing the dishes to sweeping the yard, while Maya rested and played with the kids.

When the afternoon sun began to set, the couple decided it was a great time to take the kids outside. The air had cooled, and the golden light made everything look warm and peaceful, perfect for exploring their neighborhood. On the way, they would also buy chicken for fried chicken as Karlos had promised earlier.

Maya locked the cabinet, the small room, and the house, triple locks just to be sure. They couldn’t afford to risk someone sneaking in while they were away.

The twins lay comfortably in their strollers, watching the surroundings with wide, curious eyes. Arabella was so happy and excited that she giggled every time she saw something interesting, like a dog walking by or a brightly painted house.

The couple strolled slowly, letting the kids enjoy the sights. Iñigo looked left and right as if trying to memorize every detail.

When they turned left at the crossroad, Karlos thought he heard a sudden crashing noise, like ceramic shattering. He paused mid-step.

He turned around to find the source of the noise, but all he saw were a few neighbors chatting in front of their homes.

"Is there something?" Maya asked with a puzzled expression.

"No, I just thought I heard a ceramic plate breaking."

"I didn’t hear anything." Maya tilted her head, listening.

"I was probably wrong. Let’s go."

They continued walking until they reached the wet market. On the way, Arabella and Iñigo began making noises when they saw a toy store with colorful toys displayed at the entrance. Moments later, they cried loudly, making Maya sigh in defeat. She had no choice but to buy each of them a stuffed toy for 100 pesos. Arabella got a teddy bear, while Iñigo got a tiger plushie, which they immediately clutched tightly.

The twins hugged their toys as the couple pushed the strollers to the wet market, which was bustling with families buying ingredients for dinner.

Karlos bought a whole chicken, chopped fresh at the butcher’s stall. He also got flour, crushed peppers, and a bottle of cooking oil for the crispy fried chicken he had in mind.

On their way back, the couple intentionally avoided the toy store by taking the opposite side of the street, not wanting a repeat of the earlier scene. The twins were disappointed but quickly forgot since they already had their new toys.

When they reached their neighborhood, Karlos and Maya once again heard the shattering of ceramic plates, this time much louder and unmistakable.

They found many of their neighbors gathered, watching as if the street had turned into a stage for a live drama.

"That’s Miguel and his wife..." Karlos muttered, narrowing his eyes for a clearer view. Miguel was the mid-sized boat owner who had recently tried to hire him.

Maya was also puzzled by the chaotic, loud scene.

"You bastard, I can’t believe you’d do this to me. After everything I sacrificed for you!" Miguel’s wife screamed, her voice breaking with rage as she hurled plates, coffee mugs, and utensils at him.

"Reina, what’s going on here?" Maya asked Andres’ wife, who was watching the commotion with a mix of shock and amusement. She kept her voice low so as not to disturb the shouting match.

"Gloria found out Miguel is cheating, hence the scene."

"Miguel cheated? But I thought he loved Gloria so much. How could he cheat?"

"I don’t know either. I just heard them fighting, and Gloria’s been throwing a fit, smashing whatever she can at Miguel, who’s doing his best to dodge."

Reina watched intently, clearly not wanting to miss a second. Almost everyone in the neighborhood had gathered, it was the main event after the rain.

"You bastard! Just because you’re tall, handsome, and have a boat, you think you can cheat on me and impregnate another woman!? How dare you!" Gloria screamed hysterically, her face flushed with fury.

Maya instinctively looked at Karlos when she realized every description Gloria shouted fit him perfectly, and her eyes narrowed slightly in suspicion.

"Babe? Why are you looking at me like that?" Karlos asked, confused and slightly nervous at the intensity of her gaze.

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