Luther Garcia, writer and adulterer. A peek inside the life of The Metro Chronicle’s most bankable writer.

“…wrote a documentary on Senator Santos’ corruption within the Malacañang Palace. The documentary paved the way for his Journalism Excellence Award, the most coveted…

“…was said to have met Lea Barrameda during his research on the illegal wildlife trade in Palawan, one of 2018’s headliners. She was a budding writer working on the same research, and Garcia took her under his mentorship. The two had been ‘working’ long nights in one of the island’s famous hotels, as divulged by one of our sources.

“…co-workers had no idea of Garcia’s extramarital affair. ‘We were shocked when the news broke out. [The Metro] Chronicle is expecting an exposé from him by the end of the month. We thought they were just busy with that,’ one of The Metro Chronicle’s employees said…

“…was when an unusual letter from an unexpected person made the rounds online. It was through this letter that several reporters dug up the story.”

Hi Ms. Barrameda,

I find it only fitting to begin this with a thank you.

This is not a letter to beg for my husband back. Expect nothing of the sort. Consider this a handover of responsibility—from one wife to a mistress. Perhaps I needed to write this not just for you, but to remind myself of what I survived.

My husband is obsessively particular with time. He expects breakfast at exactly 6:30 in the morning. His polo, pants, and coat must be ready, as he will take a bath right after. At night, you may prepare him dinner, but don’t expect him to always be home on time; he usually eats out with co-workers. I don’t think you’ll have a problem in that area, considering you’re working with him.

Buy some ice packs. Or use mine—there are five in one of the kitchen drawers. You may need them from time to time. Perhaps some concealer, too.

I fell for his ambition, his drive, the way he seemed to know exactly what he wanted—and how to get it. I imagine that’s what made your knees shake or your stomach flutter for him.

He is also passionate and loving, but this can become overbearing. Keep away from your male friends—he does not like that. Don’t message them, or better yet, keep your distance. I had my cheeks swollen for a week because of it. One of my male friends invited me last minute to a housewarming party, and I forgot to tell him. Another time, a male co-worker dropped off some paperwork at our house, which made him furious. Our LED TV was broken because of it—so were my legs.

I really wish you had known what he is capable of before you let him into your life. I had the slightest idea when we started out. All I saw were his good sides. I was so into him, I never heeded my friends’ warnings. But six months of marriage showed me the full picture.

“You should be grateful I have a nice job that feeds you, and that I come home to you,” he used to say. I have memorized those lines — there was never a week he didn’t remind me.

If he has truly changed because of you, I offer my deepest gratitude. But if it turns out he cheats on you, call Roan, Carmen, Angela, Jane, or Marge. They were a few of his dalliances while we were married. I recently found out about them. Please don’t call me. I’ve buried that part of my life. Form your own Luther Garcia Mistress Support Group if you want to.

Again, thank you. You paved the way for me to get out of my hellish six months. I only pray you won’t experience the same fate.

Sincerely,

Elena Beltran-Garcia

Elena Beltran

I folded the newspaper and drank the cup of coffee already cold from my long reading.  My lawyer must have been quietly observing me as I read the disastrous life I once had. She opened her attaché case and slid the papers toward me. I picked up the pen and signed with no hesitation.