Hearing that his wife was in a critical condition, her husband’s family threw a party to celebrate because they thought they would get 15 billion in dowry, but they didn’t expect it to be a trap.

Hanna had just woken up from surgery at Makati Medical Center. Her body was still sore, but her mind was unusually clear. Two days ago, a truck from P. Ocampo alley crashed straight into her car. Everyone said it was an accident, but Hanna didn’t believe it.

She clearly remembered the eyes of her mother-in-law Aling Minda and her sister-in-law Rica that morning. When Hanna said she would go to Cavite to visit her biological mother and bring documents to withdraw ₱34 million (the dowry given by her parents, notarized as separate property under marriage settlement/prenup), their eyes lit up unusually.

Hanna pretended to sleep, but listened to every sound. In the hallway, her husband—Anton—was on the phone, his voice low but not hiding his excitement:

“Yeah… the doctor said the chances of not making it are high… prepare a feast, consider it a farewell… Oh, bring the dowry papers home.”

Hanna’s heart clenched. The person who should have been most concerned about her was hoping she… wouldn’t wake up.

The next morning, Hanna asked a familiar nurse to contact lawyer Atty. Santos. She gave him a copy of the prenup and the exclusive property confirmation papers. The lawyer just said:
“Don’t worry. Let them reveal themselves.”

Hanna texted Anton that the doctor had discharged her early, and that she needed a few days to rest at her husband’s house in Quezon City for convenience. Anton happily told the whole family to prepare.

The day Hanna returned, the house was unusually bustling. The table was full of lechon, pancit, lumpia, and wine was opened. Aling Minda smiled but her eyes were as sharp as knives; she pushed the stack of transfer authorization papers:
“You’re still weak, let me sign for you for convenience, okay?”

Hanna held the pen with trembling hands, then put the phone on the table, turned on the recorder and speakerphone. Anton’s voice from the day before rang out…

“Prepare the feast… I’ll bring the dowry papers back…”

The room froze. Anton paled, Aling Minda stiffened, Rica backed away.

Hanna looked straight ahead:
“I’m not dead. And here’s evidence of attempted extortion—even intentional infliction of bodily harm. Atty. Santos is listening live. The PNP and barangay are coming soon.”

Just then, the door swung open. Two PNP officers and Atty. Santos entered. One read the summons to Anton and his mother-in-law for investigation based on the complaint.

The “celebration” died down. The jubilant relatives quickly dispersed to the side.

Hanna zipped up her shirt and said softly:
“Enough of today’s drama. See you in court.”

On the way back to Cavite, the Manila sun poured golden through the windows. The wound still hurt, but her heart was light. The ₱34 million was still intact; More importantly, she had just severed ties with a family whose loyalty only existed when it was beneficial. From now on, Hanna chose to be kind—but not gullible. And if they had set a trap, today, they were the ones who fell for it.