With his drop-dead gorgeous looks and irresistible charm, Xander Marudo instantly made a name for himself in show business. He could not have done it without Noleen Castillo, ang kanyang perfectionist na manager at director.
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Sa loob ng halos magtatatlong-buwang pagsasama, unti-unti nang gumagaan ang loob ni Noleen sa asawa. Dumating na ang kanilang mga kasambahay kaya mas nagkaroon sila ng oras sa isa't isa.
Xander supported Noleen in her 14 weeks of pregnancy. As much as possible, mas gusto nito na ang family doctor ang magpunta sa bahay pero nang dumating ang araw na kailangan niyang magpa-ultrasound, wala itong magawa kundi samahan siya.
After seeing their child on a small screen, hindi maalis ang ngiti ni Noleen. She let Xander hold her hand on their way home. She even bid him goodnight.
The next morning, they went out for a walk to talk about things, but mostly about the baby. It was the safest topic that the two of them were comfortable with.
Until Xander said, "I'll tell you a secret."
"'Di na secret 'yon."
Tumawa ito nang mahina. "Gusto ko malaman mo."
"Na?"
"We've met before."
Xander began telling her the story of their first meeting: when Noleen went to the Marudo's to celebrate Alex's 23rd birthday. She thought it was Alex who stood near the window, looking longingly at the festivities outside.
"So that was you." Noleen could recall hugging that 'Alex' from behind and even greeted him. She remembered the guy looking surprised. She remembered feeling annoyed when he left because someone called for him.
Gusto pa sana niyang magtanong pero natigil siya sa sinabi ni Xander.
"Mahal kita."
It may sound too sudden, but Xander had kept this for months.
"Anong gusto mong gawin ko?"
"Gusto ko lang malaman mo." Xander didn't want to ask her anything. Being with her now was enough for him. "Uwi na tayo? Giniginaw ka na?"
Hinawakan ni Xander ang kamay ng asawa. Hindi niya matago ang malaking ngiti nang hindi siya nito binitiwan gaya ng dati.
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Naisip ni Noleen na dapat lang talagang mahalin siya ni Xander dahil alam niyang perpekto siya, maganda, kaakit-akit . . . lahat na! Pero sa totoo lang, nahihiya man siyang aminin, lumundag ang puso niya sa sinabi nito.
Malaki ang posibilidad na gumana ang kasal na ito at naiinis siya rito. Natatakot din. Paano na si Alex? 'Di ba si Alex ang mahal niya?
"I want you to prepare everything when I get back," wika ni Noleen sa kausap sa phone. "Huh? 'Yong talent—?" Her voice faltered. Natigilan siya sa tanong ng katrabaho sa kabilang linya tungkol sa bagong talent na balak niyang ipakilala.
Alex Marudo.
Hinablot ni Xander ang cellphone.
Noleen only saw his hooded expression and heard him snap at the caller.
