Tying the Knot

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By ov3rtin_ker

"Franz."

Moren waved her hand the moment I entered the foyer of the bridal suite. Two makeup artists are getting her ready while the other fixes the skirt of her wedding dress.

I smiled and walked slowly as I watched her close her eyes to get her eyeshadows fixed. I stopped two steps away from the edge of her dress. Nakatayo lang ako at pinanood ang babaeng ayusan habang naghihintay ng tamang pagkakataon para makausap siya.

I came here with a gift. I am not supposed to drop by here but I thought it will be hard to give it later at the reception as I have to leave early. She opened her eyes when the three women left her side. Then I saw how beautiful she is, especially today.

"Anong nginingiti mo?" she asked, suppressing her laughter. "Anong hitsura ko? Pangit ba?"

Kahit siya ay natatawa. How can I keep myself from laughing? "You're ugly." I lied.

She frowned and took the mirror from the vanity to see how she looks. She looked from side to side to examine every angle of her face. I took that time to survey how she grew up throughout the years. She's not a baby anymore.

"Ang ganda ko talaga," she mumbled and looked at me. "Kaya naiinlove 'yung isa noon."

I smirked and crossed my arms on my chest. "You were beautiful back in High School, not now." You are more beautiful today.

"Sinasabi mo lang 'yan kasi bitter ka. Hindi ka pa moved on, noh?" She raised both of her brows, making her eyes look bigger.

"Your face is thicker than the foundation you are wearing." I chuckled. "Nadala ka ng wedding dress," I pointed out.

She gave me a proud look. "Ako pumili nito."

"I didn't know you have a good taste. Si Ross kasi pinili mo," biro ko na siyang ikinanganga niya. Not long after, she laughed.

"Gago ka." Her laugh was loud enough to get everyone's attention. "Hindi ko alam na may taste ako, pinili ko lang kasi 'yung pinaka--"

"Mura?" I cut her off. "Kuripot mo pa rin."

"Tangeks, hindi. Pinili ko 'yung pinakamadaling hubarin para hindi na kami mahirapan mamayang gabi," she said nonchalantly.

I was stunned. I gave her a surprised look that made her laugh even more.

"Siyempre, 'di ba magbibihis ako sa reception? Ang hirap naman kung 'yung pinili ko 'yung aabutin kami ng isang taon para mahubad. Ano ba kasing iniisip mo?"

I grinned and shook my head. "Maybe you have one in mind?"

"Wala naman akong ibang iniisip bukod sa hawak mong regalo. Nag-abala ka pa magbalot ng ginto. Sayang lang ang wrapper. Buksan na natin." Her hand was asking me to near her.

I glanced at the box I am holding before sitting beside her. I gave her enough space not to ruin her dress. "Last gift ko na 'yan sa 'yo," I said as I handed her the box.

"Gusto mo talaga mauna, dinala mo pa rito. Sila Ace ba dadaan din?" tanong niya habang binubuksan ang regalo.

"No. They will go directly to the church. I just had to make a special appearance here. Baka maaya pa kitang takasan si Ross."

"Pwede naman na kayo na lang ni Ross magpakasal. Payag ako," she joked. It was before she finally unwrapped the gift I prepared.

"It took me years to get that ready. Don't judge."

She looked at me with a ball of joy in her irises only after turning the cover page of the album.

"Siraulo ka," was the first thing her lips uttered when she saw the first page. "Ako lahat 'to?"

I nodded even though she was not looking at me. I compiled every photo of her that I took since we were in High School up to this day.

"Ito ba 'yung singsing natin sa wedding booth noon?" She found the red paper ring inside. "Grabe, ang nostalgic."

"Don't be too touched. You can't cry." Her makeup will mess up if she did.

Nagpatuloy siya sa pagbubuklat ng album. I only watched her turn the pages one by one until she reached the last page. Tawa ang una niyang ginawa ng makita ang picture naming dalawa.
Did she remember when it was taken and she noticed what was wrong with the picture?

"Hmm. Parang may kulang sa picture," tawa niya. "Sa fieldtrip natin 'to sa Elyu?"

"You have a good memory. How did you remember?"

"Paano ko naman makakalimutan 'yon? Umiyak ako nang patago noong gabi sa hotel. I bet you know why," aniya. "Pero alam mo, may mali talaga sa picture."

"What?" I played pretend innocent.

"Bakit may kamay sa balikat ko, dalawa lang naman tayo? Hindi ka naman nakaakbay sa akin. Bakit kaya?" She's teasing me.

"Ah, I cropped the monkey," I said. We shared laughter and did a fist-bump.

"Loko ka, sinabotahe mo si Ross."

"Sapaw kasi ang groom mo palagi, kaya wala tayong picture na magkasama, na tayo lang dalawa. So I cropped him."

"Deserve." She laughed again. "100 over 100 para sa effort. Ang ganda nito, baka ipadisplay ko pa sa museum. Anong meron at ito ang naisipan mong ibigay sa 'kin?"

"This is my way of saying goodbye to my first love, to my high school crush. I just couldn't get rid of your photos in my camera so printed them. With that, you can have a frozen memory forever and you will remember who took them. The most good-looking guy in our group," I said proudly.

Her lips pressed together as if she was touched by the thought.

"Thank you, Franz."

"For?"

"Sa pagtuturo ng mga sagot sa Math sa 'kin noon. Hindi ako kapitan ngayon kung hindi dahil sa 'yo."

"Tss." I hissed. I expected more than that.

"Joke lang. Siyempre, thank you for always reminding me what I am capable of. For being quiet about my battles that you knew I was going through and lastly, thank you for loving me purely."

Moren went through a lot of storms. She was challenged by the big waves until Ross tamed the angry sea. I saw how both of them danced with the wind of destiny and now they finally found their way back to each other's hands. They deserve each other.

"Congrats, Moren. I am happy for you, baby."

She held her tears back.

"Don't worry, hindi na ulit ako maglalaman ng babae sa kamera ko. May sumpa," pahabol kong sabi.

"Tama," naiiyak niyang sabi. "Pakasalan mo agad tapos gawin mo akong bestman, ha."

"Sure." I let my hands out of my pocket when she opened her arms to ask me for an embrace.

I loomed closer to give her what she wants. She sobbed on my shoulder lightly. I caressed her back while chuckling. "Be happy."

I felt it when she nodded. I liked Moren but she's like a sister to me now. It feels like I have to let go of a part of me, a big part of me.

Nang humiwalay siya sa akin ay marahan niyang pinupunasan ang mga mata. "Magpapicture na tayo ng picture natin. Tayo lang dalawa," suhestiyon niya.

I smiled when she called the photographer to take a picture of us like what she said. "Kuya, gandahan mo, ha. Photographer 'tong kaibigan ko. Judgmental 'yan, baka magalit."

"Hey, I'm not." I defended myself.

"Umayos ka na. Dito ka sa tabi ko."

I stood beside her, smiling genuinely, while she remained sitting when the camera flashed.

The photographer raised his hand as he counted from one to two-three before taking another photo of the newlyweds.

"Kainan na!" Ace who is standing beside me yelled shamelessly. Abcd covered his mouth immediately when the people looked at us.

"Huwag mong pangunahan. There's still a lot to do in the reception," said Abcd.

"Kaya nga. Kakain na tayo ng lumpia."

"Oh, lumpia." Adrien looked unconvinced with what Ace said.

Claps filled the entire church. We were called to the front for a picture-taking with Ross and Moren together with her father.

I am happy for my friends. There's a bit of envy in my heart for I know I will never experience marrying someone I love.

"One, two, three, go!"

Kasing-bilis ng bilang mula isa hanggang tatlo ang pagbabago ng emosyon ko nang ihagis ni Moren ang bulaklak ay nahulog ito sa hita ko. I was afraid the women will feast on my thighs so I took it. I was confused.

"Okay, si Franz na susunod na ikakasal," Ace proclaimed.

"Siya naman talaga." Abcd supported him.

"I don't want to get married yet. Gusto mo ikaw na lang." Ipinasa ko kay Abcd ang bulakak na siya namang ipinasa nito kay Ace. Then Ace gave the flower back to me.

"You guys suck, let Moren throw it again," I said.

"That's the tradition. Kung sino ang unang hahawak ng bulakak, siya na susunod na ikakasal," si Adrien.

"Si Moren naman kasi, akala mo magseserve ng bola maghagis."

I agree. She's even laughing because I got the bouquet. What will I gonna do with this?

The women were disappointed but Moren refused to throw it again. They said I must get married next. Hanggang sa reception ay dala ko ang bungkos ng bulaklak, hindi ko alam kung saan ko iiwanan. I will feel bad if I throw it while Ace and Adrien won't get it from me.

"Time conscious ka pa rin?" Ace noticed me.

"I have to go somewhere tonight."

"May honeymoon ka rin?"

I glared at Adrien's joke.

"Meron?" Isa pa 'tong si Ace. "Sama kami. Hindi pwedeng ikaw lang. Dead Mother, dead all. We are one. Bestfriends forever."

"I'll meet the Legazpis at nine in the evening. I can't be late." I only said but it already gave me frustrations.

"Eight?!" Sabay silang sumigaw. I had to cover my ears.

I glanced at my watch and saw it was still seven. "You don't have to yell."

"Gago, quarter to nine na. Nandito ka pa. Gaano ba kalapit 'yung pupuntahan mo?"

My brows furrowed in confusion before darting my eyes back to my watch. "It's still seven. What are you saying--"

Before I could show them my watch, they both raised their Rolex to let me see what time it is. Indeed, it is a quarter to nine.

"Fuck." Only then I realized my watch stopped working. Kaya pala nagtataka ako kung bakit parang ang bagal lumipas ng oras. "Hold this, I need to go." I gave Adrien the boquet and ran.

I'm yet to leave the venue when I realized I can't dropped by the flowers shop to buy flowers, but I can't go empty handed too. Bumalik ako sa dalawa na hindi natinag sa kinatatayuan at kinuha ang bulaklak ni Moren kanina.

"Ano gagawin mo sa bulaklak?"

"I will recycle it. Let's save the Earth." That was nonsense. "Tell the two lovebirds I left. Bawi na lang ako sa annulment nila," I said quickly and left them.

"Galingan mo, Mr. CEO!" I heard the engineer yell.

Needless to say, I rushed my way to the residential hotel where I am supposed to meet my parents. I got some scolding but it didn't last. We have to hurry and go to the Legazpis.

Supposedly, we'll meet them tomorrow but it was moved tonight. Wrong timing dahil nasabay sa kasal nila Moren. I couldn't ask the two to move their wedding.

I was seated when a moving object upstairs caught my attention. I found the woman in her blue dress slowly taking the stairs down. She held onto the handrail as she took her steps. I watched her, making her brows fleak. I rolled my eyes in response.

I can tell she didn't like it.

There were greetings before the introduction. I forgot her name. I waited for her to say it.

"Zhareena Aurora."

That suits her. She looks sophisticated and she reminds me of an image of a tamed sheep.

"My greetings, Mr. and Mrs. Legazpi. Thank you for the warm welcome." I faked my sincerity and handed them the wine my father brought. "Franco Miguel Suarez."

I already expected the sugarcoated conversation I have to endure tonight. It is not surprising they praised me. I took the bouquet and gave it to her.

"For Mrs. Zhareena Aurora." Did I call her Mrs.? I'm not yet on my senses.

"Do I look that old to you, Mr. Suarez? Correction, it's Ms. Zhareena Aurora Legazpi."

I knew I had to make an excuse. "My bad. I am too excited to make you a Suarez. Mrs. Zhareena Aurora Suarez sounds better." I wanted to take it all back if I could.

I know they have their motives. Her family wants to bring us down and my family wants the same. We're on the same death line. I noticed her stairs, her judging stares I must say.

"I'd be melting in a few minutes if you don't remove your gaze at me," ani ko.

"Feel free to dream, Señor."

"Science proved that looking at the sun for too long will hurt your eye. Do your eyes hurt?"

"If you're the sun, I will never open my windows to see you. I will isolate myself inside my room and sleep the whole day."

"If I'm the sun, I won't shine for you. You can get all the storms and hurricanes, you can have all the clouds," I replied.

"You think humans can't live without the sun?" She looks like a kid having tantrums.

"Scientifically speaking, without the sun or its rays, photosynthesis can't take place on Earth. You know how important it is. Even elementary students can tell." I said.

"Are you from somewhere between Babylonian and Roman Civilization? We're in the 21st century. Technology exists."

This girl is different. There's something rare about her I can't figure out

"With the help of science and inventions, humans might be able to survive on a Sun-less Earth for several days, months, or even years, but there are a ton of limitations considering the cost, the availability of resources, the changes people need to adapt, and the population. Life without the Sun would eventually prove to be impossible to maintain on Earth." Arguing with her feels like lecturing a kid.

"No, we can."

"Tell me how you arrived at that conclusion."

She didn't answer me. Tinanong ko siya ulit pero ng ibang tanong. "What's your plan?"

"What plan?"

"You won't marry me for no reason. What are your family's agendas?"

"Mukhang ako dapat ang nagtatanong niyan. What's your motive?"

"To toss you out of the game," diretso kong sabi. "And you?"

"To steal your place." She smiled. I hate it.

I don't know what type of person she is but I hate her. We're so much alike and I never like myself.

I was wrong. We're too different from each other. From the lifestyle, some hobbies, likes, and wants. I find it hard living with her under the same roof.

Sometimes, I will find her annoying.

"Can you open this?"

She can literally see I am busy and. Can't she wait? I do not have a choice at all. Pakiramdam ko ay responsibilidad ko siya dahil limang taon akong mas matanda.

"Gracias," she said.

I went back to work but not long after, she disturbed me again.

"Open please."

This time, I gave her a side glance but still opened it.

"Gracias, Señor."

I vowed to myself I won't help her again but she came back holding the oil container and asked me to open it for the third time.

"Can you open this too?"

I was not planning to open it until she sat beside me. This woman can't do anything.

"Open," she whispered like a cat.

"Do you want me to fry the egg for you?" I asked sarcastically.

"Can you?"

"No," I said firmly but guess who cooked the egg because she burned it? Still me.

I was taught women are not meant for the chores but how could she not know how to cook? She won't survive alone.

We are different. The only thing that connects us is cowardice. Nothing more.

"Why did you turn on the lights?" Sumakit ang mata ko.

"I cannot sleep with the light turned off."

"I won't be able to sleep with the light turned on, Ms. Legazpi. You can open your lampshade. "If you're scared of ghosts."

"I'm not scared of ghosts."

"Then turn off the lights. Ang sakit sa mata."

She let it pass. She turned off the light and the aircon.

"Mainit," I complained.

"Oo. Mainit na ang ulo at dugo ko sa 'yo."

Ako rin naman.

"That's unfair. I let the lights off. This time, it should be in favor of me. Are you a penguin? Kamukha mo na si Sid ng Ice Age, acorn na lang ang kulang."

Noone scolds me like this. Mas malala pa siya kay Mom.

"Move aside. I am late for work."

"I have an important task today. I cannot miss it," she said.

"I have an important meeting with the board today, Ms. Legazpi."

"Let's take a shower together."

Is she freaking serious about that? Disbelief drew on my face. "Are you crazy?"

"We are both late. Hindi tayo mahuhuli pareho kung sabay tayo maligo. You can choose. The tub or the shower." She smiled widely.

"I will never shower with you."

"I'll go first then." Inunahan niya ako kahit siya ang nahuli. It was unfair for me so I joined her.

"Hey! Why are you here?" Her voice echoed inside the bathroom.

"You said we can take shower together," I reasoned out. "I can't be late today."

She acted like she hated it. Didn't she know I hated it more?

There was nothing good in living with her but after a few months of seeing each other every day, I realized it isn't as bad as living with my parents.

I thought that maybe it was the feeling of having someone who won't judge me that excites me to go home to her. I was in denial of my feelings.

Akala ko rin kaya kong itago at pigilan katulad ng ginawa ko noon but it's different. I know I can't lose this love.

"Why did you kiss me?" I asked.

"I want to. How about you, why did you kiss me?"

She wants me. Nothing is sweeter than that. My jealous heart went wild.

"I like you," I said.

I never thought I can like someone again, but I know it was more than adoration when I started filling my cameras with her photos, remembering I broke another promise.

I only broke my rules once, when I confessed to Moren. I told myself I won't do it again. I didn't notice how I am willing to do it countless times for her.

I didn't like her the first time we shared a bed. This feeling is something that started as a blae and turned into a wildfire. I fell hard.

"What the hell."

I cursed when I felt a hand reach my shoulder. When I turned my back, I saw a woman sipping her wine.

"You look bored, wanna step up the game?" She fixed my polo without my consent.

I looked sharply at her before throwing her hand away. "No. I don't need anyone here."

She rounded her lips. "So you are that type of Suarez. Hard to get. Do you want to join me on the dancefloor instead?"

"I said No."

Some women are asking for the respect they can't give us. I'm done with the double standards.

"Elias and the rest of your cousins are enjoying the party. Why can't you?" She didn't stop flirting with me.

I had to stand up and leave but she took my hand. "I am married. Now, can you please fucking leave me alone?" I almost showed her a ring, a non-existent ring.

Just in time, Elias came and saw what happened. "Dude, what's the matter?"

The girl walked out. Maybe because of the embarrassment that a lot of people saw us.

"Don't tell me you refuse to entertain her?"

"Shut up, Elias. I'm not in the mood." I saw the video of Era dancing with her partner.

"You're done." He shook her head. "You said no to a sexy woman and told her you're married? You can't wait to go home because of your fiancee. That's bad."

I know what's happening, he doesn't have to point out everything. I know how fucked up I am that I am willing to pay millions for her artwork. I am willing to take risks for a kiss.

I am willing to pay these rats just so I can help her.

"Don't forget to like her shop. The one who will buy the most will get a reward," I told them.

"What's the name of the shop?" si Evo.

"I think it's her name. Aurora."

Pinatawag ko silang lahat na kunwari ay may pagtitipon para sabihan tungkol dito. Era will be selling clothes. I think it's for the art exhibit. Hindi naman makikinig ang mga dagang 'to kung hindi ko lolokohin at susulsulan kaya naghanda ako.

"What does she sell?" Yuri asked.

"Clothes and Accessories."

"Perfect. I need new pants," he replied, not knowing what I meant.

"Clothes and accessories for women. Like dresses and jewelries," pahabol kong dagdag kaya naglingunan silang lahat sa 'kin.

"What are we gonna do with dresses?" Chase complained.

"Sell or give it to your imaginary girlfriend. That will do."

They are not happy about it. They just have to join the life and buy the items. What's hard with that? Ako rin naman ang magbabayad.

"I will give my car to whoever--"

"What time will be the live?" They asked in chorus. Kulang lang pala sa suhol.

"I don't know yet but I'll send you all a message later. Please use a different name. I'll be looking forward to it."

I never expected I will do this just to see her happy.

I was willing to give up everything for her.

I was willing to risk my life.

I was willing to leave my comfortable seat.

I was willing to betray my family.

I was willing to accept she cheated.

I was willing to father her child.

I was willing to do everything that will make her stay but still...

"I thought you're better, Franco. Better than that. I see, you'll let them drown to keep yourself safe. Pathetic."

"You don't understand. Pakinggan mo naman ako." I begged.

"Even if you explain yourself, that won't justify the fact that your family did something wrong. I won't settle for a man like you."

I tailed her, begging her not to leave me because of the sudden crisis my family is facing.

"Franco, ano ba? Can't you just let me go?"

"I can't Era. I told you I will fix everything. You just have to give me time. I promise, baby. I will prove myself to you. That I can be the man you want to settle with. Just fucking give me time."

"You're sinking in your sea of dreams. I don't love you, Franco. How many times do I have to tell you?!"

I was always the observant type of person that I trust myself enough I know she was lying.

"Let's not fool each other. I can't pretend I love you when I don't. You can move on, find another woman to marry. Prove yourself and make me regret I did this to you, I will accept your vengeance."

But her words made sense and made me believe her.

"W-Why do you have to do this, Era? Am I not enough, baby?" Maybe, that thought of not falling in love could've saved me. But even I didn't see it coming. Hindi ko pinlanong mahalin siya. "All I did was to love you and all you did was to pretend you love me too?"

"I-I warned you. We shouldn't fall in love with each other. You lost, Franco. I won't apologize for that.

"Y-You are nothing but a beautiful name. Your success isn't yours but your family's. You are the most cowardly person I knew. You are desperate to be loved.

"No one will want nor love a man like you."

All the things I did just to prove myself to her... weren't enough.

She cheated on me, pero hindi ko pa rin siya kayang sirain sa iba. It feels illegal to say she slept with another man and betrayed me with her family so I took tbe blame instead. Pinaniwala ko na lang ang sarili kong kasalan ko. To lessen the pain.

Of course, my parents were frustrated about the issue but they pull their most powerful card: money. My family doubled the amount of money Mrs. Legazpi gave them. To add, we offered the job. There was no other way we could cover up the issue.

Though my family got the victory we fought for, I felt like I was not a part of the success. I was mourning for my loss... of hope.

I isolated myself in the unit, waiting for her to be back. Every single day.

"Franz." Pag-aalala ang una kong nakita sa mukha ni Moren nang pagbuksan ko siya ng pintuan.

"H-Hey," I greeted. It was too awkward since we haven't seen each other for a month and that's long enough for us who remained in touch.

I wetted my lips just because it feels dry. I'm not in my proper self. I was suddenly conscious of my look.

"Nandito ka lang pala. Kung saan-saan ka namin hinanap."

I looked around her to see if she was with our friends pero mag-isa lang siya.

"Susunod sila Ross mamaya. Ako lang mag-isa ngayon, sabi ko kasi baka wala ka naman dito." She gave the answer to my question without me asking.

"For what?"

"Anong for what?" She pushed me to the side so she can enter the unit. I tried to stop her but it was too late. She saw how messy it is inside.

"L-Let me clean my stuff."

I've been drinking my pain away for as long as I can remember after Era left. Alcohol and cigarettes are the only things that are keeping me sane.

"Y-You can wait in the sala. I-I will clean." Nahihiya ako sa sobrang kalat ng unit. I began picking the cups of empty instant noodles and the empty cans of beer.

"Franz..." si Moren na natili sa kinatatayuan niya.

"Stay away from the broken bottles, Moren. Hintayin mo na lang ako sa sala."

I am holding back my tears because pity was evident in her voice.

"Huwag mong pulutin ng kamay ang mga bubog, Franz." She immediately put all her paperbags down to get the broom and the dustpan.

I don't need it at all. I used my hands to take all the small pieces of broken glass on the floor and put them in the bag.

"Franz!" Moren yelled and immediately joined me on the floor, tearing up. "Franz, tangina naman."

My hands are already bleeding with sharp glasses on the wounds. Napaupo na lang ako sa malamig na sahig habang umiiyak at dinadama ang sakit, hindi ng sugat sa kamay kung hindi ng pangungulila at kawalan ng gana sa lahat.

Moren took my hand. She doesn't know what to do but she joined me in crying.

"Franz, ano bang ginagawa mo?" She held my cheeks and rubbed them.

"K-Kapag bumalik siya, Moren... g-gagawin ko lahat. W-We can start again. I can f-forget everything for us to start again," I cried on her. "I-I will give up everything I have, M-Moren."

"W-Why is she not coming back? It's been a month... she should be h-home to me now."

Moren embraced me, keeping me sane in between her arms. Hinahaplos niya ang balikat ko upang pakalmahin. I can only grasp at the hem of her shirt with my bloody hands.

"Franz... nandito naman ako, eh. Nandito naman kami."

"M-Moren, I need her."

"Pero kailangan ka rin ng sarili mo. Huwag mo naman saktan ang sarili mo."

I never cried louder than this. Not on Moren or any of my friends. Sa tagal naming magkaibigan, hindi pa ako umiyak sa harapan nila. "M-Moren, ang sakit. Putangina!" I yelled in pain.

Moren caged me. Napuno na ng dugo ang damit niya sa higpit ng kapit ko habang sumisigaw at umiiyak.

"M-Moren." Hindi ko na mabilang kung ilang beses kong binigkas ang pangalan niya. "I-I want her back."

I said and yelled it over and over again until I did have not enough strength to do so. Until I have not enough tears to cry and until my voice gave up on me.

Moren stayed still on the floor as she embraced me with her warm arms. Bagsak ang ulo ko sa balikat niya habang tulala na nakatitig sa makalat na sahig matapos mapagod.

"Gusto mo ng tubig?" She asked me, breaking the silence.

I shook my head lightly. "Sandali lang, Franz. 'Yung kamay mo, kailangan na gamutin."

I refused to let her go. "Babalik ako, ikukuha lang kita ng tela at gagamutin natin ang mga kamay mo."

I failed to stop her the second time. In no minute, she's back beside me. She's talking while treating my wounds.

"Sana pwede kitang hatian sa sakit na nararamdaman mo, pero hindi. Did you really cheat on Era?"

I didn't answer her.

"The three can believe you. Hindi ako maniniwala hangga't wala akong nakikitang rason para gawin mo 'yon."

"I cheated on her. I kissed another woman," I said.

Moren sighed and continued treating my hands. She wrapped the gauze around them after applying betadine.

I rested my head on her shoulder, feeling sleepy when she handed me a bottle of water.

"Ang dami mong iniyak kanina. Uminom ka muna."

I drank a little and closed my eyes. Hinahaplos ni Moren ang noo ko pataas. She tilted her head closer to me as if it was her way of making me feel I'm not alone.

"Hindi ka pa ba gutom? Mamaya pa sila Ace, nasiraan pa sila ng sasakyan. Pwede naman tayong mauna nang kumain kung gusto mo."

I have no apetite at all. "Let's wait for them," mahina kong sagot.

"Sige. Matulog ka muna," she said after smiling at me.

I feel safe around Moren. Moren is the type of person that will always feel like a kiss of solace. I know I'm in a safe place when she's around because this woman will do anything to protect us even if it will hurt her.

I didn't sleep. Maya-maya lang ay bumukas na ang pintuan at iniluwa ang tatlo.

"Surprise, Mr. CEO!" That was Ace. I am sure even though I haven't opened my eyes yet. When I did, he was already in front of me.

"May dala ko, Franz. Tignan mo 'to." He took something from the bag he's holding. "Wushu! Lumpia! Ang tawag ko sa Lumpia na 'to ay Lumpiang Shawi. Para sa mga Shawi sa pag-ibig." He smiled with both of his eyes.

"Akala mo naman hindi ka ngumawa sa amin noon sa tamis ng ngiti mo," si Moren.

"Nagsasalita 'yung hindi kakain ng Lumpia. Hindi kayo kasali ni Ross dito."

Adrien hit his head while Ross lifted my arm to see my hand. "What happened?" He's talking to Moren.

"Kinagat ko. Ang tagal niyo kasi, gutom na kami," she replied to her husband.

"Paano, babes. Palpak kotse ng asawa mo. Palitan mo na nga."

"Kotse niya?"

"Magpalit ka na ng asawa."

Kurot sa pisngi ang nakuha ni Ace mula kay Ross but the guy wasn't contented. They ended up running around the unit, throwing cans at each other.

"So we will all act like we're not in our thirties here?" Abcd rested his head on my shoulder too. "You smell like shit. Naligo ka na ba?" He asked me harshly. I glared at her while Moren laughed.

"Joke lang."

"I'm hungry," I admitted. "Let's eat."

I can't imagine surviving the crises life brought me if it's not because of them. I still went to the unit regularly, hoping that one day, someone will knock on my door and it won't be one of my friends but Era. That never happened.

Nagsawa na lang ako sa sakit. Napagod akong umasa at maghintay. Napagod na akong masaktan. One day, I woke up without feeling the need to go to the unit and wait for her to be back. Still, I cannot sell it.

The table turned and my family won the case against Mrs. Legazpi. Umayon lahat sa amin. There was a point I didn't care anymore about what my family was into. Basta kailangan naming manalo. I was the happiest when we succeeded. I totally forgot my feelings for her. I wish I did.

Pinagdasal kong huwag ko ka siyang makita. I prayed that our paths shall never cross again for the anger has eaten me and I am afraid that I will only want to hurt her if that happens. But everything didn't go according to my plan.

Lahat ng plano kong saktan siya at iparamdam ang sakit na naramdaman ko noon naglaho sa isang kisap-mata.

When she told me Felize is our daughter and I heard her side, I lost it there. All the pain went away. I knew exactly what punishment to give her. I couldn't think of anything else.

"Do you still love me?" I asked but instead of answering me, she loomed closer to kiss me.

I'll take my revenge not by hurting her but by living with her.

"There's a fear in my eyes when I see you of tomorrow appear in a blink
Fear in there be a day when I will awake. And I wouldn't find you near."

That was what I felt when I got used to her then she suddenly left, leaving a place of fear in my heart that soon it can happen again.

"There are days when the past seems to shadow. All the hope that you've gathered from me. But then the darkness fades and I awake. And I feel love setting us free." Ace sang that part beautifully.

Love has set us free from all the pain of the past.

"And all I want the fears to disappear. Knowing that I have you here.
Though lies may come there's nothing I can do. For I see his promise when I look at you."

The door opened and I saw Era in an exquisite wedding dress with our daughter beside her and the father she looked up to on the other side.

"So I thank you for all of your patience. For loving me even when I explode. Taking all of the pain with nothing else to gain. Just knowing I don't feel alone.

"Cause all I want my future us here. Together with all of my dreams. Though the storm may come there's nothing I can do. For he keeps his promise. And the promise is you."

She walked down the aisle slowly while looking at me. Beneath the veil is a pair of eyes that I've seen in different phases.

"Through battle as one and fears overcome. I found a faithful one. Through highs and lows, you will never be alone."

I thought I won't be able to marry someone I love but here I am, watching her get closer to me.

"Forever and always. My forever and always. Forever and always. I love you my home."

When I took her hand, I knew there was no turning back. It's the world against us, us against the world. And if we aren't enough, I'll beg the universe to align the stars for us, to be with us.

"You always ask me what's the most astonishing art I've ever seen," I started my vow. "You will say hundred of choices from Classic to Basque and Roman to Greek, Davinci's and Claude's. I couldn't answer, you were never on the choices."

She smiled with a bit of tear on the side of her eyes.

"You are an artist yourself. You are simple as an empty canvas that tried, grew, and blended the colors. You are meaningful and beautiful, both night and day, no matter how many years have passed, no matter how many storms tried to ruin you.

"But it's not as simple as that. You hated every mistake, every pattern that doesn't compliment your portrait. People made you believe that perfection exists. So you tried and tried to cover the flaws and create the perfect art everyone wanted. When it's done, it only means pain, the colors of your sorrow, the shapes of your despair.

"Despite that, I saw the process you've gone through to come up with a piece of craft created by a pair of hands, hands that held so many grudges and swam to survive.

"Beautiful yet painful, perfect yet imperfect. When they say, art isn't about how it looks at the end but about the layers of paint and the number of days your hand held the brushes to create life through your passion. It's you, the art.

"You are a moon, scarred yet beautiful. You are a sun, burning bright but won't apologize for its blinding shine. You're a cloud that will never be sorry for being unreachable. You are the ocean, sometimes calm, sometimes wild. But you were never the wind, cold. You are warm, a star that shines brightly after the rain."

A tear fell down her cheeks. Gumalaw ang kamay ko para punasan 'yon.

"As I take your hand today, I love you and will love you in your sad and happy days. If the day came and you can't lift a brush to paint, I promise to offer my hand and be there with you.

"When the nights get cold, I will keep you warm and safe between my arms. When the darkness scares you and you can't see hope, I will let the stars reflect on my eyes and with that, there will always be the light that will remind you you're not alone and the night must end.

"In the morning and the days after that, I will still be on an adventure with you. We will make memories with our child on a big voyage. Forever, until heaven has decided to take us home. You are a dream come true, Zhareena Aurora. I can't wait for the story we get to write together that will begin today."

It was a long vow that made her tears stream down. She had to pause and breathe before saying her vows.

"Franco Miguel Suarez, the man of my life, the father of my child. Today, I promise you love, honesty, faith, and trust. I will be your coffee in the morning, your blanket in the winter, and your pillow at night. I will listen to your secrets, misery, fears, dreams, and everything that you are afraid to tell the world. Share to me not just your success, happiness, and celebrations but also your failures, agony, and crises. For what is yours is mine too."

"I will be a kiss of peace and a touch of heaven. I promise to be a safe place where you will feel at home no matter where your feet have gone. You and our daughter will be the subject of my every art. My eyes will forever hold my admiration and love for you, so when the time comes and I can no longer tell you I love you, they will speak for me. I chose you before, I choose you today and I will choose you forever."

We exchange rings after the vows. There's a kind of happiness that makes your heart hurt in a good way. That's what I'm feeling when we finally said we do.

Art is something that makes you breathe with a different kind of happiness. Art has three letters and so is her name. Era.

"Zhareena and Franco through their words today, have joined together in holy wedlock."

"Because they have exchanged their vows before God and these witnesses, have pledged their commitment each to the other, and have declared the same by joining hands and by exchanging rings, I now pronounce that they are husband and wife. Those whom God hath joined together, let no one put asunder.

"You may now kiss the bride."

I unveiled her before holding her cheek. I planted a gentle kiss on her lips and heard the people celebrate.

This is a new tale to be told. The imperfect story of ours, the beautiful journey we had.

Finally, after seven years. The CEO is married.

"Daddy, will you make me a baby brother now?!"

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