EPILOGUE

"YOU'RE SUCH A USELESS WOMAN! NAGMANA SA 'YO 'YANG ANAK MO!"

Here is it again. I tried to cover my ears using my blanket but it didn't effect, I still heard my dad's voice, I cover my ears using my two hands, but it didn't effect also.

They're fighting not just sometimes, but everyday. I'm used to it, I just can't accept the fact that they're fighting over and over again. I awalys hear my dad's shouting at Mom, I always saw him hurting my Mom, I always hear him throwing a trash word to my Mom.

And it's hurting me. I don't want to hear it anymore, I want a peaceful life which I could live postively, and gracefuly. I don't like being here in my Father's house, because I don't like him, ever since.

But my Mother insisted, she choose to live with my Dad. She choose to get hurt everyday than to leave him.

"Ako pa ngayon ang useless!? Ikaw 'tong manloloko at wala ng ibang ginawa kundi ang saktan ako!" I slowly walked out to my room, to get some water for my self.

Kanina pa ako nauuhaw. But somehow I stop walking when I reached the door of my room and slightly open it, there is it. I can see them, it's look like my Dad is drunk again.

"What do you care!? Dapat lang 'yan sa 'yo! My whole life is a mess because of you!" He shouted at my mother, that is now crying while she faced my Dad.

"'Yan ang hirap sa 'yo 'e. Ikaw na nga 'tong niloko ako hindi lang isang beses kundi maraming beses na! Pero ako pa rin ang nag nagmukhang masama! You're the one who's useless here, Rodolfo." She shrugged. "And don't involve Kian in this kind of situation! Kung pag-salitaan mo siya ay parang hindi mo siya anak! Bastard!"

I directly closed my eyes when I saw my Dad reaching my Mom's face. He slaped her, and I could hear it. Dahan-dahan kung minulat ulit ang mga mata ko, I want to help my Mother who's now lying on the floor.

I want to hug her and cheer her up, I want to run towards her direction. But if I will do that she will scold me, ayaw na ayaw niyang nakikisali ako sa kanila ni Daddy. Dahil natatakot siyang ako ang pag-tuonan nito nang pansin.

"May lakas ka pang sumigaw sa akin!? And what is wrong? It's true, nagmana sa 'yo ang anak natin, matigas ang ulo at hindi ako pinakikinggan! Na sulsulan mo siguro!" I step backward and slowly close the door.

Water? Never mind. Parang nawala na ang uhaw ko, I sat down on my bed and let my self cried. This is only what I can do, I don't have the courage to face him, I don't have strength to fight him, I don't have the confidence to protect my Mom.

I'm scared and it's making me useless, my Dad is right after all. I'm such a useless kid because I can't help my Mother, and here crying silently. I only wished that they will stop arguing, that my Dad will stop hurting my Mom anymore.

My whole life is not good as they think. Not because my Dad is rich means I'm living my best life. They're wrong, and they will always wrong.

They always saw us like a perfect family, they always praise us. Akala nila perpekto ang pamilya namin, dahil 'yon ang palaging pinapakita ni Daddy sa kanilang lahat.

He's a great pretender. I wish I could be a great pretender too, sana kaya kung mag panggap na hindi ako malungkot at maayos ako. Pero wala, dahil nakatatak na sa sarili ko na kahit kailan hindi magiging perpekto ang pamilya namin.

Now I saw my mother started to pack her things, may kung anong saya ang nabuhay sa loob ko nang makitang inaayos niya ang mga gamit niya at nilalagay ito sa malalaking maleta.

"We're leaving Mom? Is it for real?" I went to her room. She stop for a second and continue packing her things. "Should I pack my things too?" I didn't wait for her to answer.

Tumalikod agad ako para pumunta sana sa kwarto ko, but she stopped me. She held my hand and let me sit in the edge of their bed. She's now looking at me with so much sadness on her eyes.

"I... I'm leaving Kian, o-only me." The happiness I felt started to fade. "Hindi ko na kaya ang Daddy mo, punong-puno na ako sa kanya. That's why I made a choice, and that is to leave. Pero hindi kita kayang isama sa akin,"

"M-Mom..."

"Pag sumama ka sa akin hindi ko alam kung saan tayo pupulutin, hindi ko alam kung kaya ba kitang pakainin ng halos tatlong beses sa isang araw, I can't provide your needs, because I have nothing, 'di baleng ako na lang ang mag hirap, ayoko nang madamay ka pa," she kissed my forehead.

I don't care if she can't provide my needs, wala naman akong ibang kailangan bukod sa makasama siya at makaalis dito. I don't care if I can't eat three times a day, I just want her! I want to go with her, than to be left by this awful house.

"Pero pinapangako ko naman Kian na pag kaya ko na, babalikan kita. I will surely get back to you, sa ngayon dito ka muna. Dahil 'yong daddy mo kaya kang pakainin, kaya kang bihisan, at kayang ibigay lahat ng kailangan mo. Hindi ka mag hihirap kung mananatili ka rito," I'm already suffering.

Why can't she see it? Matagal na akong nag hihirap dahil kay Daddy, at kahit kailan hindi ako naging grateful dahil sa estado ng buhay namin. Mas pipiliin ko pang manlimos kesa maiwan dito.

"Mom, please take me with you... I don't want to stay here. Please don't leave me her, alone." I begged her. But she shook her head, pinandilatan niya ako ng mata.

"Makinig ka na lang sa akin, pwede? You're not alone, Aling Tes will take care of you. Hindi ka niya pababayaan, babalikan naman kita Anak, babalik ako at kukunin kita, tiisin mo na lang muna huh? Makinig ka lang palagi sa Daddy mo, hindi ka niya sasaktan, always obey him. That's the only choice you have for now," she kissed my forehead again and continue packing her things.

I want to cry but I stop my self. Kahit mabigat sa damdamin ko ay hinayaan ko siyang umalis, gusto kung humabol sa kanya at mag makaawa na h'wag niya akong iwan, but I can't do it. She promised that she will come back and take me with her, kumapit ako sa pangakong 'yon.

2 days after when my Dad, came back from a business trip. Nag wala ito sa buong bahay dahil nalaman niyang wala na si Mommy. He even hit me in my face because I couldn't tell him where she is. Totoo namang hindi ko alam kung nasaan si Mommy.

Pero hindi siya naniniwala sa akin, he hit me again and again until he got tired. Walang magawa ang ibang maids dahil natatakot sila, at hindi ko sila masisisi.

"Kian, hilaka na Hijo," Aling Tes knock on my door. Ayokong lumabas ng kwarto dahil gusto ko lang mag mukmok. Hindi ako nagugutom at ayaw kung kumain, but she won't stop until I talk to her.

Kaya sa huli ay pinagbuksan ko siya ng pinto, bumalik rin kaagad ako sa kama ko at humiga doon. Sumunod siya sa akin.

"Ang bilin ng Mommy mo ay kailangang pakainin ka sa tamang oras, kaya sige na. Kumain ka na," I didn't response.

I hate the fact that my Mother left me. But it will also never change the fact that I love her, she's my mother, my one and only mother. Admit it or not, I missed her so much.

"Pag nalaman 'to ng Mommy mo siguradong malulungkot siya dahil hindi ka nanaman kumain, ayaw na ayaw niyang nalilipasan ka ng gutom, Hijo." Hinaplos nito ang ulo ko.

"I'm not hungry, Aling Tes."

"Kagabi ka pa hindi kumain, kahit hindi ka gutom kailangan mo pa ring lagyan ng kahit kaunting pagkain man lang 'yang t'yan mo." Pamimilit niya sa akin. "Pero kung ayaw mo talaga hindi na kita pipilitin pa, sasabihin ko na lang sa Mommy mo, na hindi ka kumain at sinusuway mo ang utos niya-"

"Aling Tes!" I know she's teasing me. Mahina siyang tumawa at niyakap ako.

"Kain na Kian, para wala nang aalalahanin pa ang Mommy mo dahil alam niyang good boy ka," Hinarap ko ang tray na dinala niya para sa akin.

Dahan-dahan ko 'yong ginalaw at nagsimulang kumain. Aling Tes just give me a smile with a thumbs up, saying like she's proud of me.

"Pasensya ka na hindi kita masyadong naatupag ngayong araw, may bagong Maid kasi akong ginala sa buong bahay at tinuruan ng mga instructions." Hindi ako sumagot at inubos ang isang baso ng gatas na tinimpla niya para sa akin.

"I'm fine, I also eat breakfast, lunch and also dinner." Inunahan ko na siya.

"Mabuti naman, good boy talaga oh," ayan nanaman siya. Palagi niya akong pinipikon, tinuturing ba naman akong baby. Tsk.

Days passed my Father is busy about his company. I felt relief because he didn't hit me anymore, I just need to obey him like what my Mother told me. Kahit anong gusto niya sinusunod ko. Pag tinatawag niya ako, kailangan sumunod agad ako.

Not until one day.

I know that my Father is a monster, but I didn't know that he could be more than a monster, as I can see he's a demon.

One day he called me out. He ordered me to took a video of him making out with one of the maids in our house. Isn't it crazy? He let me see those awful thing he have done, hinayaan niya akong makita ang kababoyan niya.

Nang araw na 'yon mas napatunayan niya sa akin na masama siyang tao. Na kahit kailan hindi na siya mag babago. Sa mga sumunod na araw inutusan niya ulit ako na gawin ulit ang ginawa ko, pero umalma ako.

That's why he hit me. Galit na galit siya dahil hindi ko sinunod ang utos n'ya. Pero kahit gaano pa kasakit ang ginawa niya sa akin ay walang luhang lumabas sa mata ko, this is the first time that I didn't cry.

Hinayaan ko lang siyang saktan ako kahit saan, wala akong naging reaksyon. Sa isang iglap parang naging isang bato ang puso ko. Simula nang araw na 'yon ay parang tuloyan na akong nawalan ng pakialam sa kung ano pang gagawin niya sa 'kin.

Para bang manhid na ang katawan ko, kaya kahit paulit-ulit niya akong sinasaktan ay balewala na. Natuto na ako, natuto na ang katawan ko sa ka demonyohan niya.

"Hi, ako nga pala si-" I cut her off.

"I'm not interested." Noong nakaraang linggo ay nakita ko na rin siya dito. I heard from some of our keepers that she's the daughter of our new Maid. And I didn't know that she's annoying.

Bakit hindi siya natatakot sa akin? Lahat ng batang nakakasalamuha ko ay natatakot t'wing kaharap nila ako, but look at her, she have the guts to talk to me.

"May sugat ang kamay mo.... napano 'yan?" I looked at my hands. Nadapa ako kanina habang inaaral ko ang martial arts na ginagaya ko. Aksidente kung napatid ang sarili ko kaya diretso akong bumagsak sa semento. "Gusto mo gamutin ko?" Hinila niya ang kamay ko papalabas, pero pinigilan ko siya.

"B-Bawal akong lumabas..." I told her. Pinagbabawal ni Daddy na lumabas ako dahil siguro natatakot siyang umalis rin ako kagaya ni Mommy. Kaya simula no'ng mawala si Mommy dito ay hindi niya na ulit ako pinapalabas.

But this girl didn't stop me. Kusa na lang akong sumama sa kanya kahit pa nangangamba ako na baka malaman 'to ni Daddy. But at some point I feel at ease, habang tinitignan ko ang babae sa harapan ko ay hindi ko maiwasang makaramdam ng kaunting saya.

Kahit pa no'ng araw na 'yon ay muntik na akong mapatay ng Daddy ko dahil sumuway ako sa utos niya. He hit me so hard, pero ang isip ko ay wala sa mga sugat na natamo ko, kundi sa babaeng nakausap ko.

Every weekend inaasahan ko na rin ang pag punta niya dito sa amin, minsan nga hinihiling ko na sana palaging sabado at linggo para palagi siyang nandito.

I like being with her. Kahit papaano nawawala ang bigat sa pakiramdam ko, parang nawawala 'yong problemang dala-dala ko.

Hanggang sa isang araw ay pansin na pansin ko ang pagiging tahimik ni Daddy. Sinundan ko siya ng mag lakad siya papunta sa may garden namin, at bahagyang tumigil doon habang diretsong nakatingin kay CK.

CK, 'yon raw ang itawag ko sa kanya noong nagpakilala kami sa isa't-isa. And now I'm surprised because of my father's behavior. Aliw na aliw lang sa pagbibis-bis ng mga bulaklak si CK habang si Daddy ay patuloy na nakatitig sa kanya.

I feel bad about it. Parang lumakas ang kabog ng puso ko na parang anytime may mangyayaring masama.

At hindi ako nag kamali. Alam kung may masamang balak siya, alam kung may plano siya. At tama ako, that time when me and Aling Tes planning to go in the basement to clean up. Huminge siya ng tulong sa akin at hindi naman ako tumanggi.

Tahimik lang kaming nag lilinis nang biglang bumukas ang pinto ng basement kaya sabay kaming napaigtad. Mula sa maliit na butas ay kitang-kita ko ang pag pasok ni Daddy habang hila-hila si CK.

Gulat akong tumingin sa pwesto nila dahil nag simula siyang saktan si CK, akmang lalabas na ako para pigilan siya pero hinila ni Aling Tes ang kamay ko. Bumukas ulit ang pinto at doon ay pumasok ang Nanay ni CK.

Ang lahat ng nangyari ay napakabilis, pareho kaming nagtatago ni Aling Tes habang palihim na kinukuhanan ang lahat ng mga nangyari. Gusto kung tumulong pero hindi ko magawa, dahil alam kung pag-ginawa ko 'yon ay mas lalong lumala ang lahat.

That day I witnessed it all. My dad just killed two people. Subra ang trauma na natamo mo.

"Mas mabuting maging tahimik ka muna sa mga nangyari... dahil pag nalaman ni Senyorito Rodolfo and tungkol sa ebidensya na meron tayo ay hindi siya titigil hanggat makuha ito. At pwedeng madamay ka at ang Mommy mo, pag nagkataon." Pilit akong tumango at lumabas sa pinag-tataguan ko.

Also that day I turned my back on that girl who begged for help, kahit mahirap ay tinalikuran ko siya.

Please forgive me.

6 years ago, when I heard the news about my Mother. She's in the hospital because her body is getting weak and weaker. May sakit siya, kaya pala hindi na siya nag paramdam sa akin.

Sa anim na taon na pananatili ko kay Daddy ay hindi pa rin naging madali ang lahat sa akin. Anim na taon ko na ring bitbit ang konsensya sa sarili ko, anim na taon na simula no'ng takasan ko ang nangyari at piniling manahimik kahit pa alam ko ang katotohanan.

Now I'm here, in front of my mother.

"A-Ang laki mo na...." she touched my face but I didn't give her a reaction. Nanatiling blangko ang mukha ko. "Sorry, sorry kung hindi kita nabalikan. Sorry kung hindi ko tinupad ang pangako ko sa 'yo,"

"What happened? Why are you here Mom? What happened to my healthy mother? Bakit biglang naging ganito ang sitwasyon mo?" She's so thin and it's not normal anymore. Halos wala na rin siyang buhok sa ulo niya.

"I have a cancer, Kian.... 3 years na ng ma-diagnosed akong may cancer, pinilit kung bumangon at mag hanap ng trabaho para makapag-ipon at para makuha ka. Pero hindi ko na kinaya, dahil bawat araw na lumipas mas lalo akong humina..." I looked down. Hindi ko kayang tignan siya.

I was mad because she didn't contact me for 6 years. But seeing her like this is breaking my heart too. I can't help it anymore, I hugged her, I cried while hugging my Mom.

Kahit ano pang galit o inis ang naramdaman ko ay hindi mababago no'n ang katotohanang mahal ko siya. At hindi ko na kayang kamuhian siya.

But destiny was so hard to me, after that day my Mother died. Tuloyan na siyang bumitaw at iniwan ako. I felt so empty, I felt nothing. Pero kumuha ako ng lakas sa huling habilin niya.

Alam niya kung anong nangyari noon, Aling Tes told her about what happened 6 years ago. And my Mom wants me to work hard, ang sabi niya ipangako kung tutulongan ko si CK sa tamang panahon, and I agreed to it.

Dahil noon pa man 'yon na ang pinangako ko sa sarili ko. I will find her and I will help her. Kahit alam kung galit siya sa akin dahil sa ginawa kung pag-talikod sa kanya.

After 2 months. We stayed in Manila, lumipat na kami at hindi ko alam kung bakit naisipan ni Dad na umalis kami sa dating lugar kung saan kami nakatira.

Pinagpatuloy ko ang buhay ko. I transfer to a university where I met my unexpected friends. I always put my self away from people, but I didn't expect that somehow it's nice having a friend.

"Basketball mamaya, sama ka, rich kid?" Regious. He's the first one who approached me. He's talkative and always active, I don't like him at first because he's too annoying.

He always called me 'rich kid' and that's because he know that my Father is one of the richest man in the country.

"Libre na rin, total malaki baon mo," Morgan winked at me. He's my another friend, hindi siya masyadong makulit, but he's not far on Regious attitude.

I want to experience their life. I want to have my freedom, ngayon lang ulit ako nakapag-aral sa isang paaralan, dahil kinukulong ako noon ni Dad sa bahay.

That's why I want to enjoy my life for the maintime, gusto kung maranasan ang karaniwang ginagawa ng iba.

"Okay, I'll play. Anong oras ba?"

"4 pm sa gym, maraming chics 'din doon," I shooked my head. I don't have interest about girls, siya lang naman 'tong dinadamay ako sa kalokohan niya.

"Puro ka chics Regious, pati kami nadadamay," Inakbayan ako ni Morgan. "Baka mag selos si Blaire," Blaire is his girlfriend as far as I know.

"Sus, porke may jowa. 'Yan si Kian wala namang jowa 'yan," I looked away. I have no time for my love life, I'm working hard for real. Gusto kung makapasok sa law school, matagal pa naman 'yon pero gusto ko ng i-secure.

4 pm nang magkita ulit kaming tatlo sa gym. May iba pa kaming kasamahan para mag-laro. It's only for fun, at para makapag-relax. Masaya lang kaming naglalaro habang palubog ang araw.

"Kian, water." She's Vena. I know ever since that she's interested on me, but I kept ignoring her. I want to focus on my goal, at ayokong may gumugulo sa akin.

Nilabas ko na lang ang tumbler ko. "I have mine," I said and walked away.

"Ahm, Kian may partner kana ba sa prom party-"

"No, I don't have. But I'm not interested to have a partner, I guess it's not required." I cut her off. Nagpatuloy ako sa paglalakad hanggang sa makalabas na ako ng gym.

"Alam mo kung ako sa 'yo mag bar na lang tayo, bakit ba napaka seryoso mo sa pag-aaral?" He's here again, bothering me.

"Lower your voice, nasa library tayo," I reminded him. Kanina pa siya nag-aaya na mag bar raw kami. Pero mas gusto ko pang mag basa ng libro kesa sumama sa kanya.

"Kukulitin talaga kita, kaya sumama ka na. Parang killjoy naman 'to," I sighed and closed the book. "Sasama na 'yan,"

"Fine. Basta hindi ako iinom,"

7 pm when we arrived in a famous club or bar in our city. We greeted some friends na nandoon rin at nag iinoman. We saw Morgan with his girlfriend Blaire, kaya nag lakad kami palapit sa pwesto nila.

Umupo lang ako sa gilid habang pilit na tinitiis ang maingay na tugtog sa loob. I really hate noisy place, nasanay akong tahimik ang paligid at walang kahit na anong ingay.

"Kian! You're here," Vena waved her hand but I didn't response. "Drinks?" She offered me.

"No, I'm driving."

"Uh ganoon ba. Wanna dance?" I cleared my throat.

"I'm not interested on you, really." She stared at me with teary eyes, but I didn't feel bad at all. I mean, una pa lang nilinaw ko na sa kanya na hindi ako interesado sa kanya o sa kahit na sino.

I always reject her but she didn't stop approaching me. She's hurting herself.

"Alam ko naman... but I really like you-- No I think I already love you, so please just don't mind me. And also please be nice to me, just a little bit," she fake her smile and walked away.

Napahilot na lang ako sa ulo ko habang tinatanaw siyang mag lakad papaalis.

She's nice tho, I just don't feel anything to her.

Another 6 years has passed. I'm living the life that I dream of. Matagal na akong umalis sa poder ni Dad, pumasok ako sa kahit anong trabaho para mapakain ang sarili ko at mabili ang kailangan ko.

And 6 years of living alone is worth it. Nag bunga naman lahat nang paghihirap ko, I'm already a licensed lawyer and I also have my own company.

But until now I can't find her, ginamit ko na lahat ng connections ko lahat ng sources and yet I failed to find her. I only know her nickname, which is CK. Aling Tes didn't know their family name because she haven't interact with her before.

Pinagbabawal rin kasi sa loob ng bahay ang pakikipag-usap sa mga ka-trabaho nila, that's why she didn't get any information about CK's family.

"Kian! Hey! Please talk to me!" I sighed heavily when I hear her voice again. Si Vena, these days she didn't stop bothering me. I don't know what to do to her, she's giving me head ache.

"Vena, leave me alone. We're done, what do you want now?" She grabbed my hand.

"Please come back to me, I know it's my fault. Hindi ko 'yon sinadya-"

"Walang panloloko ang hindi sinadya, Vena. H'wag mo akong gawing tanga, I already know about what happened that night, so please stop it already," I held my hand.

2 years ago when I gave a chance for us, parang gumising na lang ako isang araw na tinuturing niya na akong 'boyfriend niya' I didn't complain. Sa mga sumunod pang araw tinatak ko na rin sa sarili ko na girlfriend ko siya.

We did things that usually couples do. We go dates, we do holding hands, I always drove her home, sometimes I brought flowers for her. That's only the routine, and she said that is all enough.

But after one year of being with her, I witnessed how she slept with another man. That's literally hurt, inaamin kung na dissapoint ako sa kanya. Pero hindi ko na talaga 'yon masyadong inisip, because I focus on my main things.

And now she's chasing me again, 1 year ago when we broke up, and yet she didn't stop bothering me.

"Lasing ako ng gabing 'yon-"

"Yeah, that's what you always said to me. But in the very first place, it's your choice to get drunk. Imposibleng wala kang alam, ayoko na talagang pag-usapan pa ang dati Vena. Ang dami kung inaatupag, h'wag ka nang dumagdag,"

It's summer time when Morgan told me that we're having a vacation. Hindi naman ako tumutol, it's a good idea para lumamig ang utak ko kahit sandali lang.

Bumyahe kami papuntang Batangas, may maganandang resort sila do'n na siyang napili nilang lugar. He choose the right place by the way, the beach was so nice along with the waves. The wind is so refreshing.

I'm with my friends, Morgan, Regious and Von.

Von is one of my business partner, nakilala ko lang siya noong nakaraang taon and he's a good friend.

We have a good time spending our days and nights in Batangas. Halos 1 week ang check in namin. Kahit saglit nakalimutan ko ang iilang mabibigat na problema na dinadala ko.

On the fourth night of our vacation we decided to go in the amusement park, may festival raw. Nang makarating kami doon halos dinagsa ng tao ang buong paligid.

But one girl got my attention. She's too far to me, but I can't stop staring at her. Hindi ko rin napansin na nag lalakad na pala ako papalapit sa pwesto niya.

"Saan ka pupunta 'oy?" Regious held my hand. Saglit na lumipat ang tingin ko sa kanya pero binalik ko rin sa babeng umagaw nang atensyon ko.

"May bibilhin lang," I reasoned out. Nagpatuloy ako sa paglalakad hanggang sa kaunting distansya na lang ang meron kaming dalawa. She's crying while looking at some direction, sinundan ko 'yon ng tingin.

And there is it, I saw a man making out with a girl. Pumasok agad sa isipan ko na boyfriend niya 'yon, and she just dumped by her boyfriend.

She started walking and so me, humarang talaga ako sa daanan niya para bumangga siya sa akin. And it happened, she bumped on my chest that makes my heart beat like crazy.

What was that?

"A-Ahh... s-sorry," she almost whispered.

Nagtama ang tingin naming dalawa. Her eyes was so familiar to me, I think I saw it before but I don't know, where or when. That night also I did things that I can't believe I did.

And after that night I can't get her off in my mind. Namalayan ko na lang na sinusundan ko na pala siya, and the next day bigla na lang akong dinala ng sarili kung paa sa mismong bahay niya.

I was confused why I am being like this. Aalis na sana ako but I saw her with a man, and it's look like that man is forcing her. Biglang nag-init ang dugo ko, at lumapit sa pwesto nila.

It's her boyfriend who cheated on her. Hinila ko siya papalapit sa akin, I hate the way he touch her.

"I don't care. You? Don't you know me? Let me introduce my self. I'm Kian Harley Krefandez, and I am an attorney. I filmed what happened. If you want, we can talk in the court, I don't care if you're the mayor's son. The fact that you lay a hand on her is already an enough reason, to put you in jail. Now, fight me." I clenched my jaw.

Asshole.

Halos dalawang buwan na simula nang umuwi kami pabalik. I had a great time because of our vacation. Pero sa dalawang buwan na 'yon hindi na ako natahimik pa, palagi siyang lumalabas sa isipan ko.

I always think about her.

I want to see her again.

I want to be with her.

Call me crazy but I like her. Ibang-iba ang dating niya sa akin, the way she smiled at me is giving me butterflies on my stomach. That's why I decided to own her, I know this is a selfish act. But I can't help it anymore.

"Take her." I murmered. "Don't you dare hurt her. Take her with care." Binaba ko ang telepono at huminga ng malalim. I hope she'll not hate me for this.

"Gago? Totoo ba 'yang naririnig ko!? Fuck, you kidnapped her?" I nodded. I'm with Von, siya lang ang sinabihan ko dahil busy sila sa Morgan at Regious.

"Yeah, but I won't hurt her." I cleared my self.

"Damn, are you thinking? Paano pag nakatakas 'yan tapos i-sumbong ka? Edi, goodbye license na?" My brow furrowed.

"I know, I'll talk to her. Where's marriage contract?" He handed me the envelope. "Thanks."

"Hah, pa rehab ka na. 'Wag mo akong idadawit pag nahuli ka ah! Tsk," I just give him a glare.

Finally, she'll be my wife. I'm willing to do anything for her.

As I expected Kaury hated me, ilang ulit siyang nag balak na tumakas pero paulit-ulit ko siyang napipigilan. Hindi ko naman siya gustong i-kulong, but I'm afraid that she will runaway. I don't want that to happened.

I love her. Sa kaunting panahon na nakilala ko siya iba agad ang dating niya sa akin, I love everything about her, I adore her so much. Even if there's something to her that I can't figure out.

The way she looked on me sometimes is giving me the chill. Pakiramdam ko'y may tinatago siya sa akin, pero wala akong pakialam. I kept her as I can.

Until one day I decided to gave her the freedom she wants, somehow I trusted my wife. I know whe will obey me, babalik at babalik siya sa akin. At kung sakali mang takasan niya ako ay hahanapin at hahanapin ko siya.

Hindi naman ako nabigo dahil bumalik nga siya, but some incident happened. They took Kaury away from me, subrang galit ang naramdaman ko.

I swear I will kill those bastards. Bakit si Kaury pa? What is their real intention? I didn't know them.

After that incident I became more careful, pina-imbestigahan ko ang nangyari. Inalam ko lahat, and I'm surprised na hindi sila madaling mahuli. They're anonymous, nahirapan ako dahil alam kung malalakas na tao ang kalaban ko.

"I regret marrying her. I regret forcing her to signed the marriage contract....." I said to Regious. Kung hindi dahil sa akin hindi sana siya napahamak, she was hurt so bad and I wanted to punish my self because I'm too careless. ".... I regret everything." If I have the chance to turn back the time, I'd rather to let her live peacefully.

Hindi ko na sana siya ginulo pa.

"Na realize mo na hindi mo mahal, ganoon ba?" I look at him.

"I love her! I love her so much, I just regretted the fact that I ruined her life. It was my fault, I shouldn't involve her in this situation." Ininom ko ang alak na nasa harapan ko.

Pagkatapos naming mag-usap ay nag paalam na siya sa akin. I can't sleep that's why I walked into her room, mahimbing na siyang natutulog.

Dahan-dahan akong umupo sa kama niya at hinalikan siya sa noo. I started to cry because I know that she was hurt, I just put her life into danger. And it making me feel useless again. Hindi ko kayang tignan siyang naghihirap, it's breaking me too.

I'm sorry wife, I'm sorry for putting you in that kind of situation.

I let my self cry that night while I'm looking directly on her angelic face.

I will protect you this time, no matter what happened.

"After the rough investigation we finally got a helpful information." One of my investigators told me.

I don't know why, but my heart skipped for a bit while he handed the papers to me. Parang nag dalawang isip akong tanggapin 'yon dahil nangangamba akong makita o makilala kung sino ang nasa likod ng unti-unting pag bagsak ng companyang matagal kung pinag-hirapan.

Ciara Kaury Sullivan - Known as MDX. Former citizen in Paris, for almost 13 years. A secret agent who work under MDX CLAN, she's a well known agent because of her skills and talent.

Fuck.

I didn't read it all. I'm getting weaker and weaker while I'm reading this information. She's the one I've been looking for? H-How?

She's my wife... I didn't understand why.

Nang umuwi ako ay blangko na ang isip ko. I also forgot that it's my birthday. I saw Kaury standing beside the table while smiling at me. That smile... is one of the reason why I fell in love with her. And now I'm seeing it, I couldn't help it but to fell for her harder.

Pero gusto ko siyang makausap tungkol sa mga nalaman ko. I don't want to judge her, I would like to hear the reasons why she'd do this to me.

"Alam mo na..." The smile on her face faded. She's now looking at me with no emotions on her eyes, a different awra is facing me.

Nang gabing 'yon nalaman ko ang katotohanan. She's the girl I've been looking for. Ang matagl ko nang hinahanap ay matagal na pa lang nasa harap ko.

I want to embrace her and begged for forgiveness, but she pushes me away. And I can't blame her, I turned my back on her before and she's mad, she hate me so much.

"Do you think you can turned me down? Anak lang kita," My father glanced at me.

"Yes I will, if that's impossible to you then I will make it possible as I can." I coldly looked at him. "You need to pay for what you did, and I'm willing to put you in jail and sentenced you a life imprisonment. I will make it happen."

Tumalikod na ako sa kanya at nag labas papalabas. This time I will stand for the truth, ang pinangako kung pag-tulong sa kanya ay gagawin ko ngayon.

Kung binigo ko siya noon, hindi ko na hahayaang mangyari 'yon ngayon. She deserve the justice, she deserve to win. And I will fight for her.

I really did.

I win the case, we win the case. But I never win her heart.

My wife, left me. I did everything just to make her stay, I explain my side but she already decided and that is to leave me. I was hurt, subrang sakit dahil hindi ko nagawang pigilan siya.

Pero hindi 'yon mababago nang katotohanang asawa ko pa rin siya. I didn't sign the annulment paper. I burn it, I promised to my self that I won't stop until I saw her again.

I accept the fact that she left me, but that's not a reason for me to give up on her.

Mas lalo ko lang pinatatag ang sarili ko. I need to survive in able to have her again.

"Hindi mo pa rin ba napirmahan ang annulment paper?" Sa pagkakaalam ko ay Polen ang pangalan niya. And she kept asking me about the annulment paper.

"I burned it. And I have no plan to sign the annulment paper. Please do me a favor, don't tell Kaury about what I did."

"Bakit naman ako makikinig sa 'yo? Anong akala mo sa akin, tra-traydorin ko si Ate CK?" She shook her head and glare at me. "Ulol."

It took me months to convince her. Ginawa ko na ang lahat para pakinggan niya ako at ang side ko. And after that she gave me the assurance that I needed.

Hindi natuloy ang annulment, pero ang akala ni Kau ay talagang pinermahan ko na 'yon. But I did not. And will never be.

One night, Vena just bragged in my house. She was crying while looking at me.

"Kian, help me please! I don't know what to do! I'm scared!" She kneel down and continue crying.

"What the hell are you doing? For pete's sake, it's already midnight Vena!" I sighed.

"Kian... I'm pregnant, b-buntis ako at hindi ko alam kung sino ang ama! Natatakot akong malaman ni Daddy dahil baka ipag-tabuyan niya ako! Baka itapon niya ako ng basura! Please tulongan mo ako, you're the only one I have..." Ano namang magagawa ko sa kanya? "Please, be the father of this child... I'm begging you..." What the fuck!?

Naririnig niya ba ang sarili niya?

"Stand up, Vena. Tumayo ka kung ayaw mong kaladkarin kita papalabas!" Kunot-noo akong tumingin sa kanya. "Did you hear your self? You want me to be the father of your daughter? Are you crazy?"

"P-Pero itataboy ako ni Daddy pag nalaman niyang walang ama ang anak ko! Please, help me this time. Nag mamakaawa-"

"I can't. Pwede kitang tulongan sa materyal na bagay Vena pero ang maging ama ng anak mo? Hindi ako pwede. So shup the fuck up, I have a wife."

"Wife? Iniwan ka niya 'di ba? Sa tingin mo ba mahal ka no'n!? Kung talagang mahal ka niya dapat nandito siya! But she's not, bakit hindi na lang ako? Bakit siya pa!"

"Because I love her. And I'm always hers."

Nilinaw ko sa kanya na hindi ko siya matutulongan sa paraang gusto niya, tanging maliliit na bagay lang ang maibibigay ko. Thankfully, hindi niya na rin ako masyadong kinukulit. Pero walang araw na hindi niya ako pinupuntahan.

I pushed my self to work hard again, my friends are there too, they helped me a lot. Because I was left nothing, walang-wala ako. Pero hindi ko kailan man ininda ang lahat nang pinagdaanan ko, I have my strength and that is my wife.

Dahil sa kanya mas lalo akong nag pursige, kahit pa subrang hirap.

"Pst, sungit. Pahiram naman phone, pasa load ako," Mabelle waved her hand before entering my office.

I didn't response, but I give her my phone. "Do it fast, I have something to do." She's Morgan's wife and she always, called me 'Sungit' maybe because I didn't talk to much. And I don't have time to smile.

"Wow, ang ganda naman nitong wallpaper mo," I bit my lower lip, remembering that I didn't change my wallpaper. It was Kaury's face. "Sino 'to ha," my wife. "Nako, sungit ha. Umiibig ka na, oh ito na cellphone mo. Salamat sa pasa load," hindi na ako sumagot at binalik ang atensyon sa trabaho ko.

It took me 2 years to get back what I lost, dalawang taon simula nang makabangon ang companya ko. And now it's getting bigger and bigger, mas marami na ring investors ang bawat branch ng Krefandez Entertainment.

1 year has passed. It's already 5 years since I last saw her. And I think it's time to meet her again. I booked a flight, papuntang Paris, at dalawa ang rason ko kunh bakit ako pupunta doon.

First is to see her, kahit sa malayo lang... masilayan ko lang siya ulit. And second is to have an appointment, with the Chairman of Vercollo Entertainment.

I will make a deal to him.

"I can invest to your company Mr. Vercollo. I heard about the proposal that you sent on DJO and they rejected it." Nandito kami ngayon sa isang café sa Paris, I did set a date for me to meet him. The Chairman of Vercollo Entertainment.

Ang DJO naman ay isang malaking companya na may iba't-ibang branches sa buong mundo. They're powerful, kaya maraming companya rin ang gustong maki-sosyo sa kanila.

At isa na ro'n si Mr. Vercollo, but he's proposal got rejected. Mailap talaga ang DJO, kaya hindi basta-bastang tumatanggap ng proposal sa ibang companga. And I want to use DJO as my influence to him.

Kaibigan at kilala ko ang President ng DJO kaya mabilis akong makakuha ng access sa kanila.

"What do you want to offer me, Mr. Krefandez?" I smiked.

"I can talk to Mr. Valencia, the President of DJO. Pwede kung kausapin siya at sabihang tanggapin ang proposal mo, I can surely do that in just one day," he look at me getting serious.

"You can do that? How?"

"I have connections to him. He's my friend, and we can talk everytime." He nodded.

"Anong kapalit?" Nilabas ko ang litrato ni Kaury sa coat na suot ko.

"I want her." I said directly. He give me a confused look.

"She's Kaury, one of my agents."

"Yea, my Kaury. I want her, I want my wife back." Inakala kung magiging mahirap sa akin ang kausapin siya, but he agreed too fast.

And that's our deal.

He will do everything and make Kaury, go back to the Philippines. While also I'm doing my job.

I finally saw her. She's walking too fast, nagmamadali siya habang kanina pa tinitignan ang relo niya.

Relax lady, you have a time.

Sinundan ko lang siya ng tingin ng biglang mahulog ang dala niya, kumonot pa ang noo ko nang bigla siyang yumuko na parang pupulutin niya ang mga nahulog niyang gamit.

Damn. Why is she wearing something like that? Bago pa siya tuloyang yumuko ay inunahan ko na siya.

Bakit kasi ang iksi ng suot mo?

"Nakulangan ka na sa tela?" I coldly said, nilagpasan ko siya kahit gustong-gusto ko na siyang yakapin. I act coldly, but my heart is melting already.

I damn miss her.

"What? May kailangan ka ba?" She suddenly asked.

"No."

"They why are you looking at me?" Halata na ba? Because I can't take off my eyes on you again. Naagaw ang atensyon ko, at gusto ko na lang titigan ka magdamag.

"I'm not looking at you. I'm looking at the painting." That's a lie of course. Sa kanya talaga ako nakatitig.

I kept my self from being soft. I wanna be with her so bad, nag pipigil lang ako. Pilit akong nakokontento na makasama lang siya sa iisang opisina, kahit sa ganoong paraan ay masaya na ako.

"Malapit na ang anniversary." Her shop's anniversary. May shop s'yang pinapatakbo, and I don't know why she keep asking me about it. Shop niya 'yon dapat siya ang mag-isip ng kung anong gusto niyang gawin.

Pero nagulat ako nang biglang lumapit sa pwesto ko si Kaury. Malakas niyang binagsak ang mga papelis sa harapan ko.

Why is that? Her face look annoyed too. She's cute.

"Pakipermahan na lang," I want to laugh because of her reaction but I stop my self. Hinayaan ko na lang kahit gusto ko siyang tuksohin dahil mukhang nag seselos siya. Sana nga.

One time Sofia, Vena's daugther wanted to go in the Mall. Medyo malapit ako sa kanya dahil nasaksihan ko ang unti-unti niyang pag-laki, I'm also close to her.

Na halos 'Daddy' niya ang tawag sa akin. Mabait lang ako sa kanya because she's a kid and she have nothing to do about Vena. Kung mabuti ang loob ko, sa anak niya lang, hindi sa kanya.

I didn't expect to saw Kaury inside the Mall, nagtama ang tingin namin pero nilipat niya ang tingin kay Sofia na ngayon ay nakahawak sa kamay ko.

Please don't get the wrong idea...

But I also stopped when I saw a little girl, calling her 'Momi'.

I was shocked when she said that it's her daughter, pero walang nag bago sa nararamdaman ko. She have daugther, so what? I don't care... I'm willing to be the father of it.

Dahil sa encounter namin sa Mall ay hindi ko maiwasang mag-isip kung sino ang ama ng anak niya. Mr. Vercollo didn't mention it to me, wala siyang sinabi na may anak pala si Kau.

I can't see any wedding ring on her hands too.

It was my birthday, at siya lang tanging hinahanap ko. I'm already manifesting that she will come here, makukumpleto lang ang kaarawan ko kapag nandito siya.

Hindi ako nabigo. She did came.

That night hindi ko na mapigilan ang sarili ko, I kissed her. Mabilis na halik lang 'yon, pero umapaw ang saya sa puso ko.

"What the hell is your problem Vena!?" I shouted. Nag kagulo sa pool dahil nahulog doon si Sofia. But she's fine now, ang hindi ko lang maintindihan ay kung bakit kailangang saktan ni Vena ang anak ni Kau.

"I t-thought she pushed our Sofia, k-kaya nagalit ako-"

"Bata 'yon Vena! Nag-iisip ka ba!? How can you hurt that innocent kid!" Mahigpit kung hinawakan ang kamay niya, kalaunan ay inalis ko rin dahil baka hindi ko na mapigilan ang sarili ko. "Instead of worrying on your daugther, you choose to hurt that kid." I hissed.

Tinalikuran ko siya at nag lakad papalabas.

I can't find her. Nalaman ko lang kay Mabelle na umalis na pala siya, kaya nag plano akong sumunod. Kahit iwanan ko na ang party ko, I just want to apologize.

""She's not fine. I swear pag ang anak ko na-trauma tatamaan sa akin ang babae mo," I raised my brow.

"Hindi ko siya babae," Vena will never be.

Kung alam mo lang Kau, ikaw lang.

After that night I completely lost my self. Ayoko nang umakto na malamig sa kanya, I want to treat her the way I loved to. Gusto kung ilabas ang totoo ko talagang nararamdaman.

"Let's have a date." Am I dreaming? She really said that? Fuck, I can't breath because of so much excitement.

We really have a date. At wala akong ibang masabi kundi ang masaya ako at nalulunod ako sa sayang naramdaman ko.

Mahal na mahal talaga kita Ciara Kaury, kahit bali-baliktarin pa ang mundo. I'm always into you.

"Wake up Kian! Wake up! Hindi kana natuto, I'm just fooling you! There's nothing special about my feelings. I hope matapos na ang lahat dito, Finn is going to be my fiancé and soon to be my husband." Fuck. Why.. why is she being like this again. "I'm sorry.... Pero hindi kita mahal."

Tinalikuran niya ako, tinalikuran niya nanaman ako. Bakit? Bakit ganoon kadali sa kanya? I really expect that we're all fine, pero bakit bigla siyang ganito?

"Balita ko broken ka raw?" Regious sat beside me.

"Hindi lang broken, kasi subrang broken, 'yong 'wife' niya ikakasal sa iba!" Von teased me. Hindi ako sumagot at tinuon ang pansin sa baso ng alak na hawak ko.

"Paano ka na? Kawawa ka naman,"

"Shut up.." I give him a death glare. "I will talk to her later, I just need some strength. I need to be strong,"

I can feel the alcohol in my whole body. Nahihilo na ako, but I manage to go in Kaury's condo. Gusto ko siyang makausap, hindi ko tanggap na tinalikuran niya ako.

Pero kahit anong pamimilit ko hindi siya lumabas. Nanatili pa rin ako, even tho it started to rain. Umaasa pa rin ako na lalabas siya, at kakausapin niya ako.

Lumuhod ako sa gitna ng ulan habang hindi na mapigilan ang sarili kung umiyak. My wife... hindi niya ba talaga ako mahal? Kahit kailan ba hindi naging tugma ang nararamdaman namin sa isa't-isa?

Kasi kung ganoon nga, pwes subrang sakit. Pag-dating sa kanya nauubusan agad ako nang lakas, pag-dating sa kanya nanghihina agad ako.

I really love her. But I guess she doesn't have the same feeling as mine.

"My god, Kian! What are you doing!" Hindi ako gumalaw mula sa pagkaka-luhod ko. It was Vena, inalalayan niya akong tumayo. Wala na akong maramdaman pa, namamanhid na ang buong katawan ko.

Vena hugged me, and I want to stop her. Pero sadyang hindi ko na kayang gumalaw pa.

I let my self cry and cry that night.

2 months. Miss ko nanaman siya, dalawang buwan na noong huli ko siyang maka-usap. She's already engaged. But if she think that I'll surrendered, will she's wrong.

She's still my wife, and she can't marry anyone. Unless I sign the annulment paper.

I really have a business trip today. Pero agad akong nag-cancel nang marinig sa ibang business partner na ngayong araw pala ang kasal nila.

Tumakbo ako papalabas ng airport, akala ko namamalik-mata lang ako, pero tootong nakikita ko ngayon si Kau! She's wearing a wedding gown, at pinalibot ang tingin niya sa kabuuan ng airport.

What's the meaning of this? Why is she here? Hindi natuloy ang kasal nila? I wanted to run towards her direction, kaso pinili kung hindi magpakita sa kanya.

Bumalik ako sa dating bahay kung saan kami namamalagi noon. It's her house, this is under her name. Alam kung pupunta siya dito, kung talagang hindi natuloy ang kasal niya ibig-sabihin may nangyari.

"Sigurado ka pong pupunta dito si Senyorita Kaury?" Claire asked.

"Yeah, she will. Give this key to her, and pretend like I'm already gone. Sabihin mong nakaalis na ako,"

"Eh? Bakit naman po Senyorito?" Napahilot ako sa noo ko.

"Just do it." Umakyat ako sa taas at dumiretso sa dati kung kwarto. Na organize pa rin lahat ng gamit dito dahil hindi ko naman pinabayaan.

I let my self rest on my bed. Hours passed, when I heard some footsteps closer to my room.

She's here.... tama ako, pumunta siya dito.

Hindi ako nag abalang gumalaw o gumawa nang ingay, pumasok siya sa loob. Sandaling natahimik ang paligid hanggang sa unti-unti kung narinig ang hikbi niya.

Fuck... she's crying.

"You're too loud. Hindi mo ba nakikitang natutulog ako?" She stopped. Kahit madilim ay nararamdaman ko pa rin siya. Bigla niyang sinampal ang sarili niya kaya mabilis akong tumayo.

"Fuck what are you doing...." Pero hindi siya tumigil. Kaya pinigilan ko siya. "Stop hurting yourself," sabi ko naman. Siya ang kahinaan ko, I don't want to see her like this.

I talk to her. Hindi nga talaga natuloy ang kasal nila. And after chasing her, I already heard those 3 words from her.

My wife, love me. Mahal niya ako! She didn't turned her back on me this time. Daig ko pa ang nanalo sa lotto.

Mahal na mahal rin kita, Kau. Kahit ipag-sigawan ko 'yan sa buong mundo gagawin ko.

********

"Gusto kung bumalik doon Kian..." I look at her. Nakangiti rin s'ya habang nakatingin sa akin. "Pwede bang samahan mo ako?" Lumapit ako sa kanya, I give her a tight hug.

"Of course, sasama ako."

She's planning to visit there, sa dating bahay namin. Where her parents died.

"Kian, bakit mahal mo ako?" Matagal akong nakatitig sa kanya. Habang ang tingin niya naman ay nasa labas ng bintana.

"Hindi naman kailangan ng dahilan Kau, kung bakit kita mahal." I held her hand, and put it on my chest. "I love you, because that's you... pero kung gusto mo talaga ng rason bibigyan kita, but expect na bukas na tayo matatapos, masyadong marami ang rason ko 'e." I winked at her, bahagya akong natawa dahil namula ang pisnge niya.

"Mahal din kita, at marami akong rason kung bakit," I looked down. "Okay ka lang?"

"Uhm... kinikilig lang," Saglit ko siyang hinalikan sa labi niya at tumayo mula sa kama. "I think we need to ready? Matagal ang byahe natin,"

We eat breakfast together, after we took a bath, lumabas na kami. She want to bring Asy with us, dahil matagal niya na raw sinabi sa bata na bibisitahin nito ang lolo at lola niya.

"I'm willing to be her dad, Kau..." I uttered, while looking at Asy. Masaya lang itong nakaupo sa likod ng kotse habang tumitingin sa labas.

"Kian.."

"From now on, I'll consider her as my daugther too." Ngumiti siya at tumango.

"T-Thankyou..."

Luma, tahimik, at sira. It's already 17 years since I last saw this house. Maraming nag bago, wala rin palang tumira dito no'ng umalis kami.

"Are you ready?" I asked Kau, she nodded.

Sabay kaming nag lakad papunta sa loob habang nasa gitna namin si Asy. She looks confused too, and Kau said that Asy is scared in this kind of place.

Binuhat ko na lang siya para hindi siya masyadong matakot. Dumiretso kami sa basement kung saan nangyari ang lahat, I also noticed that Kaury's steps is getting slow.

"I'm here, we can do this." I told her. Ayokong maramdaman niya na nag-iisa siya.

Nang makapasok kami sa loob ay nagsimula na siyang umiyak. I let her cry this once, because she needed it. Kailangan niyang ilabas ang lahat ng sakit na matagal niya nang dinadala.

"Momi is cwying...." Asy whisphered on me.

"Let's hug her?" Binaba ko siya para makalapit siya kay Kaury. Mabilis naman itong tumakbo papunta sa Mommy niya at mahigpit itong niyakap.

"M-Ma.... P-Pa, miss na miss ko na kayo, subra," Lumapit na rin ako sa kanya at hinaplos ang likuran niya. "Sana maayos na kayo, at sorry kasi ngayon lang ako nakadalaw..."

"Hush, it's okay... you can cry, nandito lang ako," I immediately hugged her when she loses her balance. Parang nanghihina ang katawan niya habang patuloy pa rin siyang umiiyak.

After a minutes, ay humupa na ang luha niya.

I guess it's my time.

Dahan-dahan akong lumuhod sa harapan niya which made her eyes widened.

"Hi Ma'am, Sir. I don't know how to introduce my self, nahihiya ako sa inyo. But I will keep going, I want to express my words, marinig niyo man o hindi. First, I want to apologize, hindi ko kayo nagawang tulongan noon. At pinagsisihan ko po 'yon, I did promised to my self that someday I will give the justice you both deserve, pasensya na po kung masyadong huli na para ibigay ko ang hustisya na dapat ay sa inyo. I'm so sorry."

"Kian, ginawa mo na ang dapat mong gawin... that's so much enough, at wala ka ring kasalanan." I smiled. Nanatili pa rin akong nakaluhod.

"Your daugther is such a beautiful woman, Ma'am, Sir. Matapang po siya, she's competitive. She have a nice smile, lahat ng meron s'ya ay maganda. Mahal ko po ang anak ninyo... and I want to marry her, but this time I will watch her walking in the asle, while wearing her best wedding gown, holding a flower, and looking directly in my eyes. I'm willing to do anything for her, I'm willing to give her the world. Because she deserves it." I wiped my tears.

Nilabas ko ang maliit na box na matagal ko nang tinatago sa sarili ko. I opened it.

"Kian..."

"Kau, mahal na mahal kita. At sa bawat araw na darating mamahalin at mamahalin pa rin kita. I'm willing to serve you and to love you until my last breath. When I met you, I can finally asure to my self that I already met the woman I want to spend my life with. Ikaw 'yon... that's why today, I'm here in front of you, asking... will you marry me?"

"Hindi mo na kailangang tanongin pa 'yan... Kian inaamin kung noon pa man dala-dala ko na ang kakaibang pakiramdam sa t'wing nasa paligid kita. Inaamin kung noon pa man, minahal na kita. Sana mapatawad mo ako sa ilang ulit at ilang beses kung pananakit sa 'yo... Alam kung may mali ako, at 'yon ang gusto kung itama. Sa pagkakataong 'to gusto ko ng mag pakatotoo sa sarili ko, at sa 'yo. Mahal na mahal kita, at oo! I will marry you!" Dahan-dahan kung sinuot sa kanya ang singsing at mahigpit siyang niyakap.

I consider this day as one of the happiest moment in my life. I can't wish for anything because I only want for my life is my wife. Being with her is my happiness.

She's my greatest obsession. She's the greatest love of my life.

My weakness is only for my wife, pinapangako ko sa buong mundo na mamahalin ko siya hindi lang ngayon, kundi habang buhay. I will treasure her, as the most precious person in my life.

End.