Chapter 50 Chapter 25 (ii)
FAE
Until I looked at him. “What?”
“Do you like it?”
I looked at the ring again. It got more beautiful the longer I stared at it, along with the deepening realization of the seriousness of what was happening at that moment. The center stone was just the right size, and the diamond had a round cut. But I discovered that the prongs holding it in place were actually designed to look like leaves. They were so small and delicate that I didn’t notice them right away. The metal was rose-colored, and the band was thin, making the stone’s head appear as if it floated on my ring finger. The ring was so beautiful that if I saw it in any jewelry shop, I would choose it, too.
If I could afford the price. I suspected Jigo had not bought it from a regular jeweler.
“Where did you get this?”
I heard him sigh. “Why do you even want to know?” he asked, as if afraid I might say another word that would annoy him.
I looked up at him. “It’s just you’ve picked exactly what I would imagine my engagement ring would look like. I want to know who the designer is. If that’s okay.”
He paused. “So, you like it?”
I smiled at him. “To say I love it is not enough, I think.” I covered the ring with my other hand and placed it over my heart. “I’ll just say that any man who proposes to me with this ring, I’d say yes immediately. It’s exquisite and perfect, Jigo. Thank you!”
He held me by the nape and pulled me into a hug, smiling with relief. “You’re such a brat to me,” he said gently now.
I laughed softly. “I love that I can be anything with you.”
He nodded. “Me, too.” Then he kissed my forehead.
We got married on the same day we received the marriage license.
It felt like he had just carried me from the bar up to his suite in the Majarlika Royale in the island resort a moment ago, and now we were getting married. I was no longer just Fairy Santiago but Fairy Santiago-Myrick. He agreed that I could still use my maiden name in legal documents, as long as it was attached to his name.
Our first night out as a married couple was on a date at one of his nightclubs.
"Are you ready?" Jigo asked as he parked his black Mercedes in the private garage of his nightclub. This was the VIP path—reserved for him, the staff, and exclusive members.
"Yes," I replied, my heart racing. I already called Joana, Pam, and Kacey. They were intrigued by the sudden invitation to one of Metro Manila's most exclusive nightclubs. I hadn't told them about Jigo during the call; I wanted to introduce him in person as my 'date.'
"Don't worry. The manager said our regular friends aren't here tonight, so we don't have to socialize with anyone. Some people know me, but I don't need to talk to them. It'll just be us in the VIP area with your friends tonight."
"Okay," I said, stepping out of the SUV. Jigo held my hand, and we walked towards the elevator. He greeted the guard by name and, after two floors, we exited into a hallway. He pushed open a thick glass door, and the club's booming bass hit me immediately.
"That's my office," he pointed out as we walked through another hallway.
We passed it and entered an area with regular tables, clubbers drinking, and a spacious dance floor below the DJ's raised platform. I took a deep breath to acclimate myself to the lights and noise. Jigo let go of my hand to put his arm around me, guiding me to the roped-off VIP platform near the main bar and kitchen. Eyes followed us, and I heard whispers of Jigo's name, mostly from women. He didn't stop until we were seated at our table above, watching the club from our elevated spot.
I took another deep breath and felt a growing irritation as I saw women preparing to approach Jigo. Everyone thought he was still single. And why wouldn't they want to be near him? Jigo was irresistible.
He looked stunning in his very light pink shirt—almost beige—with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and a few buttons open at the chest. He wore a long white gold necklace with his wedding band on it, just like mine, hidden under his clothes. His shirt was tucked into belted maroon pants, and he wore luxury black leather shoes with no socks. His outfit fit perfectly, highlighting his tall, chiseled frame. Jigo was six feet two inches, broad-shouldered with a defined chest, visible abs through his shirt, strong arm muscles, and a tight butt. I laughed, remembering how I almost didn't want him to leave the condo earlier.
He smelled so good it made me swoon.
But there was one sore spot before we could leave.
When he saw my outfit earlier, he almost didn't want me to leave the condo unless I changed out of my black dress with its low neckline and exposed cleavage.