Rule #1: Rule of Fate

[41]

"W-What?!" I almost shouted due to shock.

Nakangisi sina Mason sa amin. My eyes widened because of what I heard. Am I hearing it right? Did Gray just introduce her as his wife?

"K-Kayo?" sabi ko at pabalik-balik ang tingin sa kanilang dalawa.

Kaia just looked at me, wondering why I was reacting that way. I was really shocked! Hindi ko aakalain na si Gray at si Lacey pala! Sobrang unexpected!

"Yes. We're married." tinaas niya ang daliri para ipakita ang kumikinang na wedding ring. "Do you have any problem with that?"

"Lacey, nagtataray ka na naman sa harap ng anak natin," saway ni Gray.

Tumingin siya sa asawa niya. "Oh, bakit? May problema ba? Ayaw mong tarayan ko 'yung mahal na mahal mo dati, ganoon ba?"

"Love..." malambing na tawag ni Gray.

Lacey scoffed. "Che! Wag mo akong tawagin love, Maximillian! May atraso ka pa sa akin!"

Gusto kong matawa. I find this news funny for a reason. I can't believe it! Gray and Lacey?

"What's funny?" Lacey said in a calm manner.

Umiling ako, pinipigilan ang sarili sa pagtawa. Pero kada pagpigil ko ay bigla ulit akong natatawa.

"I'm sorry... it's just that I didn't expect the two of you to be... together." sabi ko nung napakalma ko na ang sarili ko.

Gray sighed. "Me either," mahinang sambit ni Gray.

Lacey shot him a glare. I saw the panic in Gray's eyes as he looked away.

"Joke lang," bawi niya agad sa sinabi at nagpeace sign.

Ngumiti ako sa kanilang dalawa.

"But I'm happy for you two!" I smiled genuinely before sighing. "Ang dami na talagang nagbago..."

"Yeah, and that includes his feelings for you." Lacey had a sarcastic smile playing on her lips.

Napatingin ako sa kanya. Pinagseselosan niya ba ako? Parang dati lang pinagseselosan niya ako dahil kay Kale, ah?

"Love naman..." paglalambing ni Gray at niyakap ang baywang nito.

Lacey's gaze went to Kaia and ignored Gray.  Tinitigan niya ang mukha nito. Dahil tuloy sa pagtataray ni Lacey ay natakot ang anak ko sa kanya. Napahawak siya ng mahigpit sa akin at nagtatago sa likod ko.

She slowly approached her. Kaia's grip on my dress tightened and looked up to me so I could protect her. I gave her a re-assuring smile.

"Hi, I'm Tita Lacey. You are?" ngiti niya kay Kaia.

Parang nag-iba bigla ang mood ni Lacey pagharap nito kay Kaia. Humigpit naman ang hawak sa akin ni Kaia at napayakap pa lalo.

"I'm Kaia..." mahina niyang sabi.

Itinago ni Gray ang reaksyon niya sa kinilos ni Kaia. Halata kasing natatakot na ito kay Lacey. Nakatingin lang si Max kay Kaia, bahagyang nakakunot ang noo tulad ng Mommy niya.

Wow! Their child looks exactly like Gray but he got Lacey's attitude.

Lacey had a warm smile. "Nice to meet you, baby. I'm your dad's friend."

Biglang nagliwanag ang mukha ni Kaia. Wala naman na kaso sa akin kung mabanggit pa si Kale sa kanya. I'm meeting him anyway. Hindi ko lang alam kung kailan.

"Daddy?" masiglang sabi ni Kaia. "You know my Daddy?"

Tumango si Lacey at ngumiti dito.

Nag-angat ng tingin si Kaia sa akin.