#OLAPlayPretend
Chapter 30
Sun
Barely twenty-five, I couldn't believe I would find myself getting married to a highly influential tycoon in the country. Nakatitig lamang ako salamin. Paulit-ulit kong sinusuri ang aking itsura. I couldn't help but be conscious of how I looked on this special day.
Kahit na konti lang ang imbitadong guests dito sa kasal, the media invited would surely release our pictures to the public. Ang sikat ding wedding videographer na nakuha ni Xaiver ay kilala sa pag-a-upload ng mga final video sa kanyang Youtube channel. And knowing Xaiver's influence, I was certain that people would watch our wedding.
May mga nabasa na ako noong nabalitang ikakasal na kami na kuryoso sila kung paano ikasal ang mga mayayamang kagaya ng mga Dela Vega. They wanted a glimpse of their world. Even though I was dressed in a very expensive gown and styled by a reputable glam team, I still wasn't confident enough.
I had a clean, pure look that was ideal for the beach thanks to the makeup artist. Hindi niya kinapalan ang makeup dahil hindi bagay sa theme at sang-ayon ako roon. My hair was styled in a loose, half-braided ponytail with gentle curls. Greek leaf and vine hair ornaments made of white gold, diamonds, and pearls were also added by the hair stylist.
I wore the wedding gown that Diego himself created especially for me. It is an intricate lace wedding ball gown with sheer sleeves. The bodice has a sweetheart neckline and sleeves embroidered with leaf and floral designs. Diego made sure the train wouldn't fall by fastening it to the hair accessories. It reached at least two meters from the hem, flowing from my hair.
I honestly had no idea how we were able to come up with such a perfect wedding dress in just a month while others took months or even a year to complete one. Nakakamangha pa na talagang natapos 'yon... but I was sure it cost a lot for Xaiver.
"Chantal!" Hariette's cheerful voice cut my train of thoughts. "Oh my God! You're so pretty!"
I turned to her immediately. Hariette wore a pinkish-nude halter-top dress. Her flowy skirt reached her ankles, exposing her nude wedges. Ang kanyang buhok ay nakataas, tied into a perfect messy bun. Her light natural makeup complimented her look. Gumanda siya lalo.
Habang papalapit si Hariette, nahagip ko ng tingin ang kanyang kasama. Following closely behind her, Macy smiled when our eyes met. She was wearing a white spaghetti-strap bodycon dress. Kahit na medyo unflattering ang kulay ng damit para maging fitted, it still showed her curves properly. Her hair was straightened. Nilugay niya lamang 'yon at ang isang side ay nakaipit sa likod ng tainga.
"Nakita na kitang suot 'to noong final fitting, but you look so timeless today and effortlessly beautiful. I'm sure Kuya Xavi will fall for you all over again once he sees you later," Hariette said.
"Thank you..." I chuckled lightly and smiled.
"Oh, by the way!" Hinila ni Hariette palapit si Macy na nanatili lamang nakatayo sa likuran niya kanina. "You've met Ate Macy already, right?"
"Yes..." Pagkabalik na pagkabalik niya ng Pilipinas ay nakilala ko na siya. She visited and waited for Xaiver the first thing she returned.
"I'm so happy! Wala man si Kuya Art, at least, the love of his life is here to witness his brother's wedding," sabi ni Hariette. She radiated with genuine happiness.
I don't know exactly how to feel about that. I don't know if it's a good thing or not. Kahit si Macy ay hindi rin maintindihan ang reaksyon. She smiled back at Hariette, but the smile didn't reach her eyes.
"Anyway, balik na kami sa beach. I just really want to see you para inggitin si Kuya Xavi," biro ni Hariette. "Congrats! Huwag mong takbuhan ang pinsan ko ah!"
Muli akong natawa. "I won't. Thank you."
Ngumiti si Hariette sa akin saka nilingon si Macy. "Let's go?"
Macy nodded, but before they left, she turned to me and said, "Uhm, congrats, Chantal."
"Salamat..." nag-aalangan kong sabi at nagsumikap ngumiti.
Mabuti na lang at umalis na rin sila agad matapos magpaalam. The wedding would start in fifteen minutes, and I didn't want to spoil my mood. Kinakabahan na ako dahil sa kasal. Ayaw kong magkaroon pa ng karagdagang negatibong emosyon.
In a span of ten minutes, naging abala ang photographer na kuhanan ako ng pictures. He already took pictures of me while getting ready, pero dapat kasama rin daw ang paghihintay ko. I smiled for the camera while most shots were candid. Sumaglit din ang sikat na videographer na kanina pa nagvi-video. Madami-dami siyang pinagawa sa akin para mas maging maganda ang kalabasan.
Tumigil nga lang sila nang dumating na si Karylle, ang aming wedding planner and organizer. I was surprised to see her with my mother and Tito Lucio. Ang usapan ay si Mama lang ang susundo sa akin kaya naman nagtaka ako na naroon din ang ama ni Xaiver.
"Tito..." Tumayo ako upang salubungin siya. "May problema po ba?"
Tito Lucio chuckled and shook his head. Sinulyapan niya si Mama na tumango sa kanya bago itinuon ang atensyon sa akin. "Well, I told Malou that I could walk you to my son with her... If that's fine with you... Of course, I don't want to—"
"Gusto ko po 'yon," putol ko sa kanya.
Halos mapunit ang aking mga labi dahil sa sobrang laki ng ngiti. I couldn't believe he volunteered to walk me down the aisle. Alam kong kadalasan ay ang ama ang naglalakad sa kanilang babaeng anak papuntang altar. And for Xaiver's father to do that for me, pakiramdam ko'y parte na talaga ako ng kanilang pamilya.
"Thank you po, Tito..." I felt a sting in the corner of my eyes. The wedding had not started yet, but I already got a bit emotional.
"No need to thank me," he said as he took a step forward. "You are family. I considered you my daughter the moment Xaiver introduced you as his bride-to-be."
I bit my lip and couldn't help but hug him. I was both grateful and guilty at the same time. Kung sana ay totoo lang ang lahat...
"There, there..." Tito Lucio gently patted my back. "You might ruin your hair and makeup. Ayaw kong mapagalitan ng anak ko dahil pinaiyak ko ang asawa niya."
Napangiti ako sa kanyang biro saka bumitiw. Lumapit sa akin si Mama at inabot ang bouquet ng camellias. Nalipat doon ang buong atensyon ko at nanatili ng ilang segundo nang biglang napaisip.
From the pendant of the necklace he bought at Hariette's charity ball and the engagement ring, I realized that camellias have been a huge part of our journey. Kaya naman noong tinanong ako ng aming organizer kung ano ang gusto kong bulaklak na gamitin para sa kasal, I chose camellia instead of my favorite flower.
Sa totoo lang, hindi ko pa nga alam kung bakit. I should be avoiding the flower instead of embracing it and making it a symbol of our complicated relationship, but I still did.
"Are you ready?" tanong ni Tito Lucio nang makarating na kami sa dalampasigan.
We were standing a few meters away from the altar. Since the beach was very open, sa pinakamalapit na beach casita kami nakapuwesto. Doon din ako inayusan kanina at nagbihis. Ngayon ay nasa terrace kami habang naghihintay na magsimula ang seremonya.
Nakikita ko agad ang kakaunti naming bisita. There were only three rows of seats, left and right. Sa kabuuan ay less than twenty lang ang bisita namin, kasama na ang media. Most guests came from Xaiver's family. Nandoon ang pamilya nina Hariette at Knoa at pati na rin ang malapit na kaibigan nila ni Knoa. Mr. and Mrs. Dizon were also invited.
From our side, inimbita ni Mama ang kanyang kumare. Hindi na namin inabala ang sarili na imbitahin ang mga malayong kamag-anak. They all turned their backs on us when we needed them the most. Nagkunwari silang hindi kami kilala. They were ashamed of us. I didn't want to ruin this special occasion because of them. Hindi kami magiging komportable na nandyan sila kaya huwag na lang.
I tried to peek at Xaiver, but I couldn't see him. My vision was obstructed by the coconut tree near me. But I guess it was better not to see him before I started walking down the aisle. Baka mas lalo lamang akong kabahan.
"Chantal..." tawag sa akin ni Tito Lucio nang hindi ko siya nasagot agad.
"Uh... Kabado pa rin po..." sabi ko at naiilang na tumawa.
He tapped my hand on his arm. "That's understandable."
"Oo nga, anak. Lilipas din 'yan lalo na kapag nakita mo si Xaiver mamaya. Iisipin mo na parang kayong dalawa na lang ang tao sa mundo," Mom told me as if that would really happen.
That was surely based on her experience. But with me... hindi ko sigurado. Hindi naman talaga kami ni Xaiver. Sa papel lang kami ikakasal. The wedding was just all for show.
"Chantal, get ready. We'll start in one minute," paalala ni Karylle. Tumango ako at umayos na ng tayo. Ganoon din sina Tito Lucio at Mama. Ilang mga segundo lang ang nakalipas ay narinig ko na ang instrumental ng isang pamilyar na kanta. The sheer curtain blocking our path was swept aside for us to enter the aisle.
I took a deep breath and put on a brave smile before finally making a move. Nadinig ko ang mahinang palakpakan ng mga bisita. Nang mag-angat ako ng tingin, una kong napansin ang ayos.
The stunning backdrop took my breath away. Adding the touch of wood and pink colors to the original gold, white, and silver scheme was a perfect decision. Mas nagmukhang buhay ang ayos. The wooden dining chairs for the guests and other ornaments and decorations used complimented the white sand well. Instead of a carpet, pink camellia flowers crawled up both sides of the aisle, creating a path that led me to the end of the trail.
Sa dulo ay nandoon ang pergola. There were vines, leaves, and camellia flowers all over, aside from the white sheer side curtains on all four posts. Sa ilalim noon, mayroong lamesa at wooden bench na same design sa upuan ng mga guests. And waiting just right in front of the pergola was Xaiver.
When my gaze fell on him, my lips parted, and I unconsciously let out a soft gasp. I had seen him in all kinds and designs of suits, but his white wedding suit with lines and touches of gold was incomparable. Instead of a tie, he wore a bow. Mayroon ding sumisilip na camellia flower sa maliit na pocket sa bandang kaliwang dibdib.
Xaiver's hair was neatly styled, showing his forehead. Kagaya sa mga naging photoshoots niya, hindi siya naglagay ng kahit anong makeup sa mukha, but he was glowing and looking more radiant. It might be the sun doing wonders for his face at that moment, but it was impossible for me to stop staring at him. At nang magtama na ang aming mga mata, hindi na ako nakawala.
Habang patagal nang patagal, mas lalo kong nakita nang maayos ang kanyang mukha. Habang palapit nang palapit, mas naramdaman ko ang paghampas ng puso sa aking dibdib. Hindi ko na rin sigurado kung dahil pa ba sa kaba 'yon. The nervousness already dissipated when I saw the picturesque view of our wedding. Kung ano man ang rason, hindi ko pa alam at parang ayaw ko munang alamin.
There was a huge part of me that wanted to cherish the moment. I didn't want to miss a second of it. Kaya ang mga dapat isipin na gumagambala sa akin ay isinantabi ko muna. Ang buong atensyon ko ay na kay Xaiver. As cliché and ironic as it might sound, my mother was right — parang kaming dalawa lang ni Xaiver ang magkasama sa oras na 'yon. Even though we were just playing pretend, everything suddenly felt so real.
Walang hinto ang paglakad ko papunta sa kanya. Umayos siya ng tayo nang nakalapit ako. The wooden wind chimes danced and sang with the salty air blowing our way when he held my hand. Hindi natanggal ang tingin niya sa akin at ganoon din ako.
"Ang bagal mo maglakad..." bungad niyang bulong sa akin.
Kumunot bahagya ang aking noo. Nadinig ko ang mahinang pagtawa nina Mama at Tito Lucio.
Nilingon ko si Mama at nagbabadya ang luha sa kanyang mga mata nang yakapin ako. Si Tito Lucio naman ay tinapik ang balikat ni Xaiver.
"Alam kong hindi ka papabayaan ni Xaiver kaya ang tanging hiling ko na lang ay maging masaya ka, anak..." bulong ni Mama habang nakayakap pa rin sa akin. Sinigurado niyang ako lamang ang nakadinig dahil sa hina ng boses. "Pero huwag mong kakalimutan na bukas lagi ang bahay natin para sa 'yo. Kung gusto mong umuwi, nandito lang ako."
I hugged her back, my lips pressed together tightly. I wanted to bury my face in her neck and cry, but I didn't want to ruin the hard work of the glam team. Pinigilan ko ang sarili na maiyak. I tapped her back instead and smiled when I found the courage to do so.
"I love you, Ma... Maraming salamat po sa lahat..." I will do anything and everything for you.
Naramdaman ko ang pagtango ni Mama bago ako pinakawalan. Despite the tears streaming down her face, she wore a smile and caressed my cheeks. Hindi na niya kailangan pang magsalita. With just the way she looked at me in the eye, I knew she said she loves me too.
Muli kong hinarap si Xaiver. He patiently waited until we were done. Hinawakan niyang muli ang kamay ko at sabay kaming naglakad patungo sa harap ng pari.
"Are you ready to be Mrs. Dela Vega?" mahinang tanong niya.
I glanced at Xaiver. Pirming nakadiretso lang ang kanyang mga mata sa harapan. Ngunit kahit na hindi siya nakatingin sa akin, I just smiled as an answer instead of voicing it out. Xaiver might be looking at me from his peripheral vision dahil umangat din ang kanyang labi pagkangiti ko at hinigpitan niya ang hawak sa aking kamay.
"To the beloved guests, friends, and family... We are gathered here this afternoon to join this man and woman in holy matrimony," panimula ng pari bilang simula ng seremonya.
Nagpatuloy ang kasal ng walang naganap na aberya. The priest continued his speech while Xaiver and I replied as needed. Kaninang umaga, iniisip ko pa na paano kung mablanko ako at makalimutan ko ang mga sasabihin, but every word came out of my lips effortlessly. Laging sabay ang pagsagot namin ni Xaiver. Walang nauuna, walang nahuhuli. It was like we had memorized every line by heart until the moment we had to say our improvised wedding vows.
Doon ako nablanko. I was lucky that Xaiver would be the first one to take the microphone. May pagkakataon pa ako na mag-isip ng puwedeng sabihin. Hindi pa nga lang ako nakakapagsimula sa pag-iisip nang biglang nagsalita si Xaiver.
He pulled me away from burying myself in words. He reached for my hand and held it tightly before raising his gaze to look deeply into my eyes.
"Years back, we met by chance... accidentally crossing paths with you... and then we inevitably parted ways... until I stepped in, took control, and did the work of Fate for us to happen," Xaiver said slowly. "Carrying a huge burden on my shoulders at a young age after a tragedy, I was forced to mature and grow up while keeping in mind the responsibilities of being the only son left of my parents. All my attention was dedicated to work, and I was rewarded with countless opportunities, deals, partnerships, and awards. I admit that every success gets into my head, and I'm the type who craves more accomplishments to feed my pride and ego. I don't have an ultimate goal. I want to continue striving until I exhaust all my passion and motivation for work."
Kinagat ko ang aking labi. It was so hard for me to digest his words. At some point, it felt like I had lived in the same world and experienced the same life as him. Kaya sa kabila ng karangyaan at ng mga bagay na nakamit niya, naawa ako. I could empathize with Xaiver Dela Vega.
"Marriage did not cross my mind until I realized that I wanna marry you. It wasn't important to me. I even once thought that I wouldn't settle down with a family of my own," he admitted, and I was certain that I heard some guests react in disbelief. "But you gave me a huge slap and put my feet on the ground by making me face rejection. It was a bit embarrassing on my part, but it made me eager to pursue you more... and now we're here."
Xaiver brought my hand to his lips. He smiled before pressing a soft kiss on the engagement ring he slid on my finger.
"Thank you for marrying me," he whispered, which sounded so sincere. "Today, I vow to be your Xaiver Dela Vega... your husband."
His voice lingered in my ears. His words brought me comfort and reassurance. Muli ay hindi ako nakaiwas ng tingin. Hindi ko nabawi ang kamay. I was lost in the moment. I was lost in his eyes. I was lost in his touch but felt at home because of his warmth.
It was an extraordinary feeling. For two people playing pretend, I had no idea that it was something possible to feel until that moment.
"Your turn," he said, then passed me the microphone.
Medyo nanginig ang aking kamay nang tinanggap 'yon. Nadinig ko ang pagtama ng engagement ring sa ko sa microphone. I parted my lips to speak, but no words came out of my mouth. Nanuyo ang aking lalamunan. Hindi ko malaman kung ano ang sasabihin.
I didn't draft anything. I didn't rehearse for this speech. Aside from that, I was too stunned to speak after hearing his vows. I was still trying to process everything, but it was already my turn.
"Uhm..." My lips trembled, trying to gather words and make sense of them at the last minute. "I... I, uhm..."
Xaiver smiled and held my hand again. Mahinang napasinghap ako roon at sinulyapan ang aming magkahawak na kamay bago nag-angat ng tingin sa kanya. He looked so gentle in his white suit, while the cotton candy colors of the skies reflected by the setting sun hit his face.
It made him appear so soft, warm, and tender in my eyes. Para bang kahit magkamali ako ng sasabihin at magkandautal-utal ay ayos lang. He wouldn't get angry. Hindi niya ako papagalitan. And to be honest, that lifted the pressure on my chest. It revealed words that I never knew were kept deep in my heart.
"I... I guess I started admiring you back when I was still your secretary... o baka simula noong napansin mo ako at nabigyan ng oportunidad ang isang katulad ko," panimula ko. "You were very patient with me. You helped me discover things I never knew I was capable of. You showed me the world and let me explore it with you — step by step. Sa totoo lang, kahit na gusto ko, hindi ko kayang isa-isahin ang mga bagay na nagawa mo para sa akin... o para sa pamilya ko."
When I took a pause, I looked at our intertwined hands and smiled. Naramdaman ko ang marahang pag-alog ni Xaiver sa kamay ko. It seemed like he was eager to hear more. Hindi siya makapag-antay.
"I thought you were just the ruthless Xaiver Dela Vega, the next game-changer and internationally-awarded businessman, but you're more than that. Salamat dahil hinayaan mo akong makapasok sa mundo mo at makalapit sa 'yo. Thank you for letting me see what's beyond that façade. And likewise... thank you for marrying me," I told him, almost whispering the last words. "From your secretary, I vow to be your partner... your wife... your Mrs. Dela Vega."
After ending my vow, mas lalong gumaang ang pakiramdam ko. Nakahinga ako nang maluwag. I smiled as I looked up at him again and stared into his eyes.
I was glad that I didn't have to lie. Lahat ng mga sinabi ko ay totoo. Iyon ang dahilan kung bakit hindi ako nahirapan... kung bakit wala akong naramdamang konsensya dahil sa pagsisinungaling sa harap ng aming pamilya.
I'd like to think that Xaiver also felt my sincerity. He was speechless. Nakatitig lang siya sa akin at parang ako ay pinoproseso pa ang nadinig. Kung hindi lang namin kailangang isuot ang singsing sa isa't isa ay baka hindi na naputol ang pagtitinginan naming dalawa.
Xaiver slid the wedding band on my left ring finger. Inilipat ko muna ang engagement ring sa kanan, but I planned on wearing both on the same finger.
Pagkatapos isuot ni Xaiver ang singsing sa akin, ganoon din ang ginawa ko sa kanya. As I watched his face, I noticed a small smile form on his lips as he raised his gaze to me.
By the time we reached the end, nasa gitna na nang paglubog ang araw. Mas lalong naging makulay ang langit na para bang hindi dilim ang nag-aantay rito. At nang tumingin ako kay Xaiver, mas lalong naging maliwanag at makulay ang paligid.
"By the power of the Holy Spirit bestowed upon me, it is now that I solemnly pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride!"
The guests went quiet in anticipation as we reached the most-awaited part of the wedding. My throat and lips went dry. I held on tightly to the skirt of my ball gown. Wala akong ideya kung ano ang mangyayari. Hindi ko rin alam kung bakit para akong naghihintay.
We did not talk about this. I assumed we would just act like we kissed in front of everyone, and that was it! Kaya nang humakbang papalapit si Xaiver upang iangat ang aking belo, tuluyan akong napasinghap. Nanigas ako sa kinatatayuan.
Mas lalong nagwala ang puso ko nang medyo ibinaba niya ang mukha palapit sa akin. I could finally see him clearly without the veil in front of me. Judging by his expression, it seemed like he would definitely go for a kiss.
"I'm gonna kiss you..." he whispered, so that only the two of us could hear him. The air coming from his lips already touched my mouth.
I swallowed hard. Ano ba ang dapat kong sabihin? Parang nablanko na ako! Hindi ako makapagdesisyon. I was just staring at his lips near mine.
"If you don't want it, you can dodge my lips..." he said while placing a hand on my back.
Wala sa sarili kong naiangat ang kamay sa kanyang dibdib kung nasaan ang camellia. Diretso ang titig ko sa kanya. His smoldering eyes almost burned me, making me melt. Dinaig niya pa ang mataas na sikat ng araw kanina. At nang mas lalo niyang inilapit ang ulo sa akin, our lips were only an inch apart, but I didn't move. I couldn't move.
"I'll take that as a yes, Mrs. Dela Vega." Xaiver smiled and dipped his head completely to seal our vows in the most intimate way possible. Dalawang kamay na niya ang nakasuporta sa aking likuran.
It was a very light kiss. His lips barely touched mine as if he was being careful. But the intense feeling... the pleasure of sharing a kiss with Xaiver Dela Vega pierced right through my heart and sent electricity all over my body.
Time passed by in slow motion. The waves crashing onto the shore became less violent. The wind touched my face like a feather. The applause got drowned out by the measured beat of my heart every second.
I closed my eyes to prepare myself for my next move. And as if drawn by an unknown desire, I lifted my head and pressed my lips closer to him.
Our kiss deepened. The cheers got clearer and louder to conclude the celebration of our matrimony. This special day would inevitably end after the sunset, but our time was still in the dawn...
Our sun was just about to rise.
artwork by: zeinarts
this artwork is commissioned for personal and commercial use. please do not reupload.