The Best Man
A FAMILIAR flight attendant opened the entry door of the private jet. I smiled and gave her a peck on the cheeks as we chitchatted and embarked on the jet.
Today, I'm going back to the Philippines and I can't hide the nervousness and excitement I feel. It's been three years simula noong tumapak ako sa Pilipinas. Paniguradong marami na ang nagbago.
Lucy helped me with my carry-on baggage to place it above the compartment area. Kaunti lang naman ang dinala kong gamit dahil marami naman akong naiwan na damit sa mansion namin. Halos ang laman nga lang ng luggage ko ay mga pasalubong.
"Good evening, Miss Altamirano. Welcome on board. This is Captain Archie Echavez speaking, and I have some information about our flight. . ." I heard the Pilot's voice.
The 17-hour flight was like a rest day for me. I just watched movies, ate, and slept the whole flight. Kapag gising ako at hindi lumalamon ay nakikipagchikahan lang ako kay Lucy.
The private jet was safely, and successfully landed by Captain Echavez. I put on my black leather jacket and shades before walking out of Areno airport. The security team are behind me, securing me.
When I went outside the airport, numerous cameras flashed in my direction. There were a lot of reporter that wanted to interview me. I held the temple of my shades and looked down so it wouldn't hurt my eyes as the security team tried to keep them away from me.
I don't even know how those reporters got a hint that I'll be flying back to the Philippines. I told Denver not to spill it on anyone except for our team. I also didn't post any information on my story. But still, I entertained them. I answer them as long as their questions have boundaries in my private life.
"Khrizanta Altamirano, how's the Victoria's Secret fashion show?"
"It's great! We all had fun walking on the runway wearing an extravagant outfit," I answered precisely.
"Khrizanta Altamirano, is it true that the CEO of Ferrari gifted you an Akhal-Teke horse?"
"Miss Altamirano, how do you feel knowing that many boys are lining up over you?"
There were so many questions! Nalilito na ako kung paano sasagutin ang mga tanong nila so I keep smiling at them instead.
Nang nagsisimula pa lang ako sa runway ay halos araw-araw akong trending sa twitter. Napagawa tuloy ako ng account to communicate with my fans. Dahil ako ang face of our airlines, mas sumikat ang airlines namin. Maraming fans ang mas nagbook sa Areno midways.
"Miss Altamirano, how do you feel you were still the highest-paid supermodel for two years?" asked another reporter.
"All of it still felt surreal. I am very grateful to all the people who helped me on my journey. And also to the fans who continue in supporting me from the start. Thank you, everyone!" I answered before finally embarking on the black car that stopped in front of me.
Damn! Hindi pa rin pala ang nagbabago ang traffic sa Pilipinas! Gabi na pero grabe pa rin ang traffic. The number of people who own cars seems to be increasing.
Unfortunately, I don't have a car anymore. My parents grounded me to have a car. Natatakot kasi silang maulit ang nangyari noon. . .
Kaya naman sa nakalipas na tatlong taon, may driver akong sumusundo at naghahatid sa kung saan man ako pumunta.
Finally, we reach our mansion in Forbes. I still have a unit in Silvermoon tower kaya hindi pa ako bumibili ng bahay. Pero matagal na simula nang umuwi ako doon. Ilang taon na rin, almost 3 years na. Moreover, I will not stay here in the Philippines that long.
My life is in New York now.
The maid quickly opened the gate for us. I rolled down the window and thanked her. Gulat na gulat siya nang makita ako kaya natawa ako. I was about to enter the house when I found that all the lights were off and all the curtains were down so no light was coming in the whole house. Isang hakbang pa at biglang bumukas ang ilaw at may sumigaw ng 'surprise' mula sa loob ng mansion.
The corner of my eyes quickly moistened as I roamed my eyes on the living room. The whole place was full of balloons and flowers. My brother-in-law, Kuya Reeve was holding a banner with 'Welcome home, highest-paid model' lettering on the banner.
Finally, I'm home!
The wedding of Ariella and Zachariah came. It was a beach wedding held on the private island by Zachariah Silvestre itself. The beachfront is set up in a boho design. Red and white rose petals scattered into the white and fine sand. The aisle lights on the walkway down to the altar highlight the main stage.
The wedding is set at sunset time. The blue sky is painted with pink and purple hues. The color of the sky gives a majestic reflection to the beach. The whole scenery was beautiful and peaceful.
I was wearing a willow pink off-shoulder dress with a slit. The length of the dress covers up until my knee. My make up was light, but it enhance my features. My hair was in a loose low bun. The hairstylist put a pink flower clip on my hair as part of the theme.
Suddenly, someone just appeared from my side. I glanced at it, but my lips immediately parted when our eyes locked into each other. His midnight gray eyes looked at me like he was dipping at my soul.
"Y-You. . ." I pointed my finger at him. "What are you doing here?" I asked in confusion.
He was wearing a white crisp button-down shirt tucked inside a light gray slacks. He has a necktie and a slate blue coat that is widely opened. Not gonna lie, he look so handsome with his outfit.
He pointed himself in confusion. I nodded, still surprised.
"I'm the best man," he answered in a sarcastic tone.
Nalaglag ang panga ko. Hindi pa rin ako nakapagsalita dahil sa pinaghalong gulat at pagkapahiya.
Oh, shit! He's the best man while I'm the maid of honour!
"The groom is my brother," he added after seeing my reaction.
"You're Zachariah's brother? Baby brother?" I asked.
Irritation crossed his eyes for a second, but it faded quickly.
"Baby, huh? I'm not a baby anymore." He said, clicking his tongue.
My eyes automatically drifted on his body until it stopped on the middle of his thighs. Yeah right, he's not a baby anymore. I blink and cleared my dried throat when I realized I've been staring at his crotch. Damn it, Khriz.
Mabuti na lang at umayos na kami nang sinabihan kami na darating na ang bride. Dahil magkatabi kami, his perfume scent and the natural scent of his body were invading my nose! He smells so fucking good. I want to dip my nose into his neck and smell him all day.
I shook my head and composed myself. Behave, Khrizanta!
Mabilis na tumugtog ang mabagal at malamyos na musika nang magsimulang maglakad si Ariella kasama ang nanay at ang kapatid niyang si Pao-pao. Zachariah was at the end of the stage with a smile but was in tears as he watched Ariella approach him.
She looks so beautiful in her tube flowy white dress with tiny white flowers on it. Under her veil, I could see her wide smile while walking towards Zachariah.
I'm glad I could see my best friend's happy ending. I am one of the witnesses to all the heartbreaks that came in her life before. Seeing her happy right now is happiness for me, too.
Zachariah is a good man, and he is a good match with Ariella. They are both lucky to be married to each other.
Ariella and Zachariah's twins also participated in the wedding. Si Zhara ang flower girl habang si Zacki ang ring bearer.
I'm so emotional. Wala pa man sa kalagitnaan ang seremonyas ay parang naluluha na ako. I wipe the corner of my eyes, making sure there are no tears shedding.
In the middle of the ceremony, I felt someone staring at me. Pasimple akong lumingon sa kabilang banda at laking gulat ko nang magtama ang paningin namin nang kapatid ni Zachariah!
Hindi naman ako ang bride pero bakit sa akin siya nakatingin?!
He was looking at me intently. . . My heart went frenzied when he smiled at me. I hate how my heart reacts like this when it comes to him. Sa kanya lang tumitibok ng ganito ang puso ko. I hated it because I didn't even like him for my heart to react like this.
Hilaw akong ngumiti at nag-iwas na lang ng tingin. That was so awkward!
Pinanood ko lang ang buong kasal na may munting ngiti sa labi. Pero nang mag-isang dibdib na sila, hindi ko na masukat kung gaano karaming luha ang nailabas ko. It was probably because of their vows for each other.
Everyone cheered when the two kissed. Natawa ang lahat nang makitang nakatakip sa mga mata ng kambal ang mga maliliit nilang kamay.
So cute! Parang si Ashiro lang noong kinasal si Dustin.
Sabay-sabay kaming nagpunta sa reception. Nasa iisa kaming table magpipinsan. Ang mga primary sponsors naman ay magkakasama sa iisang table. Kasama doon ang parents ko, sina ate Kelsea, parents ni Zachariah at iba pa.
Hindi nagtagal at nagsimula na ang program. Habang nagsasalita ang bagong kasal para sa kanilang speech, nagsimula na rin ang pag-serve ng pagkain sa bawat table. The food was the best. Well, it was catered by no other than Reeve Roschefort, my brother-in-law.
Nang tinawag na isa-isa ang magbibigay ng speech ay medyo kinabahan ako. I already practice this when I was in the plane, but I still felt nervous for some reason.
"May we call on Miss Khrizanta for her speech for the newlyweds," The host called my name.
I stood up from my chair and accepted the microphone. "Hello, Mrs. and Mr. Silvestre," I greeted them. "First of all, congratulations for the successful and wonderful wedding. . ." I smiled, a bit teary-eyed. "Zachariah, please take care of my best friend. Ariella really means a lot to me. She is someone who I am incredibly grateful to have in my life. I have seen her through her ups and downs, and I have never seen her as happy as she is now."
My speech was interrupted when Ariella spoke. "Thank you, Khrizanta. . . Thank you for not leaving my side. I love you." She cried, and her husband immediately consoled her.
I wipe the tears that drop into my eyes. "I love you, Ariella. Zachariah, you have brought out the best in Ariella, and for that, I am grateful. I wish you both a lifetime of love, happiness, and adventure. I will always be here if you need any help. Cheers, everyone!"
I raised the glass of champagne before going in Ariella's direction and embracing her. I also hugged Zachariah before returning to the table. Next up who went on the stage was Zachariah's girl best friend, Architect Fhaine.
Pagbalik ko sa table ay naabutan kong nag-aasaran ang mga pinsan ko. Dustin is teasing his older brother, Dwight.
"Uy, nakangiti. . . Palibhasa naka move on na!" pang-aasar ni Dustin sa kapatid.
"Shut up, Dustin." he rebukes.
Hindi ko maiwasan ang hindi mapailing. May babae kasing nalilink sa kanya. After five years, since we were in college and I introduced Ariella to him, ngayon na lang ako may narinig na nalilink kay Dwight.
And I didn't expect the woman he'd get linked with. They're the best example of opposite attracts.
"Are you a couple now?" I butted in.
Nalipat sa akin ang tingin nila. Humagalpak si Dustin, habang si Dwight ay umigting ang panga. Hinampas ng asawa ni Dustin ang braso niya pero hindi 'to nagpapigil.
"Ako na sasagot! Hindi pa sila. Eto kasing si kuya. . ." Inakbayan niya si Dwight. "He rejected her confession three times! Ang malala pa, nireto niya sa iba tapos ngayon nagseselos kasi hindi na pinapansin— Aray!" sinuntok siya ng kapatid.
"God, I want to punch your face," Dwight muttered, irritated.
"You already did! Remember when I was still single? You punched me because you're jealous!"
"Because you're fucking touchy, Dustin. You're touching what's mine," masungit niyang sagot.
Dustin laughed. Halatang nang-aasar lang.
"Nireto mo sa iba?" I asked, and Dwight just tsked. "Gago ka pala, eh."
"What?" he grumbled. "Ayoko lang siyang umasa."
"Oh, bakit nagseselos ka ngayon? Sino ba nireto mo?"
"Leoniel," he muttered with bitterness.
Humagalpak ako. "Kawawa ka naman," pang-aasar ko.
He tsked. "Ayoko siyang umasa sa wala, okay? I still have hang-ups on Ariella when she confesses to me. Of course, I rejected her because that's the best thing to do."
"Kaya lang makulit," tumatawang saad ni Dustin.
"Isusumbong kita," pananakot ng asawa ni Dustin.
"Darling naman! Nagbibiro lang. . ."
God, what an UNDER-standing husband.
After the speech, they cut the giant cake and spoon-feed each other. Ang sumunod naman ay bouquet toss. When the bouquet was tossed by Ariella, I was relaxed because my direction was almost in the back. Sigurado naman akong hindi mapupunta sa akin ang bulaklak dahil masyado nang malayo. Pero laking gulat ko na lang nang biglang may tumulak sa akin. Because of reflex, sinalo ko 'yong bouquet.
My eyes widened as my lips slightly parted. Nagpalipat-lipat naman ang tingin ko sa bulaklak na hawak ko at sa mga kasama kong babae na napalingon sa akin at nagsisitili.
"At ayon na nga ho, ladies at gentlemen! The winner is no other than Khrizanta Altamirano, the highest-paid model!" The host announced, and the audience immediately went wild.
I was really nervous and freaking out at the same time. Hindi ko naman ito gusto, eh! Nilapitan ako ng host at pinaupo sa tabi ng bride at groom. I couldn't do anything, so I just followed.
"Let's proceed to the tossing of the wedding garter!" The host announced. Mas lalo akong kinabahan sa narinig.
Napatingin ako sa mga kalalakihan na naglakad papunta sa dance floor. I spotted a few familiar faces in the middle. Hunter, Duke, Leoniel and Zachariah's brother are in the middle.
Tumayo na si Zachariah hawak 'yong garter. He took his place next to the host, who was busy explaining the meaning of the tossing of wedding garter.
"Khriz, kapag si Leoniel ang nakakuha ng garter, you should give it a try, the destiny is conspiring that you two are really meant to be." Ngingiti-ngiting sambit sa akin ni Ariella.
I made a face and glanced at Leoniel with a horrendous stare. His brows arched when he caught me looking at him. "Huwag kana umasa," I muttered.
Napapailing na tumawa si Ariella. I just chose to look at the men involved in the tossing of garter. Wala talaga akong masyadong kakilala! Puro kaibigan yata ni Zachariah ang dumalo. Nakakainis!
I really hope no one will upload a video of this segment because I don't want a controversy!
I could feel the anticipation in my nerves as I watched the game start. My eyes widened when three men jumped to get the garter. But before they could even touch it, someone jumped so high, blocking their view, causing those men to almost tumble. I gasped and almost stood up from my chair when I saw who grabbed the magical garter.
Oh, fuck! It's no other than Zachariah's brother, Croisx!
"Whoa! This is interesting! The brother of the groom, and the best friend of the bride. . ." The host is gesturing me to come closer to her. Gusto kong ibato sa bibig niya 'tong boquet na hawak ko dahil halatang inaasar niya ako sa kapatid ni Zachariah.
"Lapit ka raw," bulong ni Ariella.
I want to grunt but I stopped myself because I don't want to make a bad expression. I stood up and approached the host. The host made me sit on the chair in the middle. All eyes are on me. I also feel that Croisx is following me with his eyes. Kahit mag-iwas ako ng tingin ay ramdam kong hindi ako nilulubayan ng mga mata niya.
"Okay, let me explain how this goes! Isusuot ni Croisx ang garter sa hita ni Miss Khrizanta. But wait! Wala pa tayo sa exciting part!" The host seems excited. "You can't use your hand. Instead, you have to do it with your mouth!"
That made an uproar from the people watching, and I almost dropped my jaw on the floor.
"Are you fucking kidding me?" I blurted out, mabuti na lang at wala akong microphone kaya hindi nila rinig ang pagmumura ko.
"Sorry, Miss Khrizanta. 'Yon ang rules," bulong ng host.
My shoulder dropped in disappointment. Wala na talaga akong nagawa lalo na noong magsimula na ang palaro.
The tension I felt rose when Croisx started to kneel. He was kneeling down in front of me as if proposing to me. Noong mga oras na 'yon, kahit malakas ang hangin at naka-aircon ang buong paligid, pinagpapawisan pa rin ako ng malagkit! I was only wearing my underwear! Damn it!
My heart went restless against my chest when I felt Croisx grab ahold of my feet. His palm feels so warm and oddly familiar. I bit the inside of my cheeks the moment the garter slips into my ankle. This is really happening!
Goosebumps ripped through my body when I felt his lips graze my skin. I could feel his teeth slightly touching my skin, sending spiral feelings to my nerves. My body knows his touch. But my mind doesn't.
It feels like we had an unfinished love story before that we are bound to continue perfectly. Fuck.
"More! Up! Up!" The host shouted. Pilit akong nakikitawa sa pangtutudyo ng mga tao sa paligid. Ang mga pinsan ko ay tumitili mula sa table namin, na pinapangunahan ni Dustin! Ugh!
My breathing started to go hard as I met the eyes of Croisx. His face twisted with embarrassment as he continued to bite the garter up my thighs. His deep gaze lingered into mine. Nang umabot na ito sa gitna ng dress ko ay doon siya tumigil. I let out a deep, shaky breath.
I could feel my legs shaking a bit. My eyes blinked when he offered his hand, wanting to help me to stand up. "Sorry."
"Sorry for what?" I asked the moment I accepted his hand.
Iyong host ay nawala dahil tinawag siya ng mag-asawa, mukhang may sasabihin.
"For touching you without asking for your consent," he muttered apologetically.
I swallow, trying to settle my nerves. "It's a game. . ."
His face cramped with a 'What the fuck are you saying' look. He let out a low sigh, not withdrawing his eyes from me.
"Game or not, I still need your consent," he answered firmly.
Hearing his answer makes my heart go haywire. This is bad. . . So fucking bad!
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