Katapusan (Ikalawang Parte)
Nasayang lang ang oras ko sa pagpunta sa malayong lugar na iyon. Hindi naman pala matutuloy ang kasal. Damn my cousin for ditching his bride on their wedding day.
"What an arsehole," I hissed to myself as I was driving my car away from that place.
Hindi naman dapat sana ako pupunta sa kasal na iyon. It just so happened that my family was busy. Hindi pa ako makatanggi kay Lola Leticia sa pakiusap niyang ako nalang ang magpunta. Masama ang pakiramdam niya at naisip kong rude ang hindi pagpunta lalo na't pinsan ko ang ikakasal.
Biglang nagring ang phone ko. So, I took the call and enabled its handsfree.
"Arturo!"
Napabuga nalang ako sa hangin. Si Toffer na naman, tropa kong Mama's boy. "Yeah?"
"Pumayag ka na ba sa plano natin?"
"'Lol! Plano mo lang 'yon. 'Wag mo ako idamay, dude." By the way, his plan is really weird. Weird like him.
Natawa lang siya. "Nagkausap kami ng Mama mo tungkol dito."
I stepped on the brakes in bewilderment. "What the hell, Toffer? Sinabi mo kay Mama?"
"Oo, pumayag naman siya. Natuwa pa nga e. Dali na kasi! Oo mo nalang ang hinihintay ko. Peksman, hahanapan kita ng hot momma'—"
Hindi ko na siya pinatapos dahil pinatayan ko na siya ng tawag. Napahampas ako sa manibela habang nagmamaneho. Damn! I will never accept his proposal. Gawain ba ng matinong tao ang mag-hire ng pretend mom para sa anak? They want me to find a girlfriend but I promised myself not to date anyone. Ilalaan ko nalang sa anak ko ang oras ko kaysa ang makipag-date sa iba. I got it that they're all concerned about my daughter being bullied at school. But that's the very last thing I will do. That's just plain stupid.
My car suddenly stopped in the middle of nowhere. Mukhang na-overheat pa yata. Tang1na! Nasa liblib na lugar pa naman ako. Lumabas ako saglit ng kotse para pumunta sa trunk ng sasakyan. Tss. Kung bakit ba naman hindi yung Ford Expedition ko ang dinala ko dito. May problema pa yata 'tong sasakyan ni Kuya Ezekiel.
Pagkabukas ko sa trunk, natigilan ako. Medyo napaatras pa nga ako sa gulat sa nakita ko. Isang babaeng natutulog sa loob ng trunk ang bumungad sa akin. For some reason, I couldn't help myself but to look around the place. Fvck, minumulto ba ako?
Medyo umatras pa ako ng kaunti at sinilip ang mukha ng babae. Natatakpan ng buhok ang kanyang mukha. Sinipat ko ng tingin ang kabuuan niya. She was wearing a messy white dress. I could feel a cold sweat passing over me like a ghost at a séance.
Napahilamos tuloy ako ng palad sa mukha ko sabay tingala sa madilim na ulap. Bumalik ulit ang tingin ko sa babae ng humilik ito. Don't be such a pussy, Arthur. May multo bang humihilik?
Lumapit ako sa trunk. Marahan kong tinapik ang braso ng babae. No response. In fact, she even snored more loudly this time.
"Miss." Medyo nilakasan ko na ang pagtapik at sinamahan ko pa ng yugyog. "Wake up, Miss. . ." Paulit ulit ako sa paggising sa kanya. I even checked her pulse to check if she's alive. Damn, malamang buhay 'to. Humihilik nga ng malakas e.
Saglit akong sumuko sa paggising sa kanya. I took the water containers from the trunk for the meantime and finished what should I do. Buti pa ang kotse mabilis kong nabuhay, samantalang ang babaeng ito, hanggang ngayon ay tulog pa rin. Niyugyog ko ulit ang braso niya. I started to get annoyed when she slapped my hand away.
"Miss, kung hindi ka aalis sa trunk ko, ihahagis kita palabas!" singhal ko kahit na mukha na akong gag0 dahil tulog naman ang kinakausap ko. "Hindi ka talaga gigising?"
Hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili ko sa pagbuhat sa kanya palabas ng trunk. Tumili siya. "AAHH!!!"
Ibinagsak ko siya sa kalsada bago ko ulit siya sinipat ng tingin. Okay, I have to admit this but she's pretty cute.
"What the heck?!" And cuter when scowling. Kaya lang mukhang bata. Istokwa siguro o baka rebelde?
"Who are you? Why are you hiding in my car's trunk?" Tumaas ang isa kong kilay habang pinakatitigan ang kanyang asar na mukha. "Magnanakaw ka, 'no?"
She looked offended by what I said. Tumayo siya at iduduro sana ako nang matigilan siya. Kumunot ang noo ko dahil natulala nalang siya sa akin.
"Now what, Miss?" I smiled to myself when I saw her cheeks beet red despite the darkness. "Magsasalita ka ba o ano?" I irked, trying to sound angry. Even though she's cute, who knows she might be a part of some modus around this city.
Natahimik siya. I might be right but rather wrong. Hindi siya nagsalita kaya tinakot ko siyang irereport ko siya sa pulis. Nagulat ako nang kumapit siya sa braso ko.
"No, don't do that!" I was caught off guard for a moment when I saw her shed some tears. "Please. . . Nagawa ko lang namang magtago sa trunk ng kotse mo kasi may tinatakasan ako."
"I won't buy that." Dati na akong naloko ng babae. Kahit pa mukha siyang anghel, hindi dapat ako maniwala agad.
"Sir, please. K-kailangan ko lang naman tumakas sa tiyuhin kong nagmomolestiya sa akin." She sobbed like a little girl and I just caught myself staring at her in pity. "Maawa ka sa akin, Sir. Hindi ko na kayang tumira kasama siya. Alam kong may busilak kang puso. Maniwala ka sa akin."
Kung ano-ano pa ang sinabi niya sa akin. She seemed sincere anyway. Kung iiwan ko siya sa liblib na lugar na ito, hindi ako papatahimikin ng konsensya ko. And one more thing, she really looked devastated.
"Please, Sir?" she pleaded.
Napa-'tsk' nalang ako at nagtungo sa passenger's side. Pinagbuksan ko siya ng pinto at siya naman ay tinignan ako na para bang gulong-gulo siya. "Get inside."
I brought her to a restaurant afterwards. Pinakain ko siya at tinanong ng ilan pang bagay. I found out that her name is Alison. I'm concerned about what she's been through. I suddenly remembered how my biological father abused my mom. Kaya ayokong nakakakita ng babaeng sinasaktan ng mga lalaki.
"Sa friend ko," was all she answered when I asked her where she is going to stay in Manila. Sayang, pwede ko pa naman siyang bigyan ng trabaho. Besides, she seems educated.
"Good then. If you need any help, you can contact me anytime..." I gave her my calling card before we parted ways. I offered her a ride pero tumanggi siya.
Hindi ko alam kung bakit pero simula nung araw na iyon ay lagi nalang sumasagi sa isip ko si Alison. I was still worried about her kahit na halos isang buwan na ang lumipas nang mangyari iyon. I wonder how she's doing right now? Ni hindi man lang siya nag abalang tumawag sa akin kahit na binigyan ko siya ng calling card ko. I bet she's living her life well already.
Isang araw, sumulpot na naman si Toffer sa office ko. Nabubwisit pa rin ako sa tukmol na 'to dahil hindi man lang niya hinintay na umoo ako sa plano niya. Sabi niya, payag naman daw ang buong pamilya ko kaya kahit umoo man ako o humindi, it won't matter. Tang'na talaga.
"Hey, dude!" Naupo siya sa harapan ko. Hindi ko siya pinansin at sinipat nalang ilang documents sa PC. "Wala pa rin akong nahahanap. Target ko sana ay chinita e."
"Then, stop it."
"I won't. Halos isang buwan na akong naghahanap. Ngayon pa ba ako titigil?"
Inangat ko ang tingin sa kanya. "Magkano ba ang binayad ng mama ko sa'yo para gawin 'to?"
"Naawa lang ako sa mama mo. Ako kasi, kung ano gusto ng mama ko, binibigay ko. E ikaw? Tanggi ng tanggi."
"E mama ko naman 'yon. Hindi sa'yo, tukmol."
Natawa lang siya habang nakatingin sa akin ng nakakaloko. "Give me another week. Kapag wala pa akong nahanap, titigil na ako."
"E paano kung may nahanap ka nga pero hindi naman pasado sa standard ko?"
Umiling lang siya bago tumayo. "Wala ka bang tiwala sa standard ko, dude? Fine, I'll ask for your approval first. Kung aayawan mo, edi akin nalang. . ."
Binato ko siya ng unang bagay na nadampot ko mula sa desk ko. Isang papel. "Ngayon pa lang, sa'yo na siya!" Humahalakhak nalang ako sa sarili.
Hindi nga ako binigo ni Toffer. Three days after that talk, I received a beep from him telling me that he finally found the one. For the first time in a span of a month, ngayon lang siya nakakita. My curiosity suddenly kicked me.
"Arturo, nakakuha na ako ng bago mong secretary," aniya bago siya makahulugang ngumisi sa akin.
My mouth went dry and my stomach lurched violently upon seeing her again. Fvck. What the hell am I feeling this way? That was just Alison for Pete's sake. Nothing special or so I thought. Naalala ko tuloy ang sinabi noon ni Toffer na kapag inayawan niya ang babaeng magugustuhan niya para sa akin ay kanya nalang daw. I suddenly felt like I didn't want to turn her down.
Secretary lang ang pinalabas ni Toffer sa paghahanap ng pretend mom ng anak ko kaya iyon ang inakala ni Alison na trabaho niya. She looked so tensed and me on the other hand felt embarrassed. How could I explain this contract sh1t to her now?
"Sorry, Sir. Hindi ko matatanggap ang trabahong ito. Thank you nalang."
Kumunot ang noo ko sa sinabi niyang iyon. Kung ganun bakit pa siya nag apply in the first place kung tatanggi lang pala siya sa trabaho? Doesn't she want to work with someone like me? Well then, she's a sharp shooter. Sapul sa ego ko. Sh1t.
Hindi ko siya hinayaang umalis. I suddenly felt the urge of working with her. Hindi ko alam pero magaan ang loob ko sa babaeng ito. . . Scarlett Alison Ramirez.
"Don't worry about your salary. I'll have your contract be signed later. P20, 000 a month. Is that enough?" Siguro naman hindi siya tatanggi dyan.
"Sorry, Sir. I can't accept the job." WTF?
"Bakit? Ano bang problema? Mababa ba ang sweldo? Fine, 30K." Natigilan siya. Namumula ang buong mukha niya kaya mas lalo siyang nakakaaliw na titigan. My daughter would like someone like her. I could sense it.
"30K. Deal!"
To be honest, I was so hella' curious about Alison's identity. Hindi siya maalis sa isip ko na kahit sa pag uwi ko ay naaalala ko pa rin siya. I wouldn't be this crazy over an ordinary girl if she's nothing to me. I probably met her somewhere before. Hindi ko lang matandaan kung saan o kailan. Nakakafrustrate tuloy dahil hindi ko magawang maalala.
Until I saw the wedding invitation over my desk at home. Nalaglag ang panga ko nang makita ang pangalan ni Scarlett Alison Ramirez dito. Damn! Kaya pala. . . Kaya pala pamilyar siya. The night I saw her at my car's trunk, she was wearing a messy gown. Damn! She was my cousin's bride.
Just when after I found out about her true identity, she thought of backing out. Hindi raw niya binasa ang contract. Kung tutuusin, pwede naman siyang makawala sa kontrata. I won't mind. . . pero fvck sh1t, hindi ko alam sa sarili ko kung bakit kahit nalaman kong siya ang dapat pakakasalan ng pinsan ko ay mas lalo akong nagiging interesado sa kanya. Was she lonely? Was she in despair? I've been there before. I know how it felt like to be dumped like a sh1t.
I did everything for her to stay. Tinakot ko pa siya tungkol sa kontrata. Buti nalang, mapagkakatiwalaan ang driver ng Mama ko at napagpanggap kong lawyer. Tang1na, hindi ako makapaniwalang ginagawa ito ng isang Arthur Evangelista.
Mas lalo akong naging interesado sa kanya dahil hindi siya nagpadala sa threat kong idedemanda ko siya. Sa totoo lang, na challenged pa nga ako sa kanya. Ano bang katanggi tanggi sa akin? Maayos naman ang sweldo. Favorable naman ang terms at condition. Call me a fool or what but I even stalked her almost everyday. Sa araw araw na pag-aapply niya ng trabaho sa Maynila ay hindi siya matanggap. Sorry but I had you banned for every company around Manila, QC and Makati, Alison. Sa akin ka rin babagsak.
One day, I saw her pigging out in a sidewalk eatery. Nandun ako nun, nakapwesto sa gilid. Pinagmamasdan siya.
"Miss, nawawala ang pitaka ko!"
"Lumang style na 'yan, 'te. Magbayad ka nalang."
"Pero nawawala talaga!"
Napahinto ako sa pagsimsim sa iniinom kong Coke. Mukhang nagkakagulo sa table nila. Halos lahat ng tao sa eatery ay naagaw na ang atensyon nila.
"Magbayad ka na!"
Tumayo ako at mabilis na lumapit sa kanila.
"N-nawawala nga—"
"I'll pay for it," I said and handed out my wallet. Naglabas ako ng isang libo at inilapag iyon sa mesa. Nalaglag ang panga ng tindera pati na rin ni Alison. "Here, keep the change."
I brought her to my car. Naiirita ako dahil tila may malisya ang titig niya sa akin. Fvck. I don't wanna get doomed.
"S-Sir Arth—"
"Before you assume that I'm stalking you, get your facts straight first. Hindi kita sinusundan. Nagkataon lang ang lahat." Hindi. Hindi talaga. . . Iba ang stalker, sa interesado lang.
"Sige po, sabi niyo e."
"Fine, 'wag kang maniwala."
I brought the up the topic about the agreement. Nakakapagod siyang sundan. I threatened her again and even told her that I could sue her. She said she wanted to terminate it but I scared her about paying five million pesos for me to terminate it. Kailan ba siya susuko?
"Whatever you say, Sir. Sino ba namang matinong tao ang magha-hire ng mommy para sa anak niya? Wala!" She blurted out annoyingly. "Ibig sabihin, nababaliw ka na."
Natigilan ako. Wala akong maisagot dahil tama siya. I must be madly crazy for paying for a woman to play as a pretend mom of my daughter. That thought kept bugging in my mind until I picked up my daughter at school and reached home.
Nahiga ako sa tabi ng anak kong si Venice habang nakayapos siya sa bewang ko. "Daddy, why do my classmates always bully me?" I hugged her tightly and sniffed her hair. Nabully na naman kasi siya sa school kanina. She called me up earlier confiding that she got bullied again.
"Because they're all mean, baby."
"No, dad. Maybe because they have a complete family while I only got you."
I looked to her and I could sense some deep sadness through her words. I tried to smile it off anyway. "Come on, baby. I'm here. I'm not only your father but I can even be a mother to you. I'm 2-in-1," I said with humor as I snuggled closer to her, hearing her cute giggle.
"But dad, will my mom ever come back?"
I paused, staring at her deeply. She looks so innocent but deep. "We'll see. . ."
Gusto ko nang sumuko. 'Di bale nang walang mommy si Venice, basta nandito lang ako para sa kanya. I love my daughter so much and she's my only weakness.
"I can give her all that she needs, Mom pero hindi kasama du'n ang paghahanap ng tatayong nanay niya. Nandito ako, si Manang Betchay, ikaw, si Dad, si Lola, Kuya Ezekiel and even her ninong and ninang."
Isang araw ay kausap ko si Mama sa telepono. Here she goes again, pushing me to find myself a pretend mom for her one and only grand daughter.
"Iba 'yon, Art. She badly needs a mother. Kung ayaw mong maghanap ng magpapanggap, then find yourself a girlfriend. Kaya lang naman kita pinipilit na maghanap ng magpapanggap kasi wala kang girlfriend. C'mon, anak. Move on! Are you still hoping she'll appear and come back to you someday?"
Pumikit ako ng mariin at hinilot ang aking sentido. "Mom, napag usapan na natin 'to."
"I know. Open your heart again, Art. Kung ayaw mong makipag date ulit, then I don't have any choice but to find you a lady that can date you."
I clenched my jaw. "Mom—" Sh1t! Binabaan pa ako. Bakit ba nila ako pinepressure na maghanap ng magiging girlfriend? Wala naman sa isip ko 'yon at kung meron man, darating naman 'yon ng kusa.
And she came.
Nagulat ako nang pagbukas ko sa pinto ay bumungad sa akin si Alison. Ibinaba niya ang kamay na kakatok sana sa pinto at saka ngumiti ng alanganin.
"SIR! I ACCEPT THE JOB!"
"What did you say?"
"Tinatanggap ko na yung job ko..." She awkwardly smiled and whispered, "... as the pretend mother of your child."
And that's how it all began.
Sa una, nahirapan na makisama si Alison kay Venice. Nabigla kasi ang anak ko sa biglang pagsulpot ni Alison sa buhay namin. Venice was not really a brat but she became one for her. Nababasa ko sa anak kong tinetest niya lang si Alison kung sincere ba siya sa pagiging ina nito sa kanya.
As days went by, I got to know more about Alison. I secretly watched her talk and snuggled with my daughter. Sometimes, I even sneaked in Venice's room and watched them both sleep together. They looked very beautiful together. I realized then that watching her with my daughter is one of the sweetest scenery I've ever seen.
I even came to the point that I caught myself staring at Alison while sleeping. Pagod ako sa trabaho at dapat ay natutulog na ako pag uwi pero nagiging habit ko na ang pagmasdan si Alison habang mahimbing na natutulog.
"Thank you for everything," I told her everynight while she's asleep.
I told myself I will never fall for her. I'm not attracted to young girls. But why is that everytime I watch her, I felt that my heart is going to explode? Why is it that I love to be with her even though she annoyed me? Why is that I want to stick with her when she doesn't want to stick with me? Why is it hard to answer all these questions?
Damn. I'm crazy. Natutuwa ako kapag nagseselos siya. Ang sarap niyang asarin. Natutuwa ako kapag interesado siya sa akin. It feels like I'm important to her. Natutuwa ako sa tuwing matutulog siya, naririnig ko ang paghilik niya. I find her so adorable. Naiinis ako kapag nawawala siya sa paningin ko. She made me feel that she may leave us anytime. Fvck that!
"In love ka na, dude." Toffer said one Friday evening.
I just laughed and shrugged it off. Ako? In love sa kanya? Damn. "Stop fooling me, Toffer."
"Gag0. Ang clingy mo. Ganyan ka kapag in love."
Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin. "Hindi nga sabi ako in love! Kung may mai in love sa aming dalawa, siya 'yon."
No, I'm not in love with her. Hindi pwedeng ako ang unang mahulog sa kanya. Just hell no! Pero nilunok ko ang sinabi ko noong nag away kami. That was the first time we argued and that was because I got jealous over Toffer. Nakita ko silang magkasamang kumakain sa restaurant. Samantalang ako naman itong kakatapos lang sa pagclose ng deal kay Lauren, 'yung adopted sister at colleague ko. I even bought us a plane ticket para magbakasyon sa ibang bansa tapos ito lang ang makikita ko? And to make the situation even worse, I overheard her talking to her friend on the phone.
"I don't care. Napaka-strict niya, Emma. Nasasakal na ako. Minsan nga, naiisip ko nang lumayas dito."
And that's it. I gave her the freedom that she wanted. Pinaalis ko siya ng bansa ng mag-isa. Tama na siguro iyon para mabigyan ako ng time and space para makapag isip isip. I've been out of my mind lately. Pero pakshet, hindi ako makatiis. Pinasundan ko siya sa isa sa mga bodyguard ng pamilya namin para mabantayan siya. Hindi ako mapakali lalo na nang ireport sa akin na may sinamahan siyang lalaki dun. Automatikong nag-init ang ulo ko at napasunod nalang sa kanya du'n.
Since then, I realized how important she is to me.
". . . I told you not to fall in love with me, didn't I? Now, please do because I won't mind at all." I swallowed my pride just to tell her that pero tang1na, nanikip ang dibdib ko kaya binawi ko ulit.
Mahirap mang tanggapin pero nahulog na nga ako marahil sa kanya at mas lalo pang nahulog nang mahulog siya sa swimming pool ng hotel kung saan kami kasalukuyang naka check in. Lumalangoy ako nun sa pool nang marinig ko ang pamilyar niyang naghihisteryang boses.
"AAAACK! Tu—aaah!— long!"
Malutong na mura ang naisigaw ko nang makita siyang nalulunod. I swam my way to her and quickly pulled her from the pool. Sh1t! Ang lakas ng kaba ko nang makitang wala na siyang malay.
"Alison!"
There's no other way to save her but to do the CPR kaya naman iyon ang ginawa ko.
"Ack! Ack!"
Nakahinga ako ng maluwag nang magkamalay na siya. "Fvck! Are you fine now, Alison?"
She didn't respond. She just stayed there staring at me as though she was shocked.
"Ayos ka lang ba, Alison? Sh1t! Magsalita ka! Kasalanan ko 'to e!" Mas lalo akong nagpanic. Tumingin ako sa katabing lalaking naka-orange na palagay ko ay life guard. "Why the hell is she not responding!? Please call the ambula—"
I didn't get to finish my words for she grabbed me by the nape and pressed her lips into mine. Fvck. I didn't know that her lips would be as sweet as this, so I kissed back.
Simula nun, pinaramdam ko sa kanya kung gaano siya kaimportante sa akin. I love everything about her but I was too scared to admit it. Kung aaminin ko ba, may pag asa kaya ako? O baka naman kapag inamin ko, mas piliin niyang lumayo?
I told my mom everything about what I feel for Alison. At times like this, she's the only one I can depend to.
"I love her."
She smiled but it didn't reach her eyes. "She's your cousin's supposed to be wife, Arthur. Are you sure?"
"I don't care, mom."
"What did she say about her past?"
Mom knew her all along but she's too kind to even care about Alison's lies. Ang importante, mahal siya ni Venice.
Huminga ako ng malalim at tinignan si mommy ng seryoso. "Nararamdaman kong aamin siya, mom. I'm just waiting for the right time. Let's not rush it. Kapag ba umamin siya, matatanggap mo siya bilang future daughter-in-law mo?"
She reached for my hand and gave me satisfied smile. "Of course, anything for my son and apo. I'm happy for you, anak. . ." She replied but her smile faded after. "Pero anak, nagsabi sa akin ang pinsan mong si Garrett. He needs a house to stay in dito sa Maynila. He's here to find Alison."
Alam ko namang darating ang araw na ito at hindi ko 'yon ipinangangamba. Curiosity led me into something— I had my cousin investigated. Nabigla ako sa nadiskubre kong ang matalik na kaibigan pa pala ni Alison ang naging dahilan kung bakit umatras sa kasal si Garrett. No, he really did not back out. He was kidnapped by Sitti.
One Thursday afternoon, Kuya Ezekiel appeared in my office. Seryoso ang mga mata niyang nakatingin sa akin.
"I heard from mom that you're going to pursue Alison for real," aniya at naitikom ko nalang ang mga labi ko. "Totoo ba?"
"Y-yeah. . ."
"Did she admit everything to you already?"
I sighed. "Kuya—"
"It doesn't matter for you at all, right? Pero sa tingin mo, kapag nalaman ng parents ni Alison ang mga pinaggagagawa ninyo ng anak nila ay matutuwa sila? Hell no, Arthur. It's not about asking Alison if she agrees to marry you. It's not that easy. That's a stupid move, bro."
Hindi ako nakasagot dahil may punto siya. Alam ko ring nasa America ang mga magulang ni Alison dahil sa health condition ng Papa niya. Everything still seems to be messed up.
"And about our cousin Garrett, Arthur. Don't be stupid enough to forget him. Nasa poder natin siya ngayon. He's been crazily searching for Alison. Anong gagawin mo ngayon?"
"Alison is now my girlfriend. Wala na siyang karapatan, kuya."
Natawa siya ng sarkastiko. "Bro, bro. Akala ko ba matalino ka? Wala pa silang closure. Kung tutuusin, sila pa rin e. Panira ka lang."
"What the hell do you want me to do then?" I asked dryly, raising my voice to the pitch that indicates that patience is exhausted.
Nilapag niya ang envelope na hawak sa desk ko sabay tango. "Give Alison some space and time for herself. Let them both meet. Ako na ang bahala kung paano. Mawawala ka kaya kailangan mo ng sub."
"Sub? Saan ako pupunta?"
"You'll go to the States and fix some business there."
Huminga ako ng malalim. Naninikip ang dibdib ko sa gusto niyang mangyari. Ayokong iwanan si Alison dito lalo na't nasa paligid si Garrett.
"What if— what if she'd get back with Garrett while I'm away?"
"Bro, that's a test then. Tignan natin kung deserving siyang maging parte ng pamilya natin. Kung makikipagbalikan siya kay Garrett, then she still becomes part of our family. Evangelista pa rin. Hindi nga lang dahil sayo kundi kay Garrett."
Napabuga ako sa hangin. Fvck! Ayoko. I won't leave her side. Natatakot akong maiwanan ulit.
"I won't do this," mariing sabi ko.
"Bro, takot ka bang mawala siya o takot ka na baka hindi ka ganun ka-mahal ni Alison para piliin ulit si Garrett?" he smirked and patted my shoulder. "Don't you trust her enough?"
Takot lang naman ako na baka sa pag uwi ko ay wala na akong babalikan. Kung pwede nga lang siya pakasalan ngayon ay gagawin ko na pero magulo pa ang sitwasyon.
I sighed, giving in. "Okay, kailan ba ang alis ko?"
"You'll fly to Michigan on Monday," he smiled in relief. "And no worries, I'll take care of Alison for you."
Mahirap lumayo kay Alison at sa anak ko lalo na't iniisip ko na anytime ay baka magbago ang isip ni Alison at bumalik nalang kay Garrett. Sa Michigan, mabilis kong tinapos ang trabaho ko. Dalawang araw lang yata ay na-close ko na ang business deal ko 'dun. Kuya kept me updated about Garrett and Alison. Ako naman ay walang araw na hindi kinakamusta ang mag ina ko.
I wanted to go home but my brother won't let me. Nababaliw na ako sa pagkamiss sa kanila kaya naisipan kong ibaling sa iba ang atensyon ko. And an e-mail caught my attention.
From: megan98@gmail.com
Hey, it's me. I don't know if you get to read my e-mails and text messages but I just wanted you to know that I'm in Manila for 2 months now. Please, Art. I want to meet you. I want to meet my Venice.
Hindi ko na binasa ang iba pa niyang e-mail at nag logout nalang sa mails ko. Truth is I've been receiving all her messages and gifts for Venice but I chose to ignore them. Ngayon pa siya magpaparamdam kung kailan unti unti nang naaayos ang sitwasyon.
Hindi ko alam kung anong nagtulak sa akin para lumipad papuntang Los Angeles. I still got almost 2 weeks to stay in the States dahil ang usapan namin ni Kuya Ezekiel ay dalawang Linggo akong mawawala.
Los Angeles. . . I've been thinking the whole night about Alison's parents. Tama si kuya. They will not accept me if they found out that I've been using their daughter for my own benefit. Sa tulong ni Kuya Ezekiel ay nahanap ko sila sa Dignity Health Hospital Medical Center sa L.A. I swallowed my pride just to face my future in laws. I just want to return to the Philippines with assurance. Bahala na. . .
Nanlalamig ako noong nakaharap ko ang mama ni Alison. Nagpakilala ako bilang boyfriend ng anak nila. Her dad seems to be in a not so good condition.
"Ma'am, I came here to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage. Mahal ko po ang anak ninyo and I'm willing to do anything for her." Iyon ang natatandaan kong litanyang sinabi sa mama niya noon.
She touched my shoulder and smiled. "Hindi ko man alam ang nangyayari sa anak ko sa Pinas pero nagpapasalamat ako dahil may nag aalaga sa kanya du'n. Arthur, makakaasa ba kami sa'yo na hindi mo siya sasaktan?"
"Hinding hindi ko po siya sasaktan, Ma'am."
"Well then, when will be the wedding?"
Lumawak ang ngiti ko sa tanong niya. "As soon as my future dad in law gets well, Ma'am."
Umuwi agad ako sa Pinas. Sumaglit ako kay Venice at dumiretso din sa Astrid. I can't wait to see my girlfriend again. I miss her so bad. And I promise myself na magpopropose na ako sa kanya sa pagbalik ko. I don't want to lose her. Bumalik ako sa pang-i-stalk sa kanya. Déjà vu man pero nawitness ko ulit 'yong nasa restaurant siya at wala siyang pambayad para sa in-order nilang dalawa ng sutil niyang kaibigan kuno.
"Please come home to me... very soon,"she said to me on phone.
I've seen her through her best and worst. Nakita ko kung paano siya naghirap at naiinis ako sa sarili ko dahil hinayaan ko lang siya dahil nangako ako kay kuya na bibigyan ko siya ng oras para sa sarili niya. And now I think it's about time to end it all up. She wants me home.
"I'm home. . ." sabi ko noong pinagmamasdan ko siyang paakyat na sa kanyang kwarto.
She stiffened and looked back at me. Tumakbo pa siya sa akin para i-check kung totoo ako. Natawa nalang ako.
"Alison, ako 'to."
"AAAHH! You're real! I'm glad you're home."
"Hey, why are you crying?"
"I just missed you."
"I missed you too."
Silence. . . "Arthur, may aaminin ako. Basta huwag kang magagalit."
"Alam ko. . ."
Alam ko ang tanggap ko s'ya. Pinaramdam ko sa kanya iyon. If only I could even marry her right away but I couldn't. Nangako ako sa parents niyang hihintayin kong gumaling ang daddy niya bago iyon mangyari. I'm almost okay with her parents and she's got closure with her ex. But then again to make sure of everything, I proposed to her in a weird way and she said yes. Sobrang saya ko. Kaunti nalang, magiging ayos na ang lahat. Just when I thought everything is falling into place, someone in the past appeared.
"Megan. . ."
She appeared at the most unexpected time and place kung kailan nagkakasiyahan ang lahat. Kaharap niya si Venice at kitang kita ang pangungulila niya sa anak namin. Damn.
"Venice, come here." Hinawakan ko si Venice pagkalapit niya sa akin. "What are you doing here?"
"A-Art, I badly want to talk to you."
Sa gilid ng mga mata ko, nakita ko ang naguguluhang titig ni Alison sa amin. Huminga ako ng malalim bago ko nilipat sa kanya ang bata.
"Leave us alone. Iwanan mo muna kami. Iuwi mo na si Venice, Alison." Because I don't want you to hear a sh1t about us.
"Pero—"
"Go home."
Nagpunta kami ni Megan sa isang restaurant para mag usap. Matagal niya na akong gusto makausap pero parati ko siyang iniiwasan. I think she doesn't deserve our time. She treated our daughter like a dog and that's fvcking unacceptable.
"Bakit ka pa bumalik? Akala ko ba ako nang bahala sa anak natin? Anak ko lang pala. Hindi ka naging nanay sa kanya."
"Arthur, please. I'm here kasi nagsisisi ako sa—"
"That's bullsh1t, Megan. Nagsisisi? Pagkatapos mong iwanan ang bata sa harap ng unit ko na parang aso, saka ka magsisisi?"
She started to sob so I looked away. "I'm sorry. If I wasn't fix to be married to some other guy, I wouldn't have left you."
"And now, this? We were talking about my daughter, Megan. That's a different story."
"Hindi ka naman magagalit sa akin ng ganyan kung 'di ako umalis diba? I wouldn't also have left Venice with you kung hindi ako ikinasal sa iba."
"But you didn't even fight with me. You chose to marry another man!"
"If I could ever turn back time, I would choose to stay with you."
If she didn't choose to be with that son of a b1tch, then should have been my wife by now. Hindi sana nakaranas ng discrimation ang anak ko. Kumpleto sana ang pamilya namin. If she could just let me stay by her side. . . Gulong gulo ang isip ko pagkauwi ko sa bahay. Gusto kong mapag isa pero nagpadala ako sa init ng ulo ko na kahit si Alison ay nasigawan ko.
"Arthur, where are you going? Sabi mo, pagod ka."
"I wanna be alone! Fvck."
"Sino ba ang babaeng iyon at nagkakaganyan ka?!"
"It's none of your business, Alison."
I've been carried away by my emotions. I decided to drink all night thinking over what happened. Fvck, nasigawan ko si Alison. Hindi na ako nagtaka nang sa pag uwi ko kinaumagahan ay hindi ko siya nadatnan sa bahay. Maging ang mga damit niya ay wala na sa closet.
Nagsisisi ako sa pagbuntong ko ng galit sa kanya. I'm a big arsehole, I know. Nilakasan ko ang loob kong itext siya kahit na alam kong galit siya sa akin.
To: Alison
I'm sorry for hurting you last night, Alison. I hope you're fine now. I miss you.
"Dad, where's mom??" tanong sa akin ni Venice nang makita niyang wala si Alison sa kwarto.
I held her hand and planted a kiss on her forehead. I felt so ripped. This must be the time for Venice to know the truth.
"Venice, Alison is not your mom."
She didn't respond but she looked so confused.
"S—she's not your mom. Remember the woman you saw yesterday at the campus? The one who helped you out when you got tripped? She's your real mom."
"D-Dad, don't fool me. My only mother is Scarlett Alison Ramirez Evangelista." She said and turned her back to leave but I stopped her.
"I'm not kidding, Venice."
"I don't believe you!" She started to cry. She ran into the bathroom and weeped. "Mommy!! Mommy!!"
"Venice, tama na. . ." It broke my heart seeing her crying. I've been a biggest arsehole. Sh1t.
"I hate you!!!"
Ilang araw akong hindi pumasok sa trabaho. I don't think I could work with my depression. I felt relieved when Jake assured me that Alison was staying with Emma.
To: Jake
Dude, please take care of her. We need some space and time to think. Megan's back.
From: Jake
We will. Masungit si Alison sa akin pero boto pa rin naman ako sa kanya.
Ilang araw din akong hindi kinibo ni Venice. She made me feel that I am the worst dad ever. Tumunog ang phone ko indikasyon ng text mula na naman kay Megan. Lagi nalang. She's been too damn persistent.
From: Megan
I'm sorry about the other day. Please understand that I'm just yearning for my daughter. Please.
I went into Venice's room to make amends with her. I caught her busy with the some puzzle pieces on the floor. My chest tightened when I found out it's the same thing I used to propose to Alison. Damn, I miss her but it will just cause her pain if she stays with me while I'm fixing my issues.
"Anak, bati na tayo?" I asked Venice in a low voice but she didn't respond. "Venice, please. I need your cuddle. Malungkot ang daddy."
"I want mommy!"
"Venice." My throat tightened, my eyes blurred from tears. "You need to know the truth. She's not your real mom. Your real mom wants to see you."
"But I only have one mom!!"
"Venice, please. . ."
Masama man ang loob ng anak ko ay pumayag siya sa aking sumama sa pakikipagkita kay Megan sa isang restaurant. At first, they got along well pero nang i-open na ni Megan ang tungkol sa kung bakit kami nagkita ay nagbago ang timpla ng mood ni Venice.
"Stop lying. I only have one mom and that is Scarlett Alison Ramirez Evangelista."
"Venice. . ." saway ko sa kanya.
Megan smiled, hurt evident her eyes. "Can you tell me about your mom?"
"She's the most beautiful woman I've ever met. She always taught me when I needed help in my homeworks. She even taught me how to draw a fruit salad tree. She quarreled all my mean classmates who bullied me. She made the best sandwiches and she slept with me everyday when she put me to bed every afternoon. She's the best mom I've ever had."
"Venice, you're lucky to have two moms. But Megan is the real one," I said half-heartedly.
"But in my heart, my only mom is Mommy Alison! She's the best."
I looked away, avoiding their scene. She said nothing but the truth. Alison's the best.
My phone beeped.
From: Alison
Is she Venice's mother?
Naguguluhan man ako ay nagreply ako sa message niya. I badly want to see her right now. Pagkatapos nito ay pupuntahan ko siya. Bahala na.
To: Alison
Alison, I'll explain everything to you in person. Pakinggan mo lang ako.
And another message that made me confused this time.
From: Alison
Are you with her now?
I don't want to get her upset so I denied about it but I was surprised to see what her reply was.
From: Alison
Liar.
Right at that moment, I called her but her phone was off. Pagkatapos kong ihatid si Venice sa bahay ay dumiretso na ako kina Emma. I've waited for her there but there was no one there inside the apartment. I even texted Jake asking him where they are but he said he wasn't with Alison at all.
That's how I lost her.
I didn't get to know even a single trace of Alison. Kahit si Jake ay wala ring alam. Pinatrace ko na ang location niya gamit ang kanyang phone pero hindi talaga siya mahanap. Tang1na! Ito yung kinakatakutan kong araw, ang mawala siya sa akin.
I tried to seek help from my mom but she wasn't home that day. Nadatnan ko lang dun si Tita Olivia, ang mama ni Garrett.
"I heard that Alison left you."
Umigting ang panga ko. Ang bilis ng balita. "No, tita. We just have a misunderstanding."
"Really? Yan na yung sign, Arthur. Umalis na siya. Narealize niya sigurong ayaw niya sa lalaking may anak na."
My face hardened. That hit on my ego.
"No offense but I've known Alison since she was young. She grew up to be a fine lady. Tingin mo ba babagay siya sa taong may sabit na? No. She deserves someone better. She deserves all the love that a man can give. Hindi yung may kahati. . . at hindi yung gagawin siyang step-mother. Just take time to realize it, Arthur."
That bugged me for a couple of weeks. Tama naman kasi si Tita Olivia. I love Alison but do I deserve someone as precious as her? Fvck. No. She must be only blinded by the situation. Lalo na't isang araw ay lumapit sa akin si Venice at nagsabing nagkita raw sila ni Alison. Nawasak ang puso ko nang ipinapasauli nito ang engagement ring namin. I don't want her to regret someday that she chose to be with a man with a daughter from another woman. That's just insane. This must be the sign.
Toffer's wedding came. Umamin sa akin si Jake na nasa poder niya si Alison. Imbes na magalit ay nagpasalamat ako sa kanya sa pag aalaga sa kanya.
I took a glimpse of her as I walked down to the aisle with Megan on my side. She has been there for me to console me when I needed some comfort. Nandyan din naman ang X9 pero hindi na ako umabala sa kanila. But with Megan? She gained my trust again to be her friend. She's married and I think we had our closure since we met again.
Nakita kong umalis si Alison sa kanyang pwesto. Gusto ko sana siyang sundan pero isang anunsyo ang nagpagulat sa lahat ng guests sa simbahan.
"I'm sorry, Toffer. I can't marry you!"
Sa gitna ng komosyon sa simbahan ay mas pinili kong sundan si Alison sa labas.
"Please, Garrett. Sunduin mo na ako ngayon sa Parish Church."
'Yun agad ang narinig ko nang maabutan siyang may kausap sa kanyang phone. So, she's okay with Garrett now. Should I interfere? No. It's for her sake.
Finally after almost a month, we met again. I took the chance to tell her everything in my mind and I ended up saying. . .
"Being apart is the best decision for us. Masyado na kitang nasaktan. I'm setting you free, Alison. . ."
MASAKIT na bitawan siya kahit na gusto kong kapitan siya ng mahigpit. I just couldn't help myself but to feel insecure because I am not the man she deserves to be with. Si Garrett. . . siya naman kasi talaga dapat ang papakasalan niya.
A month after it happened, Megan stayed with me. I felt like a burden to her and her husband dahil maging ito ay nakidamay na sa pagconsole sa akin. We've been good. Kasundo na rin nila ang anak ko pero hindi pa rin maiiwasan na hanapin ni Venice si Alison.
"Why don't you chase her in Astrid? You love each other naman. What's the problem now?" Megan suggested one night while we were drinking at the bar together with her husband.
"It's fvcking complicated you wouldn't understand."
Slap! Nabigla ako nang sampalin niya ako. Isang malutong na sampal na nagpalaki ng mga mata ko. "WHAT THE HELL?!" I whined, looking at her husband. "Dude, will you stop your wife on slapping me?" But her husband won't interfere.
"Nasampal ka ba ni Alison? I don't think so. You deserve one though. You need to wake up. Wake up, Arthur! Alison needs you!"
"We broke up a month ago. We're over!"
"But that doesn't mean you have to quit. Alison just wanted you to tell her to stay but you did not. Instead, you let her leave. What the hell are you? Coward!" sabay sampal niya ulit sa akin. Ngumisi lang ang asawa niya. Damn. "Wake up!"
"She doesn't deserve me."
"Then, make yourself deserving of her! Stupid!"
Sumusobra na 'to ah! "How can I then?"
"Marry her right now. Oh, my God. I thought you're a smart arse, Arthur. What if she finds another more deserving man because you let her? Why are you soooo stupid?"
I gulped down the mug of beer and got up. Hindi ko alam kung ispirito lang ba iyon ng alcohol o kung ano lang pero umalis ako sa bar na iyon at kinuha ang phone ko para tumawag kay Kuya Ezekiel.
"I need a plane ticket to L.A tomorrow!"
"Why?"
"I badly need to talk to my future in laws!"
ALISON'S POV
"No more sh1ts, no more puzzles. I love you, Scarlett Alison Ramirez. Will you do me the honor of becoming my Mrs. Evangelista?"
Napalunok ako ng todo sa tanong niya. Parang worth million dollar ang sagot sa tanong niya. Sheez! Ito na yun, Alison. Nagpopropose na siya.
"Alison—"
I cut him off. "Depende, kung papakainin mo muna ako."
"Kapag pinakain na kita, mapapatawad mo na ako?"
I pouted my lips at him. "Depende kung mabubusog ako."
"E kapag sa buffet, okay na ba?" Bago pa ako makasagot ay humiwalay siya sa akin at kinuha ang kamay ko. "Buffet sa kasal natin, Alison."
"Bakit sa kasal pa natin? 'Di ba pwedeng ngayon nalang kasi gutom na ako?"
"So papayag ka nga?"
"Depende kung yayayain mo ako."
"Will you marry me then, Alison?"
"Depende sa sagot ko."
"E ano bang sagot mo sa tanong ko?"
"Paano si Megan?"
"She's happily married."
"Ang parents mo?"
"They're perfectly fine with you."
"Ang business namin sa Astrid?"
"I'll help you with that. Conjugal property. . . Kung anong akin ay sayo. At kung anong sayo ay akin."
"No, kung anong akin ay akin. Kung anong sayo ay akin din."
"Fine, mapapayag lang kita. I wanna bind with you for the rest of my life even by your own terms."
Natahimik ako. Nape-pressure ako. Bakit ba kapag siya ang nagpopropose ay parang it's a matter of life and death? I am really torn between his marriage proposal and my visa to States pero. . .
"Marami ng nagbago sa six months, Arthur. Bakit ngayon lang?"
Kinagat niya ang kanyang labi. Para siyang nagmamadali. "I had to fix some things, Alison. Para sayo, sa akin, sa atin."
"Ano 'yon?"
"Say yes and you'll find out."
Humakbang ako paatras at sinimangutan siya. "Paano kung 'hindi' ang isagot ko, hindi ko malalaman kung anong inayos mo sa anim na buwan na iyon?"
"Damn it!" He looked so pissed. "Just say yes already."
Pinaningkitan ko siya ng mga mata. "E bakit ka namimilit? Dapat nga suyuin mo pa ako pero ikaw pa ang galit dyan." Ang siga nito!
His face smoothen out and he even tried to force a smile. "I'm not mad. I'm just yearning for you to say yes, Alison. Come on, babe. I promise to court and please you everyday just say yes to me now."
Nawiwirduhan na talaga ako sa kanya. He seemed on a hurry. "P...pwedeng pag isipan ko muna?"
"Why can't you just say yes? Ayaw mo na ba sa akin? May iba ka na bang mahal? Tell me, Alison."
I gasped at him unbelievingly. "Wala, 'no! Hindi ba pwedeng pag isipan ko muna kasi nawindang ako na dapat ang agenda natin ngayon ay pag usapan ang breach of contract notice tapos biglang magpopropose ka nalang dyan?"
Huminga siya ng malalim tila pinapakalma ang sarili. He even jumped in place and then made turns. Anong kabaliwan 'to?
The he finally stopped. "Okay, isang tanong, isang sagot. I won't ask you again after this. . ." He paused and looked more deeply into my eyes. "Will you marry me?"
Silence. . .
"'Yung parents ko kasi—" I replied but he quickly shut me off by capturing my lips. Nanigas tuloy ang katawan ko sa ginawa niya. I couldn't even push him. AAHH!
He breathed out when he finally pulled away. Inayos niya ang buhok kong magulo at tinitigan ang mga mata ko.
"If you still doubt why I suddenly proposed to you then listen to me, Alison. I am sorry for hurting you. For the past six months, I kept looking at my lockscreen like damn, I love this girl. I shouldn't have let her slip away 'cause she's all I got. I regretted the day I broke up with her. She makes my dopamine levels go all silly and that woman is no other than you, Alison."
Natulala nalang ako sa sinabi niyang pagkahaba haba. Gusto kong kumawala ng luha sa tearducts ko pero tila nasa state of shock ako kaya walang lumalabas na reaksyon sa mukha ko.
"I want you to be my wife because that's the only way I wanna make the best out of everyday with you. Now, Alison. . . Marry me."
That wasn't a question nor a request but a statement. He placed the ring on my finger, my body buzzing with anticipation. He then leaned on to give me another kiss— this time passionate as though my heart is going to explode.
BAM!
Biglang may confetti na sumabog sa paligid.
"Congratulations!!!"
Nabigla ako sa narinig kaya napabitaw kay Arthur. Napakagat ako sa labi ko nang unti unting nahahati ang wall na nagsisilbing divider sa kabilang kwarto and damn!
"Mama!" "Papa!"
Tumakbo ako sa palapit sa mga magulang ko para yakapin sila. Nakasakay si Papa sa wheelchair. Dun na tumulo ang luha ko. Oh, Gods. Nandito sila.
"I missed you so much!"
"We missed you too, anak."
Ang daming tao. Tila nagsilbing function hall ang kwarto. Kumpleto ang mga barkada ni Arthur maging ang mga pamilya namin. Namamanghang tinignan ko ang paligid na may nakahilerang mga lamesa. Sa kaliwa naman ay may buffet table. What's going on?!
And then, I turned my head back to Arthur. Napapalibutan kami ng mga tao ngunit nasa kanya lang ang atensyon ko. Nagwawala ang puso ko sa saya!
"Alison, I waited for your dad to recover before anything else. . ." he said and shrugged, "To officially start the engagement party, will you finally marry me?"
"YES! YES! YES!" sigaw ng maliit na boses sa gilid ko.
Pagtingin ko, tila tumigil ang pag ikot ng mundo ko. My tears of joy broke free from my eyes. Tumakbo ako palapit kay Venice at niyakap siya ng mahigpit.
"Mommy, I missed you!!!"
"I missed you too, baby."
Nakita ko ang mga ngiti ng mga guests sa paligid. Maging sina Mama at Papa ay nakangiti sa amin. Nilapitan ko si Venice sa parents ko at umupo sa tabi niya.
"Ma, Pa. . . apo niyo po."
Silence. . .
Venice took steps towards them and touched their right hand. "Mano po. . ."
And as for Arthur, I looked back again at him, caught him smiling like there's no tomorrow.
"It's definitely a yes. . ."
I am Scarlett Alison Ramirez-Evangelista. . .
Yes, I'm carrying his surname for a quite sometime now. Paano nga ba nangyari 'yon? I'm sure I did share with you what happened, didn't I?
I've been married with this man whom I didn't think that I'd fall for. Sabi nila, opposites do attract. Paano naman iyong mga magkakaparehas ng ugali?
He's smart.
I am too.
He's handsome.
Well, I am not handsome but a pretty little one.
He's a snob.
I am definitely too.
He's discreet.
Gaya-gaya! Ganun din ako.
He didn't like me.
But of course, I didn't like him too!
Paano nga ba nangyari ang lahat ng ito?
Well, we fall in love with the most unexpected person at the most unexpected time and do unexpected things.
Should we talk about us more? Hmm. . .
. . . Huwag na. The important is I ended up being with Arthur. No contracts, no terms, just pure love.
Sincerely yours,
Mrs. Scarlett Alison Ramirez-Evangelista
YHEL'S NOTE:
Thank you sa pagsuporta ninyo sa almost one year na pagiging on-going sa Wattpad ng love story nina Alison at Arthur. Naappreciate ko ang paghihintay ninyo sa matagal nitong update. Sana ay naappreciate ninyo dahil 8K+ words ito. Ito ang isa sa pinakamahirap na epilogue na nagawa ko. All in all, 14K+words kapag pinagsama ang dalawang parts ng epilogue. Hindi ako makapaniwala na nagawa ko iyon. lol :) Anyway, my next story to make would be Toffer's story which is entitled 'The Nasty Pretender' pero hindi pa ngayon. Siguro, mid-2016 pa. Tatapusin ko muna ang The 13th Guy ni Wayne kasi nagtatampo na siya. lol
May plano nga rin pala po akong i-self publish ito. Sa mga interesado, kindly wait for my further announcement of the final details na ipopost ko rin dito at sa FB group ko na 'Yhel's Stories'.
What will be the difference between LTAU Wattpad version and LTAU self-pub version? Bukod sa softbound siya, may idadagdag akong chapters at scenes dun pati na rin ang wedding special chapter ng boss babe couple plus Garrett's POV (na sa self-pub book ko lang isheshare at hindi ko ipopost dito). Mayroon ding dedication at sign mula sa akin kung trip niyo. Hahaha!
Sana ay suportahan niyo rin! Salamat sa lahat-lahat. :D
PS: Wala ng book 2. Wala ring special chapters dahil gift ko iyon sa mga bibili ng self-pub book. Magkakaroon din ng sariling side story si Jake soon after Toffer.