Written in the Stars -- Chapter 22
He opened his eyes. The first thing that came to his vision is the white ceiling and the mint-colored walls. On the far side of the room was a tv set. Tahimik ang paligid and he can only hear the faint sound of the aircondition units. Rays of sunlight were peeking from the blinds of the closed windows, ibig sabihin ay umaga na. Where is he? Tumingin siya sa kaliwa niya. There was a side table holding a fruit basket. May mini ref din at table malapit doon. An IV stand was beside his bed and when he looked at his left hand ay may nakakabit nga na dextrose. Naging malinaw na sa kanya, he was in a hospital. When he looked at his right, a big couch and a wooden cabinet was on the far side. There was another table holding the telephone and a few other things. Napansin din niya na may babae na nakadukdok sa kama niya. He can tell it was Lianne, she seemed to be sleeping. Alden tried to refresh his memory of the recent events. A lot of things has happened yesterday. Nabaril siya, Madi was caught, he went out of the hospital then he drove for two hours to Tagaytay to see Lianne. When he got there, nagmatigas ito na harapin siya, he waited under the cold rain for more than an hour pero hindi rin naman siya natiis nito. Then everything blacked out at hindi na niya alam ang sumunod na pangyayari. He's guessing dinala siya nito sa ospital at hindi iniwan. His heart warmed up at the thought. Lianne cares for him, he was sure of that. His right hand reached out and gently brushed a few strands of her hair away from her face. She made a small movement. Her eyes fluttered, shut, blinked again, then she fully opened it and their eyes met. "Thank God you're awake" she whispered. Bakas ang pag-aalala sa ekspresyon nito. "Hi" bungad niya. His voice sounded hoarse. "Hi" Lianne greeted back. Nag-aalangan ito na ngumiti sa kanya but she touched his arm. "Do you need anything? Do you want me to call the doctor?" tumayo ito pero pinigilan niya. "No, I'm fine.. I just need to drink" pakiramdam niya kasi ay tuyong tuyo ang lalamunan niya. Lianne got up and took the small bottled water on the table. Inalalayan siya nito sa pag-inom. He took a few sip. "How are you feeling? May masakit ba sayo?" tanong nito ng matapos siyang uminom. "Medyo may masakit lang dito sa ulo ko but it's bearable" She sat back on the chair, "Your head hit the ground when you fell but the doctor assured me it's just bruises at walang major trauma" "What happened?" he asked. Lianne's panicky voice was the last thing he could remember. "You fainted. Buti na lang may dumaan na security guard and I asked him to help me carry you to the car. Dinala kita dito sa ospital because you were burning up with fever and you were also bleeding. The doctor said some of your stitches popped open. You've lost blood so they had to do a blood transfusion" mahabang paglalahad nito. Wala siyang naaalala sa mga nangyari, he guess he was really unconscious. His wound still hurt a little pero hindi na ito kasing sakit tulad kagabi. "And I called your dad last night. They were so worried about you. Your mom and your sister drove all the way here kahit sobrang gabi na. They arrived past midnight" He groaned. He never got to explain to his parents what was going on at kung ano ang nangyari sa kanya after Raiza was freed. His sister probably have told them what happened. They must be really worried. "Nasan sila?" he asked. "Pinauwi ko na lang muna sila sa resthouse para makapagpahinga" Alden noticed she's wearing the same shirt and jeans she was wearing last night. That means magdamag siyang binantayan nito. She never left him. "Sana umuwi ka rin para nakapagpahinga ka ng maayos" he held her hand. Nahihiya siya dahil nakatulugan na nito ang pagbabantay sa kanya, nakatulog ito na nakadukdok sa kama. He could imagine how uncomfortable it was. "Natulog naman ako sa sofa kanina.." she said, glancing at the big couch behind her. "Tita Rio insisted on staying but I told her I don't want to leave. I wanted to be here when you wake up. I wanted to make sure you'll be okay" "You didn't have to" "But I wanted to" she said with absolute clarity. Lianne blinked and lowered her gaze. "When I saw you all soaked up and shaking, I felt bad and I was eaten up with guilt, kasalanan ko kung bakit ka nagkasakit. And narealize ko rin na I'm doing exactly what I did seven years ago.. shutting you out and refusing to hear what you have to say" He was relieved. Ngayon sigurado siya na hindi ito galit sa kanya. His eyes scanned over her appreciatively as he let her speak. "And then you passed out and I saw that you were bleeding. Natakot ako at sinisisi ko ang sarili ko at the same time.. I could never forgive myself kung may masamang mangyari sa'yo. I kept on praying for you to be fine. And I told myself that I will do anything you ask basta maging okay ka lang" "It wasn't your fault. This is because of Madi" salungat niya. Lianne doesn't have to blame herself dahil wala naman itong kasalanan. "I know.. Alam ko na ang totoong nangyari. Raiza filled me in on what really happened. Hanggang ngayon I find it hard to believe that she's capable of doing all of that" He nodded. Kahit siya ay hindi rin naisip na magagawa ni Madi ang lahat ng iyon, all because of him. "We can't really blame her, she's mentally unstable" he said. Kahit paano ay naaawa din naman siya sa sinapit ng dating kasintahan. "But why didn't you tell me about her threats? I would have understand" "Naisip ko na with her condition, she can do worse things and I couldn't risk that.. So I had to stay away para tigilan ka na niya. I have to make you safe" "I appreciate your concern Alden" her hand gently squeezed his. "But you're trying to be the hero pero ikaw naman ang napahamak" "Ako naman talaga ang puno't dulo ng lahat ng ito kaya di bale nang ako na lang ang masaktan, huwag lang ikaw.. I couldn't bear to see you get hurt" he replied. There was a long silence. He can see the flutter of different emotions running through her mind. After a long while, she spoke. "Life is so unfair ano? Kasi alam mo yun.. When we finally get what we want.. when we finally find our happiness, there's always someone that's trying to take it away. It's really hard.." she shook her head. "Yeah, it is" pagsang-ayon niya. "But we shouldn't just give up when it gets hard, that's when we should fight harder" ipinatong niya ang isa pa niyang kamay sa magkahawak nilang kamay. "I asked you to trust me because I know trust is something that will help us get through all this" Lianne looked down, breaking their eye contact. He can see that her face was now filled with remorse and guilt. "Alden I'm sorry if I didn't trust you enough dahil mas pinaniwalaan ko si Madi.." she confessed in a weak tone. "Pakiramdam ko ngayon I don't deseve your--" "Sshh.. Stop. It doesn't really matter to me now" he put his hand on her chin and forced her to look up at him. Nakita niya na nangingilid na ang mga luha nito. "What matters is how we feel about each other now. Do you still love me?" "Of course. I love you" she answered without hesitation as her tears rolled down her cheeks. "Nothing has changed, mula noon hanggang ngayon" He beamed at her. "That's all I wanted to hear" he said, wiping away her tears. "I love you too babe. I never stopped loving you and I never will" sinubukan niyang bumangon but he winced because of the pain from the wound on his side. Mabilis na napatayo si Lianne at inalalayan siya na bumalik sa pagkakahiga. "Don't move. Mahiga ka na lang muna please" deep concern was etched on her face. "I want to hug you" he said as he lay back on the bed. "You have no idea how much I miss you" It has only been two days simula nang umiwas at makipaghiwalay siya dito but for him it was like two long and agonizing months. She smiled and reached out to envelope him in a warm embrace. Gumanti din siya ng yakap. He missed her soft body that perfectly fits his. He missed feeling how her heart would beat frantically against his chest whenever they hug. He missed her heavenly sweet scent. He just missed everything about this woman. "I've missed you too babe" Lianne murmured as she give him a kiss on the forehead. "Sa noo lang? Is that how you show your boyfriend you miss him?" he playfully teased her and pointed at his lips insinuating her to kiss him there. Shaking her head, Lianne lightly hit him on the arm, "Alam mo mabuti pa magpahinga ka na lang" "Please..?" he pouted his lips and faked a sad expression. "Sandali lang.." her hands crossed over her chest. "You still have some explaining to do" "Huh? Tungkol saan?" nagtatakang tanong niya. He thought Raiza had already told her everything. "That night at the parking lot, I was there. I saw you kissing Madi. Is that also part of the script?" Alden actually wasn't surprised she would bring that up, he couldn't blame her though. "She kissed me, not the other way around" "But you let her, hindi ka man lang umiwas" "Babe, I thought we were passed the trust issues? Please understand I didn't really have a choice. She kidnapped my sister and I don't want to do anything stupid na maaaring magpahamak sa kapatid ko" paliwanag niya. In fact, gulong-gulo ang isip niya nung mga oras na yon. He didn't know what to do. "Naiintindihan ko naman, it's just that.. I don't know.. It really hurt me" He held her hands, "Believe me, that kiss didn't mean anything to me babe. If I could, I would change that" She was staring back at him, pinag-iisipan ang mga sinabi niya. He continued, "I think we should just forget about it and put it behind us or else paulit-ulit lang natin yung babalikan and it will only gonna mess us up" Lianne gave a deep sigh of resignation and nodded. "Alright, I trust you kaya simula ngayon I wont have a single inch of doubt in our relationship" He took her hand to his mouth and he kissed it. "It will be a long journey. We can't expect na magiging madali ang lahat but I'm telling you it's gonna be worth it" "I know.. And I believe you" she smiled at him. "I think it's time for you to get some rest.. kaya matulog ka muna para mabilis kang gumaling" He scoot over to the side to create a space and he tapped it, "Lie with me" "Huh? Babe, mamaya lang may nurse at doctor na magra-rounds dito, nakakahiya kapag nakita nila tayo" Alden shrugged his shoulders, "I don't really care what they think" "Hindi ka rin makakatulog ng maayos, this bed is too small for us" "This bed is just right. I thought you said you will do anything I ask basta maging okay lang ako?" "Yeah, but--" "Please? I just want to sleep wrapped in your arms right now" he said with a puppy-eyed look which he knows she couldn't say no to. "Fine.." Lianne agreed, wala na rin naman itong pagpipilian. She sat and lay on the bed next to him. "This is silly" Bahagya siyang tumagilid paharap sa kasintahan at iniyakap ang isang braso dito, "Silly things make life more interesting" A playful and sexy giggle was her only answer. She moved closer and she slipped her arm around him. With her lying close, his heart is bursting with happiness. There are no words that would describe how much he loves this woman. "If I haven't told you enough, I love you.. more than you could imagine. And you are the best girlfriend ever" he whispered to her ear. Lianne looked up and stared right back into him, her eyes reflecting love and pure bliss. She cupped his face, "I love you too babe.. It's always been you" Kahit hindi niya nakikita ang sarili, he can tell that he was grinning from ear to ear. He couldn't contain the joy he was feeling at the moment. Before she could protest, he stole a sweet lingering kiss on her lips. "Ikaw talaga!" marahan siya nitong pinisil sa pisngi. "Are you sure you don't need anything? Ayaw mong kumain?" He drew her body closer to him and contentedly closed his eyes. "I have you.. That's all I need" Hindi nila inaasahan ang pag-plead ng guilty ni Madi sa arraignment ng grave threat and illegal dentention case that Alden filed against her and her accomplices. But even if she didn't, they have solid evidences they can present to the court against them. But still, they were relieved dahil napadali ang kaso. Madi, Marco and Joel were sentenced of imprisonment though she was transferred into a psychiatric institution because of her mental condition. She pity her at hindi rin siya nagtanim ng galit dito, she honestly wishes her well. After a month they were both back on their normal grind, she in the office and him, busily promoting his movie. Ngunit sa kabila ng pagiging abala ni Alden, he still finds time to see her and spend time with her. Kagaya ngayon, they were driving to god knows where. Hindi niya alam kung saan sila pupunta because he insisted on keeping it as a surprise. They both agreed to set a date night wherein they would go out to eat, watch movie, go somewhere and do something new. They do it at least once a week. Their dates were always fun but just as long as they spend time together, that's enough for her. It was a fine night. Her eyes were fixed outside the car window. The road they were travelling seemed familiar, parang alam na niya kung saan siya balak dalhin ng kasintahan. Naramdaman niya ang pagdantay ng palad nito sa kamay niya na nakapatong sa hita niya. "Why are you so quiet?" he intertwined their fingers while his other hand remained on the steering wheel. "I'm just excited" He lifted and kissed the back of her hand, "So am I" Her guess was right. Alden took her into his ninong's property, their secret place where they have witnessed breathtaking sunsets. It has been years since the last time they went there. Pagkatapos kasi ng break-up nila ay hindi na siya nakabalik pa. As far as she could remember, the place used to be unspoiled. Ngayon, marami nang nabago dito. There was a brick path that leads from the entrance and probably all the way to the man-made lake. Flowering trees and ball lamps lined up that path. Frog grasses and wildflowers mostly covered the ground and there were wooden benches too which added to a park-like appeal. The property used to be a vast green land ngunit ngayon ay may nakatayo nang istruktura. A tall, white tower stood in the middle which serves as a lighthouse. On the far side, near the lake was a huge structure that seemed like a function hall. She was sure that the place was developed to be an event venue. She can actually envision a perfect garden wedding beside the lake. Despite the changes, the tranquility and nature feels of the place remains. "Babe, naaalala mo pa ba ang lugar na to?" Alden asked, breaking her silent inspection. "Oo naman. How can I forget this beautiful place? This is full of good memories" "And we're gonna make more good memories here" he held her hand tightly and they walk further into the property. "Wow" she stopped and exclaimed in admiration upon seeing the sight. Hundreds of fireflies lit up the big tree in front of them. They seemed to be dancing as they fly and float in the air of that breezy night. "Matagal na bang may mga alitaptap dito?" "Yeah, I guess so. Hindi lang natin nakikita noon kasi we usually leave after the sunset" "They look so magical" Lianne murmured, entranced. She fought the urge to run and catch some. "Like it?" "I love it. I could stand and stare at them all night" she said, still amazed. "I'm sure you wanted to but we still have a movie date" bulong nito na nagpalingon sa kanya. "Dito? Seryoso ka?" "Yup, tara" hinila na siya nito at inalalayan papunta sa direksyon ng lawa. A movie date here? Dapat sa sinehan sila pumunta o kahit sa condo na lang, they can watch DVDs there. But she didn't question him, hinayaan na lang niya si Alden sa kung ano man ang trip nito. Everything made sense when they got near the lake. Alden had set-up a big projector screen powered by a generator plus a perfectly comfortable-looking couch beside it. There are pizza, popcorn and drinks too. "Alden, you never fail to surprise me and impress me with your date ideas" Humarap ito sa kanya na nakangiti, "Because that exactly is my goal" She rested her forehead into his, "Thank you for all your efforts and grand gestures babe, sobrang naaappreciate ko lahat" she withdrew to look up at him. "Pero di na naman kailangan ng ganito, basta magkasama lang tayo sapat na sakin.. I would still enjoy doing nothing with you" "Babe, I'm glad to do all these things for you kaya hayaan mo lang ako.. Believe me, I'm happy that I can make you happy. Now, can we just relax and enjoy this night?" She beamed at him and agreed. Bakit nga ba niya ito pipigilan sa mga ginagawa nito? She should be delighted that he's doing his best to please her. Alden gave her the freedom to choose the movie they will watch. She had a variety of choices dahil madami itong dalang DVDs. She felt like watching something light, like a romantic comedy movie so she end up picking 50 First Dates. He also brought insect repellent lotion that they applied on their skin. Bilib na talaga siya dito, he came prepared. They cuddled closely on the couch and watched the movie. She's happy with how the night is progressing. A movie date beside the lake and under the stars was very romantic specifically because she's with the person she want to be with the most. What more can she ask for? This night is so perfect, hindi niya makakalimutan ang gabing ito. When the movie ended, the projector started playing something else. It showed a slideshow of their pictures together with their favorite song as a background music. "Babe, what's this for?" "Wala lang. I was in the mood the other night, so yan ang ginawa ko" Hindi niya napigilan na mapangiti, her boyfriend is definitely the sweetest. She was surprised to see stolen shots of her. One was when she was sleeping and her head was on his shoulder. Alden probably took it while on their trip back from their vacation. Some of the pictures were of her on the beach, while inside their favorite restaurant, while waiting on a line, while she was texting, watching tv, reading a book, cooking, listening to music and a few more of her sleeping. Lianne had no idea how he was able to sneak and take those pictures of her. She guess her boyfriend was watching her all the time. That brought a warm feeling inside her. Nang matapos ang slideshow akala niya ay tapos na but the projector kept on playing. This time, it was a recorded video and Cheska was talking. “Alden and Lianne, if there would be someone who knows about your love story, siguro ako na yon. I was there basically the entire time. Lianne confides in me noon kahit hanggang ngayon" she slightly covered her mouth with her hand as if telling a secret, "I can assure you Alden, ikaw lang ang lalaking minahal niya" Cheska giggled and continued. "As soon as I saw you together I realized that you are made for each other and after a long time I can see that I was right. The deep love you both have for each other has been strengthened over time. Sobrang dami nyo nang pinagdaanan, like recently, pero hindi kayo natinag. What I love about your relationship is seeing..“ "Babe, what's this? Bakit may ganito?" hindi na siya nakatiis pa kaya nagtanong na siya. "Basta, manood ka na lang muna. Your questions will be answered later" a mischievous smile was pasted on his lips. Puzzled and confused, bumalik na lang siya sa panonood. Cheska went on with her witty speech then Raiza spoke right after her and then his friend Alex after. She realized that it was made to be like a vtr interview. Even their parents spoke too. She wondered how he convinced her parents to do it, sa pagkakaalam niya ay mahiyain ang mga ito sa camera. "Ano ba talagang meron? Para saan to?" "Just come with me" tumayo na si Alden at inalalayan na rin siya sa pagtayo. "Teka, saan?" kinakabahang sagot niya. She knew he was up to something. He was acting a little strange tonight. Alden gave her a reassuring smile, "You'll find out" Dinala siya ng kasintahan sa labas ng function hall. Nagulat siya dahil hindi naman ganon ang ayos nito kanina nung dumaan sila. Now there are sparkling lights that hang from the branches of the trees. May nakalatag na rin na red carpet and there are flowers everywhere. She was also surprised to see the people closest to them standing there. Both their parents were present, kasama rin si Raiza. Even their close friends were there, Alden's friends like Alex, Jake, his handler and his p.a. Pati sina Arnie at Cherry at ang bestfriend niyang si Cheska with her husband Drew. "Ano'ng ginagawa nila dito?" "I invited them" "Huh? Bakit?" Hinila siya nito papunta sa gitna, where the spotlight was and when they reached it he stopped to face her. "Coz I want them all to witness this memorable event" "What do you mean?" dumako ang paningin niya sa mom at dad niya, pati na rin kay Cheska at sa iba pa, they all looked happy and excited. Alden took her hands, tila kinakabahan ito nang magsalita, "When we met, I had no idea you would impact my life so much. You've changed it in ways that I never imagined. I've been with a few girls before but I never knew what love was until I found you. Ikaw ang nagturo sa akin ng tunay na kahulugan nito. You showed me the type of love and affection people wish they could experience" Lianne wondered what was happening. She felt overwhelmed at hindi na rin siya makapag-isip ng maayos. Nagpapalipat-lipat ang tingin niya kay Alden at sa mga tao sa paligid. "I thank God for letting you walk back into my life after that awful seven years. Pakiramdam ko nga para akong nabuhay ulit. Pero muli rin tayong sinubok, I was so frightened. But I told myself that I would never lose you again kaya ginawa ko ang lahat para hindi yon mangyari coz I honestly couldn't imagine my life without you" he continued, his eyes were on hers the entire time. Bumundol ang kaba sa dibdib niya, she can actually hear her heartbeat inside her ears. 'Oh God! Is he going to propose?' her mind screamed at her. "We've been through hell and back and yet we're here, stronger than before. I believe that we're destined to be together.. Our love story is written in the stars" he looked up in the night sky with a smile on his face. Her eyes were fixed on him. She was trying to grasp every word that he's saying. Parang may delay sa utak niya dahil hindi agad nito ma-process ang mga sinasabi ni Alden. "I love you Lianne, with everything I have. And if you need to hear the reasons why I do, I can go on all night" he paused and glanced at the others who were silently listening, "But I know everybody wants me to just go ahead and ask you already so here it goes.." 'He's going to propose!' it echoed inside her head. Hindi niya alam ang gagawin but she doesn't want to freak out so she tried to take a few deep breaths to calm herself. "I want to be the last voice you hear every night and I want your face to be the first thing I wake up to every single morning" he took a small box from his pocket at binuksan iyon. He kneeled and hold out the box in front of her, "Julie Anne San Jose, I can't imagine growing old with anyone else but you. Will you marry me?" Lianne caught her breath, she was rendered speechless. The last four words set a cascade of different emotions into her. It was overwhelming and it was as if everything was in slow motion. Nanlabo ang mata niya because drops of liquid flowed from it and wet her cheeks. They were tears of joy. She was overjoyed. "Is that a yes?" Alden asked after awhile when he didn't hear a respond. A sob escaped from her when she nodded, "Si, oui, yes, oo.. In every language" Alden instantly got up on his feet and slipped the diamond ring on her finger. It fit perfectly on her. Loud applause and cheers were heard the same time fireworks shoot up and explode in the sky. Then he grabbed her towards him and his lips claimed hers. They shared a passionate kiss which made the cheers go louder. Niyakap siya nito pagkatapos. "You've just made me the happiest man on earth right now" he whispered to her habang pinupunasan ang pisngi niya na basa ng luha. "You caught me by surprise. How did you.." hindi na niya natapos pa ang sasabihin because everyone swarmed to congratulate them. Lahat ay masaya para sa kanilang dalawa. They all gave her and Alden warm hugs and best wishes. Halos hindi iyon matapos-tapos. "Okay guys, it's time for celebration!" Alex shouted, popping a bottle of champagne. "Let's all get in" Cheska instructed, motioning everyone to get inside the function hall. "Sa loob na lang natin ituloy ang celebration. There are plenty of food and drinks there" Kaagad din namang sumunod ang lahat sa mga sinabi nito, leaving just the two of them there. "So everyone knew about this?" tanong niya. "Nalaman lang nila when we invited them yesterday" inakbayan siya ni Alden as they headed towards the entrance of the function hall. "Cheska was the first to know and then yung families natin because I asked for your hand.. But Cheska and I have been planning and working on this for almost a month. I'm just waiting for the perfect time" Lianne stopped on the edge of the stairs. "Wow. I was really clueless" For a month, she didn't notice anything different or strange between the two. She never once suspected they were concocting something like this. "Nung araw na pinuntahan kita sa Tagaytay, I talked to Cheska first. I asked her a favor and that is tulungan niya ko sa proposal. Pagkatapos kasi ng pinagdaanan ko that day, I realized na hindi ko na makakaya na mawala ka pa sa akin. She didn't need further convincing dahil pumayag siya agad. She helped me, from suggesting the proposal idea, to finding the right place to do it, to filming the vtr and to choosing the perfect engagement ring" mahabang paliwanag ni Alden. "I wonder how she managed to keep it from me for that long. We never had secrets" "I made her promise to keep her mouth shut because I want this moment to be as natural as it can be" She agreed on that part. It might not turn out romantic kung may alam siya tungkol dito. She's really grateful because of his extended effort just to make this proposal unforgettable and special. "Thank you.." she gently cupped his cheeks and looked at the dark pools of his eyes. "Noon, ipinagdadasal ko lang na sana God would give me a guy I can spend the rest of my life with dahil ayokong tumandang mag-isa.. But He gave me more than what I asked for.. He gave me the best. God is good. I'm so blessed to have a wonderful man to be my lifetime partner" Alden flashed her his megawatt smile. "God is good indeed because he gave me the most amazing woman.. He gave me the girl of my dreams" For a while she just stared at his handsome face, thinking how lucky she was to find someone like him. Then she tiptoed para halikan ito. Lianne lightly kissed his lips as her hands circled around his neck. He then passionately kissed her back and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer to his body. They made sure to silently communicate how much they love each other in that kiss. Someone intentionally cleared her throat na nagpatigil sa kanila. They turned and saw Cheska standing by the doorway. "You two lovebirds, pwede pumasok muna kayo? Everyone's waiting for you. Baka isipin nila na you ditched your own party" "Nice timing" Alden said sarcastically. Cheska chuckled, "I'm sorry for the interruption.. Well, after you get married you'll have all the time in the world to do that and more" Lianne looked up at him, sabay pa silang napangiti as they exchange meaningful glances. "Yes, that's right" he agreed. "We have forever to ourselves" And they're definitely gonna spend it kissing, hugging, holding hands and loving each other endlessly dahil wala nang anuman o sinuman ang makakapaghiwalay sa kanila. Her eyes shifted back to her fiancé. Hindi pa rin nabubura ang ngiti nito. She slipped her arm on his waist at sabay na silang pumasok sa loob. They stood face to face, his full height loomed over her. She took a moment to take him in. Alden was a sight of perfection, wearing his gray tux and his signature dimpled smile. She looked up at him and he was staring lovingly back at her, dazzled. They held each other's hand and began to utter their vows in unison, "Honeybabe, from this day forward I promise..." She continued, "To do anything to make you happy" "To tell you funny stories when you're sad" dugtong naman nito. "To take care of you when you're sick" "To cuddle with you when you get cold" "To cook for you even if most of the times I burn the food" she said which earned a few snicker from the crowd. "To sing for you even if I sound like a crushing metal or a howling dog" he countered. Everyone inside the church erupted in laughter. No one could deny his humor. When the noise died down Lianne continued. "I promise to take a break from reality and let in a little romance" "I promise to surprise you with flowers and hold your hand" "To teach you my guitar and piano expertise so I wont have to endure listening when you attempt to play" Lianne said teasingly. "To teach you my car expertise so I wont have to answer all your questions when your car break down" he teased back. She rolled her eyes at him bago sumagot, "To support you in your career and whatever you choose to do" "To work hard and pay attention to your every needs "To put you first" He nodded, "To put you first" "I promise to constantly tell you I love you and need you" His hand tightened on hers, "I promise to constantly show you I care and that you matter" She grinned, "To always hold you in my heart" "To always keep you in my thoughts" "I promise to love you unconditionally" "I promise to love you back unconditionally" Her gaze locked with him. "To walk with you hand in hand.." "Wherever our journey leads us.." his voice was filled with love. "Living, learning.." "Loving, together.." "Forever" magkasabay nilang sagot. She woke up with a smile on her face. She dreamt about it again. Actually, their marriage vows were the most clear and vivid memory she had of their wedding. Most of the event on that special day passed by like a blur. Marahan siyang nag-inat at naghikab while uttering a short prayer of gratitude for another day. She smiled, remembering she had a great night last night. Actually, the past four nights were the best of her life. Lianne suddenly sensed eyes on her kaya dumilat na siya. Alden was beside her, lying on his side with his head propped up against his hand and watching her. "Good morning Mrs. Faulkerson a.k.a. Mrs. Richards" nakangiting bati nito. "Good morning" she greeted back. Tinitigan niya ang asawa and her brows furrowed a bit. His smile faltered, "Bakit?" "I just realized na for three consecutive days I always wake up to you watching me sleep. Alam mo babe, it's starting to get a little.. uhm.. creepy" "Oh. I'm creepy now huh?" he muttered sullenly. She chuckled. "I was just playing" naglalambing na bawi niya. Umusog siya palapit upang yakapin ito. "I didn't mean it that way" Narinig niya ang mahinang pagtawa nito. He let her use his arm as a pillow then he kissed her forehead. "So why do you always watch me sleep?" "Gusto ko lang panoorin ka. You look so peaceful and happy and it's very entertaining when you talk" "I'm definitely not sleeptalking!" Alden's loud laughter filled the hotel suite they were staying at. He tried hard to suppress it when he earned a killer look from her. Naging seryoso ito. "I wanna cherish every second that you're here with me. Subconsciously I worry that when someone slapped me hard I'll realize that it was all an illussion or baka sa susunod na paggising ko wala ka na sa tabi ko" Tumingala siya upang tingnan ito, "Hindi ako mawawala. Reality check babe, we're married" After the night of the proposal, Alden posted their engagement photo on his instagram account. She guess he was just extremely happy and excited that's why he did that. It became a huge showbiz news. At first, karamihan sa mga fans ni Alden ay hindi tanggap ang nangyari lalo na at may kalove team ito. She received heavy bashing and criticisms ngunit hndi niya rin naman masisisi ang mga ito because Alden and her had kept their relationship private so it came as a surprise to them. He agreed for an interview the next day to answer all the questions regarding his engagement and about her -- his fiancée. Doon ikinuwento nito ang istorya nila, pati na ang mga pinagdaanan nilang mga pagsubok. He also said that he has never been happier in his entire life than he is now. That was when his fans understood and accepted. Others also expressed well-wishes and support. Marami rin ang nagsabi na naging inspirasyon ang love story nila because it was a proof that true love does exist. Apat na buwan ang naging preparation ng kasal nila. Although he is a public figure, maayos naman nilang napakiusapan ang media na gawing pribado ang kasal. They want a simple and solemn wedding with their family and friends and they gave it to them. Now, they are four days married and on their third day of a week-long honeymoon in Bali. It was also their first out of the country trip as a married couple. His soft voice broke her away from her thoughts. "I know.. But it still feels so surreal kasi dati pinapangarap ko lang to" "Yeah" she agreed. Minsan naiisip din niya, it was too good to be true. "Parang hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin totally nagsi-sink in sa akin na mag-asawa na tayo" "Let's stay in today" Alden suggested. He was staring at her with an amused look. "Bakit? I thought we had this day planned? Mamamasyal tayo diba?" "Well, I just thought para totally magsink in na mag-asawa na tayo" his voice turned huskily soft, "we should stay in bed all day and do what married couples do" "Ah ganon?" Lianne knew what his suggestive comments were implying. She hit him on his chest. "Aray!" Inirapan niya ito. She leaned back on the bed and folded her arms across her chest. "Baka makalusot lang naman babe" nangingiting sagot nito. "But kidding aside, I want us to have many babies" "Ilan? Two or three?" "No. Six" "Six?" she exclaimed incredulously. "Not with me" "So sa iba pwede? You're giving me the permission to play the field" Matalim na tingin ang ibinigay niya dito like she was ready to murder him. "Don't you dare Alden" He laughed out loud, pinning her to his side. "I wouldn't dare or even think about it" She trusts him so she immediately relaxed with his words. Alam niya na nagbibiro lang ito, he just couldn't break his habit of teasing her. "Palibhasa kasi hindi naman kayong mga lalaki ang nanganganak" "Babe kung posible lang naming akuin yun, we will do it para hindi kayo mahirapan" "Kaso hindi pwede" "Yeah, never heard of a man who got pregnant or gave birth. Saan namin ilalabas yung baby?" Sabay silang natawa sa sinabi nito. "But seriously babe, a mini you and me would be perfect. Pero kung isa lang, okay lang din. Kung ilan ang ibibigay sa atin ni God magiging masaya ko" he murmured softly, drawing her into his arms again. Alden adores kids kahit noon pa man kaya sigurado siya na he will make a great father someday. She wants to have a mini him, a little Richard Faulkerson III and they can call him thirdy. She smiled. Who would have thought they would end up together sa dinami-dami ng pinagdaanan nila? Lianne leaned her cheek against his chest, circling one arm around his body. "Pano kaya kung hindi tayo nagkakilala?" He frowned. "I guess, my life would be empty. But I believe eventually, fate will bring our paths together" "You're right.. Kung hindi man ngayon, maybe in another lifetime" "But we have each other now" he grinned, as his hand gently brushed her arm. "And right now, I'm at the point where every aspect of my life is perfect. Love, family, career, wala na akong mahihiling pa" She looked up at his face. Mababakas ang kaligayan sa mga mata nito. Her hand lifted to smooth his ruffled hair into place. "I want to hold your hand, snuggle on the couch, talk about whatever and kiss your lips every single day" she said. Napangiti siya sa reaksyon nito. He was smiling like an idiot. "Kahit pa matanda na tayo?" his eyebrow shot up questionningly. "Kahit pa matanda na tayo" she asserted. He shifted his position and in a matter of seconds he was above her. "We had our ups and downs but I wouldn't change them for anything in the world" Sang-ayon siya sa sinabi nito dahil ang mga yon ang nagpatatag sa relasyon nila. All her other thoughts were silenced when he kissed her. His lips moved gently on her soft ones and she eagerly kissed him back. Her heart wouldn't stop pounding from inside her chest as their lips move in sync. He tasted so good and it felt right to kiss him. Alden softly bit her lower lip on purpose which stole a moan from her. He definitely know how to set her in motion. He broke the kiss, tumingin ito sa mga mata niya, his eyes were filled with love and desire. "I love you" he whispered huskily. "I love you too" she ached for more of his lips so before he could open his mouth to speak again, she grabbed him by his neck and kissed him passionately. Lianne knows he was expecting it. She can actually feel him smiling through their kiss. She sighed. She will never get tired of this, not in a million years. There's nothing more she would ask for because everything she need is right here, with him. She was his, and he was hers, forever. THE END _____________________________________________________ Author's Note: I know what you were all thinking.. FINALLY natapos din! Hahaha Alam ko madami ang nainis at naimbyerna sa akin, sorry po talaga. But seriously, thank you for being so patient. I wanna say a BIG big big THANK YOU to everyone who supported this story, sa wattpad or kahit sa tumblr. It has been a long journey, salamat sa pagsama ninyo sa akin on my first attempt of writing a romance story. I have learned so much from it and met new friends. Sa mga silent readers like Heyzl, Daren, Zane, Margareth, Superjabs, Honey, Angel, Sam (sorry sa iba, di ko na kayo maisa-isa) sa mga anons, salamat. Thank you din to all the constant likers sa tumblr at voters sa wattpad na talagang as in nagla-like or nagvo-vote sa BAWAT CHAPTERS like adiklangatproud, denliefanatic, Raezen, Elcee, ftwjaps, flamebreezy, Jhoanna, japsfan, sunnyserendipity, Anne, and most specially si Joycey, my consultant/critique/adviser rolled into one, thank you! I can't explain how happy you all made me feel. Ang lakas maka-boost ng confidence na may nakaka-appreciate ng ginagawa mo. I dedicate this to all of you who took time to read this story, specially for the DenLie fans or Julie Anne fans out there. It has been an honor to share WITS with you. Til the next story, I guess. :) Spread the love! ♥♥
