Love at First Sight (One shot)

Chandria's POV

"I promise Chand, kung matutulungan mo akong makapasok sa Adonis Racing Club, ibibigay ko sayo kahit anong hingin mo sa painting collections ko."

Here we go again, kinukulit na naman ako ni Marissa. Ilang beses ko na syang tinanggihan pero ayaw talaga syang paawat. And besides, wala naman akong interest sa mga paintings niya.

"Alright, how much money do you want Maris, para tigilan mo na ako."

"Chand, that's not what I need. That place is not open for a female tourist. At makakapasok lang tayo, if we will receive an invitation from the members of the club. Your family is so influential, baka may kakilala kang member doon, please help me."

"Sayo ko lang narinig ang club na iyon. If it's not open for girls, why are you still insisting na makapunta doon?"

"To find my true love."

"Ganon ka na ba kadesperada sis?"

"Out of trend ka na naman sis, hindi ka ba updated? Halos lahat ng babae sa bansa ang main dream na ngayon ay makapasok sa ARC."

"Really? And why is that?"

"Because that place is the haven of elite and handsome men on earth."

I can't help laughing when she uttered that words. So exaggerated.

"Ang OA mo talaga, you know what, kung totoo ang mga sinasabi mo, hindi ba dapat member doon si kuya Rome? He is a young and handsome CEO-"

"Your right sis, ask Rome to join the club, for sure makakapasok sya at matutulungan nya tayo-"

"Seriously? Alam mo kung gaanon ka busy si kuya, wala syang time for that."

"Aaaaagh, Chand naman e, hindi ka ba-"

Someone called on the phone.

"Hello dear sister, I have something to tell you. Come here, let's celebrate."

"Alright, I'm on my way brother."

He hung up. Now, I already have a reason to finally leave.

"I have to go Maris, let's meet some other time."

Mabilisan akong lumabas sa cafe at hindi na lumingon kahit pilit pa rin akong kinukulit ng kaibigan kong may sayad.

"CHANDRIA, your here."

"What is it kuya? Mukhang sobrang saya mo ah."

"Look what I've received."

Iniabot niya sa akin ang isang golden envelope.

"And what is this?"

"Confirmation ng pagiging member ko sa Adonis Racing Club. Unbelievable isn't it?"

"Anong sinabi mo kuya? Sumali ka talaga sa club na iyon?"

"Why not? Look Chand, this is a great opportunity to relax and meet new friends or even business partners."

"Alright, if that's what really makes you happy."

Sino ba ako para pigilin ang happiness ni kuya. Even if I found it so baduy.

"Thank you Chand. Come on let's celebrate."

"Ah, bago ko makalimutan, since member ka na ng club na yun kuya, please send me two invitations para maka-bisita din kami ni Marissa. Matagal na nya akong kinukulit na pumunta doon."

"Si Maris? Bakit naman nya gustong pumasok sa ARC?"

"To find her true love daw."

"What? Is she crazy?"

"Nandyan ka naman naghahanap pa siya ng iba, di ba kuya?"

"Chandria, how many times do I have to tell you na parang kapatid na ang turing ko sa kanya."

"Ok, sabi mo e."

"How about you sister, gusto mo din bang pumasok sa club to find your true love?"

I smiled at him, pero hindi ko magawang totoo. Then showed the ring on my finger.

"If I can only do that brother."

"I know how painful it was to marry a man na hindi mo pa nakikilala hanggang ngayon. Sorry kung wala akong nagawa as your older brother."

"Hey, don't feel sorry. I did it voluntarily. We have no other choice, kung hindi ko yun ginawa, baka bankrupt na tayo ngayon. So I have no regrets. Besides, para din naman po akong single di ba? My husband didn't dare to face me until now."

He hugged me so tight, what a loving brother. I am so lucky to have him by my side.

"Let's eat, my treat."

HALOS umabot sa Jupiter ang sigaw ni Maris when I gave her the invitation to enter ARC.

"Thank you sis, you're the best talaga. Paano ka nagkaroon nito?"

"Kuya Rome is an official member of the club since last week at nag-eenjoy talaga sya doon. Nagpapatayo na nga sya ng sariling rest house sa club."

"Last week pa? E bakit ngayon mo lang sinabi sa akin?"

"Baka sobra kang ma-excite."

"So ano? Let's go?"

"Ano? Agad agad? Sabi ni kuya bukas na daw. He will personally tour us around the club."

"Alright, mag pe-prepare na ako. See you tomorrow."

ON OUR way to the club located in Batangas, hindi napigilan ni Maris na magtanong kay kuya habang nag da-drive ito.

"Rome, totoo bang babae ang may ari ng ARC?"

"Yup."

"Ang selfish naman niya, hindi bukas ang club para sa mga babae, dahil gusto niyang masolo ang mga members nito."

"Ms. Wilson is not that kind of person Maris. She is being admired by almost all of the club members, pero kahit ganon, wala syang ine-entertain kahit isa sa amin."

"Sa inyo? Does it mean that you also want to court her?"

"Maybe. Kakaiba talaga sya. The members of the club are so competitive, pero wala ni isa sa kanila ang nakatalo na kay Ms. Wilson sa racing. She's so cool, isn't she?"

"Whatever."

Ang dalawang ito talaga, obvious naman na may feelings sila para sa isa't-isa. Hindi ba included ang pag-amin sa vocabulary nila?

After 2 hours of travel from Manila to Batangas, we finally reached our destination. Nasa mataas na lugar ito. At sa labas pa lang ay napaka ganda na ng tanawin. The white sand beach of Matabungkay adds a majestic view and I do love the ambiance coming from it.

"Naririto na tayo, Welcome to Adonis Racing Club."

Pumasok kami sa golden gate and parked the car on a wide parking lot. Napaka-daming kotse ang nakaparada dito, bukod pa sa mga race car ng bawat members na hindi pwedeng ilabas sa club.

A warm welcome with a pleasant smile awaited us, as we entered the main entrance.

"Good morning Sir Villar and to you pretty ladies."

A high class club indeed.

"OMG, sis nakita mo yun? Kahit ang mga staff at crew nila good looking. This is heaven for a single woman like me."

"Maris, umayos ka nga, lower down your voice," saway ni kuya sa kanya.

Dalawang part ng club ang bumungad sa amin. The car racing track at yung part na parang village, the club proper.

"Teka, may racing competition ba ngayon?"

"Hey, it's dangerous to roam around here alone."

Dumiretso pa din si Maris kahit pinigilan sya ni kuya kaya sinundan siya nito.

Bakit naman delikado? May rapist ba dito? Oh, no that's impossible, exclusive ang lugar na ito and the members of the club are purely educated.

By the way, saan kaya located ang pinapatayong lodging-house ni kuya? Nagsimula akong mag-libot libot.

Honestly, this is the grandest place I've ever been. There are American-inspired house, German, Korean, Japanese, and many more. Parang nagtravel ako sa iba't ibang bansa in an instant. Meron din bar, restaurant, court, gym, and other facilities for entertainment.

A gorgeous man in his fancy racing car, stopped right in front of me.

"Pretty lady, do you have a companion?"

Bago pa ako nakasagot, another attractive man ang huminto sa harap ko.

"Hey Axel, step back men. This lady is going to be my date today."

They grin to one another. A HAVEN OF PLAYBOYS.

"I don't think so Blake. Allow her decide on that." He looked at me. "Miss, sino ang pipiliin mo sa amin? If you can't decide, dadaanin namin ito sa isang friendly racing match."

Naramdaman ko ang pag-akbay sa akin ng kung sino. I was about to push him away noong masilayan ko ang cute niyang mukha. No, he's not cute, HANDSOME was the right word to describe this hottie. Yeah, a hottie indeed.

This is the very first time na na-attract ako sa physical appearance ng isang tao. Pogi din naman yung first two men, namely Axel at Blake, but they are not my type.

Bakit ba pumapasok na sa isip ko ang mga ganitong bagay. Nahahawa na yata ako kay Maris.

"Kanina pa kita hinahanap Chandria. Is there a problem here, Axel? Blake?"

Aagh, his manly voice is melting my heart. Hinahanap niya ako? But why? We don't even know each other. Pero okay lang, hinding hindi kita tataguan. Gosh, so chessy...

"Ow, we're very sorry dude. Akala namin wala syang date."

"Yeah, we apologize Aiden."

"Apology accepted. See you later men."

Finally, wala nang nangungulit sa akin ngayon dahil dito kay baby, ayy kay Aiden rather.

Bumitaw na sya sa pagkaka-akbay sa akin.

Our eyes met, and from what I see in his eyes, he is a nice person.

"You're Chandria right? The younger sister of Rome? He told me that he'll bring you here today and I saw you entering the club with him. I'm so sorry kung sinabi kong-"

"No it's okay. You just helped me out. Ako nga dapat ang mag-thank you sayo. Thank you Mr-"

"You don't have to be so formal. I am Aiden Wilson. Just call me Aiden."

We shook hands.

"Chandria Villar."

"You know what, it's dangerous roaming around here alone."

"Yeah, naiintindihan ko na ngayon kung bakit. Maybe, if you didn't save me, nakapili na ako between Axel and Blake."

"That's for sure, dahil hindi ka talaga nila titigilan."

His phone rang, pero hindi niya ito sinagot. Dahil ba sa akin?

"You can answer it. Kailangan ko na din namang hanapin sina kuya Rome at Maris."

"Are you sure you can do it alone?"

"Yes. Thank you for your concern Aiden."

I was about to leave when he says, "If someone ask you out, tell them that I am your date."

"I'll keep that in mind."

The corner of his lips curved into a smile. So I smiled back, I can't help it.

This is the most proper way para tapusin ang pag-papantasya ko sa kanya. I am a married woman, and thanks to him dahil naranasan ko ang humanga sa isang guy that made my heart skipped a beat.

Luckily, natagpuan ko agad ang couple na hinahanap ko. Base sa itsura ni Maris, parang may LQ na naman sila. What new? Sanay na ako dalawang ito.

"Let's go Chand, nagpa-reserve ako ng tatlong room sa hotel."

"Mag-oover night ba tayo dito kuya?"

"If you want."

"Na-fe-feel ko na mas magiging majestic ang lugar na ito sa gabi, so let us stay until tomorrow morning."

"Alright."

After I put my bag on the hotel room, lumabas na ulit ako. Iniwan ko na si Maris. Besides, we have different reason kung bakit kami naririto ngayon.

Hindi pala ako updated ha! Tingnan natin ngayon kung sino ang mas madaming ma-i-i-post sa social media accounts.

Selfie here, selfie there, selfie everywhere. The different designs of the houses caught my attention again, kaya ito ang naging background ko.

Until I saw a guy standing in front of his house, looking at the camera and posing a V sign.

Who's that? Napilitan akong ibaba ang cellphone ko.

"Why did you stop? Hindi ba ako pwedeng sumama?"

He gave me a cute smile.

"No, hindi ganon. Nahihiya lang ako kasi hindi man lang ako humingi ng approval sa owner ng bahay, bago ko-"

"It's okay. Sayang naman ang ganda ng bahay namin kung hindi makikita ng iba. By the way, I am Austin Crawford."

"How do you want me to address you?"

"Austin, or baby if you want."

"That's funny."

"How about you? Unfair naman kung ako lang ang kilala mo."

"Chandria Villar."

"Villar? What is your relationship with Rome?"

"He's my older brother."

"I see... Wanna have a lunch with me?"

"I'm sorry but I already have a date."

"And who's the lucky guy?"

"Aiden Wilson."

"But Aiden already left."

"Talaga? He told me na gawin ko syang excuse. Aalis din pala sya agad."

"I knew it. Other than Chandler, si Aiden ang isa sa pinaka unang members na kahit kailan ay hindi nagdala ng date dito sa club. Kaya alam kong ginagamit mo lang syang excuse para tanggihan ako. Am I not good enough?"

"Huh? No, that's not-"

"Binibiro lang kita. Nandito pa nga pala si Aiden, pero dahil hindi mo naman talaga sya ka-date. You have to accept my offer."

"Alright. I have no other option."

"I'm a perfect option Chandria, I'll prove it to you."

He brought me to a restaurant.

"This is my favorite restaurant dahil napaka-daming choices na pwede nating pag-pilian. Korean, Italian, Japanese, Filipino and any other dishes. Anong gusto mong subukan?"

"Game ako sa Korean, basta yung spicy ha."

"Okay, ako nang bahala. I-re-request ko yan kay Chef Elijah. Wait for me."

"Sure."

While waiting for him, I saw Aiden walking towards me.

"You have a date Chandria?"

"Yeah, hindi effective and excuse ko kay Austin." I saw disappoinment in his eyes. "Bakit? May gusto ka bang sabihin sa akin?"

"Yes." He uttered seriously. "I advise you not to get close to Austin or to any members of the club."

After saying that words, he started walking away. Concern ba sya sa akin? Pero bakit parang galit? Wag naman sana.

When Austin came back, sabay kaming kumain. Masarap syang kasama. Puro biro, ang hirap i-distinguish kung alin ang totoo at hindi sa mga sinasabi nya. But despite of that, he is indeed a gentleman.

Naglakad-lakad kami sa garden after we ate.

"Thank you Austin."

"Thank you for what Chand?"

"For letting me experience how a date feels like."

"Don't tell me that this is your first date."

"Yup, it is. Kung hindi ka lang mapilit, baka wala pa akong nakaka-date all my life."

"No, that's impossible. You're beautiful, rich, and kind. A perfect girlfriend material."

"You really know how to make me smile Austin, kahit puro ka pambobola. Sana ganyan din ang husband ko."

"H-husband? You're married?"

"Yes, for seven years."

"But you didn't look happy. Oras na ba para agawin kita?"

Napawi ang pagkagulat sa kanyang mukha at bumalik ulit ang mapang-asar niyang ngiti.

"Baliw ka talaga. Sabihin mo nga, paano ako magiging masaya? I don't even know the identity of my husband. His name, his appearance, everything about him. Ang alam ko lang ay ang pangalan ng company nila."

"You're in a hard situation Chandria. Bakit hindi ka pa bumibitaw?"

"Dahil sa utang na loob."

"What if you're husband is an old man, kaya ayaw nyang humarap sayo?"

"Wala akong magagawa."

"That's awful. By the way, ano nga palang pangalan ng company ng husband mo?"

"U and I Corporation."

"That mysterious company?"

"Exactly. Sobrang misteryoso. A company who extend a helping hand to the needy, na kahit kailan ay hindi ipinakilala ang CEO o stakeholders nila."

"I'll send someone to investigate on that."

"No need, nagawa ko na yan, pero hindi pa din effective."

"Then, you're husband is a big shot."

"Siguro nga."

I saw a familiar woman sitting on the bench near us.

Allison Miranda? Yes, She's Allison, I can still remember her charming face. She's my classmate in high school and the jolliest girl I knew. Pero bakit parang malungkot sya ngayon.

Lumapit ako sa kanya, sumunod naman sa akin si Austin.

"Allison?"

"Chandria? Masaya akong makita ka ulit."

We hugged each other.

"Me too. Bakit nga pala nag-iisa ka?"

"Ah, yung date ko kasi ngayon, may date pa palang iba. Surprising di ba?"

"Let me guess, si Gavin ba ang nag-invite sayo?" Tanong ni Austin na halatang sigurado sa hula niya. Allison nodded. "He is a great womanizer, and every week, more than ten different women ang dinadala nya dito."

"Gagong yon, kung alam ko lang, baka nai-hambalos ko sa kanya ang roses na ibinigay nya sa akin."

"Yeah, you'd better do that next time."

"Wala ng next time."

They both laughed. Actually, bagay sila. A Jolly boy and a jolly girl.

"Since magkakilala na kayo, Austin pwede bang ikaw na lang ang maghatid kay Alli pabalik sa Manila?"

"Hindi, ayos lang, may co-commute na lang ako," sagot ni Alli.

"No, I insist," untag naman ni Austin.

"Narinig mo yun? Alli, Austin, I have to go. Ingat kayo and enjoy your date."

"We will."

"Date?"

"Matatanggihan mo ba ako Alli?"

Tuluyan na akong umalis, I don't want to be a third wheel, satisfied na ako sa pagiging matchmaker.

Nang bumalik ako sa hotel, nakasalubong ko si Maris at Kuya Rome na nagmamadaling lumabas.

"Chand, let's go."

Sumabay ako sa kanila.

"Saan ba kayo pupunta?"

"Sa racing circuit. May match ngayon."

"Yeah, sina Axel, Blake, at Aiden ang mag-co-compete ngayon."

"Talaga?"

I ran. Baka mapalampas ko pa ang opportunity na makita ulit si Aiden. Mabuti na lang, hindi pa nagsisimula nang makarating kami. He's very hot on his racing suit.

"This racing track is 1.2 kilometer long, with 8 turn, running in a clockwise direction. In three minutes, mag sisimula na ang race."

"Kuya Rome, hindi ba magiging unfair ang match dahil iba't-iba sila ng gamit na race car model?"

"Actually, hindi naman dapat ganyang klase ng vehicle ang ginagamit namin, but our matches are only for relaxation and entertainment. A friendly game. There are rules and regulations just to ensure our safety."

"What kind of race car is Aiden currently using?"

"Do you know him?"

"Yeah, we met earlier."

"He is using Porsche 718 Boxster, so he named it Boxster."

"Even your cars has its name?"

"In this club, our race car is the most important belonging that we have."

Tiningnan ko sya ulit and I was surprised seeing him looking at my direction. Ako ba ang tiningnan niya?

"3,2,1, Go!" Sabay sabay na sigaw ng mga nanonood.

As fast as a blink of an eye, hindi na sila nakikita pa ng mga mata ko. Sa monitor na lang namin nasusubaybayan kung sino ba ang nangunguna. Sobrang dikit ng naging laban, unpredictable talaga kung sino ang mananalo. Nagpasiklab agad si Blake, pero naungusan sya ni Axel, but in the end, Aiden wins, a come from behind victory. He's amazing.

Hindi ako nagkamali, mas attractive ang ARC sa gabi. The colorful dancing lights add beauty to the surroundings. Lumabas ako ng hotel para lumanghap ng sariwang hangin. I sat on the bench, fantasizing this wonderful place.

"Beautiful." Lumingon ako at nakita si Aiden na nakasandal sa puno. "Beautiful, isn't it?"

Umupo siya sa tabi ko.

"I agree. Nakapag-travel na ako sa ibat-ibang bansa, but this place is incomparable."

Mukha namang hindi sya galit sa akin. Should I ask him about that scene on the restaurant?

"Did I scare you earlier?"

"N-no. I know that you're just concerned about me, kaya mo nasabi yun."

"Other than that, I am worried na baka ma-disappoint ang husband mo sayo."

"Nakwento na pala sayo ni kuya."

"No, he didn't. I know it because of that."

He is looking at my ring.

"Just because of this? Ikaw lang ang naka-recognize na wedding ring 'to."

I removed my ring and showed it to him.

"Look, this is a half moon. And I am sure that the other half of it is in the ring of your husband."

He is pointing at the center gemstone of the ring.

"Talaga? This is a half moon? All this time I thought that it is simply letter D."

His smile widen.

"For you Chandria, what kind of man is your husband?"

"I don't know. We never met before, and until now. I gave my signature for the marriage contract without knowing his whole identity."

"Are you mad at him?"

"Bakit ako magagalit? He saved my family's company. And without our marriage, hindi ko alam kung nasaan na kami ngayon. I have no right to get mad."

"I think he likes you."

"How can you say that? Do you know him?"

"Nasabi ko yun because of your wedding ring again."

"Wala namang naka-engraved na message dito ah."

"Meron."

"Nasaan?"

Pilit kong hinanap kung meron ba talagang message na naka-ukit.

"The moon itself. Sa tingin ko, gusto nyang malaman mo na at the darkest moment of your life, he will always be there to lighten up your world." He made me smile. "At dahil din sa pangalan mo."

"Chandria means moon?"

"Moon shining. Suited for a precious woman like you."

Again, I heard the abnormal beating of my heart because of this man sitting beside me. If I am not married, I'll make sure you're mine Aiden. Pero dahil sa magulong sitwasyon kong ito, kailangan kong ibahin ang takbo ng usapan, baka kung saan pa mapunta, mahirap pigilin ang pusong sabik sa pagmamahal.

"Wait a minute, bakit nga pala ang dami mong alam tungkol sa wedding ring?"

"Because the man you're talking to is the owner of the most prestigious jewelry company inside and outside the country. By the way, I am Cooper Thompson."

"You eavesdropper!"

"Sorry dude, I am just passing by. Wala akong narinig, I promise."

"Let's go Chand. Ihahatid na kita sa hotel. It's getting late."

We walked together under the moonlight.

"We're here. Good night Chand."

Bakit napaka-bilis?

"Sleep well Aiden."

I was about to walk away when he hold my hand.

"Chandria, at the right time, ihaharap ko sayo ang husband mo. I'll do my best."

"Thank you Aiden."

Pwede bang ikaw na lang? Pwede bang tayo na lang...

But that's impossible.

EVERY Saturday, sumasama ako kay kuya Rome pabalik sa club.

I found the right place for me.

Palagi rin kaming nagkikita ni Aiden. Ipinapasyal nya ako sa ibat-ibang entertainment facilities na meron ang ARC. I got to know the place more, and I got to know him better.

Wala naman sigurong masama. Aiden knew I was married, kaya hindi sya gagawa ng hindi dapat. We're friends, at tanggap naming hanggang doon lang yon.

One month passed.

"Chand, I have an invitation for you."

"Invitation for what kuya?"

"Including me, there are 8 new members of the club. So Ms.Wilson decided to throw a welcome party for us."

"You want me to be your date? Kuya, ask Maris instead."

"This invitation is from Aiden."

"Galing kay Aiden?"

"Yup. Mukhang sobrang close na kayo, kaya pumayag ka na."

"Pede ba talaga kuya? Paano kung makarating ito sa husband ko."

"ARC is an exclusive club and media's are not allowed to enter. Ang lahat ng nangyayari sa loob, hanggang sa loob na lang."

"Tell him na pumapayag na ako."

"Ikaw na ang mag-sabi Chand. You're texting each other, right?"

"Hey, I hate that teasing smile. Fine."

ON THAT very special night, I wore a white backless mermaid gown.

Habang pumapasok sa main venue, nakasalubong ko si Austin.

"Wow Chand. You're stunning."

Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko at hinalikan ito. Natigilan sya nang makita ang wedding ring na suot ko.

"I thought you're married. What exactly is your relationship with Aiden?"

"Bakit ganyan ang reaction mo? This is the wedding ring given by my husband."

"Pero ganyan din ang singsing sa pendant ni Aiden. He is very influential, hindi kaya sya ang-"

I hurriedly went inside the venue to look for him. Nasaan ba sya?

Aiden, Ikaw ba talaga ang asawa ko? Then why did you hide it from me? Paano pa ako magagalit sayo ngayon, sinabi ko na sa harap mo pa mismo na "I have no right to get mad".

The romantic music started.

"A pleasant evening everyone." That's Aiden's voice? Nasaan ba sya talaga? Bakit sya nagtatago? "Other than welcoming the new members of the club, I am standing here, announcing my seven years marriage with the most special woman in my eyes. Are you looking for me my dearest wife? Look back, Chandria."

Lumingon ako at nakita sya sa doorway, walking towards me. The crowd cheered.

"Aiden..."

"Can I invite you on stage?"

I nodded. Wala akong masabi, hindi ko alam kung ano ang dapat maramdaman. But at that moment, I felt very special. Nakatayo ako sa entablado habang umaamin sa akin ang lalaking pangarap ko. It was like a dream come true.

"Before anything else, I just want to thank Austin and Rome sa matalinong planong ito, it was perfect. And of course, to Ms. Wilson for allowing me to have the stage today." Then he looked at me with his eyes full of admiration. "Chand, my wife, nagulat ka ba? Sorry kung naguguluhan ka, I owe you an explanation. But for now, I want to take this opportunity to tell you how much I love you. Siguro nagkulang ako bilang asawa mo, pero babawi ako, forever is not enough para mapatunayan ko sayo kung gaano ka kahalaga sa buhay ko. With you in my life, there is nothing I want more Chandria."

My tears gradually falls. Hindi ito isang panaginip di ba? The man I love is really confessing his feelings for me, right?

"I felt the same way Aiden. I love you too."

Yes, I love him, right from the very beginning. Unbelievable isn't it?

"May I have this dance?"

We started dancing while looking at each other. Wishing that this moment lasts forever. Sumayaw na din ang iba pang couples. Pero pakiramdam ko, kami lang ang naroroon ng mga sandaling iyon.

"Can we go out? Madami pa akong gustong sabihin wifey."

"Wifey?"

"Cheesy ba?"

"No. I like it. Let's go."

Dinala nya ako sa veranda ng rest house niya habang hawak ang mga kamay ko.

"Naiilang ka ba sa akin?"

"Medyo. I treated you as a friend. And in an instant, you are now my husband. Ang laking adjustment."

"I understand."

"Yung mga nangyari kanina, planado ba lahat?"

"Ang topic na iyan ba ang gusto mong pag-usapan? Not about us?"

"Aiden..."

"Go ahead, ask me anything."

"When did you start loving me?"

"Do you believe in love at first sight Chand?"

"Simula nang makilala kita Aiden, naniwala na ako sa love at first sight."

He casually wrapped his other arm around me and gently pulled me closer to him without letting go of my hand.

"I'm glad to hear that. Wifey, alam mo bang nakilala kita 10 years ago?"

"Talaga?"

"You're 18 years old back then. Naka-uniform ka noon when I saw you giving foods to the street children. You are so pretty with a very beautiful heart. Ikaw ang naging inspiration ko para ipatayo ang U and I Corporation na ang goal lang ay tumulong sa mga mahihirap. Pero, wala akong balak magpasikat kaya the owner of that company is still anonymous until now. I want to make you mine Chand, kaya kinilala kita."

"Paano? You didn't even approached me."

"Investigators."

"Daig ko pa pala ang main suspect sa crime ah."

"You love studying and your parents didn't allow you to hang out with friends or accept suitors. Tama ba?"

"Yes. Tamang-tama, magagaling ang investigators mo, kahit ang private life ko nalaman nila."

"Yung natuklasan kong iyon ang dahilan kung bakit hanggang tingin at hanggang sunod na lang ako sayo."

"Stalker?"

"Yeah, a handsome stalker. For three years natiis ko na titigan ka lang mula sa malayo, pero dumating yung time na kinailangan mo ang tulong ko at kapalit nun, I forced you to marry me."

"You didn't force me. It's my own choice. Pero bakit hindi ka pa din nagpakita sa akin, graduated na naman ako that time?"

"I am five years older than you Chand, kaya alam kong at the age of 21 dapat ine-enjoy mo pa ang buhay mo as a single woman. You love traveling abroad di ba? Kaya hindi agad ako pumasok sa buhay mo. Pero nagkamali pala ako. Sinabi sa akin ni Rome kung gaano ka nahirapan dahil sa magulong marriage natin. And I'm very sorry for that."

"Don't be sorry. Para sa akin, perfect ang naging encounter natin. You fell in love with me at first sight, and so did I, parang fairytale lang. All the sorrow and tears of yesterday have faded away. With you in my life, tomorrow looks so bright hubby."

He pulled me and kissed my lips. The sensation of his kisses was heady, and there would nothing else I could do but to surrender to my feelings, to his kisses, and to my him, as I clung my arms around his neck.

The end.