Chapter 29

HIS POV (PITIFUL)

"How's my girl?" I asked my little brother over the phone.

He was in Alaminos to watch over my girl. Megan Relano. My fiancée. She's now eighteen so anytime I could marry her and start our family.

I've been waiting for this to happen.. for fucking eight years.

It wasn't enough that I got photos of her from my hired men. I wanted to get into her world, and with that, I needed my brother to fill that up.

"Dude.. lots of women are chasing you. Accomplished, matured and witty. Why obsess with a simple minded-"

"I told you to watch out for her li'l brother." I said slowly. "Your thoughts aren't needed."

I heard him sigh. He didn't care about anything before.. then suddenly he was against me stalking my fiancée.

"She's good. She's popular with boys."

I wouldn't be surprised.

She's charming and beautiful.

"Tell me who they are. I'll surprise their family." I said while gritting my teeth.

"Okay."my brother answered slowly.

I have this nagging feeling inside me that something wasn't right. But I just have to let him do this job.

I know he wouldn't do anything that would break my trust on him.

"Bakit nandito kana naman? I told you, I'm going to pay up your family." Tito Miguelito said angrily when I came to see my fiancée.

I had to calm myself down and be polite. Even if I wanted so bad to wring his neck.

"I just wanted my fiancée to learn about my existence." I answered curtly.

I've never been treated like this. Never.

They always do what I want. They bow down to me.

"Fiancée? Hindi tuta ang anak ko pra ipamigay sa inyo." He was fuming.

"Magbabayad ako. Lumayas kana!" He then shut their gate.

I punched the wall in my rage.

He had been a pain in my ass.

He didn't want me and Megan to happen and kept delaying things..

He said he would pay up their debt but when their patriarch died, the deal was as good as him. Done. Finished.

I sighed and cracked my neck in frustration.

Maybe I needed to cool off.

I went to the bar that night and took some girls out. And by afternoon, another whore came in.

My heart nearly fell off my chest when I found my Megan watching me bang that woman.

I didn't want to fuck things up with me and her so I acted the way I should be and tried to scare her away.

Then when Tita and Tito Santi's anniversary came, I finally got the chance to introduce myself to her.

I felt like a teenager with his first crush.

I felt excited.. so happy..

She was the only thing I wanted so bad to have..

I ached for her..

I was so obsessed..

I couldn't help but to watch her every move. The way she smiles, raise her eyebrows and the corner of her sexy pink lips was making me hard.. arouse..

She was like an angel.. an angel that a devil like me was craving for.

So innocent.. so lively.. so beautiful..

A virgin..

I've never been wrong when I chose her to be my wife.

She was easy to manage.. obliging and I could see her trying to please me all the time when we get married.

I couldn't wait for that day to happen..

"Ako ang manlilibre kaya ako ang masusunod!" She shouted at me.

I tsked and ignored her.

Women and their big mouths.

I wanted so bad to roll my eyes but then she slapped my arm hard..

"Hindi mo ba ako narinig? Ako ang masusunod!" She fumed angrily.

I just couldn't help myself but to swear loud.

Where was the girl I saw eight years ago?

What happened to my sweet and obliging girl?

I clenched my jaw and shook my head.

This was bad news.

But damned me!

This was the only bad news I loved to have.

She was intoxicating.. addicting..

The more I got closer to her.. the more I fall.. got trapped and bound.

And I couldn't get enough.

I felt relaxed whenever she was around.

She could make me feel good and be myself. She was so simple yet lovely..

Everything she does makes my heart beat so fast..

"Usapang lalaki sa lalaki Wright, hindi ako pumapayag na maging collateral ang anak ko sa utang ni Papa. Binibenta ko na lahat ng mga ari-arian namin para makapagbayad ako sa inyo. Maaari ka nang tumigil sa panggugulo sa pamilya namin. Lalo na sa anak ko." Tito Miguelito said with scowl on his face.

I went to visit my baby at their house and make myself known to her family. I would never stopped until I get her.

I blinked my eyes to hide my irritation from him.

"I'm not here because of Lolo Manuel's debt Tito." I answered politely.

He laughed sarcastically and looked haughtily at me.

"You'll receive the full amount at the end of the month. H'wag ka nang magpapakita pa sa anak ko. Wala siyang alam dito. I'll break your bone if you hurt my daughter." He warned me while signing a check.

"I love her Tito." I confessed in my low tone.

He stopped and looked at me in the eyes.

I equaled his dark glare with mine.

"Here. Leave and never return." He placed the check on the desk for me to pick it up but I ignored it.

"I'm sorry Tito but I love her and you can't tell me what to do." I answered in my neutral expression.

I was getting frustrated.

He stood up suddenly. His body shook from his rage.

"Matigas ang ulo mo ha? You're really not in love with her, I know that young man! You just wanted her for your personal gain."

"I love her and I'll prove it to you Tito."

We stared at each other.

I wouldn't back down.

I would fight for my love.

After few minutes, his body relaxed. Then massaged his nose. He was looking so stressed up.

"I can see now.."he whispered.

"The more I prevent you from having my daughter, the more you want her."he said to himself but I heard it.

"Just give me a chance. All is fair in love and war Tito." I swallowed hard.

If he gives me this chance, then I could prove to him what I really feel.

He shook his head. "Alright. Alright."he raised his hands up in the air. Totally surrendering.

I breathed a sigh and loosened up.

"I'll give you a year to prove your love for my daughter. Walang proposal na magaganap. It's either she wants to marry you within that year or none at all. Understood?"

My hopes went up. "Yes Tito. I'll keep that in mind."

"But.. if you make her cry.. I'll take her away from you and you will never see her again." He warned me with his dark eyes then offered his hand.

"I understand. I'll kill myself first before that happens." I stood up and shook his hand.

"Take this check. Ayokong isipin ng anak ko na binenta ko siya sayo."

I looked at the check he was offering me then I shook my head.

"There are few companies that pay good dividends. Maybe you can invest that money instead Tito."

Slowly, he nodded. I could see that he was satisfied with what I've said.

"Go and make my daughter happy."

I smiled and hugged him tight.

At last..

I got his blessings.

When Charlene came back from abroad, she never stopped pestering me.

She made sure to throw girls after girls on my direction.

When she didn't get any answers from me, she came to my unit in Alaminos without my consent.

And it made me loath her more for hurting my baby.

If it wasn't for my baby's intervention..

I would probably have killed that woman.. and would end up in jail.. or in a mad house.

Because Megan leaving me means I was as good as dead..

"Baby.." I called when her attention went to my brother.

I was never been so insecure in my whole life..

I felt weak all of a sudden. Exhausted..

I needed her to tell me everything was okay..

That she wanted me still..

When she looked at me in the eyes with her serious round ones, my heart beat painfully in my chest.

I couldn't let her go if she tells me to leave..

I just couldn't..

"Tanungin mo na ako Coles."she asked me.

My eyes watered from her words.

She had decided.. and I wasn't sure about her answer..

I nodded.

If she answered no, I would probably let her go for the meantime then court her again after couple of weeks.

"Please be my girlfriend." I almost choked on my words.

But then.. her answer made my heart jump.

She nodded and whispered huskily. "Yes. I'll be your girlfriend from now on."

It felt like everything went into a slow motion.

And my tears just flowed freely..

She was my strength and my weakness.

How I love my girlfriend..

I pulled her towards my aching body and kissed her.

At last.. one step closer to being her husband..

Then she kissed me back.

I clenched my jaw when I saw pictures of my brother and Megan in the bar last night.

I was having a meeting with our investors in Hong Kong when I couldn't reach my baby.

At first, she texted me about her day. Then suddenly, she wasn't replying to my calls and text messages.

I became agitated and anxious.

She never missed any of my calls before.

When she didn't answer for the ninth time, I called my brother.

I breathed a sigh when he told me that she was in the bar with her friends.

I told him to watch out for her while I'm on my way.

He hesitantly agreed and I dropped the line.

When I went in the bar, women were already trying to get my attention.

I didn't bother to even look at them and looked for my brother.

He was at the corner alone. Looking so grave.

I shook my head.

He should get a girl..

Like me.

I wondered if Tinay was doing her job properly..

I tapped his shoulder for a greeting.

When he lifted his eyes at me and the light hit his face, I saw his dark expression.

Like he was frustrated..

"Thanks Dude. Do you want to drink?" I offered.

He just lifted his glass and gulped it down.

I smirked.

Looked like he was having hard time tonight.

I nodded and ordered my drink.

Then opposite to our table, I saw my baby with her friends going back to their table.

Our eyes met.

Immediately, my heart beat so fast.

She had this power over me..

I contended myself on watching her.

I respected her decision of spending time with her friends..

As long as she was safe.

It was cool.

I clenched my jaw when I saw a pile of pictures of my girlfriend and my brother in the bar last night.

He was holding my baby tightly and he did try to kiss her.

My body shook with anger. I was livid.

I chose to trust him. But he failed me. My own brother tried to take advantage of my girl.

I threw the pictures on my coffee table and they skidded down to the carpet.

I massaged my nose and breathed deeply trying to calm myself down.

There would be no way that I'll let this pass.

I stood up and walked out of my unit to give a piece of my mind.

On a cue, he came out of his unit with Tinay behind him.

I lunged at him immediately and punched him on the face.

He was stunned and couldn't move.

I heard shrieks and loud cries but I didn't stop until I made him bleed.

"Never.. ever touch her again." I pointed my finger on him while shaking with rage.

His left eye was swollen. Lips bruised and bleeding.

"You're engaged. You'll just break her heart!"he shot back.

I straightened my posture and glanced at Tinay who was scared and almost teary eyed.

I tried to calm myself down.

She's a friend of my girl.

I didn't want my girl to know about this.

"Trust me li'l brother,  If you want to know something about your childhood friend, never ever fight with me." I then looked at him with my cold eyes.

He was taken aback with what I've said. Then he clenched his jaw.

"I know everything brother. Don't underestimate me." I left without another word.

When Ashmere's girlfriend died, my baby became lifeless. Her spirit went down. She became weak.

I never thought that this would happen.

It was so painful to just watch her suffer and cry and I couldn't even do anything to relieve her pain..

I stayed and gave all the support she needed. I did my best.. to help her..

Then slowly.. she regained her thoughts.. she became normal.

I was so relieved..

Finally my baby came back..

It was her birthday went I got an emergency meeting with my investors.

It was about this on going bad reviews from some certain consumers and employees regarding our mall policies and unhealthy work environment.

It became pain in the ass when the numbers grew and grew and it alarmed the board of directors.

I got it investigated and found out about this small company who was paying people to comment and spread fake reviews on our social media pages.

Reymund Cheng. My nemesis.

He would never really stop giving me headaches.

He wasn't a big fish to pay attention to, but when he decided to get Tito Miguelito to invest in his company, I became interested.

When it comes to my baby's family.. I'm all ears.

I didn't interfere when I found out about their connections.

I ran a background check with Reymund's company and it was safe. So I let him go.

"May problema? Ibabalik mo na ba ang anak namin?"Tito's jolly voice made me smile.

I shook my head. Then kissed Tita's cheek before settling on the couch opposite to theirs.

I was in their house in Alaminos. To talk to them.

"It's the opposite." I took a deep breath before looking at them with my nervous smile.

"Ganon? Talagang matibay ka ah." Tito and Tita laughed. I laughed with them.

I could see that he was trying to lighten up my mood.

I know that they knew why I'm here.

"Tito, Tita..I'm asking for your daughter's hand in marriage."

Tita clapped her hands excitedly.

"Oh my gosh! Ang gwapo ng magiging manugang ko!"

"Mommy.. mas gwapo ako sa kanya."

"Nakipag kompetisyon ka na naman!"

I smiled happily.

I could see my future with my girl.

We would be like them.. happy and contented.

We would build our family with so much love and joy..

"Kailan ang kasal?" Tita asked.

"Wala pang isang taon iho. Yong usapan natin."

"May isang taon na po. We will be having our first anniversary next month." I politely reminded him.

He looked surprised but shrugged his shoulders.

"All right then.. ang bilis talaga ng panahon. Mamaya, may mga apo na tayo Mommy. Hindi na lang ako ang aalagaan mo!"

I smiled with that thought..

I would really want to have at least five to six kids.

The more the merrier..

"Ilan bang anak ang gusto nyo at nagmamadali ka?" Tita asked again.

I pursed my lips to hid my smile. Then I caressed my nape.

"Kahit lima o hanggang anim lang po." I answered truthfully.

My parents in law coughed at the same time.

They looked funny while getting their breath back.

"Masyado po bang konti? What about eight?" I asked concerned.

I knew that grandparents like lots of kids..

They shook their heads and waved their hands.

"Nako! Nako! Kahit ilan." She cut me off.

"Ten then?" I said unsure.

"Iho, mukha lang biik ang anak ko. Pero tao yon. Isa or dalawa ay pwede na." Tito answered.

"I really want to have a big family po." I said sadly.

"Ow.. okay, ganito na lang.. kung ilan ang kaya ni Megan, yon na lang ang gawin nyo." Tita said.

"Pero mahihirapan siya Mommy! Halos mamatay matay ako sa nerbyos nung pinanganak mo sila!"Tito butted in.

My face paled. I forgot about the pregnancy and delivery..

"Was it bad po Tito?"

"H'wag mong takutin yong bata." Tita looked at her husband sharply.

"Yes! Kaya dalawa pwede na."

I nodded. Maybe I should look at videos about that topic.

Maybe we could get around painful deliveries and shit like that.

I would never want my wife to be in pain..

I was trembling with worry when I couldn't reach my baby.

It was past midnight and we haven't had any clue where she went to.

"I'm calling the police." I announced then took my phone out.

I made this day special..

I'm proposing.. to tie her up with me.

Everything was working well in between us..

I love her and she loves me.

Finally.. after nine years.. she would be wearing my ring.

Before I could press the call button, my phone rang. It was the receptionist downstairs.

"Sir, andito na po siya. Papaakyatin ko na po ba?"

I breathed in relief.

"Yes please. Thank you." I answered nervously.

My heart beat so fast from the thought of her answer to my second question.

I wasn't sure anymore..

I was panicking.

"Iho.. calm down." My Gran tapped my shoulder while laughing.

"She'll love the fireworks. Everything's according to her taste. Don't worry."

I nodded and waited for her.

I nearly ran to her when she stumbled down on the floor after the elevator door opened up.

I could hear her swearing non stop and I couldn't help but to be amazed.

She got it from me.

Damn my girl.

When the fireworks had started, I saw how she got mesmerised by it..

While I was being mesmerised by her beauty..

Then at the last minute, it popped my second question.

I ran behind her and kneeled. With a small box in my hand.

When she turned her body towards me, she looked surprised. She then looked back at the sky and then up.

I stood up and look at the sky too.

The full moon was shining on us.

"W-Will you b-baby?" I stammered like an idiot. Tears trekking down my face.

She immediately nodded and lunged to embrace me.

Oh how happy I was..

I looked at the sky again.

And thanked the moon..

For her bright light..

"Damn that Reymund. I should have known this." I felt like I'm wanting to crush his face with my bare hands.

I found out about his agenda about his company.

That small company was laundering millions of dollars to and fro China for drugs. And once the authorities found out about it, my father in law would be in jail.

I immediately contacted my secretary and made a plan.

I would shut it down and stop it from happening.

I didn't know if Tito Miguelito knew about this or not.. but I would never want him to be behind jail because my fiancée would be heart broken.

I went straight to Cebu for my visitation like nothing happened.

Then in the afternoon, after my meeting, my secretary came in my office and showed me a video.

Then I got a call from Mari. The woman I fucked in that video.

"We are trying to search for the lead." She said apologetically.

Mari Inglis was my fuck buddy years ago.

We just got in contact again when her family invested in our company.

"Fine. Let me know when you got the answer."

I dropped the call and rang my baby's number.

I needed to explain about that video.

I know that she would understand my situation.

There were lots of people trying to ruin me and my company's name.

And they thought, by spreading my old video I would go down.

When she didn't answer the call, I called my secretary instead to update me with Reymund.

He took the earliest flight this morning and on the way to Nevada.

My secretary already asked for police to arrest him there.

Then I pulled his company down.

And called Tito to inform him.

I could heard in his voice how stressed he was after finding out about it.

I made sure to let him know about my plans then called my baby again.

But now, her line's out of coverage.

That was when I panicked.

I took a flight back to Manila. And looked for her.

Shanelle wouldn't answer my call, while Arana was hostile to me when I called her.

"Wala na siya. H'wag mo ng guluhin."

"Wait Arana.. I'll explain-"

She cut the call.

When I tried to phone her, she already blocked me.

That was when I went to our unit.

It looked the same.. but the feeling wasn't there..

My heart was on my throat when I ran back to my car.

I couldn't afford to lose my baby now..

Not now when I have all my plans in place..

She told me.. she would marry me after her graduation..

Then she would bear all my babies..

She would..

She should..

Because I've waited for these for a long time now..

When I arrived at their subdivision..

She wouldn't let me in..

She wouldn't let me explain.

She couldn't even let me see her.

I felt like I'm going crazy.

I tried to get her attention.

But it didn't work.

I instead ended up in prison.

How could she just let me go like this?

How could she say she loves me when she wouldn't even let me explain..

How could she say she loves me if she didn't have faith in me?

Was her love too shallow?

For her to hold onto me?

"Iho.. bakit hindi mo muna siya hayaang palipasin ang sama ng loob niya?"Tito Miguelito suggested.

They kept asking me to leave..

But I wouldn't go.

Not until I got a chance to talk to my baby..

"Kaya nga anak. Hayaan mo muna siya. Kapag okay na siya, babalik din yon..maawa ka naman sa sarili mo." I could see the pity in their eyes.

I looked at my hands and clenched my jaw.

I didn't mind looking pitiful.

If she could only see me..

She might took pity on me and come back to me..

But she had a heart of stone..

The girl I love had the heart of stone.

I slowly nodded.

Maybe it was too much for her..

The money they've lost.. the old video I have..

Dealing with my baby really need a lot of patience..

I drove back to Manila that day.

To her unit..

To our love nest..

My tears flowed down when I saw our nest..

All her stuff were still in place..

I gathered her used clothes to place it on our big empty bed.

Her scent was still lingering on it.

How I missed my baby..

I tried to get some sleep while her clothes were surrounding me.

Days passed by so slow..

I was still waiting..

For her to come back to me.

And I wouldn't leave..

Because I'm her man who can't be moved.