"I probably did not tell you but Lisa had disappeared from my house after signing the divorce papers." Alex told Rosy, letting out a deep sigh afterward. "It's been almost two weeks now —I think it's the day after she came to the hospital."
Rosy smiled inwardly, truly, the piece of information Alex had shared worth the time she had used in waiting for his arrival —it was as though a rock-like roadblock had just been lifted off her path miraculously after months of trying without any yielding results. "That's a good news for us, Alex." She announced, displaying her white dental sheepishly. "There is no hindrance to us finally being together anymore —Lisa has left, and now it's just the two of us. Don't you agree?" Alex find himself sighing again, not sure if he's supposed to be happy as Rosy; he doesn't even know if it's truly a good news. Lisa suddenly leaving him and disappearing without traces was bothering enough, coupled with the fact that he left him something he never thought she'll ever be able to afford even if she work her ass off for a decade or more. "Lisa leaving without any word or traces has been quite bothering for a while now, Rosy." Alex said slowly and immediately, Rosy's smiley face was ruined as she frowned afterwards. "I don't know but it's really bothering and I couldn't even think straight after she left me a gift." "A gift, huh?" Rosy asked with a furrowed brow, surprised. "What do you mean by she left you a gift? She's not even well off to afford things for herself, how then did she manage to gift you one?" "Beats my imagination." Alex remarked and brought out the small wrapped box, just as Lisa had left it for him, from his pocket. "Here, take a look at this. It isn't just an type or random gift. This worth more than a fortune to someone of her class and standard." Rosy collected the gift from Lisa, her brows still creased and few lines were visible on her forehead. She opened the box as she examined the gift inside —it's a wristwatch. As she sees the watch, her eyes were opened widely and she finds it hard to believe her what she was seeing. "Just tell me this is a fabricated story, Alex." Rosy sounded more doubtful than Alex thought she will be; guess he's not the only one who had underestimated Lisa. "-because there is no way an ordinary nurse would afford a limited edition at that. You know how much this cost, don't you?" "I know..." He replied casually, saying again for the umpteenth time. "This is why I'm worried about her, I don't even know anything about her. I wonder if she's okay at the moment, she's too fragile to do better on her own." Rosy wouldn't deny the fact that Alex's words hurt her feelings a little. Did he not say he did not care about her? Why should he be worried about whatever happens to her? She choose to leave him, yeah, it's her decision and not something for Alex to be bothered about. Rosy had thought Lisa had left for good but even her absence made Rosy even more uncomfortable. Rosy was afraid that her months of pushing Lisa away from his life would go down the drain with just a little worry about Lisa from Alex. What if the worry turn something wild and Lisa had to come back to him and he accepted her again? Rosy shook off the thoughts from head. She can't afford to let such thing happen —not while she's still clinging to Alex and taking him as hers. For her not to lose him again, she has to do everything she can to have him wrapped around her finger and clean whatever feelings he's having that isn't towards her —even if it's just a worry. Rosy reached out for Alex's hands, holding them in hers. She stared at him with an intense gaze as though she's trying to cast a spell on him. "Let's get married, Alex." She announced without a forewarning. "Let's be officially together." Alex stared at him, having a mixed feelings —the type he failed to understand. Rosy's confession was as though a time bomb had been dropped on him because it was the least he expected from her at the moment; he didn't even expect such confession from her at all. "I..." Alex opened his mouth to say something after recovering from his shock but Rosy beat him to it, placing her index finger on his lips to shut him up. "Please, Alex, don't say no to my proposal." Rosy sounded desperate, her intense gaze was blazing fire and attention. "I'll accept any other answer from you but not a 'no', Alex." Alex has never find himself in such a dilemma as this before; maybe he has but those were the type where he could navigate his way out of it and find a better solution but this one wasn't as easy as the rest. He needed to be sure his reply wouldn't be something he would regret or hurt Rosy's feeling with it. He breathed in deeply, exhaling as well. "Look here, Rosy..." Alex uttered as he caressed her face lightly and placed his palm between her jaw, cheek and ear. "I'm not ready to get married, at least not now. It's not even up to a month since my last marriage ended, I can't jump into another one." "So, is that a no?" Rosy inquired in a whisper, her voice cracked and sounded as though she was afraid if hearing her own voice. "Remember I told you I won't take no for an answer, Alex. You can't tell me no, you can't!" Alex felt really sorry for hurting Rosy's feeling but at that moment, he felt as though it's not what he wanted. "I'm sorry, Rosy, I did not mean to hurt you with my reply but I feel like we should take things slowly rather than get into a rush like this. Can you please try to understand me?" "You are hurting me and still want me to understand? How much slower do we need to take things?" Rosy flared up, wearing an angry face. "You know Lisa from nowhere and that didn't stop you from marrying her but we've been together for years and you want us to take things slow?" Alex sighed softly, not having a reply to Rosy he proceeded to leave instead. He already tell himself that he'll try to make her understand his point when she's less sensitive; it'll be futile to try anything at that moment. "I'll take that back." Alex collected the small box and the wristwatch that was laying on Rosy's laps and stood up, facing her. "Let's get you home instead, Rosy, we can continue this conversation some other time. Now isn't the right time for this." Rosy felt dejected at how Alex had managed to turn things around with words. Her feelings weren't different from an highschool kid who had just got rejected by her crush, the highschool most popular guy. But then she felt like there's still another chance for her and decided not to give up till she achieve what she wants...Even though he was driving, Alex's mind wandered faraway with different thoughts running through his head. As his mind raced back to what happened earlier between himself and Rosy, he wondered what he was thinking to have rejected her offer without a thinking it twice. He believed he loved Rosy and wanted to be with her always -but for the rest of his life? He wasn't sure about it.“...It's not even up to a month since my last marriage ended, I can't jump into another one...”was this even enough reason to turn Rosy's proposal down just like that? Or is there something more to his rejection that even himself can't pinpoint. Alex ran his left hand through his head, frustration visible on his face —coupled with the eye bags under his eyes because he isn't getting enough sleep since Lisa had left, he looked horrible. He tried to think of something; anything that could justify his action but nothing was to be held accountable, this was just a foolish move on his part. He got home at almo
Mrs. Williams sighed loudly as she rubbed her temple in frustration. She didn't even know what to do to stop Alex from seeing Rosy, it was as though Rosy bewitched her son and things had got even more complicated than she thought since he started seeing Rosy again; it just a matter of time before her son rebel against her.She shook her head sideways, as if to push the thought off her head. She won't sit back and watch her son rebel against her all for a woman —something needs to be done to stop him before he goes out of control.Mrs. Williams breathed in slowly, her expression going stern afterward. "For you to right your wrongs, you will have to look for Lisa by all means, I don't care how far you have to go to win her back." She said sternly. "That way, I'll see you as a grown up and let you be!"Alex's eyes widened as though he heard something outrageously strange. "What did you say?" He blurted out, his shocked expression suddenly turn to that of anger in a split second. "I shoul
*LATER IN THE DAY, SIX HOURS TO BE PRECISE*Alex came of his room to the living, wearing a sweatpants and a sleeveless shirt. He seems as though he just woke up from a deep slumber as he wiped his tired hands with the back of his hands slowly. "You aren't going to work today, Alex?" His mother, who has been patiently waiting for him to come out of his room, asked as soon as she saw him. "Did you announce a general holiday to your staffs or something?""Well..." Alex started slowly, shrugging his shoulders. "Why should I go to work when I'm going to stop soon? I'm trying to learn how to spend the day lazying around without doing anything.""What do you mean?" She asked, her brows creased. "Why are you stopping work soon?"Alex picked up the remote control on the table and switched the television on, sitting on the couch next to him. "Didn't you said you have to take everything away from me to leave Rosy?" He asked casually. "Well, this is my answer, I won't leave her no matter what
Mrs. Williams had returned to Alex's house earlier than he has thought, his initial thought was that his mother had left his house finally for hers but seeing her return wasn't something he expected; it's not even up to an hour since she left —why is she back?"Did you forget something here, mother?" He asked, his question sounding as his own way of welcoming his mother but Mrs. Williams did not say anything in reply as she stood a few feet away from him, sparing him an unknown look. "It doesn't seems like you forgot something, are you crashing in here then? For tonight? For the main time do you can watch me closely?"Mrs. Williams snickered, taking a seat before Alex. "Don't be silly with those insensible questions you are asking." She remarked, a sly smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "If I want to watch you, I don't have to stay with you. I can watch you closely even though I'm faraway, I've been doing this since you were a child.""I'm sorry, my bad!" Alex blurted out, sarca
Just then, the door creaked opened, revealing his mother. Alex eyes widened in shock, staring at her. As his heart skipped at the sight of his mother, he couldn't help but wonder how much she has heard. That moment, he forgot his house was sound proofed and his mother would never had heard said those to Rosy.“Has she been eavesdropping on me...?”Alex thought within himself, glued to the same spot he was as he stared at his mother blankly. His heart was racing like a kid whose parents were scolding. Alex hoped that she heard nothing, he will only appear as a weakling before his mother —and that's one of the things he dreaded the most.Mrs. Williams was surprised at how Alex was suddenly looking at her, her brows were furrowed with a look of displeasure on her face. "You don't stare at me in such a foolish manner." His mother sternly. Alex quickly composed himself and turned away from his mother. "Did you forget how to look at your mother respectfully? What's with that glaring eyes of
The early morning sun peeped from the horizon, casting its warm yellow hues over the quiet courthouse in downtown States. The lovely couple, Alex and Rosy, could feel the butterflies in their stomachs unwinding as they slowly paced towards the entrance, hand in hand.Alex could hardly contain his excitement as today marked a momentous occasion in his life. Having fallen in love with Rosy during their university years and passing through different ordeal, he was eager to begin a new chapter with her as husband and wife.The icing on the cake was that they had decided to hold a secret wedding ceremony in a quaint courthouse, adding a touch of aura of mystery to their love adventure. The air felt electric, surging with the anticipation that enveloped the couple. As Alex gazed into Rosy's eyes that sparkled a wondrous azure blue, he was reminded of the infinite depth of their love.Rosy's eyes shone just as bright, reflecting the incredible happiness that filled her to the brim. As they e
Alex stood before the door, his heart throbbing hard against his rib cage, his mind racing at a million miles an hour. In his hand was a folder containing legal documents filled with proof of his secret court wedding with Rosy. He knew what was inside that folder could destroy his mother's expectations and worst of the heartbreaking consequence if she go through it. It might forever ruin his relationship with her.He clenched it tightly in his grip, trying to gain strength from it's firm, undeniable proof. Today, he was going to confess his secret to his mom —he had married Rosy in a court, and was now a happily married wedded man.He wasn't sure of how his mother would react; their relationship had always been noisy and strained. She had done everything in her power to govern him from a young age, moulding him into her version of ‘the perfect son’. Since he could recall, he had always try his best to be the dutiful son to her.However, Alex had reached the end of his limit —and Rosy
And now, standing at this crossroads in his life, he had never been more certain of what he believed in, and whom he loved. Alex had determined to let go off being her puppet even if it means rebelling against her; he wouldn't mind!Alex knew that he had to take charge of his own fate and make his own decisions, even if it meant defying the expectations of others. With newfound determination, he stepped forward into his future, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.His eyes never leaving his mother's, he replied quietly but with emphasis, "I don't care if you disown me or you did not, I love Rosy and she loves me. We're going to make a life together, irrespective of your opinion. Don't think of this as your failure that I married out of your choice. Instead, consider it as my first in reality independent decision as an adult, some thing to be proud of.""Who told you you can make choices for yourself, Alex?" She asked almost thundering, her eyes spitting invincible fire. "I spe
It was barely an hour past noon and Alex was already preparing to leave his office, thereby closing for the day. He had Kiel cancel all of his schedule for that day, leaving most of his clients hanging —well for that day, he did not mind, his wife's happiness comes first as he already planned out the best surprise for her. He needed to prove to her and show her how much he loves her and was willing to do anything for her, believing she's also possessing the same mindset as his. Most definitely, she would since she's now his wife.With a dreamy smile on his face that doesn't seem like it would be fading away from his face anytime soon, he threw his blazer over his shoulders, humming some incoherent words understand his breath happily.As he wear his blazer, he couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to love and be loved in return. The warm sun that was reflecting and the gentle breeze in the air seemed to be a mirror of the warmth and joy he felt in his heart. Today was go
In the sterile environment of the hospital waiting room, surrounded by hushed murmur and the faint scent of disinfectant, Andy sat beside Lisa, fearfully comforting his Cousin and fondling her palm as he awaits the doctor's assessment.A million question plagued his mind, each one darker and more troubling than the last. Has she suddenly developed a food allergy? Was it something more sinister? Those were his unsettled thoughts as he held Lisa's trembling hand, during his best to ease her worry while his head pounded with dread. Soon enough, a doctor emerged from an examination room, a small professional smile on his face —wide enough to ease the cousins at the moment. "It's nothing serious but just a simple case of pregnancy, Mr. Andy." He announced, relieving much of the anxiety that had gripped Andy.Well, his relieved anxiety only lasted few seconds as he rethinks the doctor's simple words. "What pregnancy...?" His eyes widened at the thought of his Cousin being pregnant. Why wou
Lisa exited the conference room, her mind buzzing with the ideas that had been discussed during the meeting with her executives. As she exit the entrance of the conference room, she saw a familiar figure standing outside with his both hands buried in his pants pockets, his back to her. She was surprised to see Andy there, as she knew he had a surgery scheduled at the hospital."Andy?" Lisa called out in surprise, approaching him. "Is that you?"Startled, Andy turned around, his face lighting up at the sight of Lisa. "Hey, Lisa!" He uttered, a sly smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Do I look fake? Ever come across my doppelganger before?"Lisa scoffs, already used to his nonstop teasing. "Maybe your doppelganger would make a better person than you." She enunciated, barely smiling at him. "I can't wait to meet him."Andy held his chest dramatically, feigning a hurtful expression. "Ouch, that hurts a little, Lisa!" He frowned with a slight groan but Lisa only shrugged in reply. "H
Still that same day after Alex had left for work, it was warm as the sunlight reflects brightly as it shines, adding more beauty to the streets of States. However, it did not last too long as the climate suddenly changed. Soon enough, the supposed warm and fine weather was abruptly changed as it rain slightly, the atmosphere suddenly turning cold and fuzzy. On that cold, colorless Tuesday afternoon, heavy with the weight of imminent decision, Alex sat in the conference room of his office alongside with his diligent staff members. He fidgeted continuously, struggling to focus on the words bouncing around the room as his mind was filled with the echoes of the conversation he had had with his wife, Rosy only few hours earlier.Alex and Rosy had weathered many storms over the dozen months they had been together. Through tremendous hardship and joys, they had managed to remain steadfast in their love for each other; being each others source of strength. “...And, since we now share the sa
••TWO MONTHS LATER••It was a Tuesday morning, and the bright morning sun shone brightly through the streets of States. Alex, now ranking amongst the top five successful business men, was known for his precision, had make sure to spend extra ten minutes preparing for today's work and to look good than usual as well. He'd landed a contract as a new lead supplier of office material for a large trading firm and needed to make a good impression. As he cautiously straightened his black tie one more time, his right lingered on the reflection in the room mirror hung before him.The businessman admired himself, all smiles, and felt a jolt of excitement. Today would be a start of new chapter in his life, a day filled with larger budget and even loftier aspiration —the weather was unusually good that morning, so he could promise himself that. Within that same room of his, also beaming in anticipation was his wife, Rosy. A true vision of femininity, she bore an image that bought compassion to
And now, standing at this crossroads in his life, he had never been more certain of what he believed in, and whom he loved. Alex had determined to let go off being her puppet even if it means rebelling against her; he wouldn't mind!Alex knew that he had to take charge of his own fate and make his own decisions, even if it meant defying the expectations of others. With newfound determination, he stepped forward into his future, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.His eyes never leaving his mother's, he replied quietly but with emphasis, "I don't care if you disown me or you did not, I love Rosy and she loves me. We're going to make a life together, irrespective of your opinion. Don't think of this as your failure that I married out of your choice. Instead, consider it as my first in reality independent decision as an adult, some thing to be proud of.""Who told you you can make choices for yourself, Alex?" She asked almost thundering, her eyes spitting invincible fire. "I spe
Alex stood before the door, his heart throbbing hard against his rib cage, his mind racing at a million miles an hour. In his hand was a folder containing legal documents filled with proof of his secret court wedding with Rosy. He knew what was inside that folder could destroy his mother's expectations and worst of the heartbreaking consequence if she go through it. It might forever ruin his relationship with her.He clenched it tightly in his grip, trying to gain strength from it's firm, undeniable proof. Today, he was going to confess his secret to his mom —he had married Rosy in a court, and was now a happily married wedded man.He wasn't sure of how his mother would react; their relationship had always been noisy and strained. She had done everything in her power to govern him from a young age, moulding him into her version of ‘the perfect son’. Since he could recall, he had always try his best to be the dutiful son to her.However, Alex had reached the end of his limit —and Rosy
The early morning sun peeped from the horizon, casting its warm yellow hues over the quiet courthouse in downtown States. The lovely couple, Alex and Rosy, could feel the butterflies in their stomachs unwinding as they slowly paced towards the entrance, hand in hand.Alex could hardly contain his excitement as today marked a momentous occasion in his life. Having fallen in love with Rosy during their university years and passing through different ordeal, he was eager to begin a new chapter with her as husband and wife.The icing on the cake was that they had decided to hold a secret wedding ceremony in a quaint courthouse, adding a touch of aura of mystery to their love adventure. The air felt electric, surging with the anticipation that enveloped the couple. As Alex gazed into Rosy's eyes that sparkled a wondrous azure blue, he was reminded of the infinite depth of their love.Rosy's eyes shone just as bright, reflecting the incredible happiness that filled her to the brim. As they e
Just then, the door creaked opened, revealing his mother. Alex eyes widened in shock, staring at her. As his heart skipped at the sight of his mother, he couldn't help but wonder how much she has heard. That moment, he forgot his house was sound proofed and his mother would never had heard said those to Rosy.“Has she been eavesdropping on me...?”Alex thought within himself, glued to the same spot he was as he stared at his mother blankly. His heart was racing like a kid whose parents were scolding. Alex hoped that she heard nothing, he will only appear as a weakling before his mother —and that's one of the things he dreaded the most.Mrs. Williams was surprised at how Alex was suddenly looking at her, her brows were furrowed with a look of displeasure on her face. "You don't stare at me in such a foolish manner." His mother sternly. Alex quickly composed himself and turned away from his mother. "Did you forget how to look at your mother respectfully? What's with that glaring eyes of