“Do you, Isabelle Denise Nolasco, accept Zyrone Alexander Craig as your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, for sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, as long as you both shall live?” ani Judge Rafanan, ang matandang judge na may-ari ng bahay kung saan sila naroon ngayon.
Lumunok si Belle, bahagyang inirapan ang lalaking kaharap niya at kasalukuyang may hawak-hawak ng kanyang kamay.
Five days ago, kung hahawakan siya nang gano’n ni Zyrone baka nasampal na niya ito. Elista ito e, mayaman, larger than life. Idagdag pa na suplado ito at antipatiko. In short, allergic siya rito.
At kung paanong five days ago ganoon ang nararamdaman niya para dito at kung bakit ngayon naman ay ikinakasal siya rito, hindi niya alam. Baka nabaliw na siya habang nagtatago silang dalawa sa Sitio Teppang. Malayo roon e, liblib. Wala ring signal. Baka hindi kinaya ng braincells niya ang ilang araw nilang pananatili roon kaya ngayon pumayag siyang magpapakasal kay Zyrone. Puwede rin namang gaga lang siya talaga kaya niya ginagawa ito ngayon. Adventurer siya e. Kaya nga siya naging lifestyle writer kasi gusto niyang maka-scoop ng iba’t-ibang klaseng adventure sa buhay ng ibang tao.
Kung alin man sa mga rason na iyon kaya siya ngayon magpapakasal kay Zyrone, siguro, mamaya na niya iisipin. O kaya naman bukas. Puwede rin siguro sa makalawa o sa susunod na buwan o kaya naman--
Napangiwi siya nang mahigpit na pisilin ni Zyrone ang kamay niya. Agad niyang ibinaling ang tingin sa antipatikong binata na magiging asawa niya.
Zyrone was glaring at her, like she’s some kid he caught stealing on the cookie jar.
She scoffed inwardly. Pinisil din niya nang mahigpit ang kamay nitong hawak niya at minulagatan ito. Ang galing-galing din talaga nito, ito pa talaga ang may ganang manakit gayong she's doing him a very huge favor!
Tumikhim si Judge Rafanan at inulit ang sinabi nito. This time she listened to the judge carefully while fixing her eyes to the most infuriating man she had ever met who will happen to be her husband.
Ngumiti siya bago sumagot. “I’ll think about it, Sir.” Zyrone’s eyes instantly threw daggers at her. Napasinghap na rin ang mga iba pa nilang kasama sa loob ng silid. Imbes na masindak muli siyang ngumiti, nakakaloko. “What I mean is, I do, Sir. From my heart to the very depths of my soul, I do marry you, Zyrone.”
Tumango-tango si Judge Rafanan at ang mga kasama nilang naroon na witnesses sa kasal nila. Mukhang satisfied sa sagot niya.
“And do you Zyrone Alexander Craig accept Isabelle Denise Nolasco as your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, for sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, as long as you both shall live?”
Umigting ang panga ni Zyrone bago ito nagbuga ng hininga, pinisil ulit nito ang kamay niya bago, “I do, Sir.”
She saw the muscles in his arms flexed. Halatang gaya niya, natetensyon rin ang suplado. Sino ba namang hindi? They can barely stand each other’s presence and yet there they are getting married.
Kabaliwan nga! Lintek talaga!
“And now, may we have the rings as you say your vows to each other,” ani Judge Rafanan.
Mabilis namang inilabas ni Zyrone sa bulsa nito ang nabili nilang isang pares ng silver rings sa isang jewelry shop na nadaanan nila habang papunta sila sa bahay ng judge. The design of the rings were simple and classic. Siya mismo ang pumili no’n. Zyrone wanted to have an expensive elaborate platinum ring but she insisted on that simple and classic silver one. She thought that they’re not in love anyway, it’s not needed for them to spend extra on the rings.
Inabot ni Judge Rafanan kay Zyrone ang singsing na para sa kanya. Zyrone gently took her hand and slipped the ring on her finger while saying, “Belle, take this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment to you from this day forward as long as we both shall live.”
Her heart skipped a beat when she saw how the ring perfectly fits on her finger—like she’s meant to be there and wear the ring on her hand. Noong bata siya, she had always dreamed of marrying her prince charming someday—one that she’d love with all her heart until she gets old. Ni sa hinagap she’d never thought of marrying a handsome jerk like Zyrone. But it is what it is. Naroon na siya.
She chose this. Was forced to choose this.
Nang bumaling sa kanya ang judge kinuha niya rito ang singsing na para kay Zyrone. She took Zyrone’s left hand and said her practiced vow. “Zyrone, take this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment to you from this day forward as long as we both shall live.”
Zyrone looked at her and forced a smile before mouthing the words thank you. Lalo siyang napa-ismid. Para namang may iba siyang choice maliban sa pakasalan ito.
Maya-maya pa, pinapirma na sila ng judge sa kanilang marriage certificate. Matapos niyon, muling nagsalita si Judge Rafanan. “Zyrone and Belle in as much as you have pledged yourself, one to the other, by the exchanging of vows and rings I, Judge Armando Rafanan, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the constitution, do hereby pronounce you Zyrone and Belle to be married. You may now exchange a kiss as a token of your joy.”
Natigilan silang dalawa ni Zyrone, nagkatinginan.
Ano daw, kiss?
Pakiramdam niya lumobo ang ulo niya sa narinig. Ayaw niyang mag-panic pero papunta na talaga ang huwisyo niya roon.
Hindi nila napag-usapan ang tungkol sa halik na iyon pagkatapos ng kanilang kasal. At lalong hindi handa ang huwisyo at ganda niya na magpahalik kay Zyrone ngayon!
Bakit hindi, she's never been kissed! Heck! Sa edad niyang twenty six she never even had a boyfriend, kahalikan pa kaya.
Napakurap-kurap na siya, alanganing sumulyap sa judge na gaya ng ibang witnesses nila na naroon, hinihintay din ang kanilang first kiss ni Zyrone as husband and wife. Hindi siya puwedeng halikan ni Zyrone ngayon. Kailangan niyang mag-prepare. Kailangan niya munang mag-ipon ng lakas at tatag ng loob. Mukhang kailangan din niya ‘atang magtawag din ng mga santo at santa pati na rin mga santa-santita bago niya ibigay ang first kiss niya sa suplado at antipatikong si Zyrone.
Oh my god! lihim niyang usal. Ano ba itong napasok niya?
Subalit bago pa man siya makaisip ng dapat niyang gawin, hinila na siya ni Zyrone patungo sa dibdib nito. She crashed onto his hard chest and her heart instantly hitched. It’s their first time to be that close. Kahit noong natulog silang magkatabi sa maliit na papag doon sa Sitio Teppang, hindi sila naging ganoon kadikit, ngayon lang. At hindi niya alam kung ano ang dapat niyang maramdaman.
Alanganganin niya itong tiningala. Zyrone was looking at her intently, like looking at her very soul. And she shiver in confusion and… anticipation?
“Don’t worry, wife. This would be quick,” he declared in a voice just above whisper before he dipped his head and awarded her slightly-parted mouth with a kiss.
She instantly caught her breath as soon as his lips touched hers. She can hear an invisible alarm go off in her head telling her to keep her logic up and running. But all logic went flying to the window when jolts of electricity coursed through her as all her nerve-endings tingled with the way Zyrone tasted her mouth. She was weak and inexperienced that all she could do was surrender. She closed her eyes when he cupped her face and gently nibbled her lower-lip, like her lips were some snack he can’t get enough of.
If that’s how blissful a first kiss tastes like, she’d gladly request for an encore.
And just when she thought he’d kiss her some more, he gently tore his mouth from her. Nagmadali siyang buksan ang kanyang mga mata. Zyrone was looking at her with an amused face. Maya-maya pa ngumisi ito at muling bumulong.
“I like your blushing face. It means you liked my kiss. Keep it that way, wife,” anito bago siya tuluyang binitiwan. Mabilis itong nagpaalam kay Judge Rafanan. Hindi pa man siya nakakahuma sa pa-halik nito, nagmamadali siya nitong hinila palabas ng bahay ng matandang judge.
Nasa sasakyan na sila nang muli siyang makapagsalita. “S-saan na tayo pupunta?”
“I’m taking you to my parents. They need to meet you,” anito bago tuluyang minaniobra ang sasakyan nito palayo.
She had a quick mental review of Zyrone’s parents— the successful businessman Richard and the socialite Miranda Craig.
Great, mas maraming taong allergic siya!
“Belle,” pukaw ni Zyrone sa kanya maya-maya.
Alanganin siyang bumaling dito. “H-ha?”
“Be ready. I might need to kiss you again in front of them,” deklara nito, kaswal.
Wala sa sarili siyang bumaling sa labas ng sasakyan at nagsimulang magdasal.
Five days ago“Kim, Mimi, Gigi!” mahinang tawag ni Belle sa mga pusang gala na laging nakatambay sa tapat ng inuupahan niyang bahay sa Brgy. Happy Village.Sumilip siya sa maliit na gate ng bahay niya at nakita niya ang sabay-sabay na paglingon ng mga pusa sa kanya. Unang ngumiyaw ang kulay orange na pusa, si Kim, ang bibong lider ng grupo na madalas niyang makitang nakatambay din sa harap ng karinderya ni Aling Mona sa kanto. Si Mimi naman, ang kulat puti, ngumiyaw rin. At si Gigi na kulay gray, hindi na nagpatumpik-tumpik pa at nagmadaling tumakbo palapit sa kanya nang makita ang brown bag ng pandesal na hawak niya.Ilang sandali pa, nag-uunahang lumusot ang mga ito sa pabilog na design ng gate ng bahay niya bago tumambay sa paanan niya—pawang naghihintay sa pa-ayuda niyang araw-araw na pandesal sa mga ito.Nakangiti niyang binigyan ng tig-iisang pandesal ang bawat pusa at masaya niyang pinagmasdan ang mga ito habang nag-aagah
Hindi mapakali si Belle sa upuan niya sa simbahan. Paano, halos isang oras nang late ang model/actress na si Audrey Enriquez, ang bride ni Zyrone. At ewan niya kung hanggang kailan siya makakatagal doon. Malapit na siyang ma-suffocate sa dami nang mayayaman na naroon. Even with her perfect dress and make-up, she can still feel the fact that she doesn’t belong to that crowd. At lalo lang siyang naiirita sa isiping iyon.Hanggang ngayon talaga hindi niya pa rin naiintindihan ang mga social classes. Bakit kailangang may social classes e wala naman talagang pagkakaiba ang bawat tao? And when did damn wealth become the damn basis of human worth?She rolled her eyes, took a deep breath and tried to fill her lungs with air. For now, that’s the only thing she can do to calm herself down. Iniisip na lang niya na ang lahat ng pagtitiis niyang iyon ay para kay Lee Ann, her bestfriend.Maya-maya pa, tumindi ang bulung-bulungan sa loob ng simbahan,
Zyrone angrily took a swig of brandy on the glass he was holding. He was facing the glass wall of his house, looking at the sunset.His chest was burning in anger and disappointment. And his veins were pulsating with so much hate. Why wouldn’t he? Audrey just ditched him on their wedding day!Should he had known Audrey would do this to him, he would’ve chosen another woman for him to marry. It’s not that he forced her to marry him. She agreed… willingly!Kung nagsabi sana ito na hindi na nito gustong magpakasal, baka nagawan pa niya ng paraan. Hindi ‘yong ganito. Na bigla na lang itong naglahong parang bula.He took the glass of brandy to his mouth again. This time he finished its content in one gulp. He wanted to punch something or beat the shit out of someone! He’s sure should someone bother him right now that he’s on his penthouse in Gold Hotel-Manila, will be in so much trouble.
Mahigpit na ikinapit ni Belle ang isang kamay niya sa guard rail ng staircase. Bahagya siyang yumuko at itinukod naman ang isang kamay niya sa kanyang binti at doon naghabol ng hininga.“Sa ngalan ng pera at pahinga. Sa ngalan ng pera… at pahinga,” paulit-ulit niyang bulong, hinihingal pa rin. She needed to tell that to herself kasi kung siya ang tatanungin, ayaw na niyang magpatuloy.Suko na siyang talaga sa kahibangan ng araw na iyon! E kaso ambisyosa siya. Gusto niyang sumuweldo nang walang ginagawa kaya kahit na nanginginig na ang mga binti niya, sige pa rin siya sa pag-akyat makarating lang sa lintek na penthouse ni Zyrone.She would’ve taken the lift, kaso ang sabi ni Marie, isa sa mga hotel maid na nakausap niya kanina sa ibaba ng hotel, mula raw 10th floor, mahigpit na ang security ng hotel. Utos daw iyon ni Zyrone upang maiwasan ang unnecessary media presence sa hotel. At dahil wala siyang ch
Kanina pa hindi mapakali si Belle sa likod ng sedan. Bukod kasi sa gulat pa rin at naguguluhan ang kalahati ng huwisyo niya dahil sa mga pangyayari, pakiramdam niya ay puputok na ang pantog niya dahil ihing-ihi na siyang talaga!They have been driving for a solid two hours now, non-stop!Ngayon siya talaga nagsisisi kung bakit pa niya tinanggap-tanggap ang offer ni Lee Ann. She was forced to do attend and socialize with people not within her crowd. She was persuaded to talk to Zyrone, the most infuriating man she had ever met, just to get an exclusive scoop for their magazine. And now she was forced to go with Zyrone to wherever godforasaken place he plans to go! Idagdag pa na malapit na siyang magkaroon ng sakit sa bato dahil sa pagpipigil niya ng ihi.Lihim siyang nagngitngit. Gigil niyang kinalabit ang likod nito. Sandaling gumewang ang sasakyan.“Dammit!” singhal nito bago inayos ang manibela. Mukhang nagulat ito
Humigpit ang hawak ni Zyrone sa manibela ng sasakyan. He took in a sharp breath and focused on what he was doing—driving the hell out of the place as far away as he could. He was trying to rein in his anger for the writer who posed as his employee.What’s her real name again?Belle.Right. Belle Nolasco.How dare she invade his privacy? Going through such length as disguising as his employee just to get a story about him being ditched by Audrey.He scoffed.That’s why he doesn’t trust any of these people from the media. They’d pose as your friends and tell the world your secrets. They are all natural liars!And he can’t believe he’d almost allow one to pry into his life with ease!He raked his fingers through his hair. Belle Nolasco is the least of her concerns now. Ang dapat na iniisip niya, kung saan siya pupunta at pansamantalang magtatago—malayo sa mga magulang n
“Bakit mo ko binalikan? Akala ko ba galit ka sa mga gaya ko na ang trabaho ay pagkakitaan ang kamalasan ng iba?” nakaingos na tanong ni Belle kay Zyrone.He scoffed and slowly shook his head. “So, that’s what I get by saving your ass back there, huh? Right, you’re welcome, Ms. Nolasco,” sarkastikong sagot nito, ang mga mata nasa daan pa rin.Rumolyo na ang mga mata niya. She doesn’t mean to be an ingrate but she’s hungry, too shocked and too confused to even give a hell of a care to what he has done.Kung tutuusin, dapat nga talaga siyang magalit dito dahil kung hindi siya nito isinama sa pagkatakas, maayos pa sana ang buhay niya ngayon. She might be three thousand bucks poorer dahil sa ginawa niyang panunuhol kay Marie, but at least she would be in the comfort of her own home by now.But here she is again with Zyrone, driving to the dark of the night to some place only he knows.“
“Tell me something about yourself,” ani Zyrone sa kanya, ang mga mata nasa daan pa rin.They were still driving into the night to wherever but the only difference was, she’s now holding onto a siopao and a bottle of water. Dumaan sila sa isang bus stop na nadaanan nila at doon sila bumili ng pagkain. She’s thankful that the bus stop have a 24/7 souvenir shop and selling some shirts and shorts. Doon niya nalaman na nasa Pangasinan na pala sila. She bought themselves a pair of shirt and shorts. Doon na rin sila nagpalit ng damit. Mabuti na lang at hindi sila masyadong namukhaan ng mga tao na naroon sa bus stop kaya nagawa niya nang maayos ang pakay niya roon. And now she’s happily munching on her siopao and doesn’t care less to where they are going.“Well you already know my name and my profession. I’m 26 years old. Single but not ready to mingle. What about you?” kaswal na sagot niya bago muling kumagat
Thank you for sticking with me up to the very end of this book. This story is a witness to the many silent battles I had to face while writing it. And I'm still glad that despite the struggles, I can say that I have given Belle and Zyrone a beautiful ending they deserve. And just like Belle, we may enocunter a rough patch on our journey, but that doesn't mean we will have to remain in there. May we all find the courage to stand up after a fall, give forgiveness after getting hurt, and restore our faith in love after the pain. Thank you once again my beautiful readers. On to the next story! Keep dazzling!
“Jax Dominic!” nag-aalalang tawag ni Belle sa magtatatlong taong gulang na anak nang bigla itong kumawala sa kamay bago nagtatakbo sa direksyon ni Zyrone.She tried to hasten her walk kahit na alam niyang kahit na anong gawin niya hindi niya mahahabol ang anak dahil kabuwanan na niya sa ikatlong anak nila ni Zyrone. And according to her last prenatal check up with Doc Angel, she’s due to give birth any moment. And running is not just prohibited, it’s nearly impossible!She sighed and turned to Willa na siyang yaya na ngayon ni Jax. Nanikwas ang nguso nito bago nagmamadaling hinabol ang alaga nito. Natawa na lang sila ni Marco na siyang kasama nila ni Lillie na naglalakad patungo sa loob ng Prime Mall.Jax, just like Lillie, is really a handful. More active than Lillie was, actually. Her little boy loves to explore and discover new things like any kids his age. And he particularly has interest in cars and buildings. He has endless questions too with just about anything under the sun. E
Marahang naglakad sa aisle si Belle kasama sina Eliseo at Lillie. She still cannot wrap her head around what’s happening because she still thinks it’s impossible to happen at that very day when she received an answered prayer and a gift, but then again … it’s really happening!She’s really getting married to Zyrone… again!She looked up at the night sky peppered with stars, blessing them with their dazzle and beauty—a perfect background for their wedding ceremony. The air smelled soft and delicate, coming from the flowers surrounding them. And the music, sweet—full of promises.She quickly surveyed their guests. They were the same people who came and visited Zyrone today, people who had shared with their joy that finally the storm had passed and her little family is complete again. Their guests were just a handful compared to the number of people included in their original guests list. But she’s fine with it. They are the most important people in her and Zyrone’s life anyway. And she
Panay ang kabog ng dibdib ni Belle habang binabaybay niya ang hagdan patungo sa rooftop ng hospital. She took the stairs because the elevator on the floor were Zyrone’s hospital suite was in, suddenly was not working. And so she took the stairs instead. She’s actually quite thankful that the lift was not working because she had more time to think things through. She wanted to buy some time to think. She wanted to take careful steps on how she would handle the situation all by herself.Yes, by herself. Dahil apparently, wala siyang makontak sa mga kaanak niya—not Miranda nor Richard. Not even Eliseo! She had tried countless times to call their phones but her calls just won’t go through. Mukhang sabay-sabay na nag-off ng cellphones ang mga ito. Which is just so freakin' weird! Maging sina Marco at Leon, hindi rin niya matawagan. Not even Willa and Marie!At first she was having second thoughts about the note. Why wouldn’t she? She had just survived a kidnapping incident two-weeks ago. A
Lalong naiyak si Belle sa sinabi ni Zyrone. Walang sabi-sabi niyang kinalong si Lillie bago umupo sa gilid ng hospital bed. She looked at Zyrone and more tears fell from her eyes.Her emotions were overwherlming her, leaving her speechless but grateful.That day, she woke up and prayed to God to end her waiting. She thought that today, like all the other days that has passed, would be just another day of hoping and waiting. Never did she know that today, God will grant her pleas and bless her with a gift-- her very own miracles.Masuyo niyang hinaplos ang pisngi ni Zyrone. He leaned on her palm and another wave of warmth rose from her chest. “Y-you are really here. I-I missed you,” she tearfully confessed.Zyrone just smiled and said, “I missed you too and Lillie.”She smiled as she sobbed and gently pressed his free hand on her cheek. They are much warmer now—alive.Oh how she missed his warmth.Maya-maya pa, bumungad na sa pinto sina Eliseo, Leon at Marco. His grandfather quickly s
Nagising si Belle na nakahiga sa isang hospital bed. At first she was confused. Why wouldn’t she? The last thing she remembered was she just arrived at the hospital together with Marco after her secret visit with Laura and then…She gasped when the events came back to her all in one go. Nahilo siya sa parking lot. It was not long before that when everything around her went black. And now this… she’s waking up in a hospital bed, which she can surmise, based on the noise and curtains surrounding her, is located at the emergency room. Unti-unti siyang bumangon. Sakto namang nahawi ang kurtina na nasa may bandang paanan niya. Nagulat pa siya nang biglang lumitaw doon ang bulto ni Eliseo. His face was contoured with worry. She saw a glimpse of Leon and Marco outside the cubicle she was in nut they didn't come in with her grandfather. “I came as soon as I can. Itinawag ni Marco sa akin ang nangyari,” anang lolo niya nang tuluyan itong makalapit sa kanya. Marahan nitong hinaplos ang buhok
“Why are you here?” bungad agad ni Laura kay Belle, hindi pa man ito nakakalapit sa mesa na malapit sa kanila ni Marco. Bumaling si Laura sa kasama nitong pulis. “Ayoko silang kausapin. Ibalik mo na ‘ko sa loob,” utos nito.Subalit imbes na tumalima, tinulak lang ng pulis si Laura. The crazy bitch was forced to step forward until she was just a few steps away from her. The policewoman never left. She just stood behind Laura, alert.Laura looked at her with all the hate she could muster from the world. Like all she did for the past decades of her life was to live and breathe to hate. Well, that’s what Laura really did with her life—wasted life.Laura was wearing plain clothes. Her hair was in a messy bun and dark circles were visible under her eyes. Kumakalansing din ang mga posas na nakakabit sa mga kamay at binti nito. Malayong-malayo ang hitsura nito ngayon sa glamurosang Laura na nakilala niya.“Oh please, save your pity line to yourself.” The old lady rolled her eyes in annoyanc
Ten days. Ten lonely days.It has been that long since Zyrone was shot and yet… he is still unconscious. Doctors kept reassuring her though that he is stable and that they are confident that he will make a hundred percent recovery. But still, her worry will only stop when her husband will finally open his eyes and envelope her in his familiar warmth.Husband.She smiled bitterly. Tatlong araw na mula nang malaman niya kay Richard na hindi pinirmahan ni Zyrone ang divorce papers nila. And honestly, she doesn’t know what to feel about it. She’s happy that she’s still married to him and yet… the guilt that’s overtaking her was too much.She had spent three years hating Zyrone for the many things she thought he did but actually didn’t. She had deliberately hurt him several times but he stayed quiet and patient—telling her how much he loved her still despite of everything. She used to wonder where was his confidence was coming from. Ngayon alam na niya kung bakit.He really stayed true t
Umingit ang pinto ng private suite sa Angelicum Hospital kung nasaan si Zyrone. Agad namang napabaling si Belle sa direksyon niyon. Awtomatikong dumiretso ang upo niya sa sofa nang mapagsino ang nasa pinto. It was Richard.“Hi,” matipid nitong bati sa kanya bago tuluyang pumasok sa silid. Tahimik niyang tinanguan ang matandang lalaki at sinubukang umakto ng normal.But with Richard around, she knew she could never act normal. Heck! She didn’t have any pleasant memories with him, paano siya aakto nang normal?It has been almost a week now since the incident happened. Nakasampa na rin ang mga kaso laban sa mga Del Valle. At nai-transfer na rin nila si Zyrone sa Maynila—sa Angelicum Hospital and Medical Center. But still the same, her Zyrone is not yet awake. And though the doctors said that he is stable, no good news would count for her until he opens his eyes.Kaya naman, sa bawat araw na dumaraan, patuloy siya sa pakiusap sa Diyos na sana, bigyan pa siya ng pagkakataon kay Zyrone—pagk