Before leaving, I made sure to delete Luther and Maki's messages from the phone I used. I erased both dialed and received calls. I reset the phone to ensure there would be nothing left to see. I took out the SIM card.I left the phone on the bed before I left earlier. Rozzean won't find any traces of my conversations with Luther. Luther won't be able to send messages or make calls anymore because the SIM card is gone."How's Daddy, Maki?" I asked. I threw the SIM card out of the window.I'm feeling an overwhelming sense of worry now that I know about what happened to Dad. This is the first time he had an attack in five years. I remember it vividly because I was the one who found him lying on the floor.It was a traumatizing experience for me. It was so frightening that the thought won't leave my mind."Good thing, he was immediately brought home, and the doctor will check on him there. Uncle George didn't want to stay in the hospital, so Grandma agreed."I breathed a sigh of relief he
We were walking inside the house. I looked at Maki. He was smiling at me, so I mouthed 'thank you' to him. I know Maki has played a big part in my craziness until now that I've returned to my life as Thaliana."Yes, yes, she's here already... tomorrow? Okay, I'll tell Dad."When Grand lowered his phone, he looked at me."Where have you been? You said you were going on vacation, right? And why do you look like that? Did you cut your hair? You have bangs, and your mole, you don’t have a mole, Tangi?"I took off my fake bangs and the fake mole, putting them in my pocket."This is nothing. Just a prank, brother.""Okay, okay, what's important is that you're home," Grand looked at Maki. "Thank you for bringing her home, Mak, but where did you find her? Do you have contact with Tangi? You should have told us."I turned to Maki. I stared at him."I-It happened that she was on an island with no connection, Grand. Fortunately, a friend of mine who knows her happened to be there and immediately
Two days have passed since I returned, and I stayed at my parents' house for the meantime. I haven't heard anything from Rozzean. I tried asking Maki, but he didn't answer my questions, saying it's his punishment for me.He's annoying. But I think he is punishing me this way for the mistake I did."Dad, about the man that you wanted me to marry..."I saw Dad look at me. We were outside in Mommy's garden."What about that?" he asked."I am ready to meet him, anytime. Do I need to wait for 2 weeks, as I said, because of the two months?"Dad smiled at me."Look, Tangi, before, I was the one initiating this conversation just to persuade you to meet him. But now, it's you. What made you change your mind?"Because the man I am going to marry is a great man, Dad. A responsible and loving man."N-Nothing, I just thought that I'm already back. There's no need to wait until the months are done."Dad nodded."Okay, I'll talk to Mr. Valleje about this. We will meet them after I talked to him."I
It was already 8:00 pm, and the night fell at my main branch of Tinatangi. Many people ordered flowers today, so my time passed somewhat without Rozzean coming to my mind.Truth be told, for the past two days, even though I wasn't in his house, he never left my thoughts. But due to the busyness earlier with the consecutive orders, my attention was somewhat diverted.I miss him so much, and I want to see him, but I have to endure for now."Ma'am, there's a bouquet that hasn't been delivered yet."I turned to Alma. She was looking at the bouquet of red roses on the side. I remembered about it. Luther gave it to me, something I didn't expect to happen."Oh, a customer gave it to me. He's the one who messaged you that I would arrange it personally.""Ayie, Ma'am, have you changed your perspective on life? Are you interested in men now?” Alma asked me.I just smiled at her. They know I haven't had a significant other yet. My employees here at the main branch often hear my complains wheneve
"I love you, baby... I love you so much."I opened my eyes upon hearing Rozzean's voice. Ahhh It was a long sleep. I got up and then checked my cellphone. There were emails and messages, but I decided to go to the bathroom and wash up first.I miss Rozzean more as his presence is even in my dreams. We are happy in my dream. But in it, I am Thaliana, not Tali. I wish he could forgive me, hoping that our recent argument could be resolved with an explanation.But I know it's unlikely because of what Maki and Luther said.Rozzean is not the kind of man who will let anyone fool him.What sets me apart? Even if he loves me, he will surely be hurt and angry about what I did."I need to call Dad."I can't wait any longer. If I can't face Rozzean this week, I'll go to his house in Tagaytay myself to explain what happened. I can't wait for Dad and Mr. Valleje to schedule our meeting.I prepared my breakfast while checking messages on my cellphone. My siblings messaged me, checking on how I'm
We went to the VIP room of the restaurant for our dinner.I was quiet the whole time. I could see from the corner of my eye that Luther, my supposed fiance, was looking at me.What happened?Dad told me that the man who would be my fiance is Rozzean. He clearly stated Rozzean's name as the man I would marry. But why is Luther here now?"I heard about what happened to Thaliana; it reached me because you reported it to the police. It's a relief that nothing bad happened to her."I raised my gaze to Royce Valleje when he spoke. Luther and I were sitting side by side. The Valleje couple was in front of us, and my Mommy and Daddy were on my side."We were so worried, but thank God that she came home fine, Royce. We searched the whole of Palawan, but we couldn't find her. Thankfully, a friend of Maki recognized her. We thought Tangi got involved in the threats against Grand's life, so I was really scared," Daddy replied.That was just a lie from Maki to cover me. Even if they went door-to-d
I was stunned by what Luther said. Rozzean highly values his company! I know the challenges he faced, as he shared with me the difficulties before their eldest sibling passed away!I need to talk to Dad!"But Cyron just kept his head and told your father that if he's afraid of losing someone or something important in his life right now, that would be Tali."I sobbed. I couldn't hold back the pain.I-I was wrong... I made a big mistake."And now, about me...""Why I replaced my brother."I looked up at Luther, still wiping away tears from both my cheeks.That's what I wanted to hear. Since earlier, but I couldn't ask; I let him share everything."When Cyron turned his back after he talked to your father, I remained there standing. I talked to your father. I don't want my brother to lose everything, Thaliana. Cyron worked extremely hard for it all. I know he doesn't want to lose Tali, and I'm well aware that he doesn't want to lose the company he and our brother Aloncious worked so hard
Luther asked me twice if I am sure. I had no doubt anymore. When I nodded, we left the restaurant. Even though it was night, I didn't care. I wanted to see Rozzean. I was worried, and I couldn't be at ease until I saw him now.It was my fault that he was hurt. Everything that happened to him in the past—about their family, his father's anger just because of his love for Tali, and the trouble in his company when he talked to Daddy.Everything he did was because of his love for Tali Dela Cruz—the fake personality I created just to find flaws in his character so that our wedding wouldn't push through."Did you see him, Luther? Did you visit him?" I asked.Nervous and with trembling hands, I looked at Luther who was driving."No, I only found out about what happened a while ago, Thaliana. Can you calm down? Manang said that Cyron is okay, just resting due to the injury he got."How will I calm down? It's my fault that Rozzean had an accident."What time will we reach his house? Can you fi
After 6 yearsWe are outside of the room. It's Rozzean's birthday today, and I baked a cake for him. I looked at my triplets. Their pointer fingers were on their mouths. I told them not to make noise.My pets, dogs, and cats followed us. I'm thankful that none of my children are allergic to animals, and they even share my fondness for them. Thalia always plays with Rose, while Rozwell and Rockwell prefer the dogs.When Lily barked, Rockwell sniffed at her, and our dog immediately stopped."Mommy, do you think Daddy will like our surprise?" whispered Taki."I think so," I replied to Taki and lit the candles on the cake.As I opened the door to our room with Rozzean, we entered slowly. My children covered their mouths to avoid making noise. My husband is still sleeping, lying face down on the bed, and his bare back is visible."Shhh, Rockwell!" scolded Rozwell to his brother.My triplets are not identical, but Rozwell and Rockwell do have a striking resemblance."You two, stop," Thalia
Thaliana Tangi Dela Vezca Valleje POV "R-Rozzean!" What the hell? I thought it was supposed to be next week? "Rozzean!" I shouted again. He hurriedly entered our room. When we locked eyes, he quickly approached me. "W-Why?" "My water just broke! I-I'm going into labor!" We locked eyes again. He didn't move. "Rozzean!" I shouted again. When he snapped out of it, he lifted me and headed to the garage. We passed by Luther. It looks like they're still working! "Is she giving birth?!" Luther asked. "Yes!" Rozzean was still barefoot, and when he started the car, I couldn't help but cry out in pain. "Fck!" "Let me drive; where are the babies' things?" Luther asked as he turned around. "Damn, yes!" I heard Rozzean say as he got out of the car. I felt like I was going to pass out from the pain. "Ahhh!!" I screamed as the stinging pain hit me. When Rozzean came back into the car, he had the babies' things with him. Luther drove fast. We headed to the hospital. Rozzean also tried
Rozzean Cyron Valleje POV"Baby... it's 1:45 am. What do you want?"I looked at my wife, who was frowning while sitting on our bed. We moved our room downstairs because I was worried she might slip on the stairs. It's dangerous for her to use the stairs since her belly has grown bigger. Ferline said it's normal, and we can expect it to get even bigger in the coming weeks."I want spaghetti. Can you cook it for me, my love?"I nodded and smiled at her. We left the room, and she held my hand. She sat on the side, watching me as I started cooking."You look handsome..."I smiled at her. Thaliana eats a lot, but she's not gaining weight. Maybe it's because she's always hungry and eats a lot due to carrying three babies. I understand her, so I'm always with her to fulfill her cravings. I'm working from home now. Thaliana said it's okay for me to go to the office, but I refused.Even if I go to the office, I won't be at ease thinking about her at home.Now, I am working online. When there a
The next morning as newlyweds with Rozzean, I woke him up with gentle kisses. Since he was still very sleepy, I told him I would go downstairs and prepare our food. He agreed and went back to sleep.In the kitchen, I found Manang, who was already getting breakfast ready, and I helped her."I'm Thaliana Tangi Dela Vezca Valleje," I said while looking at my wedding ring."Gosh... I feel like a teenager getting all giddy!"Rozzean is my husband... we are married."Tangi... calm down! Relax!"Once the food was ready, I went up to our room with a tray in hand. I entered and placed what I brought on the side table, then approached my still-sleeping husband."Good morning, husband..." I said with a smile and kissed Rozzean all over his face."Hmmm..." he's smiling!"We are going to eat--""I will eat you.""Oh, Rozzean, seriously! I went downstairs to cook for you, don't tease me with your 'I will eat you' if you don't eat what I cooked, I'll be upset!"He suddenly sat up in bed. His eyes ha
It felt like a dream, our wedding with Rozzean. I couldn't stop smiling and laughing for almost the entire time because of unexpected and joyous events. Even my Dad danced with him. It was the first time I saw my Dad dance like that.Even my siblings joined in the fun. However, the most memorable moment was our family's reaction when we announced my pregnancy. My parents even shed tears in the end."Baby..."And here he was, Rozzean, just entering our room. He was behind me, trailing his lips along my back as he unzipped my wedding gown."Are you sure?" I asked."Hmmm... you didn't ask Ferline earlier to be sure."Ferline was at the reception earlier, but of course, I felt shy asking her about intimacy while being pregnant with triplets.I looked at her after Rozzean fully brought down my gown."W-Wait. Doesn't this need a shower? Let's take a bath first!"Rozzean smirked and then shook his head."I can't wait," he said, claiming my lips.It was obvious!I smiled and held onto his nec
After the incredibly joyful intermission number by my family, Rozzean approached me, breathing heavily. He held my hand and hugged me, placing his lips near my ear and whispered."It's embarrassing..."I laughed again and patted his back."You're embarrassed about that? You were so into it."I heard Rozzean's hearty laughter. When he let go of me, I wiped the sweat from his face and neck. He was really sweaty, even though the reception was air-conditioned!"It was Thes' idea. She said you'd be thrilled if I danced the jumbo hotdog. And she was right."I glanced at Thes, who was focused on her cellphone screen, probably watching the video she took earlier, as she continued to laugh."And Luther? How did you convince him to dance?" I asked, smiling."I don't know what happened. I think Thes talked to him. It seems like he was just forced; I don't know what Thes said to get Luther to agree to dance with me. I was surprised that Luther agreed. I never thought he would do this. You can tel
We heard loud applause inside the church after a quick kiss, Rozzean and I."Ahhh..." I turned to Rozzean when I heard his voice. He was holding my hand and kissing it."Mine... finally, you are mine."I smiled at what he said. I held him by his cheeks and gently pinched them."Really, you're the one who's mine," I replied."Hmm... I can't wait for our honeymoon."I widened my eyes and looked around, worried someone might have heard. I gently tapped Rozzean on the chest. Another honeymoon!"Honeymoon has happened several times already; your mind is still on honeymoon."He's still kissing my hand."That's different. My performance this time is not as your boyfriend but as your husband."He knows a lot! And what performance is he talking about? I was about to speak again, but the crowd came forward to congratulate us."Congratulations!"Thes came to us; I thought he had something serious to say, but I was surprised when five men approached us, and when I saw what they were holding, I co
After ten minutes, I saw the organizer approaching me. I opened the car door and stepped out. Many photographers were taking pictures as I walked."Ma'am, it's your turn to enter," the organizer told me.I nodded and thanked her. When I stood in front of the church door, I took a deep breath.As the door slowly opened, I tightly held my bouquet. Everyone inside the church was standing. All their attention was on me as I walked slowly.I looked at the aisle and saw Rozzean. He looked handsome in his black tuxedo. He was smiling at me, biting his lower lip. I also noticed him adjusting his suit, though it seemed fine to me. Is he nervous?When I reached the middle, my parents greeted me, and I kissed their cheeks. My father was crying again!"Dad..." I said.We continued walking down the aisle."I-I'm just happy... so happy, Tangi.""I love you, Daddy..." I said to him and looked at Mommy, "I love you, Mommy, thank you so much."As I walked slowly, I glanced around the people inside the
Rozzean and I decided to keep my pregnancy a secret until after we get married. We also asked Luther, Thes, and Ferline not to tell anyone for now. We wanted to share the news with our families after the wedding and surprise everyone with the fact that we were expecting triplets.The day we found out we were having three children was unforgettable, mostly because my husband fainted. I was worried about what happened to him, but when he woke up, I could hardly breathe from laughing.He was so embarrassed. Luther, Ferline, and my best friend Thes were all laughing too. Even I couldn't help but laugh. I felt sorry for him, so I stopped laughing when he hugged me, burying his head in my neck.Rozzean kept cursing and saying he was just so happy. He fainted from pure joy upon learning that we were having triplets.His sibling didn't let it go. Luther teased him about it all the time. I'm sure they continue to tease him whenever they're together."Beautiful!"I smiled at my hair stylist whe