Chapter 7

-(GELAL THEODEN FRANCISCO POV)-

(00:40)

Kasalukuyan akong umiinom ng alak sa may kusina habang mahimbing na natutulog si Emerald sa kwarto.

Habang papalapit ang araw ng kasal, hindi ko maiwasan na kabahan at mag alinlangan kung kakayanin ko ba or tatalikuran ko nalang.

Ayokong magpakasal. Ayun lang ang tanging nasa isipan ko ngayon ngunit hindi ko naman pwedeng talikuran dahil malapit na ang petsang iyon.

I want to fucking talk to someone upang mailabas ang nararamdaman ko ngunit baka magambala ko lang ang tulog nila.

Nilagok ko ang laman ng baso bago salinan muli ng alak iyon.

"Gelal?" Napalingon ako nang may tumawag sa akin.

I was tipsy but I know what I'm doing. My vision a bit blurry ngunit kung hindi ako nagkakamali, may babaeng nakatayo sa may doorframe ng kusina.

"What are you doing here?" Tanong ko, closing my eyes as I rubbed my forehead.

"Kukuha sana ako ng tubig. Hindi ko alam na nandito ka pala." Sa boses palang niya ay kilala ko na ito.

I opened my eyes, my vision a bit clear now. My eyes were glued to the clothes that she was wearing.

A black silk nightdress that shows her flawless thighs and her cleavage was just magnificent.

"Come here, sexy bunny." Saad ko as I remove my sweater.

Inihagis ko iyon sa dining chair na malapit sa akin before leaning my body on the counter, letting her see my half naked body.

She didn't move from her place ngunit nakikita ko ang pamumula ng kanyang pisngi. Just by her figure, she can make the bulge in my pants harden.

"I said come here." Saad ko muli nang hindi ito sumunod sa akin kanina.

She strode towards me ngunit tumigil ito ng ilang dipa ang layo sa akin.

"Come closer." Utos ko, my eyebrows narrowed.

"Bakit ba kasi?" She asked, her eyebrows furrowed.

"I said come closer." Utos ko muli, seeing her groan in annoyance pissed me off.

Sumunod ito sa pinagagawa ko at nang alam kong abot ko siya ay walang alinlangan kong hinapit ang kanyang baywang, closing the space between us.

She gasped at my sudden move, her two hands placed on my chest because of what I did.

"Ano ba? Bitawan mo nga ako." Tanong nito, removing my arms around her waist.

"Don't make me fuck you right here, Corlyn." Sagot ko na nakapag patigil sa kanya.

"Ano ba kasi yun?" She asked, her body getting calm to my touch.

"Gusto mo pa ba ituloy yung kasal natin?" I asked as I played with the strap of her dress.

I don't know but the heat in my body was increasing as her body was pressed against mine. Lust was lingering in my mind and I'm trying hard to restrain myself.

"Bakit?" She asked back, which caused me to lock my eyes on hers.

"Just answer my fucking question." Sagot ko, analysing her reaction.

She heaved a sigh. "I don't know, Lal. Nagdadalawang isip rin ako." Sagot nito, her face so calm.

Hindi ako sumagot rito as I was mesmerised by her beauty. An eyecatcher on to anyone who would take a glance of her.

"Gelal?" Sambit nito na nakapag balik sa akin sa reyalidad.

"What?" I asked, my head getting fuzzy because of the alcohol.

"Bat mo natanong sa akin yun?" She asked again, her expression unchanged.

"Nagdadalawang isip din kasi ako." Sagot ko, my hand reaching for her cheek.

"Pwede naman natin pag usapan yan bukas eh. You seemed drunk." Saad nito but I shook my head.

"I'm not drunk, I still know what I'm doing." Sagot ko rito bago ibababa ang terante ng kanyang suot.

"Gelal, stop it." Awat nito ngunit hindi ko siya pinakinggan.

"I want to have sex with you… Emy." Sambit ko before leaning my body to kiss her neck.

"Lal, I'm on my period." Sagot nito as she tried to push me away.

"Wala akong pake kung may menstruation ka. I want to enter inside you… right now…" I hoarsely retorted before biting her earlobe.

Akmang sasagot ito ngunit huli na nang sunggaban ko ang kanyang labi na siyang tinugunan nito.

Butterflies roamed around my stomach as she responded, her arms wrapped around my neck as I held her waist. My heart pounding wildly as her body was pressed against my own.

With my other hand, I held her cheek to deepen the kiss and licked her bottom lip to gain access inside her mouth. Pinagbigyan ako nito at hinayaan niya akong galugarin ang kanyang bibig, her tongue interacting with mine afterwards.

Lumiliyab ang init ng aking nararamdaman, dahil na rin siguro sa alak na nainom ko kaya walang alinlangan kong hinubad ang kanyang suot bago ito paupuin sa counter top.

Tumambad sa akin ang napakalusog nitong dibdib, her pinkish nipples that are wanting to be sucked, her creamy flawless skin waiting to be marked.

Hinawi ko ang buhok na nakatakip sa isa niyang dibdib, her legs spread as I stood in between, ang mamula-mula nitong singit ay makikita as she wore black lingerie.

"Akala ko ba may menstruation ka?" I asked, grazing my finger on her bikini area.

"I do have one…" She answered, her hand stroking mine as I continuously grazed my finger on her.

"Then why are you wearing a black lingerie?" I asked again, my eyes locked on hers.

"I'm wearing a tampon." She answered before biting her lower lip.

"If you're wearing a tampon, then let me fuck you on your anal." Saad ko, bakas sa kanyang mukha na kinakabahan siya.

"Gelal, no." She answered anxiously, her orbs filled with worry.

"Please." I pleaded, mapungay ang mata kong nakatingin sa kanya.

Hindi ito sumagot bagkus ay hinaplos nito ang naninigas kong ari na nakabakat sa aking sweatpants. Napatingala ako habang ginagawa niya iyon dahil iba ang dinadala nitong sensasyon sa aking katawan.

"You want me to put my hand inside?" She asked seductively, which caused me to look at her.

"Pull my pants down and suck it." Utos ko, seeing her smirk made me want her even more.

"Sorry to keep you on the edge but I'm not in the mood for sex." Sambit nito na nakapagpawala ng gana sa akin.

"Are you serious right now?" I asked na medyo naiinis, my eyebrows slightly furrowed.

She nodded which caused me to groan in annoyance as I looked away.

"I'm sorry." Saad nito, kita ko sa peripheral vision ko na matamlay itong nakatingin.

"Get off the fucking counter and go back to bed." Sagot ko rito as I stormed out of the kitchen.

Tumungo ako sa living room at ginawang kama ang sofa. Kung kailan nagiinit na ang katawan ko tsaka siya umaatras. Pinakiramdaman ko ang sakit ng aking puson nang makahiga na ako sa sofabed.

Tiniis ko iyon as I laid down, my arm covering my eyes as I let sleep takeover my whole conciousness.

Bwisit.

~☾︎~

The next morning, I was awoken to the smell of cinnamon wafting through the air that it made my stomach growl as food was obviously being cooked in the kitchen.

The sound of frying and the plates being clattered can be heard from that space.

Agad akong bumangon at linigpit ang aking higaan before making my way towards the kitchen, seeing her in front of the stove as she cooked breakfast. Kinusot ko ang mga mata ko bago pumunta sa sink at maghilamos ng mukha.

Nang matapos ako, I looked at her. She was so serious on what she's doing. Also noticing that she's wearing my sweater from last night.

Oh fuck… that horrible night.

"Anong oras ka nagising?" I asked, leaning on the counter near her as my arms were crossed over my chest.

"Kanina lang." She answered plainly, never taking a glance at me.

"Why are you wearing my sweater?" I asked again, waiting for her answer.

"Ang lamig sa kwarto kaya sinuot ko." Sagot nito, turning off the stove.

"But don't worry, lalabhan ko naman." Dagdag nito as she transferred the food unto the platter.

I went to the fridge to get a carton of juice. Tinulungan ko na rin ito maghanda ng gagamitin for breakfast.

We ate quietly and I was used to it. I never liked being disturbed when eating so the silence was just right.

Nauna itong natapos kumain ngunit napansin ko ay hindi pa ito tumatayo sa kanyang kinauupuan.

Tumingin ako sa direction nito, mukhang malalim ang iniisip niya.

Bumaling muli ako sa kinakain ko. "Is something wrong?" Tanong ko rito, my eyes still focused on the food that I'm eating.

"Nothing's wrong." She answered.

"Mukhang malalim iniisip mo." Sambit ko before looking at her.

Her eyes were locked on mine. "I was just thinking about the question you asked last night." Sagot nito, her eyes had emotions lingering in them.

"What about it?" I asked again, leaning my back on the backrest of the chair.

"Ayoko na." She answered as she looked away.

The fuck does she mean about that?

"Ayaw mo na ng alin?" I asked confusingly, my brows furrowed.

She shook her head. "Ayokong magpakasal." Sagot nito bago tumingin sa akin.

I sighed. "Anong pumasok sa isip mo? Bakit… bakit mo nasagot iyan?" Tanong ko, my expression unchanged.

"I've been thinking about it since last night. Total sinabi mo rin naman sa akin na hindi ka yung tipo ng lalaki na magugustuhan ko, nagpapanggap lang din naman tayo, Edi itigil na lang. Wag na tayong magpakasal." Sagot nito ngunit napansin kong may luhang tumulo sa kanyang pisngi.

I heaved a sigh just so I could calm my nerves. The fact she is saying that she doesn't want to do it made my heart ache. Hindi ko alam, parang sinaksak ang puso ko ng libo libong kutsilyo as she said that. Ngunit kahit sabihin niya iyon ay wala naman akong magagawa.

Nagpapanggap lang kami, no strings attached. I also told myself that I'm not gonna fall for her kahit na unti unti na akong nahuhulog sa kanya.

"Are you sure about your decision?" I asked, keeping myself composed.

She nodded, wiping the stray tear that fell. "I'm sure." Sagot nito before standing up and leaving me in the dining area.

I ran my hand over my face before deciding to follow her.

Nakita ko ito sa may kwarto kaya pumasok ako roon, closing the door behind me and turning the lock.

Pinanood ko itong mag impake kahit na sumisigaw ang isip ko na pigilan ko siya.

"So you're leaving?" Tanong ko habang ako ay papalapit sa kanya.

Tumingin ito sa direksyon ko. "I can't stay here any longer." Sagot nito na nakakunot ang noo.

"May nagawa ba ako kaya mo naisip na umatras?" I asked, my expression solemn.

She looked away, her tongue touching her inner cheek. "You didn't do anything. Ako ang may gusto nito." Sagot niya as she looked at me.

Hindi ako nakasagot rito and watched her pack the rest of her things, my heart shattering to the point I can't bear it.

"Why can't you just fucking stay?" I snapped, causing her to face me.

"Why would I stay? Gelal, do you know how hard it is to restrain the feelings that I'm feeling for you right now?" She asked, pain was all I could see in her orbs.

"You have feelings for me?" I asked back, my brows furrowed.

She nodded. "Oo, meron. Hindi mo ba nahahalata? Are you that blind to not see it?" She asked. "Or maybe, si Thylane pa rin ang nasa isip at puso mo kaya hindi mo nakikita." Saad nito, a stray tear fell down her cheek.

"Don't you dare mention Thylane in this conversation. Wala siyang kinalaman dito." Sagot ko, pointing my finger at her.

Hindi na ito sumagot pa and wiped the stray tear that fell down her cheek, turning her gaze away from me.

"I already told you to not fall for me. Pero mas-" Naputol ang aking sasabihin nang sumagot ito.

"Ayun na nga eh, sinabi mo nga eh. Pero anong magagawa ko? Hindi ko ma-control ang puso ko kung kanino siya dapat tumibok at hindi. Kung alam ko lang na mahuhulog rin ako sayo, hindi ko na sana sinabi sayo na magpanggap tayo." Saad niya, her tears fall down continuously.

"Edi wag tayong magpanggap. Totohanin na natin." Sagot ko, reaching for her cheek ngunit hinawi lang nito ang aking kamay.

"Ano?" She asked confusingly.

"Totohanin na natin. Simple as that. Total, may nararamdaman ka para sa akin at ganun din ako-" Naputol ang aking sasabihin nang sumagot ito.

"M-May nararamdaman ka para sa akin?" She asked, seemingly taken aback.

Hindi ako sumagot rito and closed the space between, walang alinlangan kong pinunasan ang kanyang mga luha na nagpapatuloy na tumulo, her face flushed as she looks at me.

"Pag sinabi kong oo, anong gagawin mo?" I asked, mapungay ang mga mata kong nakatingin rito.

"I'm still gonna leave. I have made up my mind to not continue the wedding at alam ko na kaya mo sinasabi sa akin yan, ay upang hindi ako umalis rito sa puder mo." Sagot nito, her facial expression calm.

"But that's the fucking truth. I have feelings-" Naputol muli ang aking sasabihin nang sumabat ito.

"No, you don't have. You never did and you never will have feelings for me. So stop saying that what you feel is the same as mine." Sagot nito bago umalis sa harapan ko.

I don't know kung anong nasa likod ng mga salitang iyon but it felt like my heart was shattered into a million pieces as I heard the door slam shut.

I ran my hand over my face bago umupo sa sofa na naroroon.

Yumuko nalang ak at kusang kumuyom ang mga palad ko.

If she doesn't want to get married, fine. The fuck I care for her.

Tumayo ako sa aking inuupuan and went straight to my closet upang kumuha ng maisusuot. I took a shower afterwards and dressed myself in simple jeans and white shirt.

Nang matapos ako, lumabas ako ng kwarto and saw she was in the living room crying.

Akala ko ba aalis siya? Why the fuck is she still here?

Ngunit hindi ko na siya binigyan ng pansin at linagpasan ito, slamming the door shut nang makalabas ako.

I needed a time out. Kailangan ko rin kausapin si Mr. Verdanio about the wedding and let him know na hindi na ito matutuloy.

I can't take this pain that was roaming in my heart right now. The words that she said was still lingering in my mind as I went to the elevator before pressing the G button.

Nang makarating ako sa ground floor, I went to my car and quickly drove off nang maistart ko iyon.

Kahit na ayoko muna silang kausap ay talagang mapipilitan kong gawin iyon. Silang dalawa lang naman kasi ang may asawa kaya mukhang kailangan ko ang mga advices nila.

I drove fast, my jaw clenched as I gripped the steering wheel. Never minding the cars that were continuously honking because I was above speed limit.

Nang makarating ako, bumusina ako hanggang sa mabuksan nila ang gate.

Binuksan nila iyon at walang alinlangan kong pinasok ang kotse, parking it in the driveway.

Lumabas ako sa kotse at nakita sina Chase sa front porch, obviously shocked dahil pumunta ako unannounced.

Ngunit kahit ganoon ay linagpasan ko lang ang mga ito, my eyes looking for the two elder bastards.

"Bro, is something wrong?" Napalingon ako to see who it is.

"Where's Ameer and Khaleed?" I asked solemnly.

"Wala sila. Nagsstay na sila sa kani-kanilang-" Naputol ang sasabihin nito nang sumagot ako

"Call them. I don't give a fucking shit if they're living with their own families." I seriously answered, my expression unchanged.

"Ang pangit ng timpla mo. Is something wrong?" Tanong muli ni Kaji, worry was evident in his tone.

"Nothing is fucking wrong, just call them. Tawagin mo rin si Agathe. I need to talk to that bastard." I answered as my breath was getting shorter by the minute.

"Ano bang meron kasi? Bakit pati si Agathe-" Naputol muli ang sasabihin nito nang sumabat ako.

"Just fucking call them, Kaj. Don't ask anymore questions." Sabat ko, my eyes narrowed.

Hindi na ito sumagot pa at tumango nalang bilang tugon, leaving me and Chase on the porch.

Hindi rin ako nagtagal doon as the presence of that bastard made me irritated.

I went to the living room and sat unto the sofa, facepalming myself as frustration and stress enveloped my mind.

Gustuhin ko man isigaw ang nararamdaman ko ay hindi ko magawa, tila ba nawalan ako ng lakas upang gawin iyon.

Ilang oras akong naroroon, waiting for the two of them as my mind was lingering in the abyss of my own thoughts.

May nagawa ba akong mali upang umatras ito? Meron ba siyang hindi gusto sa akin? Sa pagkatao ko? Masyado ba akong gago upang magdalawang isip siya?

Isang linggo nalang, magaganap na ang kasal. Ngunit dahil nag back out ito ay mukhang hindi na mangayayari iyon.

Lumubog ang espasyo sa tabi ko which caused me to look, seeing Khaleed by my side. His expression so stern.

"What's wrong? Kaji told me you need us." Anito, his expression unchanged.

I sighed as I leaned my body on the backrest of the sofa. "Both of us are having second thoughts about the wedding. I don't know what's gotten unto her mind for her to back out." I answered before rubbing my forehead.

"Baka naman pinapakita mo ang bad side mo sa kanya. Or maybe, she really doesn't want to marry you." Sagot nito, his eyebrows slightly furrowed.

"I don't know. Pati hindi rin kasi namin masyadong kilala ang isa't isa kaya siguro naisip niya iyon. I tried my best not to show the negative side in me but it seemed like she's noticing it. I don't know what to do. Kung kailan naasikaso na ang lahat ay tsaka siya umaatras." Sagot ko pabalik, running my hands through my hair.

"Look, I know it's hard getting married to a woman you barely even know. But you just need to trust the process, both of you just have to try to work it out. And not only you will have to adjust, even her. Give and take yan. Ngayon, kung hindi talaga kaya, decision niyo na kung ilalapit mo sa court for annulment. But trust me, don't go through that path. Mas masakit ang annulment." Sambit nito.

Hindi na ako sumagot rito and face palmed myself, unable to think on what to do.

We were quiet for a short period of time, not until someone knocked at the door.