10

December 31, 2020

Alyssa and Dennise's families decided to spend the last day of the year together sa San Juan, Batangas.

The two have been inseperable since they have made it known to their families na nagkabalikan na sila.

They explained what happened and why they had to do the things they did before.

Their families, as supportive as they have always been, also felt deeply sorry about what the two had gone through and promised they won't let anything like that to happen again.

It's now almost midnight, they are all waiting for the countdown just right infront of Alyssa's family's house.

Dennise's P.O.V.

I felt an arm wrapping around my shoulders and a warm body next to mine as we both look at the stars above us.

I also put my arms around her waist and leaned my head on her shoulder.

I looked at my watch.

"Hey babe, last two minutes."

"Yeah?", she also checked her phone, placed it back into her pocket and placed a soft kiss on the top of my head.

"I think we should be getting ready, babe."

"Okay. I'll go get the kids."

"Our kids?", pabiro nitong tanong.

"Hmm... nope, our parents'.", sabi ko rito at hinalikan siya sa labi bago pumunta sa mga kapatid naming nasa loob ng kubo.

-

Naghaharutan pa rin sina Mosh at Kian, while si Jus may kausap sa phone niya.

"Hey, hey, hey! Stop that already, get down there. Make it quick."

"Oo ate, we'll be there.", sagot ni Justine.

"You better.", at inirapan silang tatlo bago bumalik kasama ng mga magulang namin at dalawang kuya ni Alyssa.

"Look at you, iha. Lalo kang gumaganda."

"Eh paano ho'y inlove na inlove dine kay ineng. Pero Den, don't worry, mas inlove sa iyo iyang si ineng!", kant'yaw ni kuya Paolo.

"Ay malamang, napakaganda na ba naman niyang iyong girlfriend eh hindi ka pa maiinlove nang sobra? Hindi ka ba luge dine sa kapatid namin, ineng Dennise?", that's kuya Nicko.

"What? Noooo hindi iyan lugi. Dahil gagawin ko lahat para sa kaniya. Iaalay ko pati na aking buhay para lang siya lumigaya.", pagmamakata nitong isa bago kumindat kaya kinurot ko siya sa pisngi bago sinagot sila kuya Nicko.

"No, kuya. Sobrang blessed ako to have her, again. I won't trade her for anyone or anything. She has always been the love of my life and I would spend the rest of my life with her, if I could."

Alyssa smiled proudly and umirap sa mga kapatid niya.

Napailing na lamang ang mga magulang namin as the three kids also arrived.

"Ay siya countdown na!", sigaw ni tatay Ruel.

Nag sigawan naman ang mga bata at nagsimula na rin kaming mag bilang.

"10!", I looked at our parents and siblings, they all look so genuinely happy.

"9!", They are all sharing this exciting and warm energy at magkakatabi lamang habang may mga pampaingay na hawak sa kanilang mga kamay.

"8!", I looked at my left, she's not there.

Hold on.

"7!", I whipped my head to my right, wala rin siya.

It got me worried.

I don't want to ruin the moment but I got... scared.

"6!"

"Mom! Where's Ly?", I asked mom who is standing in front of me, just across the table.

"I don't know, hon! Try calling her!", she shouted back dahil maingay na rin ang paligid at halos hindi na kami magkarinigan.

"Shit.", I cursed under my breath and took out my phone to dial her number but to no avail.

"5!", luminga luminga pa akong muli pero wala pa rin siya.

Halos maiyak naman ako dahil ngayon na nga lang kami muli magkasamang sasalubong sa bagong taon, bagong simula, bagong araw pero wala pa siya rito sa tabi ko.

Where the hell are you, Alyssa?

"4!"

"3!"

"2!"

"1!"

"Happy new year everyone!"

"Happy new year!", palitan nila ng masayang pagbati sa isa't isa sabay ng mahihigpit na yakap.

"Happy new year, Dennise.", rinig kong bulong ng taong kanina pang hinahanap ng mga mata ko.

"Babe naman! Where have you been?!", inis at nag-aalala kong sigaw rito habang papaharap sa kaniya.

At nang makaharap nga - tila nawala ang kanina'y malalakas na tunog sa paligid bungsod ng kaliwa't kanang ingay mula sa mga paputok, torotot at tambol upang masiglang salubungin ang bagong taon. Ganoon rin naman ang mga taong kasama namin na para bang nag laho sa hangin dahil tanging si Alyssa lamang ang nakikita ng aking mga mata.

She's the only person I got my eyes locked on as she...

... As she kneels down in front of me.

While holding out a ring in her hands.

What the heck is happening?! Oh my gosh!! Is this what I think it is?! Somebody please, tell me!

Dahan dahan naman akong napatakip sa aking bibig dahil sa realization about sa mga nangyayari.

Napatingin na rin ako sa mga taong nakatayo sa likuran ni Alyssa.

They were holding red balloons and huge cardboards with words written on each of them as it reads - "BE MINE FOR THE REST OF TIME?".

Those people are Ella, Bea Tan, Kiwi? Oh my gosh, even Kiwi is there! Synj too? Wow! Then the rests were Jessica, Julia and Beatriz.

These are the people we love, and people who loves and accepts us.

Nakangiti nang malalaki ang mga ito while nagpupunas ng luha.

Ella, being the most dramatic one, crying like some crazy lady.

Scene-stealer talaga kahit kailan. I thought.

Nginitian ko ang mga ito at ibinalik ang mga tingin kay Alyssa nang may pagtatanong sa aking mukha.

I want to make sure I am not assuming that this is really happening, like right now.

Then I saw her smiling nervously back at me and gave me a nod, as if she knew what I wanted to ask.

"Oh my gosh! Mom, ngayon pala ito?? Bakit hindi ako nasabihan?!", rinig kong sigaw ni Justine.

"Huwag kang maingay ate! Sisirain mo pa moment ni ate Pakoy at ate Ly eh!", suway ni Matthew rito.

Natawa naman ang mga magulang namin at mga kapatid ganoon rin ang mga nasa likuran ni Alyssa.

Lumapit si Kian sa ate niya at itinapat ang mic sa bibig nito.

"Dennise Michelle Garcia Lazaro, mahal ko. I'm sorry I am not good with these surprises, heck nor good at giving speeches like this one but I will try my bestest, okay? Don't laugh at me.", she started with a silly look on her face. And even if she asked me not to laugh, she's just too adorable right now, so natawa pa rin ako.

"*Clears throat* Dennise, alam kong kakaumpisa lamang muli ng oras nating dalawa but I don't believe I am rushing this if I am being honest with you. Because I know our love for each other has always been within us for the past years even if we were apart, even if we thought we really are done for. We found our way back to one another - God led us back to each other's arms kahit sa paraang hindi natin nakita at inaasahan. Baby, what more can I say? It has always been you, Dennise Michelle and I could not face another day not spending it with you or by your side. Moreover, I think this is the best and right way to start the year together, right? So babe, what do say about adding my last name with yours?"

I was just crying the whole time while listening to this woman in front of me.

"Hon?", she calls out to me when she didn't get an answer. While the crowd's just silently watching the two of us.

Still wiping my tears up, I slowly walked towards her.

When I was finally standing in front of Alyssa, I caressed her face with my right hand which made her briefly close her eyes before I spoke, "Babe, how about you put that ring on my finger and let's start planning on how I'd officially become your Mrs. Valdez?"

Tears also started to flow from her brown eyes as she held into my left hand to put the engagement ring on my finger and placed a soft kiss on it with full love and passion.

Naghiyawan lahat ng tao sa paligid.

I helped Alyssa to stand and we stared at each other with huge smiles on our faces.

"Quite a speech huh, you look impressed.", mayabang na sabi nito.

Inirapan ko siya nang pabiro at hinampas sa balikat.

"I'd give you that, dork.", sagot ko rito at natawa naman kaming pareho.

She carefully grabbed me by my waist and pulled me closer to her.

"You were and still are the most beautiful person I've ever seen or met, in this life and hell, even after this one.", she said while still looking into my eyes intently.

She looks at me as if I am indeed the MOST beautiful thing she's ever seen.

"I love you so much, baby. Thank you for making this happen.", I answered.

"No, Den. Thank you, thank you for giving us this chance."

I traced her eyebrow with my right index finger then softly caressed her cheek with my thumb down to her lips. Which made her form a smile on it.

I love Alyssa so much and now, I know wala ng makakahadlang sa pagmamahalan namin.

I submit my life to her. She's my everything and I will marry her kahit saang parte pa man ng mundong ito.

I put my hand behind her head and pulled her face closer to mine.

We put our foreheads against each other.

"I'd die for you if that's what it takes to be with you, Dennise."

"I'd give you my life so you won't have to, Alyssa."

We both chuckled.

"You look so damn hot right now babe, I could really kiss you.", sabi ko rito.

"Yeah? Show me.", she said mischievously.

So I did.

I grabbed the back of her head and closed the gap between us.

As I did, lalong naghiyawan ang aming mga kaibigan at pamilya.

Bigla rin namang nagpakawala ng sunod sunod na fireworks ang mga tauhang kinuha nila tatay at daddy.

Bagamat malalim ang mga halik na isinusukli sa akin ni Alyssa, maingat ito sa kaniyang bawat galaw.

Kiss lasted for about half a minute before we slightly separated from one another.

"I will always be right beside you, Dennise Michelle. I love you so much more than my heart could ever hold."

"And you don't have any idea how much I love you back, Alyssa."

"Maybe you can show me later?", she said with a grin on her face.

Kinurot ko ito sa tagiliran niya.

"Stop baby, stop. I'm kidding! Ikaw talaga."

"You can do me all you want on our honeymoon, babe.", sabi ko rito at hinalikan siya sa pisngi.

Lumapit naman na ang aming mga kasama after we kissed.

"Hey! Oh my gosh! I can't believe you guys are here!", sabi ko sa mga kaibigan namin.

"Congratulations besh!", Ella said and gave us both a hug, habang umiiyak pa rin.

"Ells, you should really stop crying now.", asar ni Alyssa rito.

"Eh bakit ba? I can't believe that after all you've gone through, narito na kayo ulit ngayon. Sobrang proud ako na nakita ko ang lahat first-hand.", sagot niya habang nagpupunas ng luha.

"Thank you, Ells. For being with us all those years. You've been through a lot rin.", sabi ko naman at niyakap siyang muli.

"Kiwi! I've missed you! I didn't know you'd still come back here!", bati ko kay Kiwi as I threw myself at her for a hug.

"Of course, Den! I wouldn't miss this for the world. Congratulations besh, I know how much you wanted to be with Ly ever since. Now, here you guys are."

"I know. Thank you! Love you, Ki!"

She also gave Ly a hug.

"Finally, Dennise. I swear I'd kill Alyssa myself kung hindi kayo magkakabalikan after I gave her your unit's address. Kasi if nangyari talaga 'yon alam kong magagalit ka nang sobra sa akin. But, I'm glad I did.", Bea said while giving me a hug.

"I know hindi mo matitiis si Alyssa, Bei. And thank you dahil binigay mo pa rin sa kaniya kahit I warned you all not to let her know under any circumstances."

She smiled at me and gave me a kiss on my forehead.

"Aray!", sigaw ni Alyssa after siyang batukan ni Bea.

"You know I'd still kill you if you ever hurt Dennise. Be good to her, okay?", Bea said.

"Yes ma'am. Yes ma'am.", Ly answered and they both hugged each other.

"Synj!"

"Den! Oh my gosh, ikakasal na kayo sa wakas.", sagot nito habang naiiyak iyak pa rin. Oh I forgot to tell y'all, he's the second best crying machine after Jorella.

"Oh come on, stop crying you cryer.", biro ko rito at niyakap siya.

"I am super happy to see you guys back together again. I've missed you both."

"We know, Synj. Kaya nga ito na oh, nagbalikan na kami para sumaya ka.", singit ni Alyssa as she approached us.

"Stop it, Ly. All you do is cry and drown yourself with alcohol noong umalis si Denden dinamay mo pa ako."

"What??? Ikaw kasama nito parati?! Synj naman you know she can't handle her alcohol well!", sigaw ko rito.

"Kalma, besh. Sa isang linggo salit salitan kami niyan nila Ella at Bea para magbantay diyan 'no. Don't blame me, okay? Hindi lang ako 'yon."

Sinamaan ko ng tingin sina Ella at Bea.

"Don't look at me like that, Dennise. You're the reason why she was like that, remember?", mataray na sabi ni Bea kaya inirapan ko ito.

"O? Bakit ako? Tama si Bea, Den. Huwag kang umano ano riyan ha. You left, remember?"

"But you, shit. Fine. Whatever.", smelling defeat ay hindi na ako sumagot pa. Natawa naman ang mga ito.

Tama naman sila. Ako pa rin ang may gawa. I left her with nothing but a break up message on our anniversary.

"Ate!", sigaw nila Beatriz, Jessica at Julia.

Kinulong naman ako ng tatlong mga bata sa yakap habang nagtatatalon paikot sa akin habang nagtitilian.

"Calm down, calm down kids.", naiiling kong saway sa mga ito para kumalma.

"Ahhhhhhh! You're getting married! Waaaaaah!", ayan na naman si Beatriz.

Sabayan pa ulit ng dalawang ito.

"Hey, hey, hey!", rinig kong sigaw ni Alyssa at mabilis na tumigil ang tatlo.

Hah! Perks of being a team captain.

Pati si Beatriz ay takot pa rin sa 'hey hey hey' ng ate Alyssa nila.

Fun fact, Alyssa said she got that from me.

Whenever she's with my siblings and her three brothers, hindi mapipigilan ang kaharutan ng mga iyan na tila wala ng bukas.

After what? Mga dalawang saway ko sa kanila kapag sobrang ingay na and hindi pa rin sila nagto-tone down man lang I'd shout, "hey, hey, hey!", tapos ayun saka pa lamang ang mga ito titigil.

Sabi niya even sina kuya Pau at kuya Nick ay takot sa 'hey, hey, hey' ko.

Natatawa na lang ako pag naaalala ko iyon. But I'm glad it's working on them and look, na kuha pa nitong isa.

"Your ate Dennise might get deaf sa ginagawa niyo. Calm yourselves down now, will you?", sabi ni Alyssa sa mga ito at agad silang nagsitanguan.

"Good.", muling sabi ni Alyssa at ginulo ang buhok ng tatlo.

"Get lost, ate Ly!", sigaw ni Julia rito.

"Yari ka sa akin pag balik sa training Julia Melissa.", pabirong sabi ni Ly.

"Don't mind her, kid.", sabi ko kay Julia.

"Hey, look at you three. Na-drag pa kayo ng ate Alyssa niyo rito. Thank you girls for supporting us."

"We're very happy for you ate.", Beatriz said and gave me another hug and kiss on top of my head.

"Oo nga ate Den. Napakatagal nang naudlot ng love story niyo, sa wakas! Oh my gosh, nakakakilig kayo kanina! 'Di ba Jems!", pagsang-ayon naman ni Julia.

"Oo grabe ate, para kaming nanonood ng pelikula! Halos mahimatay na kami kakapigil ng tili kanina.", natatawang sagot ni Jessica.

"Si ate Ella kasi eh, hindi ko masaway pero iyak nang iyak na para bang sa kaniya nag-propose."

"Ikaw talaga, Julia. Takot ka pa rin sa ate Ella mo hanggang ngayon?"

"Oo naman ate nakakatakot naman talaga iyan.", sagot nito at nagtawanan silang tatlo.

"O mga anak, magsikain na muna kayo roon.", pag anyaya sa amin ni nanay Lita.

"Halika ate, let's eat muna.", yaya nila sa akin.

"Go kids, make yourselves at home.", sabi ko sa mga ito.

Nang makaalis sila, lumapit naman ang mga kapatid at mga magulang namin ni Alyssa sa akin.

They all gave me a warm embrace.

"Alagaan ninyo ang isa't isa ineng ha?", bilin ni kuya Paulo.

"Magsumbong ka sa amin kapag ika'y sinaktan ni ineng ha? Yayariin namin iyan.", pabirong sabi naman ni kuya Nicko.

"Ate! Congratulations! Excited na ako sa mga magiging pamangkin ko! 'Di ba Mosh?", excited na sabi ni Kian.

"Oo nga ate! Makakabuo na kaya tayo ng basketball team? Paano kapag mga babae anak nila ni ate Ly?", gatong naman ni Matthew.

"Eh di volleyball team!", sabi ni Kian at nag high five sila ni Matthew.

Natatawang napailing na lamang ang mga magulang namin.

"Pumunta na kayo roon, saluhan ninyo sila ate Ella sa pagkain.", sabi ni mom sa mga ito.

"Ki bilisan mo baka maubos ni ate Ella iyong foods!", sigaw ni Mosh at patakbo silang pumunta sa area kung nasaan ang mga pagkain.

"Ate! My ate! Huhu! Congratulations! Mahal na mahal ko kayo ni ate Ly!", hiyaw ni Justine.

Natawa lamang ako rito at niyakap siya.

"We love you too, Jus. And I know aawayin mo ang ate Alyssa mo mamaya."

"Will definitely do dahil sabi niya we'll do it on your birthday! Nakakainis!"

"But look, I am happy."

"I know! And you look so blooming too! Oh my gosh, you're still a lovesick puppy."

"I am, now get your butt out of here!", biro ko rito.

"I love you! I'll catch up with you later, sis!"

"Alright."

"Hey, lil sister! Aren't you giving me a big hug too?", sigaw ni Ly rito.

"No! I'll beat your ass up mamaya!", kunwaring pagtataray ni Jus sa ate Alyssa niya at umirap.

Natatawang lumapit si Alyssa sa akin as she wrap her arms around me. "Hi, babe."

"Hey.", sagot ko rito as I hugged her back.

"Anak, Alyssa. Come here.", dad called her.

"Wait hon, ha?"

Tinanguan ko lamang ito.

As Alyssa makes her way to dad and mom, lumapit naman sila tatay at nanay sa akin.

"Ineng.", nanay said and hugs me.

Niyakap rin naman kami ni tatay.

"Congratulations on your engagement, anak. Thank you for giving Alyssa this chance."

"Nay, you know she always has my heart. I should be thanking you and tatay for bringing your daughter here in this world that's why I get to love her. Thank you po, nay. Thank you, tatay."

Muli akong niyakap ng mag asawa. And both gave me a kiss on my head.

"Alagaan ang isa't isa, Dennise. Narito lamang kami ng inyong nanay para gabayan kayo. Mahal namin kayo ineng."

"Mahal rin po namin kayo, tay. Salamat po at napalaki ninyo ng ganito si Alyssa. At opo, aalagaan po namin ang isa't isa."

"Ay siya, ayan na ang iyong mga magulang. Si ineng naman ang aming kakausapin. We love you, Dennise. And I won't say "welcome to the family", dahil matagal ka naman na naming tinanggap sa pamilyang ito. Your marriage will only serve as a legal basis ng pagiging isa ninyo ni Alyssa pero matagal ka ng parte ng pamilya at mga buhay namin. Lagi mo iyang tatandaan."

Tumango at ngumiti na lamang ako dahil tuloy tuloy pa rin ang pagtulo ng aking mga luha.

Nanay wiped my tears and guided my way to my parents.

"Hi, sweetheart.", dad said and gave me a hug and placed a kiss on my cheek.

"My baby. Look at you, you're finally getting married to the love of your life.", naiyak na sambit ni mom.

Nagyakap lamang kami ni mom at nag iyakan.

Walang salitang kailangan dahil nararamdaman at naiintindihan namin ang isa't isa kahit sa ganitong pamamaraan lamang.

"Just hold each other's hand tighter when life tries to get the best of you two. Okay? We all believe in you both. We love you so much, iha.", naiiyak pa ring sabi ni mom.

"Yes mom, thank you so much and I love you guys so much."

"We're always here for you and Alyssa. Okay? We love you bubba.", sabi ni dad and nagyakapan kaming tatlo.

-

"Guys, uhm... We would just like to thank you for being with us tonight. This won't be possible kung wala kayo. Salamat sa pagbibigay suporta at pagmamahal sa amin ni Dennise, lalo na kay Dennise. I would like to make a toast for a brand new year for all of us, for a new beginning and for a love that we'll keep dearly in our hearts. To new beginnings!", Alyssa said while raising her glass of wine.

"To new beginnings!", everyone said as they also raised their glasses.

After the toast, nag iba ang setting ng ilaw sa paligid. Kung kanina'y maliwanag ang buong area, ngayon the spotlight has been put to the center of the lawn.

Nagsimula ring tumugtog ang banda na matagal nang kinukuha ng pamilyang Valdez kapag may mga events sila rito sa bahay.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAzJApUFJXQ

"Hey, love? May I have this dance?", Alyssa asked as she offers her right hand in front of me.

"Of course, my love.", I answered and gave her my sweetest smile.

The crowd applauded and watch as in awe as we approach the spotlight.

Alyssa puts my left hand on her right shoulder and the other in front of her chest where her heart is located and wraps her arms around my waist as we started swaying to the music.

"Feel my heart, Dennise."

I raised my head to look into her eyes.

"Feel my heart, babe.", she repeated.

I opened my right hand and did what she's asked me to do.

"It's beating so fast, baby. Are you okay?"

"Yeah? You can feel it, right?"

"Yes."

"Well, that's my heart beating loudly for you."

I cried when she said that.

I feel like I am the most important person on earth, and this person in front of me makes me feel that way.

"My heart has been beating for you for so long."

Nakikinig lamang ako rito habang patuloy na tumutulo ang aking mga luha.

"Den, you told me before that you'd die if I ever leave you. But you left and it was me who died that day."

Lalo naman akong naiyak sa mga sinabi nito.

"Baby, I-I'm so sor-"

"No, shh. Baby. I know, and you don't have to be sorry. Just listen, okay?", she wiped my tears and kissed both my eyes.

"I died that day because I let you leave with my beating heart in your hands. And I have been living dead since then, until recently."

"How can you be dead when I also left my heart with you that day?", sabi ko sa kaniya as I managed to utter the words.

"Huh?"

"If we both left our hearts to the other, maybe that's what kept us alive all those years without us even knowing."

"Really? I didn't even thought of that. You're the real dork, love."

We both let a soft laugh.

"Dennise, today we celebrate this love. Tomorrow, we start fighting for it. Okay?"

"Okay."

"I love you so much Dennise and it hurts me everyday noon not being able to tell you or make you feel how much I do."

"But you can now, kahit segu-segundo pa iyan."

"I know and I just cannot believe this is happening now."

"Me too, babe. You may not know it but you're always so full of surprises. And I love you for that, too."

"Yeah? Were you surprised with all these?"

"What do you mean? This is the biggest surprise of my life!", natatawa kong sabi sa kaniya.

"Well, looks like it is a success. And I am proud of myself for that."

"Hmm you should be, babe. I am proud of how you pulled this one off. Lalo na iyong speech mo.", sabi ko sa kaniya while wiggling my eyebrows up and down to tease her.

"Oh, shut up.", sabi nito and burried her face in the crook of my neck.

"Why? That's quite a speech you gave mahal.", sabi ko rito while giggling.

She raised her head back up and tumingin lang sa akin while we are still slow dancing to the music.

"Let's get married on our anniversary?"

"What did you say?", sabi ko rito at inilapit ang tenga sa kaniyang bibig.

"I said let's get married on our anniversary."

Bumalik ako sa pwesto ko kanina at tumingin sa kaniya.

I gave her a nod.

"Yes?", pagsisiguro nito.

"Yes, let's do that Alyssa."

This time siya naman ang umiyak.

She's such a baby when she cries. Huhu bless her heart.

"Hey, why? What's wrong?", tanong ko rito.

Umiling ito while biting her lower lip.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong, babe. I am just so happy."

I smiled at her, wiped her tears and gave her a short but sweet kiss on her lips.

"Better?", I asked.

"Best. I love you."

"I love you more."

-

It has been a week since our engagement.

It's still so vivid in my memory and I feel like this is all just a dream.

"Hey hon, your birthday's just right around the corner. Any special requests for your big day?"

"Hon, our wedding day would be my big day.", I corrected her.

"Oh is that right? Scratch it, anything special you wanna do on your special day?"

"Wala naman baby, just really wanna spend that day with you and our families."

"Yeah? Well okay, I'll take care of that."

"Thank you, honey. So what do you got there?"

Nag pi-prepare na kasi kami kung paano ang approach na gagawin to confront LA's father.

Since the last time we've seen LA, we haven't heard from him nor went to his dad's place to talk to him about us cancelling the wedding.

"Uhm so here, may nabuo ng legal team sila tito for us. Iba't ibang field para ma-cover lahat ng possible charges for what he's done."

"And we'll be meeting with them when?"

"Two days from now and then since they all know what happened and what needs to be done, after another day or two pwede na nating puntahan si Mr. Revilla."

"Okay. Okay."

She held my hand.

"Baby, we can do this and I won't let anything bad happen. Okay? I will always be there to hold you and protect you."

"I know.", reassured by her words, I gave her a quick peck on the lips.

"Good. And now, let's talk about our wedding plans. Shall we?"

-

After all the consultations and meetings conducted with our legal team, we are now headed to LA's father's house.

I got a hold of LA nitong nakaraan lang and asked to set up a meeting with his dad. Hesitant at first but he said he will.

Kasama namin ang mga magulang namin ni Alyssa but they are riding together with the legal team sa isang van right behind us.

Security details have been assigned to both our cars too.

Kasama ko sa kotse ay si Alyssa as she drives for us two and behind is another car lulan ang mga security personnel.

Today is the day.

This is it.

We'll face the evil who brought us to hell.

But now I have Alyssa with me plus our parents.

"We'll be alright, right baby?", I asked.

"Hmm? Of course, Dennise. We'll be okay. I promise.", she said with her calm voice and kissed the back of my hand.

I just nodded at her.

I believe her, but I'm still anxious of what's in front of us.

It's okay, we'll be okay. If Alyssa says so, then we will be okay.

-

"Hi, Michelle. Alyssa.", Bati ni LA as we got off our cars.

Nagbeso kami nito at he and Ly shared a handshake.

"Hi ma'am, sir. How have you been? I'm sorry for all the trouble, we could have just met half way."

"It's okay, Luis.", mom said.

Dad just gave him a nod.

LA also greeted Alyssa's parents.

"Nice to meet you too, iho.", nanay said while tatay just smiled at him.

Napailing na lamang ako dahil parehong pareho sila ni dad ng atake when it comes to LA.

"So? Where's your father exactly at?"

"He's waiting inside."

"Good, let's meet the man of the hour then?", Alyssa said in a shady way.

Everyone nodded at her.

"Actually, can we have a private conversation with dad first? Without the legal team?"

"Hold on, we are not here to talk things out with your father Mr. Revilla.", Alyssa said.

"Hon.", suway ko rito and pulled her closer to me.

"Ms. Valdez, I understand that. But you see, we really haven't told dad anything about the wedding being called off."

"It's okay, LA. Hon? Let's talk to him first with mom and dad? Okay? Is that okay with you nay, tay?"

"Oo naman ineng. We'll be right outside the door with your team. Okay? I'm sure you got this."

"Thank you nay."

"Okay ineng, doon lamang kami sa labas. Kaya niyo iyan ni ineng. Laban, okay?"

"Laban, tay. Thank you guys. Hon? Let's go inside?", I asked Ly as I held her hand in mine.

She took a very deep breath before smiling at me, "Yeah. Let's do this. Nay, tay, we'll be out right after. Okay? Thank you for coming with us."

Her parents hugged us both and then with mom and dad, we followed LA inside their mansion.

-

I tightened my grip on Alyssa's hand as we are asked to sit in the lobby by LA's father's personal assistant.

"Baby, breathe. Okay? I am here."

"I'm okay hon. How about you?"

"Fantastic. This is gonna end just fine. Okay? I love you."

"I love you too."

"What a pleasant surprise! Mike! Arlene!"

Napalingon kami kung saan nanggaling ang boses na iyon.

It was him.

The man who ruined the last four years of my life. Of our lives.

Tumayo sila dad and mom to greet Mr. Revilla.

"Long time, Alfredo.", dad said and shook the other man's hand.

Mom just followed what dad did.

"Have a seat, please."

"I didn't know Ruel's daughter will be joining us today. Nice to finally meet you, Ms. Valdez."

My forehead creases in confusion as I looked at Ly, who looks lost just as I am.

"Oh, we go long way back when I started a business in San, Juan. He's one of my biggest investors. We're good friends, me, Mike here and your father."

Alyssa nodded at him and took his hand for a shake.

"Go on, take a seat."

-

"I didn't know that babe.", bulong ko rito pagkabalik niya sa upuan.

"Me neither.", sagot niya sa akin.

"Michelle, how have you been?"

"Never better.", I answered unenthusiastically.

"Good, good to hear. So, to what do I owe this pleasure? Are you all here to talk about Alfonso and Michelle's wedding? We have everything settled already, right Alfonso?", he asked his son who is standing just right beside him.

LA did not answer nor looked at his father.

"Alfonso?"

Alyssa cleared her throat and started to break the silence, "Oh no, definitely not that sir. I won't be wasting your time and won't be beating around the bush either. Mr. Revilla, Dennise and your son won't be getting married. Wedding's off."

Mr. Revilla gave a sarcastic laugh.

"Pardon me, but says who Ms. Valdez?"

"Dad, I did, okay? Michelle and I decided not to pursue the wedding.", LA answered his father.

"What the hell is this all about, really? Mike and I had an agreement. Didn't we, Mike?"

"Look, Alfredo. We've talked about this for million times already. I can pay you triple of what I owe back then."

"Mike, you must have forgotten the real contract we both signed. I lent you the money because you agreed to have your daughter marry my one and only child, Alfonso. You signed it, Mike. I didn't force you to do it."

"You didn't force me to do it, sure. But you used my desperation in order for me to blindly sign that paper!", dad said as he raised his voice.

Mom held his hand.

"Don't you put this on me, Mike. You did that to your daughter. It was not me. If that's all you need to say, fine. I hear you. Now, you may go and I'll see you all at the wedding. By the way, you are invited, Ms. Valdez. Send my regards to your father."

"Dad, please! Let Michelle go or I swear you'll lose your only son."

"How dare you threaten me, young man?! If I want you gone, you'll be gone. Trust me."

We all got appalled witnessing how cruel his father can be, even to his own kin.

"Mr. Revilla, kung magmamatigas ka it's okay. We got our whole legal team waiting outside that door to discuss the matter and we'll be gone from here. If you're done acting all tough, even to your own child, we don't have anything further to discuss."

"Ms. Valdez, you turned out to be just like your father, tough. I'll give that to you. But being tough is not enough. I don't give a single damn about your legal team if I am being honest with you pero no problem, I will have my counsel meet with them today para hindi masayang ang oras nila. But I wonder, Alyssa, can you really take the heat? How far are you willing to go for Michelle? Are you ready to give your life just for her freedom?"

"Mr. Revilla, you can't tal-", I was cut off by my mother.

"Alfredo! Are you threatening Alyssa?! How dare you, you filthy old man?!", sigaw ni mom from across the table.

"And you've finally spoken, Arlene. I didn't expect you and Mike to actually let your daughter be with a woman. You really agreed to their relationship? Sa pagkakatanda ko you are very conventional. Anyway, it does not matter and I do not care. They were just questions, Arlene. Out of pure curiosity. Now, your answer, Ms. Valdez, yes? Are you willing to give up your career, your family and your life just for her?"

"Your words mean nothing to me sir. And for the record, you don't even deserve to know how far I'd go for Dennise because, well, you simply mean nothing to us either.", Alyssa answered putting an emphasis on how Mr. Revilla means nothing to us.

"Big words coming from a nobody, I like that. You should be proud of yourself. Well if you say so. I just hope you know what you got yourself into. This meeting is over.", sabi nito ng may pagbabanta sa kaniyang tinig bago tuluyang makaalis sa lobby ng kanilang bahay.

"Ma'am, sir, I'm really sorry. You know how dad is. But I will still talk to him about this. Michelle, I will call you if anything comes up. Alyssa, thank you. For standing up for Michelle."

Hindi siya sinagot ni Alyssa kaya ako na ang nagsalita.

"LA, it's okay. This went just like how we predicted. We'll talk to you soon.", and gave him a hug. Ganoon rin ang ginawa ni mom, while si dad ay kinamayan lamang muli ito.

-

Papasakay na sana ako ng kotse while Ly was holding the door open for me when LA called us again, "Congratulations on your engagement.", sabi nito while gesturing on his ring finger.

"Thanks.", Ly said nonchalantly.

"Thank you, LA. We'll go ahead now.", I smiled and waved goodbye at him bago sumakay ng kotse.

I saw Ly giving him another nod bago pumasok ng sasakyan.

"Well, there's that.", sabi ni Ly as she closed the door behind her.

"Yeah. You did really well back there, babe.", pagpuri ko rito as I caressed her cheek.

"You did well too, baby. Dad, especially mom really showed him."

"Oh yeah, mom did.", at sabay kaming natawa.

We decided not to discuss what happened kina nanay and tatay while still inside the premises but gave a signal to the legal team on what to do next, and ayun, naiwan na sila roon to discuss the matter further with the Revilla's legal counsel.

Now, we can only hope for the best outcome.

-

Another week has passed.

We have not heard anything from LA but our legal team said that they are so close in having the matter settled as they can see the case would fall under undue influence.

They said that it may be applicable if your desperation led you to depend on the other party, who then exploited that dependency for their own gain. And I can say that's what really happened between dad and Mr. Revilla.

With that being said to us, nakakahinga na kami nang maluwag kahit papaano.

"Baby, your phone's been ringing for the nth time now. Should I go get it for you?", that was Alyssa while preparing herself for their team's training today.

At eto, nakahilata pa ako sa kama dahil wala naman akong maisip na gawin today.

Nakabalik na rin ako sa training after ate Tere and our company's physician's clearance.

I'm a bit annoyed dahil na-cancel ang training, so I would not have anything else to do.

"Yes babe, please."

"Alright lazy head, I'll get it for you.", natatawang sagot nito and grabbed my phone to answer the call.

"Oh hi, Alyssa's speaking. how are you? We haven't heard from you since last time.", Ly, as she answered my call.

"Who's that?", I mouthed to her.

"Luis.", she mouthed back.

I sat up straight and listened to their conversation as Alyssa puts the call on speaker.

"Hi there, Alyssa! I'm okay. I've talked to dad about it and I don't know, he seems not to give a damn. I think it's all good. He even told his legal to just drop the countercharges they are planning on and to just let the case go.", LA said on the other line.

"Really? Don't you think he let the issue go so easily?"

"No, I'm still on the look out pero so far, wala talaga eh. I think you guys are good to go. I'm really sorry for all these, Alyssa. By the way, I wanted to ask if I could meet with Michelle? Just want to give her my wedding present. You can accompany her if you want, I'm thinking of a nearby café sa unit niya. What do you think?"

"Actually I have training today until late in the afternoon, what time did you wanna meet with her?"

"Any time as long as you guys would be free."

"Let me ask the boss. Hold on.", she answered and looked at me.

"Baby, I might be home late due to traffic. Do you wanna meet up with LA another day nalang so I can come with you? Or tag Ella along para magkita na kayo today at may kasama ka?"

"I can meet up with him today baby. You're about to go na rin, right? I can go by myself hon, diyan lang naman sa kabilang street 'yong café."

"You sure? Alright and yes, sabay ka na rin sa akin sa baba?"

"Yes, hon."

"Alright, boss.", she then unmutes herself on my phone.

"Hey, Luis you still there?"

"Hi, yes, yes I am. So?"

"She said she'd wait for you. Palabas na rin kasi ako ngayon. How long do you think it'll take you to get there?"

"Not too long, malapit lang ako sa condo niya. I'll be there in ten minutes."

"Really? Cool. Sige, baka hindi na tayo magkita dahil mala-late na ako for the training ha. I'll drop her by the café."

"You got it. Thanks, Alyssa. I'll see you soon."

"Okay. Drive safe!", she then ended the call.

"Hon, get yourself ready okay?"

"Yes baby."

-

After a two minute drive, we stopped in front of the café where LA and I would meet.

"Baby, we're here. Do you want me to wait with you?"

"Ly, I got this. Okay? I love you. Mala-late ka na and ayokong asar asarin ka na naman nila Ella and Julia."

"Come on, I'm still their captain. They can't harm me more than I can harm them during training."

"Yeah, right. But coach She can definitely do so. Kaya sige na, you get going. I'll update you. Okay? I love you so much, please drive safely."

"Okay, I love you too. I'll call you, okay?"

I nodded at her and gave her hug and quick kiss on her lips.

"Hon, please don't get yourself injured, okay?"

"I promise. I'll be careful."

"Good. Sige na. I'll head inside the café."

"Okay."

As I got off the car and naglakad papunta sa entrance ng café, I heard Ly honking kaya nilingon ko ito.

"Dennise! Remember how much I love you, okay? You're so beautiful my future wife!", sigaw nito from the car's window at tumatawang pinaandar ang sasakyan.

Napailing na lamang ako sa ginawa niya. Baliw talaga iyon.

Pero kinilig ka.

Siyempre! Who wouldn't, right?

-

As I got inside the café to wait for LA, the server approached me and got my order.

After kong maibigay ang order ko, my phone rang.

"Hey baby, just checking up on you.", it was Ly.

"Love, are you connected to your panel? Be honest."

"Uhm, shoot, no, not yet. It's not connecting for some reason and I left my earpods."

"Hay nako, mahal. We've talked about using your cell while driving, right? Call me when you arrive at the gym, okay? I'm okay here don't worry. LA just texted me saying he is five minutes away from here na. I'm hangin up now, okay? I'll go to the loo. Get your head on the road, Schmoops. I love you."

"Alright, Demi. I'll see you when I get home. I love you so much, Dennise.", she then dropped the call.

I went to the restroom just like I said.

And pagbalik ko, naroon na rin si LA waiting by the table reserved for us.

"Hey there."

"Oh, hi Michelle. How's the engaged life so far?"

"Really great, thank you. How about you? How is it with your dad?", I asked as he guided me to sit. "Thanks.".

"Well, you know him. Still hard to deal with.", sabi nito.

We just catched up as we eat and enjoyed our drinks.

"Thank you for seeing me, Michelle."

"It's okay. Thank you for your gift. We appreciate this, kahit malayo layo pa man ang kasal."

"Isn't that scheduled next month?"

"Oh yeah. Just right around the corner na pala."

"Yeah. I'm really happy for you."

"Thank you. I couldn't thank you enough.", sabi ko sa kaniya.

Nag uusap lamang kami when we heard a commotion coming from the entrance.

Nagulat ako dahil may bunch of media na papalapit sa amin.

"What the hell is this?!", sabi ko as we continued being swarmed by them.

"Ms. Lazaro, we heard you're wedding with Mr. Revilla will be on the 21st already? Did you decided on that na maging kasabay ng birthday mo?", one of the reporters asked.

"Hey, what are you guys doing? Sir, can you please let these people out???", sabi ni LA sa isang manager ng café pero hindi na nila mapigilan ang mga ito.

"Michelle, let's get you out of here.", sabi ni LA as he tried to squeeze our way out but to no avail.

"Mr. Revilla is it true that you and Ms. Lazaro will be residing in the US after your wedding? Paano na ang career niya rito as a professional volleyball player?", another one asked.

Napatingin ako kay LA as I heard those questions.

"Did you set this up?!", I asked furiously.

"What?! No way in hell, Michelle! I swear! This must be dad's doing.", he defensively said.

Sunod sunod ang pagtatanong ng media until may mga security personnel na dumating.

They helped me and LA out of the crowd and isinakay sa isang itim na van.

"Get your fucking hands off of me!", sigaw ko sa isang lalaking nakahawak sa braso ko habang papasakay ng sasakyan.

"What the fuck is going on?! Who the hell are you guys?!", sigaw ko sa mga ito.

I tried searching for my phone para tawagan si Alyssa pero mukhang nahulog ito while we are squeezing our way out.

"Michelle, calm down."

"Don't! Please, just don't. Oh my gosh! What the hell? Wedding?! On my birthday?!! And we'll reside in the US?! For fuck's sake! Those people are from the media, your father has fucked this whole thing up! Hey you! Stop this fucking car and let me out!", pagsisisigaw ko.

"Michelle, please. Let me talk to them.", kalmadong sabi ni LA.

"Sir? What's all this? Kagagawan ba ito ni dad? And please stop the car, I'll bring Michelle back to her condo. Just drop us somewhere here."

"Sorry sir. We have orders from your father. We need to bring you two back to the mansion.", sagot ng isang lalaki who looks like the head of the security team who grabbed us.

"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING NOW? THIS IS FUCKING KIDNAPPING! IN BROAD DAYLIGHT!"

"LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT ALL OF YOU!!!", pagsusumigaw ko habang nagwawala sa loob ng van.

Then may biglang nagtakip ng bibig ko, at dahan dahan ay nararamdaman kong bumibigat na ang talukap ng aking mga mata.

With my sight getting all blurry, I saw LA being held by two other guys as he tries to fight his way to get to me.

"Alyssa.", her name was the last word I managed to utter as darkness succumbed upon me.

-

Alyssa's P.O.V.

I just arrived at the gym after an hour drive. I immediately took my phone out and dialed the last person on my call history.

"The number you have dialed is now unattended, please try again later.", says by the operator on the line.

I tried dialing her phone up again but still the same.

"Shit. I forgot to get Luis' number."

Mabilis akong tumakbo papunta sa gym to find Ella dahil may number ito ni Luis.

Pagpasok ko sa gym, it was silent. No balls being spiked, no players running around inside the court.

The silence was defeaning and I didn't like it.

As I walk my way towards the team, they are all looking at me. I can't read their faces.

"Hi? Why the long faces?", masigla ngunit may pagtataka kong tanong sa mga ito.

"Nasaan si coach? Bakit hindi pa kayo nagsisimula?"

"Ly. What the hell happened? Are you okay?", Ella asked worriedly as she approached me.

"Guys, please head back to the lockers and we'll have our training tomorrow. Coach has confirmed the cancelation. Sorry girls, something urgent came up.", it was Jia who asked the rest of the team.

They all greeted me, but not in the usual way.

What's going on?

Kinakabahan man ay pinaupo ko si Ella, Julia at Jema na nagpaiwan rin, sa may bench and inilapag ang dala kong mga gamit.

"Okay, you guys, if you're gonna prank me for being late. Fine. You all win. I'll treat the team after training.", natatawa ko pang sabi sa kanila.

Ngunit hindi nagbago ang ekspresiyon sa mga mukha nila and it made my heart beat even faster.

"Besh. You gotta speak up. What happened?"

"You haven't checked your phone?", Julia asked.

"What for? Was there an emergency meeting with the higher ups?"

"You haven't read or heard any news, this morning?", Jema added.

"Ano bang kailangan kong malaman? Are we being shut off?"

"Oh my gosh, you don't even know what happened?! Of course not! Stupid me. If you knew you wouldn't be here.", that was Ella.

"Hey, stop going around the circle, anong nangyari na dapat kong malaman and why you all look so affected by it?"

Ella handed me her phone.

"What? Anong gagawin ko riyan?"

Nagyakapan naman si Julia at Jema. And started crying.

My hand was trembling as I reached out for Ella's phone and checked what's causing them to behave like this.

And as I saw it - my world literally stopped, my heart shattered into million pieces and coldness run all over my veins.

"BREAKING NEWS: Business Giant's (Revilla Group of Companies) Son - Luis Alfonso Revilla and Choco Mucho Flying Titans' volleyball star - Dennise Lazaro; Wedding to take place on the 21st. Shares plan to move in the US after tying the knot."

---

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Hello. Here you go! Sorry for the late update!

Salamat sa lahat ng naririto pa rin. Happy Sunday! 💛🍋

And, yes. Sorry, this chapter is not supposed to make you all happy. 🤷🏻✌🏻

Loveyou all! 💛🍋

See you next chap!