Chapter 3
When I regained my composure, I decided to take a short break from the hotel and went to the nearby 7Eleven. I wanted ice cream to relieve stress.
"149 Ma'am," I handed my payment to the cashier. I grabbed the solo ice cream and some snacks before taking my change. I stepped outside 7Eleven, where they had chairs and tables.
I opened the ice cream, unable to resist its tempting allure. Despite the cold, I wasn't going to let it go to waste. Ice cream has a way of melting away stress. I also opened the big pack of Vcut that I bought. In this way, the heaviness I felt was lifted.
I ate alone, in silence. It made me reflect on the times when I used to obediently follow Mommy and Daddy. My heart ached at the memories.
***
"89? Well, it's not bad..." Daddy said with disappointment. The smile on my face quickly disappeared. I did everything I could to maintain straight 9s in my grades, but my Math grade fell short at 89. Just one line of 8, and they were already disappointed.
***
Suddenly, tears welled up as I recalled that moment. I thought that was all that would come to mind, but apparently not.
***
"Child, this pink one. It's prettier." I couldn't help but smile. My favorite color is blue, not pink. Pink is too girly for me, and that's why I dislike it.
"I like blue, Mom."
"No, baby. It has to be pink." Even my favorite color, they meddled with.
***
I couldn't hold back my tears any longer as the memories resurfaced. Thankfully, I was seated at the far end, and no one could see me crying. This was the first time I let out all my frustration, and it couldn't be helped that I became this emotional.
"Why is my life like this? They give me everything I want, but it always comes at a price and with limitations. They're so controlling. I wish they had just had a robot instead of a child, so they wouldn't be disappointed in me."
I laughed at myself. It was as if I were talking to myself in my mind.
"I might be going crazy," I said to myself.
"Miss?" I paused as I saw a hand holding a handkerchief in front of my face. I stared at it, feeling nervous about what might happen.
Slowly, I followed the hand to the person holding the handkerchief. To my surprise, I recognized her.
"You again?!" I said with a hint of a smile.
"Miss Runaway Bride? Yes, it's me again. Carlew." I couldn't believe we would meet again. Or maybe she was following me?
"Are you stalking me?" I raised an eyebrow at her question.
"Huh? Who are you for me to stalk you?" I was left dumbfounded by her question.
Who am I, indeed? I'm just a woman running away from my life.
"But last time, you said you like me." I said softly. I knew she heard it because of her laughter.
"Yes, I like you. But it's just a like. Nothing more." I felt a bit disappointed with what she said, but I didn't show it. I continued eating my ice cream as if she wasn't there.
I heard her sigh. I didn't look at her, but I was surprised when she suddenly wiped my face with her handkerchief. My heart raced at what she did. I was stunned, looking at her face so close to mine.
She was too close. Damn. I couldn't help but let my gaze wander to her lips that I had kissed once. There was a warmth building inside me.
"A-Ahh! Let me do it." I took her handkerchief and wiped my face. She sat in front of me, watching me. I felt like I was sweating due to the warmth I was feeling, so I continued eating my ice cream rapidly.
"Hey! Take it slow; you might choke." She warned me a bit too late. I coughed continuously because a chunk of ice cream went down my throat, and it was so cold.
She panicked. Fortunately, she saw the water I bought and quickly handed it to me.
"T-Thank you."
"No problem. Hmm, it's already evening, huh? Why are you still outside?" I just shrugged at her.
"I saw you just recently in Manila. Now here in Bohol? What a coincidence," I commented with a smile. I didn't think she was Dad's agent. It felt like she wasn't.
"Why are you here?" I asked her with a serious tone. She sighed before answering.
"I had a meeting. But I'll be heading back to Manila tomorrow." I nodded in acknowledgment.
It seemed like there was something about him that I wanted to know. I don't know why I'm feeling this way. Maybe because he's the only guy I allowed to get close and talk to me like this. I feel comfortable with him, as if I've known him for a long time.
"What about you? Miss Runaway Bride? What brought you to Bohol?" I didn't know if I should answer his question. It's confusing.
"Oh, come on, tell me. I'm not a spy for your dad. So tell me." I looked at him closely, and he met my gaze. Convinced of his sincerity, I decided to share.
"Didn't I tell you? I want to get far away from my parents. Nothing will change if I stay in Manila. They'll keep finding me there. At least here, they have no idea where I am."
"Ah, so where are you staying now? So I can drop you off. It's late." I didn't insist anymore, and I accepted his offer to drop me off.
"I'm just at Belian Hotel." He nodded and started driving. We were both silent inside the car.
"Wait. Let me park."
I was about to get off when I thought of inviting him for coffee. He didn't refuse.
"Here." I handed him the coffee I prepared.
"Thanks." He took a sip, looking outside. We were on the balcony of my room.
"How long do you plan to stay away from your parents?" I pondered on his question. I shrugged.
"Maybe until things get better? Until they stop pressuring me to marry someone I don't know and don't want."
"Don't you miss your parents?" His question made my heart ache.
"I miss them. But I just want them to realize what they've done to me." My eyes quickly warmed up with impending tears.
"I miss them, but I want to be independent. I don't want to get married yet. I still have a lot I want to do. I want to have a boyfriend, travel together, just like those relationship goals I see on F******k. I don't want to get married yet." I almost choked as tears rolled down my cheeks.
Truthfully, I want to experience having a boyfriend, doing everything with him.
"Then, I'll be your boyfriend starting today." I was left speechless by what he said. My heart pounded loudly. It felt like it was about to escape my chest.
Is he serious? Is he really going to be my boyfriend? Is he insane? Huh!
Chapter 4 'Then, I'll be your boyfriend started today.' 'Then, I'll be your boyfriend started today.' 'Then, I'll be your boyfriend started today.' His words didn't immediately register in my mind. Didn't he say it was just a "like"? Why did he declare himself my boyfriend? "But I don't love you," I blurted out, trying to regain my composure. I saw the surprise in his eyes at my straightforwardness. "Then, I'll court you," he said. I felt a sense of disappointment. I thought we were already something. Why court me? "No need. Like you said earlier, you're my boyfriend. So you'll be," I responded. He looked at me, and I saw the intensity in his eyes. "Okay, then. You're mine." Slowly, he approached me, and nervousness overwhelmed me. I took a step back, but I may have made a mistake. I ended up leaning against the balcony door, and he quickly cornered me. "You are my Euzette. Forever mine." He kissed me, reminiscent of the bar kiss – deep and intense. I almost stumbled, but luc
Chapter 5 I had just come out of the bathroom after taking a shower. I quickly changed to see what I could cook for dinner for Casey and me. Upon opening the refrigerator, I was surprised to find nothing that could be cooked except for half a tray of eggs. There was a pitcher of water and a gallon of ice cream. I tried checking the kitchen cabinets, but all I found were a few cup noodles and snacks. "Does one survive on this? Tsk." I closed the cabinet I last checked. I grabbed my phone, planning to text Casey, but I immediately received a message from him. Casey: Friend, sorry if you won't find anything to cook in my unit except eggs. I usually eat out with my boyfriend. I apologize. I sighed at what he said. I guess I'll just go grocery shopping. I went back to the room to get my wallet. I went to the nearest market to do some grocery shopping. I bought what I needed, such as napkins, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and more. For food, I bought canned goods, several packs of noodl
Chapter 6 The days passed quickly, and Carlew and I frequently communicated through calls, texts, and video calls. Currently, I was talking to him on the phone. Fortunately, we never seemed to get tired of each other, even though it was just the two of us most of the time. "Who are you shopping with?" I shook my head at his question. I told him I was going to buy clothes for my upcoming job, even though it was still a week away. I didn't have anyone to accompany me to choose office attire. I had plenty of clothes at home, but I didn't bring any with me. If I did, I might be suspected because, initially, I thought we were going on a honeymoon after the wedding, which never happened due to my foolish actions. So, I only brought a few casual outfits. "How about you just delay starting work? Let's do it later." I frowned at what he said. "Are you always like this with your girlfriends? Do you not want them to work?" "Nope, just you," he replied. "Why? Have you had many girlfriends bef
Chapter 7 "Ohh? You miss me that much huh?" I blushed as he whispered those words while hugging me. "Of course. I'm tired of talking to a cellphone. Always accompanied by a laptop. I want something real." I said sadly, pulling away from the embrace. I heard his soft chuckle, and I frowned, biting my lip. "How did you end up here? Weren't you in Manila?" "I filed a leave for 1 week. I really missed you, baby. I can't take it anymore. That's why I didn't tell you, because I know you'll insist." I pursed my lips to hide my smile. "I love you." I said with my eyes closed, feeling his lips on my forehead. I couldn't hide my smile. "I love you too." I said with a closed smile. This is the first time I've said it back to him, and I didn't know how he'd react. "W-What did you say?" He seemed to be having a hard time believing what I said. I blushed again. I didn't want to repeat it because of embarrassment, but I wanted to make it up to him, so I said it again. "I love you too." I said
Chapter 8 When Carlew stopped his car, I quickly opened the door to get out. "Stay here. I'll be the one to get the things I need," I said coolly. I was still annoyed with him for making a decision without my knowledge. After closing my door, he closed his as well. I couldn't help but frown as he followed me to the elevator, but a smile escaped when I realized the situation was ticklish. There seemed to be some creature in my stomach, tickling me and making me smile uncontrollably. Weird! As the elevator rang on the correct floor, I quickly exited, and he followed. I frowned again, realizing how close we were when I turned to face him. I took a step back to ease the nerves. A sharp gaze was given, questioning him why he was so close. "Why are you looking at me like that?" he asked. I just rolled my eyes at him. "I told you to stay inside your car," I retorted, trying to keep my stern expression, but deep down, I wanted to take back my sternness from earlier. He was pouting rig
Chapter 9I woke up feeling like someone was watching me. I opened my eyes to see Carlew smiling widely at me. It's my first time waking up to him, and I can't explain how happy I am."Good morning, baby," he greeted. I blushed at the endearment, finding it sweet music to my ears."Good morning too," I replied, meeting his gaze, but I sensed disappointment in his eyes."Baby," I bit my lip, feeling shy. His intense stare made me uneasy, and I couldn't face him.He touched my chin, urging me to look at him. Nervous, I couldn't meet his eyes."Say it again, baby," he insisted. The term echoed in my ears like a hypnotic melody.I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and uttered, "Good morning too... baby." I couldn't open my eyes, overwhelmed by shyness."I love you, baby," he said, planting a quick kiss on my lips. I felt electrified, unable to move.As I slowly opened my eyes, his smile and happy gaze made me feel responsible for his joy."Get up, baby. Breakfast is ready," he said, ext
Chapter 10I marveled at the vast sea of El Nido, Palawan as our plane prepared to land. Soon enough, we were in El Nido, and a car was waiting for us, likely arranged by the hotel."Name, Sir?" the woman at the front desk asked."Carlew Del Prena.""One room with two beds, Sir?" she double-checked. I raised an eyebrow. Two beds? Why not just one? Haha. Just kidding!"Yes.""Here's your key, Sir. Room 106." Carlew quickly took the key and thanked the woman."Let's go, Baby. We'll have lunch," Carlew whispered to me. I blushed, a different thought crossing my mind—kissing Carlew flashed in my mind, and I quickly shook my head to dismiss it."Grrr." I muttered in frustration at my thoughts. Am I becoming a pervert?"Hey." Carlew's voice snapped me back, and I rushed to catch up with him."You're spacing again, huh?" he teased with a smile. I rolled my eyes."Shut up," I retorted, quickening my pace."It's beautiful!" I exclaimed, thoroughly impressed with the place.We were on a boat, a
Chapter 11Joyful. It's delightful to wander around with your loved one. Happy to laugh, eat, and it feels good to have someone to talk to, especially if that person is the one you love. It's our 4th day here in El Nido Palawan."Your honeymoon?" an elderly woman, accompanied by an older man, perhaps her husband, asked us.I was about to nod when Carlew quickly responded and wrapped his arm around me. "Yes," I couldn't do anything but smile at the couple in front of us. They wouldn't know that we were lying. So, I kept silent."My husband and I are on our honeymoon again. It's our 25th anniversary," the elderly woman said. I couldn't help but admire their longevity. It made me think about Carlew and me."Happy Anniversary to both of you," Carlew greeted them, and I followed suit.Their love for each other was evident in their eyes. The gentle way the old man