1 - The Wedding

REID SIERRA

Outside our room, I was really worried as Yasmir looked after Luxury, who had collapsed. The tension was thick, making me super nervous. We had a big fight just before she collapsed. Luxury said she wasn't ready to get married yet. She had dreams she wanted to chase before settling down fully. Her words kept echoing in my head. Even though I wanted to marry her, I couldn't ignore how she felt. I felt a mix of things: I was worried about her, I respected her dreams, and I was unsure about our future together.

Luxury wanted to go to New York to become a model for a while, and it tore me up inside. I supported her dreams, but the idea of her being so far away for so long made me feel uneasy and worried.

What if distance led her to someone new? What if she found love with another man and decided to move on without me?

These tormenting thoughts gnawed at my mind, driving me to the brink of insanity. The fear of losing her, the woman I loved deeply and truly, was a heavy burden that weighed on my soul.

"She's fine. She's stressed and needs to get rest." Yasmir said upon leaving the room. I heaved a sigh that made Yasmir tap my shoulders.

"Kumalma ka nga, para kang baliw diyan." Natatawang sabi ni Yasmir dahilan para tignan siya ng masama. Huminga naman ito ng malalim at umupo sa sofa nang sala.

He comfortably grabs the remote control and turns on the television as if he were staying at his own home.

"Wala ka bang bahay?" I asked, getting annoyed. Hindi parin ako napapakalma ng mga samu't-saring katanungang namumuo sa utak ko dahil sa kagustuhan ni Luxury.

"Bakit? Masama bang tumambay? Tsk." Mataray nitong tanong.

He's changed. Since Hiraya left him, he's changed. Minsan natutulala ito, at iiyak nalang bigla. Minsan naman ay tatawa ito, pero may lungkot ang mga mata. At minsan naman magagalit ito nang walang dahilan. I can't blame him; he's madly in love with her, yet Hiraya left him without a word.

He even doesn't know where to find Hiraya, even Hira's friends and family won't utter a word. Hindi alam ni Yasmir kung bakit ito umalis, walang dahilan naman kasi ang pag-alis ni Hiraya. Kaya nakakabigla.

Pati si Tita Ysa iyak ng iyak nang mawala si Hiraya, hindi narin nakakapunta si Nadia sa kanila dahil dinala ito ni Hira. Tanging naiwan ang kuya nilang si Charles. Even Imori came with her.

Pero ang tanga lang ni Yasmir dahil pinakasalan nito ang fiancé niyang si Fiona. Paano kapag bumalik si Hira? Edi goodbye? Hindi na niya makukuha si Hira dahil pinakasalan na niya si Fiona?

Ewan ko ba, pero ang tatanga ng mga Sierra sa pag-ibig. Natuguriang matatalino, pero sa pag-ibig napakabobo at tanga.

At tulad ko, nagpapakabobo at tanga kay Luxury.

"What if babalik siya?" Tanong niya habang malayo ang tingin. Binuksan pa ang TV, pero hindi din pala manonood. Sinasayang lang ang kuryente ko. Nagtitipid ako.

"Ewan ko sa'yo. Isang taong palang ang nakakalipas, pero pinakasalanan mo na kaagad. Baliw ka ba?" Inis kong tanong sa kanya.

Natahimik naman ito. Tila hindi mahanap ang tamang salita na sasabihin.

"Hindi kaya may kinalaman si lolo?" Muli nitong tanong. I shrugged.

"You've been asking the same questions for a year now, Yasmir." I nonchalantly said while boringly staring at him.

Magsasalita pa sana ito nang may nag doorbell, kaagad na lumapit ang katulong sa pintuan at tinignan sa intercom kung sino ito.

"Sir, si Ma'am Suarez po." Kaagad akong napatayo sa sinabi ni Yaya.

"Ano pa hinihintay niyo? Open the gate." I ordered.

Minutes later, Luxury mom's came in. Lumapit ako sa kanya at nagmano. She doesn't want beso-beso and she's stick with mano as a greeting.

"Where's my daughter?" She firmly asked, with a hint of coldness in her tone. I gulped as I led her the way to Luxury's room.

"Mama," kaagad na sabi ni Lux nang buksan ko ang pintuan at makita nito ang kanyang ina na papasok sa kanyang silid.

"I want you to leave us in a moment, Reid." I gulped once again as Tita Francine said that in her firm tone.

Hindi naman sa takot kay Tita Fran, iba lang talaga ang aura nito, isa pa nag-iisang babae niya si Luxury kaya grabe ang pagiging overprotective nito sa nag-iisang babae.

Kaagad ko ding sinarado ang pintuan at sumandal sa railings. Kita ko si Yasmir mula sa pwesto ko, muling natutula. Ilang saglit lang ay tumunog ang cellphone nito at tumayo. Nang makita ako ay kumaway ito kaya tumango ako.

Aalis na sana ako nang biglang bumukas ang pintuan ng kwarto ni Luxury. Even though we're living under the same roof, she has her own room. We never shared bed once, because she wanted to save her virginity until we get married. I got her. I understand her. Wala namang kaso saakin ang ganon, dahil I can wait. Kapag mahal mo, rerespetuhin mo.

Namalayan ko nalang na nasa office ko na kami, the maid serves us tea, na kaagad ding sumimsim si Tita Fran sa tsaa niya.

"I heard you want to marry my daughter, as soon as possible." She nonchalantly said, staring at ne with her firm and cold stares.

"Opo, Tita." I firmly said.

Binaba ni Tita ang tsaa nito at muling tumingin saakin.

"Twenty-two palang kayo pareho ni Lux, Reid. Kaya mo na bang buhayin ang anak ko? No, scratch that, kaya mo bang gawin ang tungkulin mo bilang asawa niya?" She asked.

Kaharap ko palang siya ay hindi na ako matanggalan ng nerbyos sa katawan. Hindi dapat ganito, I've never felt nervous in my entire life, even handling a business in such a young age, facing numerous of CEO's and President's for business meetings, but when it comes to Luxury's mom, tameme kaagad ako.

"We've been dating for five years, Tita. I won't marry her if I am not serious about her." Seryoso kong sabi sa kanya.

She then raised her cup to take a small sip of her tea, and while waiting for her response, I gulped several times.

"Another five years can wait, right, Reid?" Halos manlumo ako sa sinabi ni Tita. Five years? Kakayanin ko ba?

Labag man sa akin ay pumayag ako, I supported my Luxury. I have been with her all of her runways, and each year passes, I continue to love her. We've been loving each other for another five years. And now, we've been preparing for our wedding.

"I can't wait, amore." Excited niyang sabi saakin habang nakaupo ito sa kandungan ko. Other years have passed, yet we're still virgins.

I have been struggling to resist the urge to indulge in the taste of her, but I have been doing my best to control myself. However, with her now sitting on my lap, I find it increasingly difficult to ignore the desires and sensations that are welling up inside me. The proximity and intimacy of the moment are heightening my longing and making it challenging to maintain my restraint.

I can't stop gazing at her face. Her heart-shaped face features dark brown almond eyes with thick, long eyelashes, subtly defined eyebrows, a perfectly pointed nose, and thin, rosy, and irresistibly kissable lips.

"Are you feeling that excited, my love?" I casually remarked, letting out a small chuckle. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she giggled. Oh, her laughter truly sounds like music to my ears.

"Of course, why not? I'm marrying the man I love," As she looks at me with a beaming smile, her eyes radiating excitement, love, and pure happiness, I can't help but mirror her expression with a smile of my own. In that moment, a realization dawns on me: I am undeniably and deeply in love with her.

"Kinakabahan ako," saad ko tsaka tumawa. Napahampas naman ito sa balikat ko at tumawa din.

"You've been good for me for ten years, Reid. Magiging mabuti kang asawa saakin at magiging mabuting ama sa mga anak natin. Sa mga pamangkin mo pa nga lang e, naging mabuti ka na. Paano na kaya kapag sa sarili mong anak." she gently said, smiling.

Damn, she really amuses me with her words, actions, and everything she does. Every conversation we have and every little gesture she makes captivates me more and more.

Despite the fact that ours was an arranged marriage, I have no regrets about falling in love with her. She's exceeded all my expectations and brought so much joy and excitement into my life. Loving her has turned out to be one of the best decisions I've ever made.

"Thank you for marrying me, amore. Thank you for staying even though matigas ang ulo ko, pasaway, makulit at sakit sa ulo. You stayed and loved me even more. I can't find anyone like you. You filled my heart with love and ecstasy. Damn, I could marry you a million times just to be with you." I know it's a bit exaggerated, but that's true.

Tumawa naman ito at kinurot ang magkabila kong pisngi.

"Tara na, baka hinahanap na tayo." Aalis na sana ito sa pagkakaupo niya sa kandungan ko nang hagitin ko ang kamay niya at mas inilapit saakin.

I softly stroked her face and pulled her towards me, then kissed her tenderly. She responded by wrapping both arms around my shoulders, drawing me even closer.

My free hand found its way to her thigh, gently resting there as our kiss deepened. The warmth of her touch and the sweetness of the moment enveloped us, creating a connection that felt both intimate and powerful.

"Reid." She called my name in a hoarse whisper, her voice filled with a mix of longing and urgency. In response, I could only manage a low moan as I continued to kiss her, deeply and passionately.

My hand moved to her thigh, and I began to gently squeeze it, feeling the warmth and softness beneath my fingers. Each touch seemed to amplify the electricity between us, heightening my anticipation and desire for her even more.

The combination of her whispered voice, the intensity of our kiss, and the closeness of our bodies created a powerful connection that left me longing for more.

"Reid, let's stop," she pleaded, her words causing me to pause. I rested my forehead against hers, still breathless from our kiss.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, my eyes closed tight.

It was a familiar pattern, always dancing on the edge of desire and restraint. If she didn't stop me, I feared I might lose control and give in completely.

***

We made our way back to the hotel, eager to check the ballroom and ensure everything was ready. It would serve as the reception area following our church wedding.

The ballroom was spacious, with the capacity to accommodate almost a thousand people. Given our prominent family backgrounds, we anticipated a large turnout of guests from around the world who would gather to witness the union of our love.

Tomorrow is the big day; I can't wait to marry the woman I love and officially own her.

"Congrats, masasakal—este makakasal ka na din." Sinamaan ko ng tingin si Ezekiel nang sabihin iyon. Tumawa lang ito at inakbayan ako.

"Yo," sunod na dumating si Yasmir bitbit ang susi ng sasakyan at binato saakin na kaagad ko namang sinalo.

"Regalo." Tipid nitong sabi, kita sa kanyang mukha ang pagkasaya, pero may kulang parin.

He found Hira and found out they had a child. After that incident, Hiraya went back to Canada with Hari, Nadia, and Luna because of her work. Yasmir will follow her after Fiona gives birth to his son.

"Nagamit mo na, hindi ko 'to tanggapin." Natatawang sabi ko.

"Edi 'wag. Lastest pa naman 'yan." Babawiin na sana ni Yasmir ang susi ng kaagad ko itong itago.

Some of my cousins and friends also came over to stay the night. Before the wedding, they organized a surprise bridal shower and stag party, which is a tradition we often follow, especially since many of my cousins are already married.

***

And now the most-awaited day is our wedding day. Katabi ko si Yuri as my best man. Malawak ang ngiti ko, habang hinihintay si Luxury na maglakad sa aisle.

"Nakakabakla ka, Reid alam mo ba iyon?" Bulong ni Yuri saakin kaya siniko ko siya sa tyan.

"Bitter ka lang. Maghanap ka na ng iyo." Natatawang sabi ko.

"Huh, no thanks. Magiging mayamang tito nalang ako," he nonchalantly said while grinning.

"Baliw ka ba, lahat ng Sierra mayaman. Anong mayamang tito nalang?" Natatawang tanong ko sa kanya.

"At least hindi kagaya niyo na tinitipid ang mga pamangkin. No thanks, I rather spoil my nephew and niece with everything they want." Muli ko siyang siniko.

"Kaya na s-spoil mga anak ni Eros, Ethan, at ni Rafael e dahil masyado mong inii-spoil, baka pati mga anak ni Yasmir." Umirap naman ito saakin.

"Bakit hindi, mga pamangkin ko naman sila. Isa pa na-spoil ko na. Binilhan ko na kaagad ng sports car si Hari," Inirapan ko rin ito at tumingin na sa harapan nang magsimula nang maglakad ang mga flower girls.

After a decade of unwavering love and devotion, I'm overjoyed to finally be tying the knot with Luxury, the woman who has captivated my heart like no other. Her presence fills me with an indescribable sense of happiness and excitement, and I can't wait to embark on this new chapter of our lives together.

Sinalubong ko si Luxury nang umiiyak, natawa ito ng marahan ng makitang umiiyak ako. Sinong hindi maiiyak, kung papakasalan mo na ang taong pinakamamahal mo?

With smiles lighting up our faces, we both reached the altar, ready to embrace the new chapter of our lives as one. It was a moment filled with joy and anticipation, knowing that we were about to embark on a lifelong journey together, united by our love and commitment. The happiness in our hearts was palpable, marking the beginning of a beautiful adventure as husband and wife.

As Luxury and I stood at the altar, ready to exchange our 'I do's, the church was suddenly filled with a loud, piercing voice.

"Itigil ang kasal! Buntis ako! Panagutan mo ako!" the voice echoed, sending a shockwave through the congregation and shattering the moment we had long dreamed of.

The unexpected interruption left everyone in stunned silence, turning our joyful occasion into a scene of chaos and uncertainty.

Titingin na sana ako kay Luxury nang makatanggap ako ng malakas na sampal. Sa sobrang lakas ng sampal ay napatahimik ang buong paligid.

There's a moment of silence after the slap given to me by my Luxury. Anger filled me up, but I remain composed.

As I tried to talk, Luxury ran away from me. I tried to catch her, but her brother grabbed my arm and punched me in the face really hard. The whole church was filled with screams and shouts as I fell to the ground.

My face hurt a lot, and I felt numb from the punch. I could taste blood in my mouth, but I didn't care about that.

I still needed to chase after Luxury. What she accused me of wasn't true! I hadn't been with anyone else, not even Luxury. How could she think that?

I was angry and frustrated. I needed to find her and talk to her, even though she ruined our wedding day. I muttered angrily to myself. I need to find that woman! She ruined my wedding! Screw her!

With that, I pushed myself up, ready to go after her and sort things out.