"Are you ready to face him? It's okay. I can do this alone." 

Sevi shook his head and pursed his lips, gesturing for me to enter the hospital room. Kuya Roel was at the door, talking to another security guy. I wanted to come in, but my feet kept stepping backward, causing my back to hit Sevi's chest. He touched my arms to stop me. 

"Hindi mo pa kaya mag-isa?" he whispered. 

"I'm nervous..." I looked at him with worried eyes. 

"Huwag kang mag-alala. Nandito ako," he assured me. 

I nodded before slowly opening the door. My knees suddenly became weak when I entered the room, and I saw my dad with an oxygen mask. His eyes were closed, and he looked so weak and pale. About three bodyguards were there, but they left when they saw me. 

I slowly walked towards the bed, and my dad maybe felt my presence, so he opened his eyes a little to look at me. I saw how surprised he was, but he couldn't talk. He had the strength to remove his oxygen mask when he saw me standing beside him. 

"Elyse," he whispered, looking so shocked.

Sevi sighed heavily before turning his back against us, staying beside the door. I knew how hard it was for him... for the both of us, but we needed this in order to let the pain go. I inhaled a large amount of breath to calm myself. 

"You have... grown... so much," hirap na sabi ni Daddy. I saw admiration in his eyes and the urge to touch my hand, but I moved it away. 

"I lost my mom four years ago," I told him as tears started to pool from the corner of my eyes. 

He pursed his lips and looked away from me, looking so guilty. I bit my lower lip, trying my best to continue talking. I wanted to let everything out. My anger, my pain, everything. 

"Because of you. It's because of you. You manipulative bastard! You killed my mom. She died after knowing how much of a monster you have become, and it ruined me. It ruined me so badly..." I started crying. 

"I'm sorry," he whispered, the tears in his eyes reflecting the light. 

"I loved you so much..." I tried to wipe my tears away. "I loved you. You treated me like a princess. You treated me with so much love, affection, and care... How could you do this to me? How could you do this to my mom?" 

"I'm so sorry." His tears started to fall. "I have no excuse. I have no valid reason for what I did. I just want to... say sorry..." 

"Sorry?" I scoffed. "Are you aware of how much damage you caused? I needed to... I needed to see a damn therapist to help with my healing. No apology could ever bring back what happened! I lost everyone I loved. Not just my mom, but also you... The father I used to look up to. You made me believe that you were kind... loving... precious... But it turns out that you were just the complete opposite." 

"Believe me, I love you..." He sobbed. "I love you. You are my daughter..." 

"If you love me, why would you hurt me?" My voice broke, and my hands started to shake. I saw how Sevi's head turned in our direction after hearing what I had just said. "How could you... how could you do that to me?" 

"Walang dumaang araw na hindi ko pinagsisisihan ang lahat, Elyse..." He reached for my hand. "I regret everything I did to you and to Sebastian's family... As much as I wanted to spend my remaining days in prison, I can't..." 

"I will forgive you... not because I am ready to accept you again but because I am so tired of carrying this anger inside me. I am so tired of getting angry. I want to completely let go of this, of you." I touched my chest, crying. "This is the only way I could feel free." 

"Just the thought of your forgiveness, whatever the reason, is enough for me..." He nodded. 

"You know what, Dad?" I smiled in pain. "Sometimes, I wish you were beside me like a normal father... I wish you would protect me against the monsters you hired in the company... something a dad would do." 

"Is there... is there something wrong?" he asked, worried. 

"If there is, I can handle it. Because I know my wishes won't come true. My mom raised a brave woman. I don't need you to protect me anymore." I moved my hand away and reached for my bag. "I am going now. I will take your dear friend out of the board and make sure that no one could ever betray me again like what he did... like what you did."

"You are a strong woman, Elyse." He tried to wipe his tears away, but they kept on falling. 

"Eli..." Sevi was suddenly behind me, putting his arms on my shoulder. 

"Engineer Camero..." My dad looked so surprised like he didn't see Sevi enter the room. His lips parted as he tried to reach for Sevi's hand. He started crying again out of regret. "I'm sorry..." 

Sevi did not talk, but his grip on my shoulder tightened a little bit. He just stared at my dad with no emotion at all. He pursed his lips and let out a sigh. 

"Huwag kang mag-alala, iingatan ko si Elyse," Sevi calmly said. "Hindi ko gagawin sa kaniya ang ginawa mo." 

"I wish you the life you deserve." I held my dad's hand and squeezed it. "Keep yourself healthy and enjoy your remaining days. That's the kindest thing I could say to you." 

"Please be happy," my dad told me. 

"I am." I let go of his hand and stepped backward. "This is goodbye. This may be the last time we will see each other. Don't worry about me anymore because I am happy and well. I feel much better now."  

"Paalam, Sir," Sevi still said with much respect before leaving the room. 

After leaving the room, I almost fell to my knees. Sevi held my elbows up and gave me a tight hug as I cried so hard on his chest. He caressed my hair and gave my forehead a kiss, whispering comforting words. 

"You did a great job," sabi niya sa 'kin. 

"Thank you," I whispered, hugging him back. "For being with me and for not leaving my side." 

"Kahit ilang beses mo pa 'kong iwanan, Elyse, mananatili ako rito at hihintayin kita." He held my face and gave me a soft kiss. "Kaya huwag kang mag-alala kasi hindi ako mawawala mula sa 'yo." 

I wiped my tears away and looked at Kuya Roel, standing beside the door, looking away from us. I laughed a bit. He just looked so funny whenever he felt awkward. 

"Kuya Roel," I called him. 

"Ma'am." He looked at me so quickly, obviously just waiting for me to call him. 

"You can have the mansion and the car left by my dad. They were transferred to my name." I gave him a small smile. "Thank you for your service. You are the best." 

"Ma'am!" He sounded so surprised. "Hindi ka na uuwi, Ma'am?"

"I will go home right now to get my things. Whatever is left, you can do what you want with it. My brother already took his things and wala na rin ang mga gamit ni Mommy. If you don't want the mansion, then I will just sell it." I gave him a small smile. 

"Hindi, Ma'am... Pwede ko na roon patirahin ang pamilya ko?" He sounded so hopeful. 

"Akala ko wala kang asawa?" My brows furrowed. 

"Asawa wala, Ma'am. Magulang tsaka mga kapatid, mayroon." He laughed. "Kaso nasa probinsya ho." 

"Kung kailangan mo ng tulong sa renovation, Kuya Roel, tawagan mo lang ako." Sevi laughed. 

"Maraming salamat, Engineer." Kuya Roel gave him a small bow. 

As I said, I went home to the mansion with Sevi. He helped me get my things. Marami pa 'kong naiwan. I also opened the safe to get some important documents. I made sure I wouldn't leave anything behind. 

"Ayaw mo na talaga sa bahay na 'to?" Sevi sat on my bed. 

"Too many memories. I want to start a new life. Besides, wala nang titira rito. We'll have our new house soon, right?" I sat on his lap and put my arms around his neck. 

"Oo naman." He smiled at me, touching my ring finger. "Paano 'yong Kuya mo?" 

"He didn't even like this place. He treated this as hell. Para nga sa kaniya, maybe staying in hell was better than living here." I shrugged. "The decision is on me now." 

"Ang yaman mo na, ah. Pabalato ka naman diyan," he joked.

I rolled my eyes before standing up again to get my things. Ilang maleta ang nilagay namin sa SUV niya. Good thing we brought his car kasi may space sa likod, unlike mine. 

"Bilisan mo!" I crossed my arms over my chest, waiting for him to transfer the luggage to his car. Hirap na hirap siya. 

"Anak ng! Alam kong macho ako pero ang bigat kaya." He flexed his biceps in front of me. "Kita mo 'yan? Nahihirapan din 'yan."

Tumawa lang ako at pinanood siyang buhatin ang mga maleta. After that, he closed the door and went inside his car. Nakauwi na rin kami before dinner. Both of us got lazy to cook, so we just ordered food while I was fixing my things. I couldn't say na tumutulong siya since nanggugulo lang siya. 

I was busy putting my bags on the shelves. Marami pa 'kong gamit kaya inusog niya 'yong ibang kaniya. I giggled. He told me that he will put more shelves next week. Sakim daw ako sa space! 

"I heard about what happened with Bianca," I told him. "Maybe she has nothing to do with what happened. I believe her. Austin also did not mention her. Maybe you could do something about it? Maybe talk to Attorney Martinez?" I asked him. 

"Kami? Mag-uusap?" He let out a laugh. "Hayaan mo na! Magaling naman na abogado 'yon. Malalaman niya rin kung may kinalaman ba si Engineer Ramos o wala. Tiwala lang." 

"I just hope that she won't lose her license because of this. She worked hard for it." I sighed heavily. 

"Hindi 'yan..." Sevi looked so confident. "Huwag ka nang mag-alala." 

The next day, I woke up around five o'clock again because of Sevi's stupid alarm! Inis akong tumayo at kinuha ang shirt niya sa sahig para isuot. I was just wearing a white panty, gulo-gulo pa ang buhok. I turned the aircon and his alarm off before tying my hair in a bun. 

"Love, wake up." I put my hands on my waist, waiting for him to get up. 

He just turned his back against my side. I rolled my eyes before going back to bed. I crawled towards him and put all my weight on top of him. I heard his groan. Parang nawalan siya ng hininga bigla. 

"Wake up." I laughed, still on top of him. 

"Ang bigat mo!" reklamo niya. He tried to push me off. 

I laughed before getting off him. I went to the dining with my bowl of cereal and milk. After a few minutes, lumabas na rin siya ng room at umupo sa tapat ko, may dalang tinapay. He didn't even bother toasting it. Naglagay na lang siya ng palaman at kinagatan 'yon. 

"Big day today," I reminded him, smirking. 

"Board meeting?" he asked. "Nice! Patalsikin mo 'yong gagong 'yon. Katapusan niya na. Smash them! All troops deployed!" 

"You're getting weirder every day." I rolled my eyes and continued eating. 

I was showering peacefully when I heard the bathroom door open. I chuckled when Sevi slid the shower door open to get inside. He was wearing nothing now. He tried to adjust the shower head so it would reach him. 

I bit my lower lip, staring at his shaft. I can't believe na kinaya ko 'yon! My gosh! Mabuti na lang ay cheerleader ako. I was flexible. 

"Hoy, bastos." He tried to cover it when he saw me staring. "Halika nga rito." 

"Hey! Male-late ako!" I told him when he suddenly hugged me from the back. 

"Saglit lang," he whispered, kissing my neck. 

"See? You're the one hungry here. You always accuse me pa, ah!" I faced him, wrapping my arms around his neck. 

He did not even let me talk again. He just positioned me against the glass wall and started kissing me. He carried my waist up so I could wrap my legs around his hips. He put his hand on my side while his other hand was supporting my weight. In just a few minutes, I was already moaning in the shower. 

Good thing it was quick, so hindi ako na-late, and I even had the time to choose my outfit. I ended up wearing a beige turtle neck, a white cropped-top jacket, and a white leather skirt with a black belt on it. I was also wearing Sevi's necklace and a pair of diamond earrings. I put on light makeup and tied my hair in a high ponytail. 

Before leaving the unit, I put on my black ankle boots and got my beige handbag. I was wearing my shades when I got off the car. Tuloy-tuloy lang akong naglakad sa lobby at sumakay sa elevator. No one dared to talk about me. 

I went straight to the board room, taking my shades off. The board members were already there. I sat on my seat and put my bag down. All of them were staring at me. I was probably the youngest in that room, but my presence made them quiet. 

"We are here to discuss the removal of Mr. Anthony Guerrero as the Chairman of the board," I announced. 

Everyone started to whisper. I cleared my throat, and everyone went quiet to listen to me. 

"As you have read from the report that I sent to your e-mails yesterday, an incident occurred in Batangas during the construction of our resort. Upon further investigation, it was proven that Mr. Austin Guerrero and his dad were both involved. Mr. Guerrero has also been doing some hideous underground crimes that could affect the image of our company. Mr. Guerrero, please explain to the board." I gestured for Austin to go in front. 

I leaned on my chair and played with my pen while listening to Austin. The board members listened carefully. Some would whisper to each other. Austin's dad wasn't in the meeting at first, but I already called him to come and explain his side if he could. 

"Are we removing him from the chairman's office or from the board entirely?" someone asked. 

"I request to remove him from the board, but we need to vote for that." I shifted in my seat and facilitated the voting. I smirked when the majority of them voted to remove him from the board. 

It was a long tiring meeting. I called Austin's dad to explain to the board. I needed to let the board hear his voice so it would be fair. Of course, he lied, just like I expected, but the board did not trust him anymore. 

I had our company lawyer settle with Valeria Group for the next few days. It was the best decision for both of our companies. Austin also paid a large amount of money for the damages he caused, leaving the company. 

"I will start a small business, or maybe I'll migrate," he told me. "Whatever works for me." 

"That's good." I nodded. "I'll see you soon, I guess?" 

"You have been a great boss." He gave me a small smile. "Thank you, Miss Ledezma." 

I gave him a nod before he left the office, carrying his things. I appointed another employee to take over his position. The shareholders had already voted to remove Austin's dad from the board. Effective immediately. I also wrote a report about it. So much work! 

"Good morning," I greeted everyone in the room when I came in. All of them stood up to welcome the new Chairman of the board, which was me. I was also still acting as the C.E.O since wala pang pumapalit sa akin. There would be another meeting set for the appointment of the new C.E.O.

I called for a meeting to discuss the company's changes and give them an idea of what happened. I also informed them about what will happen in the construction of our new resort in Batangas. Engineer Ramos wasn't there anymore because she was already fired, but she didn't lose her license, so I hoped she felt better.

"Engineer Camero will still handle the project..." I looked at Sevi, who was zoning out during the meeting. "...since we have already settled everything with VGC. Is that right, Engineer?" 

"Yes, Miss Ledezma." He nodded, staring at me. 

"I want the budget report on my table before three o'clock," I reminded before getting my things. "Any more questions?" 

"Madam..." Alice raised her hand. "Not related to the meeting sana ang question ko..."

"Yes?" My brows furrowed. 

"Is it true that you are engaged to Engineer Camero?" She smiled at me na parang siya ang kinikilig sa aming dalawa. 

I looked at Sevi, but he was already playing with his lower lip to hide a smile. He talked to Engineer Lavin beside him, leaving me here to answer the question! Parang hindi siya involved, ah! 

"Yes, we are engaged." I nodded. 

I heard some squealing noises around the room. Napataas ang kilay ko kaya tumahimik sila ulit. Why were they acting like they were watching a damn Korean drama? 

"No more questions?" I asked, and no one talked. "Okay, then. Meeting adjourned." I stood up and got my things. 

The news started spreading around, but I couldn't care less. Good thing the responses were positive this time after what happened with Austin. Suddenly, everyone was on my side now. 

"Babe..." Sevi entered my office after the meeting. 

"What are you doing here? I thought you were already on your way back to the site?" I stood up from my swiveling chair to walk towards him. 

"Kiss ko muna." He pouted, holding my waist. 

I tiptoed and gave him a soft kiss on the lips, but he held my face and kissed me deeper. He stepped backward, dragging me with him until his back hit the door. He swiftly clicked on the lock before he pushed me onto the couch and stood up in front of me.

"Hey, I'm at work." I laughed. 

"Dinatnan ka na ba ng dugo mo?" His brows furrowed, halatang nagtataka na. 

I stopped taking pills when we had a conversation about it because the wedding and the honeymoon were getting near, and it would be hard to get pregnant kapag saka ko lang ititigil ang pills. We wanted to have a kid. 

"I don't remember..." I said. Sometimes, it was hard to differentiate. Minsan, dinudugo dahil tinigil ang pills so hindi ko alam alin ang period ko roon. 

The next day, Sevi and I had a very important appointment. I was so nervous, halos hindi na 'ko makababa sa sasakyan. My knees became weak. I really wanted to walk, but I kept on stepping back. 

"Huwag ka na kabahan. Tara na!" Sevi kept on pulling on my hand. 

"How do I look? Okay lang ba suot ko?" I looked down at my simple pink sleeveless dress with a white belt on the waist. "Maybe I shouldn't have worn this?" 

"Maganda ka na, okay?" Sevi laughed. "Tara na. Naghihintay na sila sa loob." 

"Sev, I'm so nervous I might faint here." I tried to stop him pero nahatak na niya 'ko papasok sa bahay nila. 

It was not a mansion, but the house was just enough for his family to stay in. I looked around the living room, admiring the house's interiors, but Sevi kept pulling on my hand. 

"Steven!" sigaw ni Sevi sa hagdanan. "Bumaba ka na rito! Nandito si Elyse!" 

"Wait lang!" I heard a manly voice upstairs. 

I was expecting Steven, but I was faced with a little girl. Sofia ran down the stairs and giggled when she almost fell. Inayos niya ang palda niya at huminto sa harapan ko. Wow, she became taller. 

"Hello po!" bati niya sa 'kin. 

"Hi! L-long time no see," I ruffled her hair. She was still a little baby before!

"Uy! Tumangkad ka, Ate Elyse!" I looked at Steven na kakababa lang ng hagdan. He was smiling at me so I smiled back. He had grown so much! May suot siyang specs at may hawak na libro.. tsaka controller. Hindi ko alam kung nag-aaral o naglalaro sa taas. 

"Gutom na 'ko!" Sofia ran to the dining when she smelled the food. 

Huminga ako nang malalim bago naglakad papunta sa dining. I stopped walking when I saw Sevi's mom putting plates around the table. Her hair was in a messy bun and she was wearing an apron. Pakiramdam ko'y nalagutan ako ng hininga. 

"Elyse." She looked at me and gave me a smile. "Nandito ka na pala." 

"Y-yes... po." I didn't know what to say. Sevi held my shaking hand and squeezed it a bit to give me comfort. 

"Upo ka na." She gave me an assuring smile. "Malapit na maluto 'yong pagkain. Saglit lang." 

I nervously sat beside Sevi and stared at his mom, watching her actions. She looked so... happy and free. I bit my lower lip and tried to stop the guilt from spreading inside me. I actually felt proud of her. It wasn't easy to move on and let go of what happened, but she did... What a heart that she had. 

"Hindi mo kasalanan," Sevi whispered, holding my hand again. "Huwag mo nang isipin 'yon." 

I gave him a small smile. Wala pa nga 'kong sinasabi, nababasa na niya ang iniisip ko. I was about to say something to him when I saw a man enter the dining room. I didn't know if I would stand or what to greet him. 

"E-engineer Camero," I called. 

"Oh?" Sevi and his dad answered. 

"Ako ata, Sev." His dad laughed, tapping his son on the shoulder. "Hello. Elyse, 'di ba? Nauto ka nito?" He pointed at his son. 

"Uhm, yes." I nodded. "I mean, yes, I'm Elyse!" 

"Kinakabahan ka yata." His dad laughed. He was wearing a simple pair of pants and a white shirt. He looked like he just came from a site. "Shit, ang ganda ng singsing, ah. Ito ba 'yon? Ito 'yong pinili ko, 'di ba?" He looked at my hand. 

"Pa..." Sevi massaged the bridge of his nose. "Umupo ka na lang." 

"Proud ako! Ako pumili niyan!" His dad laughed before taking his seat. "Galing ko pumili, 'no?! Paano siya nag-propose? Ginawa niya ba 'yong sinabi ko na sa sinehan tapos pagkatapos ng movie-" 

"Uhm, he proposed in the living room. He just gave me the box and asked if I wanted to change my surname." I awkwardly smiled. It was so different from what he said.

"Sige, pwede na 'yon. May TV naman siguro. Kunwari na lang sinehan. Privacy nga naman, 'no?" His dad nodded. "Pero maganda talaga 'yong-"

"Corny kaya," reklamo ni Sevi. 

"Hoy, anong corny?! Ganoon siya nag-propose sa 'kin!" Sevi's mom pouted after putting the bowl of food at the center of the table. 

"Kaya nga corny, eh." Sevi scratched his head a little. 

I laughed at their stories. I felt a little jealous because of their bond,, but they made me feel like I was a part of their family, and it was enough for me. I almost cried when his mom gave me a hug before we left. 

"It's okay," she whispered in my ear. She said that without context, but I still understood what she meant. 

"I'm so sorry..." I bit my lower lip. 

"Shush!" She smiled at me. "Welcome ka sa 'min kahit anong mangyari. Maraming salamat sa lahat, Elyse, at pati sa Kuya mo." 

"I'm glad you're happy." I gave her a painful smile. "I feel better now." 

That afternoon, Sevi and I went to visit my mom. He gave her flowers and lit up a candle for her. I was just standing there, staring at her name. 

Adriana Erin S. Ledezma. 

"Hi, Mommy." I sat on the grass, touching her name on the gravestone. "I came back, and guess what? I'm engaged! I'm getting married."

Sevi sat on the grass beside me, looking away, but I knew he was still listening to me. 

"Don't worry, you already met him, and you told me that you liked his personality and that you knew this man would treat me right." I laughed. "I am marrying the person I love the most, Mommy... I know that you are happy for me." 

Sevi looked at me, pursing his lips. I refused to look at him. I just bit my lower lip to stop myself from tearing up. 

"I love him, and he loves me so much. I know that, and you probably know that, too. You forgive him, right, Mommy? I just hope he will also forgive himself. He's so kind, Mommy. He has the warmest heart ever." I smiled. 

"Eli," Sev called when I started crying. 

"Do you want to hear my wedding vow, Mommy? I wrote it last night so you would hear it, although matagal pa 'yong wedding..." I reached for the folded paper in my bag. 

Sevi stared at me with wide eyes. I opened the paper, wiping my tears so I could say them. 

"Sevi..." I started. "Today, I give myself to you in marriage. I am about to promise a lot of things to you, so listen carefully so you won't get lost." 

"Elyse..." His voice was shaking. 

"I can't believe we met because of Arkin's bad stomach." I laughed, reading the letter. "I can't believe I hated you the moment I saw you. You just had that 'vibe' that I did not like... but I still ended up falling so hard because of it. Remember when I wore a tiger shirt for the first time? A cheerleader from La Salle, wearing a tiger shirt in a basketball game. It was the most embarrassing thing I ever did. It took me a lot of games, training, exchanges of shirts, and other things to realize my real feelings for you. We just couldn't get enough of each other." 

Sevi laughed a bit, playing with the grass and refusing to look at me because I knew he was already tearing up. 

"Sevi, my best captain, my King Tiger, my engineer, I love you so much." I stopped to wipe my tears away. "I promise to be with you in every win and every loss. I promise to be with you during the worst times and the best times. I promise to give you the best version of myself and help you grow so we can be the best for each other." 

I inhaled a large amount of air to calm myself and stifle a sob. Sevi was quiet, but I could see the tears streaming down his face. 

"I promise to trust you, respect you, and love you more and more every day. I promise that I will continue cheering for you. I will encourage you and inspire you, whatever the circumstances are. I promise to cherish and spend every moment with you, including the bad ones and the good ones. I promise that I will share my sorrow and joy with you." I started sobbing that I had to cover my mouth. 

"Eli..." Sevi held my hand. 

"I promise that I will love you and still choose you when life is hard, when everything has become so tiring, and when nothing else goes right. I promise to become your strength, motivation, and inspiration to keep moving forward." I closed the paper and tried to wipe my tears again. 

"Pinapaiyak mo naman ako, eh." Sevi smiled, wiping his tears away. 

I smiled and held his hand. "I love you, Sev... and here I am to solemnly and sincerely declare that I, Amora Elyse Ledezma, accept you, Sebastian Vincent Camero, as my lawful partner. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better and for worse, for richer and poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part..."

"I love you, Elyse." He held my face and gave me a soft kiss. 

 "As I give you my hand to hold, so I give you my life to keep," I whispered. "I love you, and I will love you for the rest of my life." 

A life with him is full of warmth, hope, and comfort. He is, and forever will be, my home. 

________________________________________________________________________________

:)