Masuyong halik ang binigay ka Rihan bago sya gisingin. "Good morning hubby." bumalibot agad ang braso nya saka ako marahang hinatak pahiga sa kanya.

His eyes bore to mine. Those set of deep green eyes against mine. "Hubby, huh? It sound so right, wifey." he said then lightly kiss my head. "Good morning."

Tumawa ako ng marahan saka sya tiningala. His eyes are closed again. Para akong naka titig sa isang anghel habang natutulog sa kama namin. Siguro dahil purong puti ang higaan namin. Iyon ang gusto ko.

Kumunot ang noo ko. "C'mon hubby, wake up. You promised to our kids we're going on a picnic." marahan ko sya hinatak. Tumayo ako sa gilid ng kama. "tara na, bangon ka na."

He grunt before resting his body on the headrest. His left eye opened and closed again from the sun peeking through the floor to ceiling window. Magulo ang buhok nya habang naka kunot ang kilay. His shirt is slightly slid down, showing his muscled shoulder.

"Hurry up, baby. I already prepared everything. Unang beses natin itong gagawin ng mag kakasama." pakiusap ko. I'm trying not to smile as I see him snort. Cute. "C'mon."

Lumuhod ako sa kama sa tabi nya. His arms immediately wrapped around my waist. Burrying his face on my chest.

"Give me thirty minutes, wifey.." sabay hikab nya. He grunt again. "please? I'm still sleepy. I finished all my work last night just for this day." his eyes still closed.

I caress his hair as I nod. "Alright." sagot ko saka lumayo. "Mag asikaso ka na lang okay? Naka ready na yung gagamitin mo."

Mabilis syang bumalik sa pag kakahiga at naka ngiti habang tumatango pero naka pikit ang mga mata. "Be downstairs in thirty."

I couldn't help but to stare at him before going out from our room. He's asleep again.

Kumunot ang noo ko dahil nakita ko yung kambal sa living room. They are holding kites. Umupo ako sa tabi ni Eve and caress his hair.

"Where did you get that, sweetheart?" masuyo kong tanong.

"Daddy, Tito Mira and Tito Saiu make it while we were at Tito Sai's house last week. it's cool right, Mommy?" natigilan ako. Kapagkuwan ay ngumiti rin. I never expect they knew this stuff. Especially Rihan.

"Yes, its cool sweetheart." sangayon ko. Eve smile to me showing his set of dimples.

"Mommy, look its so pretty. Mine is butterfly and Tito Mira help me decorating it since Daddy and Tito Saiu don't know girly stuffs daw po." Rei beamed while holding her pink butterfly kite.

"Its beautiful, sweety. Did you say thank you for the help?" naka ngiti kong tanong. They seem so happy.

"Yes po!" sabay nilang sagot.

Dahil busy sila sa pag titingin ng saranggola nila ay dumeretso ako ng kusina. I saw Ninete at the kitchen counter. Inaayos nya ang mga dadalhin namin. She smile when she saw me. There's this awe in her eyes again.

"Ma'am Erin sigurado po ba kayo na di kayo model?" ngitingi-ngiti sya habang naka titig sakin. "Ang ganda nyo po kasi talaga."

Ninete is only in her teens. Ayaw ko sana na tanggapin sya pero dahil alam kong kailangan nya ay pumayag ako. Rihan was the one who wants maids for our new house. We really need it thou.

Naiiling na nginitian ko si Ninete at pabiro itong tinapik sa braso. Tumawa lang ito at saka bumalik sa ginagawa.

Yes, ayaw ko sana ng may kasambahay but we really need it. Mayroon para sa pag lilinis ng bahay, labahin, at sa hardin. Rei and Eve also have their own nannies. Even Rihana have her own nanny. It is what Rihan wants. Kung ako lang, gusto ko na ako lang ang mag aalaga sa kanila. Pero pag dating naman sa pag aasikaso at pag luluto ay di ako pumapayag na gawin iyon ng kasambahay.

Our new house has seven rooms on the second floor. And three room on the first floor kasama ang kwartong tinutuluyan ng mga kasambahay. Kasama na roon ang library. Our living room is about hundred square meter in four sides, four hundred in all. We have this hundred square meter of kitchen and double of size for dinning area. Meron din kaming hardin na kalahati ang laki ng sala. We also have about two hundred square meter pool with jacuzzi and on its side is the half court kung saan nag lalaro ang mag-aama ko. Hindi ko na sasabihin ang garahe namin, basta alam ko kasya ang sports cars ng asawa ko kasama ang vans for family outing.

Alright, its not just a simple house but a mansion. Its a gift from Rihan and he told me it took three years for this to finished. Pinamadali pa raw.

I was taken aback when strong arms encircled around my waist. Nakita ko ang pag ningning sa mga mata ni Ninete habang ngumingiti-ngiti.

"What's for breakfast, wifey?" I felt his soft lips on my cheek so I smile. "I love you Erin."

"Ipag hahanda kita, saglit lang." nang makalayo ako ay nilingon ko sya saka ngumiti "and I love you too."

He immediately sat on the kitchen island while I make him coffee and toast. He ate breakfast while I check our foods that we will bring nang tawagin ko si Rihan. Ninete took the basket to put it on the car.

"Hubby, mag sasama ba tayo ng kasambahay?" I look at him.

He shrug before sipping his coffee. "Nope." pumalibot agad ang braso nya sa beywang ko saka ako hinele. "I want this day just for us and the kids. This will be our family date every week."

I didn't know he could be this sweet. Alam ko naman na puyat sya, para lang sa araw na ito. I know how much he want to spend a day with us. After breakfast ay umalis na kami. The drive was about thirty minutes or so bago kami naka rating sa picnic area.

Si Rihan at Eve na ang nag lagay ng tela na pag uupuan namin and Rei help for foods as I was carrying Rihana. Marami rin tao dito pero sapat na para may lugaran kami. Eve and Rei excitedly run toward the kids who are playing not that far from us.

"Eve, your sister!" pahabol ni Rihan saka bumaling sakin. "Do you like here? Hinanap ko talaga ito kasi alam ko magugustuhan nyo ito ng mga bata. And its safe."

"yeah. Thank you Ri." masuyo kong sagot. He just smile and pinch my nose. "i love you."

"I love you. Let me take over. Alam ko nangangalay ka na." sabay kuha kay Rihana na agad bumungisngis ng makita ang daddy nya. "Oh God, why are you so pretty, my princess?" natatawang pag kausap ni Rihan sa anak namin.

Pero agad din naman nyang binalik sakin ang bunso namin dahil tutulungan nya daw yung kambal. He teach them how to play kites. Pinapanuod ko lang silang mag aama na nag hahabulan at nag kukulitan. I can see how much they are enjoying this day. Lalapit lang sila sakin saglit para mag hingi ng inumin o kakain ng konti tapos ay babalik uli silang tatlo sa pag lalaro.

I couldn't help but to stare at Rihana. Unlike the twins who looked exactly like their Daddy. Rihana is the small version of me. Her jet black her, the shape of her eyes. Her cream complexion. The shape of her mouth and nose, it is so me, except for the color of her eyes. Its deep green just like her Daddy.

"You are so pretty baby, just like what daddy said." pag kausap ko, and then her chubby pink cheeks stretch to give me heart melting giggle.

I keep on talking to her hanggang sa napagod ang mag-aama. Sabay sabay kaming kumain habang nag kukwentuhan. I'm still carrying Rihana dahil ayaw nya mag palapag sa stroller nya at umiiyak pag ilalagay duon.

"Its fun here, Daddy. Pwede po ba tayo bumalik dito?" Rei beamed while eating her food.

"Avis, your mouth is full." may pag-aalalang bawal ni Eve. "Mamaya ka na mag salita pag di kana kumakain."

Rihan immediately nod and smile to Rei. Nakikita ko rin kung paano sya nag mamalaki habang naka titig kay Eve na alam namin pareho na magiging responsableng kapatid pag dating ng araw. He caresse Rei's cheek before going back to his food. I was taken aback when an arm took the hotdog from my back.

"Pahingi ako ah? Gutom na gutom talaga ako." said the man.

"Tito Saiu. You're here!" tili ni Rei. Kumaway naman ito sa anak ko.

"Why the fuck are you here Emperial!" galit na sigaw ng asawa ko.

"Wag ka mag mura, may bata, tarantado." bumaling sakin si Sai saka ngumiti. "Hello, baby."

"Come and join us." naka ngiti kong sagot

"Wifey!" hindi makapaniwalang baling ni Rihan sakin sabay tingin ng masama kay Sai. "Fuck you, don't call her that!" my husband hissed. Siguro kung dati matatakot ako sa usapan nila, but I realized that this is how they treat each other. "Lumayas ka na."

"Last time I checked, for public ang lugar na'to. Hindi ko naman alam na bawal pala ako." naka ngising sagot ni Sai habang kumukuha naman ng fried egg and bread.

"It is supposed to be family bonding and you are not welcome."

"Aww. Sweet" Sai look at him bored. "Fuck you." sabay tabi nito ng upo kay Eve na abala kumain.

"Ri, its okay." ako.

Hinawakan ko ang kamay ni Rihan saka nginitian. Agad umamo ang mukha nya. "I'm sorry, wifey. Dapat tayo lang ng mga bata ngayon."

"Dito na ako tatabi kay Rei." said another man and sat beside Rei. "Hello there, cutie. Tabi tayo ha?"

"Tito Mira, nandito ka rin po." Rei smile grew wider as she sat on Mira's lap and they eat together.

"Mandeville!" my husband of course.

I can see how dark Rihan's face already. Masasama ang tingin nya sa mga kaibigan nya habang nag e-enjoy naman ang mga ito na kumakain kasama ang kambal.

"Magsi layas kayong dalawa! Bakit ba ngayon nyo pa napili manggulo?" gigil na tanong ni Rihan. "Mga punyeta!"

"Hubby, hayaan mo na. The more the merrier." sagot ko na nangingiti dahil di naman sya pinapansin ng dalawa. "please don'tget mad at them. They are family."

"Pero kasi-"

"Yes. We are family, except you Montgomery." Saiu said while eating bacon and grilled cheese. "Right, fella?" baling nito kay Eve na natigilan sa pag subo ng spaghetti.

"We won't be here if it isn't because of Daddy, Tito Saiu." malambing na sabi ni Eve saka humilig sa braso ng katabi. "Sa kanya kami nanggaling. And I love my Daddy that I want to be his family so bad."

I saw how Saiu look at my son. His face turned soft as he heave and look at my husband who already have a smug smile on his face.

"Lucky bastard." naiiling na komento ni Sai.

"Take that." sagot naman ng asawa ko na nag mamalaki. Lumamlam ang mga matang tumingin sya kay Eve "I love you, son."

"I know that now, Daddy." Eve smile sweetly showing his dimples. "and I love you too, daddy."

Natigilan kami ng may lalakeng dumukwang paharap kay Rihana. Alam ko na gukat din si Rihan katulad ko dahil hindi namin inaasahan ang kaharap. He's just staring at my daughter then smoothly scoot her from my arms.

"You are loud." binigyan lang kami nito ng tingin saka tumitig uli kay Rihana na humahagikhik na. "you look like your mother. Thank God for that."

Hindi ko na napigilan ang tumawa sa sinabi ni Keira habang karga ang anak ko. Alam ko nagagalit na si Rihan but knowing his friends, they would love to kill my husband in frustration.

"Pati ba naman ikaw narito, Alexander?" rinig ko na ang pag suko ni Rihan sa boses nya kaya niyakap ko sya saka masuyong hinalikan sa labi.

"They are family. Its okay to have them around." naka ngiti kong sabi. "Wag ka na magalit, hubby."

"I'm sorry, this is supposed to be just us. Pero dumating naman ang mga gago 'to." Bumuga sya ng hangin saka nag susumamong tumingin sakin. "I'm so sorry. Hindi dapat ako nag mura pero hindi ko maiwasan. Naiinis talaga ako."

"Pero masaya ang mga bata, masaya din naman ako kasi nakapamasyal tayo. Okay na 'yon." naka ngiti ko parin sabi.

"Sige na nga. Hindi na ako maiinis, pero di ko maiiwasan awayin sila. Hindi ako mag papakabait, hindi ko naman anak ang mga yan." naka simangot nyang sagot sabay siksik ng mukha sa leeg ko.

"Para naman gusto kita maging tatay." singit ni Sai na naka simangot.

"I'm sorry, Ri. I don't want to look like you." Mira answer while laughing pero napa tingin din agad kay Rei na naka nguso sa tabi nya. "but you're an exemption, baby, because you're a cutie."

"I rather die." its Keira this time while carrying Rihana and eating spaghetti at the same time.

"Fuck you all!" ganti ni Rihan. Sabay tingin sakin ng nag papaawa. "I'm so sorry."

The picnic was and eventful day for me. I had so much fun with them. Para akong nakakita ng malalaking bata na nag tatakbuhan. I can see how much it gives hapoines to my children and husband. Nakikita ko yung mga ngiti sa labi nila at saya sa mga mata.

They are playing kites, payabangan pa nga sila. Nag hahabulan at nag tutuksuhan. And yes, pinag titinginan sila ng mga tao duon. Because even I don't admit it, Rihan and his friends are all good looking men. Para ng may shooting sa park dahil sa kanila naka tingin ang mga tao.

Napapangiti lang ako dahil para silang mga bata. Well of course aside from Keira who's standing in one place at pasimpleng tinatapilok ang sino man na mapadaan sa harapan nya.

This is one of the most memorable experience I had with my family. Hindi ko iniisip na mangyayari pa ito. Hindi ko akalain na dadating yung araw na mararanasan ko ito. Kasama ng asawa at mga anak ko.

I heave a sigh before turning around to meet Rihan's intimate eyes. Naka titig sya sakin habang ako naman ay kinakalma ang sarili.

"You're beautiful." parang nanuyo ang lalamunan ko sa pag puri nya. "Ready?"

"Yeah." kiming sagot ko.

I'm only wearing a plain white spaghetti strap flowy dress paired with six inches high white stiletto. Powder at lipgloss lang ang meron sa mukha ko. Kaunting blush-on at okay na.

A week ago while we're on a picnic I recieved an invitation. Reunion iyon ng mga kasama ko nung college. Ayaw ko sana mag punta but Rihan wants me to come. At dahil pwede mag dala ng date ay pinili ko na kasama sya.

Hindi ko mapigilan anv kabahan habang nasa byahe. Pinilit ko nalang na mag libang sa oag titig sa sawa ko. Rihan is really a good looking man. He stood six feet two, with his broad shoulders and well toned body. Alaga nya ng katawan, he has this cream comolexion na nag mumukha syang maputi pero di naman ganon kaputian. He has this perfect jawline and high bridge of nose. His eyes are tantalizing that makes my heart skip whenever our eyes met. And right now he'sonly in his while long sleeo polo, folded to his arms and black faded jeans.

Pag dating sa venue ay napatulala ako. The hotel look so luxurious kahit sa labas, nang pumasok kami ay nahigit ko ang hininga. Who would own this hotel must be a billionaire.

Pag dating namin sa hall ng hotel ay nag sisimula na ang party. The host of course, no other than Jona Cortez. And I will never forget her.

Rihan and I chose to sit on a table far from others. May mga kilala ako doon pero nag iiwas ako ng tingin.

"You okay, wifey?" Rihan held my hand as I nod and confusion showed his eyes. "Ang lamig ng kamay mo, sigurado ka ba na ayos ka lang?"

"Hmm." sagot ko saka ngumiti. "Just stay beside me, please?"

"Of course, wifey. Kahit hindi mo sabihin." pumikit ang mata ko ng maramdam ang masuyo nyang halik sa noo ko. "I'm here, I love you Erin."

"I love you, Rihan." kung alam mo lang kung gaano ko kailangan ng suporta mo ngayon.

"Mahal na mahal din kita." masuyo nyang sabi sakin saka ako nginitian. I admit, Rihan look handsome and intimidating when he's serious. But seeing his smile, parang nalulusaw ang puso. Napaka guwapo nya parin. "Ang ganda mo talaga, wifey. Nakakainis lang dahil pinag titinginan ka ng mga lalake dito. Tsk."

Lumunok ako ng parang may naka bara sa lalamunan ko. Of course they will. They will.

"H-hayaan mo na sila." pag suyo ko dahil madilim na ang mukha nya habang may tinititigan na mga lalaki. "Rihan please?"

"I'm the only one who will look at you with lust, and admiration Erin." mariin nyang bulong sakin na kinataas ng balahibo ko. In a good way. "ako lang at wala ng iba."

I'm about to calm him down when a group of women come to us. Nawala ang ngiti sa mga labi ko habang tinititigan isa-isa ang mga dumating. My heart pound so loud as I saw the mock in their eyes as they look at me.

They've been giving me those glares and smirk when I was in college.

"Look who we have here." peke ang mga ngiti nito. Gusto ko hatakin si Rihan paalis pero alam ko mag tataka sya. "Kamusta na Erin? Its been seven years. How's life to you."

Jona Cortez. The host of the party where my hell started seven years ago. Hindi ako ngumiti. Hindi ako umimik. Wala akong mahagilap na sasabihin. I can feel anxiety building in me as I look at them.

I can see their penatrating glance.

Akmang aayain ko tumayo si Rihan na kanina pa walang imik ng mag salita ulit si Jona.

"Are you not going to introduce us to your date?" naka ngiti pa rin nitong sabi. "I'm the host again, for this event, Erin. Enlighten me please. At malay natin, mas gustuhin pa ng kasama mo na makasama kami kesa ang pag tygaan ang prisensya mo."

Nakagat ko ang labi saka lumingon kay Rihan. Gone with softness in his face. His face is blank. No emotion in it as he look at those women. His jaws are tightening. Mabilis ko hinawakan ang kamay nya saka nginitian ng tipid.

I'm about to say something when she cut me off. "on the second thought, let me do it myself." ngumiti ito ng nang-aakit sa asawa ko na syang nagpa bangon ng galit, pagka disgusto at iritasyon sa katawan ko. "I'm Jona Loraine Cortez.."

Akmang makikipag kamay sya kay Rihan. I can feel my chest tightening as Rihan look at her hand, and shrug. Leaving my eyes wide open as he push Jona's hand away and rest his forehead on my shoulder.

"I'm sleepy, wifey.." bulong pa nito. Hindi ko napigilan ang mapangiti. "Sana hindi nalang kita pinayagan mag punta dito at nag kulong na lang sa kuwarto. Mas exciting pa 'yon."

Nakita ko kung paano mamula ang mukha ni Jona habang masama ang tingin sa akin. Monica and Cassandra come to her rescue. At pakiramdam ko ay binuhusna ako ng malamig na tubig ng mag simulang mag slaita ang mga ito.

"I wonder kung ganyan ka parin ka lapit sa babaeng 'yan pag nalaman mo kung sino sya." Monica smirked. Kumuyom ang palad ko. "scared, are we, Cheat?"

"Cheat?"

Nag angat ng tingin si Rihan. Kita ko kung paano ngumisi ang maga babae sa harap namin. Kinakabahan na humigpit ang hawak ko sa isang kamay ng asawa ko. Ramdam ko kung paano mag simulang manginig ang katawan ko sa pag pupuyos sa galit.

"Oh, you don't know her nickname?" its Cassandra this time. "That's who she is in our university. Go on, Erin, tell you guy who you are and let'ssee if he'll want you."

"Puwede ba? Hindi kami nag punta dito para pag usapan iyan." may diing sansala ko kay Jona na mag sasalita rin sana. "Stop doing this."

"What, Erin? Akala mo nakalimutan ko na kung paano mo ako pinahiya sa mismong party ko? You also deserve the humiliation!" Jona. Hes eyes are sharp against me. "You're a cheating whore! Mag lalandi ka nalang, ginamit mo pa ang party ko! You're disgusting! You're a cheater and you're a bitch!"

Para akong lulubog sa kinauupuan ko ng mag simulang mag bulungan ang tao sa paligid. Nawala ang pag kakahawak ni Rihansa mga kamay ko na syang ikinalingon ko. Parang dinudurog ang puso ko ng makitang walang emosyona ng mukha ng asawa ko habang tahimik na nakiminig sa kanila.

Gusto ko mag paliwanag oero alam ko sarado ang isip ni Rihan sa mga ganitong bagay. Alam ko na may ideya na sya sa sinasabi nila Jona.

Mawawala na naman ba sakin ang asawa ko?

"Rihan.." tawag ko sa kanya dahil di sya kumikibo. "Baby, please.." pag mamakaawa ko.

"Ano ba ang tinutukoy nyo? Feed me with your stories, ladies." Rihan finally speaks. But no. It was cold and distant. "Go on. I would like to know."

"Baby mag papaliwanag ako." nag tuluan na ang luha ko. "Mag papaliwanag ako. Sakin ka makinig p-please."

Pero hindi. Wala akong narinig na kahit ano kay Rihan. Hindi nya ako tinapunan ng tingin. Ang sakit sa dibdib at nahibirapan na akong huminga.

"That bitch, cheat her husband while in my farewell party when we were in college. Nakakahiya ang ginawa nya na nalaman pa ng buong university. And guess what?" galit na sigaw ni Jona. "Duon pa gumawa ng eskandalo ang babaeng yan! Nakakadiri sya! That woman is a whore! Akala mo kung sinong santa na napaka hinhin iyon pala manloloko! She deserve the trash treatment me get from the University!" Jona point her finger on my face at wala akong nagawa kung hindi ang yumuko dahil narin sa mga tingin ng tao sa paligid at pag bubulungan. "She had an affair with one of the papular guy in our university while she's married!"

Gusto ko manalangin na sana lamunin ako ng lupa sa kahihiyan. Malaking pag kakamali na nag punta ako dito. Sunod-sunod ang luha sa mga mata ko. Hindi ako maka tingin sa kahit na sino. Kaya akmang aalis na ako ng hawakan ni Rihan ang kamay ko.

Tumaas lahat ng balahibo sa batok ko ng makitang na ngiti ang asawa ko. His eyes are sharp. The smile in his face was cold. Kahit sila Jona ay natigilan.

"Done talking?" its Rihan.

"W-what?" I whisper..

"Are you done talking? You want additonal for your story?" my husband stand up and walk towards Jona. He lean close to her leveling his face on her. I can see fear in her eyes. "The guy she cheated with is now in a white room, without window, electricity water or clothes. And mind you, that man must be somewhere meddling in this he knew would be impossible." I can see coldness in his eyes. "Now, now. You know nothing woman. Calling my wife a cheater when it was you who planned to ruin her image in your university make my blood boil." naguguluhang tinitigan ko si Rihan. What is he talking about?

I saw how Jona turned pale. Naging mailap ang mata nito at akmang lalayo ng humakbang uli palapit ang asawa ko.

"S-stay away from me!" Jona. "Guards! Guards! Kunin nyo ang lalakeng ito kasama ng haliparot na yan! Move now! I rent in this hotel so follow me! Baka nakakalimutan nya I have money to ask securityfor this!" Jona.

May mga lumapit na security sa amin at akmang kukunin kami ng matigilan ang mga ito. Agad na yumuko at humakbang patalikod pero hindi tuluyang umalis.

Pinag titinginan din kami ang my husband didn't move. As he speak again.

"You can't kick me away, bitch." naka ngising sabi pa ni Rihan. "They'll lose their job if they kick their own boss in his property."

Lahat ay napa singhap. Kasama ako duon. This luxurious hotel is owned by my husband? Nang lalambot ang mga tuhod ko. Pero bago pa man iyon bumigay ay may matitigas na braso'ng pumalibot sa beywang ko saka ako hinapit palapit. One this I know I met Rihan's lips. Kapos ang hininga ng mag hiwalay ang labi namin saka ako ginaya lumakad pero bago iyon lumingon si Rihan kila Jona na masama ang pag kakatingin samin.

"My wife is not a cheater. She's true to me since day one and I love her for that." mariing pahayag ni Rihan at humigpit ang pagkaka yakap sakin. " And all those people who criticize my wife while I was gone will pay in hell. No one will escape. Especially you, Jona Cortez. Your name is listed in my sin note."

With that, we left.

A small smile crept in my lips as I remember what he did.

He fight for me. My husband did.