"I can't believe you didn't invite us!" Vera exclaimed and went to my side. "Pero 'di bale na, magpapa-lechon pa rin kami para sa inyo!"

Sabay kaming napakamot ng ulo ni Xaviell. May itatanong pa sana ako sa kaniya pero may babaeng nakakuha ng atensyon ko.

"What's your secretary doing here?" Bulong ko kay Xaviell habang tinitingnan ang babaeng nakatayo sa harap ng portrait nina abuela at abuelo.

Valerianna gave me a small smile before walking towards us.

"Your secretary's really efficient, Beaufort!" Ani pa ni mayor, mukhang tuwang-tuwa pa.

"Sir, I'm done processing everything," ani Valerianna nang makalapit sa amin. "Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Vuitton."

Halos malaglag ang panga ko dahil sa narinig. Ito sana ang itatanong ko kay Xaviell!

Wala kaming dalang mga dokumento kahapon dahil hindi naman talaga dapat kami magpapakasal!

"Why are you here?"

Valerianna looked taken aback but still answered. "You called me yesterday, Sir. You said I had to bring some documents pronto so that's what I did... you even let me borrow your jet so I'd arrive as early as possible..."

"Looks like even drunk Xaviell is efficient," bulong ko sa kaniya bago ako hinatak ng mga pinsan papuntang garden.

May handaan doon at sa tingin ko ay buong baranggay ay inaya nila para magtanghalian. Puro "congratulations" ang natanggap namin ni Xaviell buong hapon.

"Pasok muna ako," pagpapaalam ko sa mga pinsan at hindi na hinintay ang kanilang sagot. Kanina pa ako nakatayo para makipag-kamayan sa kung sino-sino.

Pumasok ako sa loob at didiretso na sana sa kwarto nang nadatnan ko si Valerianna sa may salas. Katulad kanina, nasa harap pa rin siya ng portraits nina abuela at abuelo.

She probably felt my presence and turned to my direction. Her eyes widened before going out to the garden.

Napatingin din ako sa portraits, iniisip kung ano ang nakakuha ng atensyon ni Valerianna at kanina pa siya nakatingin sa mga ito.

Sinundan ko ng tingin si Valerianna at nakita na kasama niya na ngayon sina Vera at Lisa. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang may napagtanto.

Lumapit ako sa portraits at sandaling pinagmasdan ang mga iyon. Lumabas ako sa garden at pabalik-balik ang mga mata ko mula sa mga pinsan at sa kay Valerianna.

"Hey, you okay?" Napaigtad ako nang biglang sumulpot si Xaviell sa tabi ko.

I turned to him and pointed at Valerianna. Sandali akong nawalan ng mga salita, hindi alam kung paano ito itatanong sa kaniya.

"Why... why does your secretary look like one of us?" I turned to him and bit my lips. "And by 'us,' I'm referring to the Hermosas..."

Nagtagal ang tingin ni Xaviell sa kanila. Ngunit bago pa ulit kami makapag-usap, tinawag na si Xaviell nina mayor at Papa.

"Don't worry, I'll look it up," bulong ni Xaviell at saka pumunta na sa tumawag sa kaniya.

Ako naman, hindi pa rin mapakali. Nawala lang sa isipan ko si Valerianna nang may namataan ako.

"Nea!" Tawag ko.

Bumaling siya sa direksyon ko at patakbong lumapit sa akin. "Vanilla!"

Noong umalis ako ng Aldea Blanca noon, isa si Nea sa mga nag-contact sa akin. Hindi ko alam kung paano niya nahanap ang account ko pero bigla na lang siyang nag-chat sa akin.

Tuwing nami-miss ko ang Aldea Blanca ay sa kaniya ako nagpapakuwento. Pero siyempre, hindi ko iyon pinahalata. Pinadaan ko lang sa pangangamusta.

"Bisita ka roon sa amin! Promise, wala talagang engkanto o ano roon!"

Napahalakhak ako dahil sa narinig. "Wala akong sinabing ganiyan... pero sige, i-me-message lang kita..."

We stayed at Aldea Blanca for a few more days before going back to the States. Xaviell and I still haven't talked about our situation but I'm sure that once we arrive, we'd have the time to do so.

"Let's have dinner tomorrow? Then we can talk it out," Xaviell said after kissing my forehead.

Kararating lang namin sa unit ko ngunit aalis din naman siya. Marami pa raw siyang kailangang asikasuhin kaya bukas na lang kami magkikita.

"Sure, love." I winked at him and gave a flying kiss before getting inside. Hindi ko na siya hinintay dahil baka matagalan pa kami.

Mabilis akong naglinis ng katawan at nagpahinga na. Pagkabukas, maaga akong pumunta sa trabaho ngunit laking gulat ko na mas nauna pa si Gela.

"Doc! Congratulations!" Aniya sabay atake sa akin ng yakap. "Good thing you arrived early, a lot of things are waiting for you..."

Nang makapasok ako sa clinic ay literal na naestatwa ako dahil sa nakita. Napuno ng mga bulaklak at mga boxes ang buong waiting area ng clinic. Pati ang mesa ni Gela ay may nakapatong na mga paper bags din.

"You should check inside," she said, then pulling me towards the main clinic where my table and equipments are situated.

"There's more?!" Gulat kong tanong.

"I stacked the boxes to save space," Gela added. "Some are from the doctors here but most are from Mr. Vuitton's business partners... I think they're trying to suck up to you so they can get to his good side."

Napatabon ako ng bibig dahil sa nakita. Hindi ko inakala na may nakakaalam sa nangyari maliban sa mga taga-Aldea Blanca. It never crossed my mind that what happened would reach here!

I took pictures of the whole clinic and sent it to Xaviell.

Ako:

Akala ko "what happens in aldea blanca stays in aldea blanca" ??? How did everyone know?

It didn't take long for him to reply. He, too, sent a photo of his office full of gifts. Mas marami ang nasa kaniya lalo na't mas malaki ang kaniyang opisina.

Xaviell:

Trust me, I have no idea. There's a lot in my condo as well 😳

Gela and I spent the next hours sending the gifts to my condo. Mabuti na lang at saktong pagkatapos namin ay ang pagdating ng unang pasyente.

"No wonder Mr. Vuitton's always here! I didn't know you're dating!" Gela gushed and giggled.

Napailing-iling na lang ako sa kaniya at nagtrabaho na. I had more patients than usual and I think it's because I took a long break.

Huli ko nang namalayan na gumagabi na pala. Pagkatapos ng huling pasyente ay umalis din naman si Gela. Kinuha ko ang phone at tinawagan si Xaviell.

"Hey, Valentines," bati niya.

"Hi, love, where you?"

"Papunta na, wait for me."

Sandali kaming nag-usap-usap bago tinapos ang tawag. I know I should freak out because of everything that's happening but for some reason, I'm unbelievably calm. I expected myself to have a major breakdown but thankfully, I didn't. I'm handling things better than expected!

"Doc! You have some more gifts." Nagulat ako nang biglang bumukas ang pintuan at saka iniluwa niyon si Gela. May pinatong siya sa aking mesa bago nagpaalam ulit.

Apat na malalaking paper bags at isang box ang dinala niya. Ang mga iyon ang pinagkaabalahan ko habang naghihintay kay Xaviell.

I opened the first paper bag and saw that it was full of lingeries. Parang uminit ang buong katawan ko dahil sa nakikita. I can't imagine myself wearing these! Parang nakulangan ng tela na halos wala nang tabon!

I checked the card that came with it and saw that it's from Galaxy.

"Use them well. Enjoy! ;)"

Napasinghap ako at napailing-iling na lang. I took the second paper bag and saw that it's from Caramel. I excitedly opened it but immediately regretted that it was full of another batch of lingeries. Ang pinagkaiba nga lang ay may mga kandila siyang binigay.

There was another card inside that says: "These candles are aphrodisiac. Use them wisely :* "

I sighed, then taking the last two paper bags which are from Sugar at London. Hindi na ako nagulat nang makita na puro lingerie at kung ano-anong mga gamit din ang binigay nila. Hindi ko alam kung nanunukso lang ba sila or seryoso talaga sila sa mga regalo nila.

"You okay?" Napaigtad ako dahil sa gulat. Napatingin ako sa may pintuan at nakita si Xaviell na mukhang kanina pa nakarating. "You look bothered."

I gestured to the gifts, making him chuckle. He sat on my chair while I opened the box. The card says that it's from my cousins.

"Oohh books!" I exclaimed, then taking them. I honestly got excited about it but the enthusiasm immediately faltered when I saw what kind of books they sent.

"Anong akala nila sa akin? Aanhin ko 'to?" Singhal ko sabay iling-iling. Bigla ko namang natandaan 'yong nasa Aldea Blanca kami at binigyan nila ako ng mga libro tungkol sa kung paano humalik.

"Let me see," Xaviell said, a hint of curiosity evident in his eyes.

I observed him as he read the titles. And as expected, he let out a chuckle and turned to me with a mischievous look. "Hmm... The Complete Idiot's Guide to Supercharged Kama Sutra?"

"I didn't ask for it!" Pagdedepensa ko. Baka isipin pa niyang sabik na sabik ako!

He chuckled again and opened one of the books. Nakita ko ang pagkamangha sa kaniyang mukha at mukhang pinipigilan lang na tumawa.

"Interesting... wanna try some of these?"

I glared at him but he only chuckled again. "I'm just teasing you... come here..."

He placed the book on my table and opened his arms. I sat on his lap and leaned on his chest. Hindi ko napigilang mapasinghap nang maramdaman ang kaniyang hininga sa aking leeg. 

His hand rested on my thigh while the other snaked around my waist. Pinalandas niya ang tungki ng kaniyang ilong sa mula sa aking panga pababa sa aking balikat.

"Xaviell..." I called, but my voice was too shaky and raspy that it came out as something else.

"Hmm?" Napakagat-labi ako. Hindi pa rin siya tumitigil sa kaniyang ginagawa at naghuhumerantado na ang kalooban ko.

After a few moments of sensual torture, he rested his face on my shoulders. "Is this stressing you out?"

"What?" Namamaos kong sagot at saka siya hinarap. Nasa kandungan niya pa rin ako pero ngayon ay magkaharap na kami.

"This... this whole marriage thing? We can have it annulled—"

"What? But—" he placed his forefinger on my lips, silencing me.

"Let me finish, Valentines," aniya sa halos bulong na boses. "There are still things that you might not be ready for and I understand that marriage is one of those..."

I sighed, then encircling my arms on his neck and rested my head on his chest. "It's not that I don't want to be married to you. It's just that... this is happening so fast! I never thought about this! I mean, we both literally woke up and bam! We're married!"

He smiled at me, then gently caressing my hair. Kung hindi kami nag-uusap ay baka makakatulog ako dahil sa kaniyang ginagawa.

"I know, Valentines... this is all so sudden but there's also no point blaming our drunk selves," he said with a chuckle. "I understand you, really... that's why I won't take any of your decision against you. You don't have to sacrifice your peace of mind for me... if you think that we should get our marriage annulled, then we'll do it."

Umalis ako sa pagkakasandal sa kaniyang dibdib at masinsinan siyang tiningnan. "You're only asking me. How about you?"

"I'm okay either way..." he answered with a shrug. "Does having this unplanned marriage annulled mean we'll also stop seeing each other?"

"No!"

He chuckled again and kissed the tip of my nose. I don't know why he did it but it made me feel better. "I mean, yes, it's nice to think that we're married and I get to proudly tell that to people..."

Xaviell had a faraway look on his face. Nakangiti siya at parang kinikilig pa dahil sa sinasabi. It seems to me that he really likes whatever it is that's in his mind.

"But I also don't want you to be stressed out because of this," he added, his eyes were now focused on me. "And I guess, as much as I like this set up, it would still be better if we're actually married because we both agreed on it and not because we're both drunk—I'm getting ahead again..."

Napailing siya sabay tabon ng hitsura. Ako naman ngayon ang napangiti dahil sa kaniyang ginagawa. Ginulo ko ang kaniyang buhok at inalis ang pagkakatabon ng kaniyang mga palad sa mukha niya.

"My point here is that, annulled or not, we're still gonna be together and I'm okay with that."

I nodded, my eyes now studying his face. I caressed his cheeks and planted a soft kiss on it. "Let's talk and think about this first... we should decide together, Xaviell... hindi pwede na ang gusto ko lang palagi ang nasusunod."

I gave him a small smile before looking down. I just realized that between the two of us, he's the patient and understanding one. Kung ano palagi ang makakabuti sa akin ang siyang pinipili niya.

I know that he never complained but I also don't want to be selfish. I mean... we're together now. It's no longer about me alone. Kaming dalawa na. Kaya kahit may mga bagahe pa akong dinadala ay dapat mas pagtuonan ko ng pansin si Xaviell.

Hindi pwede na bigay lang siya nang bigay at ako naman ay tanggap lang nang tanggap. I guess I've been too caught up with my own drama. Ngayon ko lang talaga napagtanto na hindi ako ganoon ka ma-effort.

"How are you, Xaviell?"

Kumunot ang kaniyang noo at tiningnan ako na para bang isa akong alien. "What?"

I shrugged and pouted. "I'm just asking."

He pursed his lips and paused for a moment. "Life's been well, my wife... why do you ask?"

Hindi ko napigilang mapangiti dahil sa panibago niyang endearment. I didn't know that it would sound that heartwarming. Or maybe it's only because he's the one saying it?

Imbes na sagutin siya ay nagkibit-balikat lang ulit ako. Katulad ng inaasahan ay nagpatuloy siya sa pagkukuwento. He looked and sounded like a happy kid who's excitedly telling his Mom about what happened at school.

I'm not the listener type since I'd rather not talk to anyone than listen to other people. My friends are exceptions, of course. But then, I don't mind if I listen to Xaviell talk all day long.

There's something with the way he speaks with animated hand-gestures that draws me to listen more to him. It's like there's nothing boring that comes out from his mouth.

"I know I'm handsome but do you really have to drool?"

I scoffed and rolled my eyes. Umalis na ako sa pagkakakandong sa kaniya at inaya na siyang maghapunan. The whole ride to the restaurant, he was teasing me about earlier.

He keeps on insisting that I actually salivated while staring at him!

"Valentines," he called. Hindi ko na siya pinansin dahil sigurado akong manunukso na naman siya. "I'm not gonna tease you. Your father's here."

Napatingin ako sa kaniya dahil sa narinig. Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin nang mapagtanto na baka panibagong patibong lang ito.

"Hey! He's over there!" He gestured with his lips and he's right! My father's actually here.

"Did you plan this?" Tanong ko sa kaniya pero mabilis naman siyang umiling. He turned the engine off while I hurriedly went out of the car to greet my father.

He was standing in front of the restaurant's entrance with an expectant look on his face. Para bang may hinihintay siya.

I waited for Xaviell since I wanted to greet Papa with him. Bumaling ako sa kaniya at nakita na lakad-takbo ang ginawa niya papunta sa akin pero bigla siyang natigil sa gitna ng parking lot.

Linagpasan niya ako ng tingin at dumiretso iyon sa may likuran ko. Bigla akong nakuryoso kaya napatingin din ako sa may likod ko.

"Hi, Daddy!" Bati ng kararating na babae.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko dahil sa narinig. Hindi pa nakatulong na mabilis silang nagyakapan at hinalikan naman ni Papa ang kaniyang noo.

Napahawak ako sa dibdib nang makaramdam ng matinding tinik. Parang sinasakal ako at bigla akong nahirapan sa paghinga dahil sa nakikita.

My knees felt weak and if it wasn't for Xaviell who stood by my side and held my waist, I'd surely be on the ground. Nang tumingin sina Papa sa amin ni Xaviell, lalong napaawang ang bibig ko at kinailangan kong kumapit kay Xaviell para hindi matumba.

"Valentina, Mr. Vuitton..." Valerianna called when she neared us, her eyes widening in panic.

"Coco, I can explain—" I raised a hand, cutting my father off.

"There can only be two explanations for this," matigas kong sabi at sinamaan ng tingin si Papa. "She's either your girlfriend or your daughter."

"Coco—"

"But basing on our close resemblance, I'm pretty sure it's the latter..."

Hindi ko na siya hinintay na makasagot at tinalikuran na sila. Tumakbo ako palayo roon, hindi alam kung saan ako dinadala ng mga paa. Huli ko nang napagtanto na nasa likurang parte na ako ng restaurant.

Nanghihina akong napaupo sa gutter at tuluyan nang napahikbi. Walang matinong ideya ang pumapasok sa isipan ko. All I have in my mind are thoughts driven by anger and pain.

I heard running footsteps and next think I know, Xaviell was already kneeling in front of me. Sandaling nagtama ang mga mata namin pero agad ko ring pinatong muli ang mukha sa aking mga tuhod.

I felt a warm cloth on my back. Xaviell's probably placing his coat on me. Pagkatapos niyon ay ipinalibot niya ang braso sa akin at pinasandal ako sa kaniyang dibdib habang tinutulungan akong tumayo.

Out of embarrassment, I chose to cover my face with my hand but even so, he continued to embrace me.

Mabilis akong kumalma pero pinili kong manatili sa kaniyang bisig. "Xaviell..."

"Hmm?"

"Please pretend for a while that you're actually my husband," I whispered.

"Well, legally speaking, I am your husband."

Inalis ko ang pagkakasandal sa kaniya at sinamaan siya ng tingin. He chuckled and I did the same. For a half-second, I actually forgot the situation that we're in.

He guided my head back to his chest and I felt his lips there.

"Why can't I just have a normal family?" Nanghihina kong bulong habang unti-unti na namang bumabalik ang kirot sa aking dibdib.

Sinuklay-suklay niya ang aking buhok at napapikit naman ako habang dinadama ang marahan niyang hawak. Naramdaman ko ang kaniyang labi sa tuktok ng aking ulo bago nagtama ang aming mga mata.

His thumb wiped the tears on my cheeks while he gave me a small, comforting smile.

"Valentines," he called. "I'll be your family..."