EPILOGUE

STEVEN THOMAS DONOVAN

"She's Emilio's granddaughter."

I looked at Grandpa when I heard what he said. He was carrying a white folder, and he was reading something with a smile on his lips that almost touched his ears.

My brow furrowed, and I paused from typing on the laptop keyboard. We are currently in his office at the barangay hall. I left home early—the tree house that I shared with Liliana—just to go to the mansion and be here at the barangay hall.

He smiled as he nodded at what he was reading. I'm not sure, but my heart raced quicker. I didn't have the right guess about what he would do. Nanatiling nakakunot ang noo ko habang pinagmamasdan siya.

"Grandpa, whatever is on your mind, stop it," seryoso kong wika habang nanatiling nakatingin sa kanya.

His smile immediately disappeared because of what I said.

"Why? I hired a private investigator to confirm if Lilianna is Emilio's granddaughter. He can't run for mayor if we can use her as blackmail!" He raised his voice and slammed the white folder on his desk.

I stood up and approached him. "I will not allow you to do that," madiin kong wika.

The sides of his lips rose, and he sat down in the swivel chair again.

"Try me, Steven. Huwag mong susubukan ang pasensya ko. Ang gagawin mo rito ay tutulungan ako sa gawain ko at hindi ang maging nobya 'yang apo ni Emilio," wika nito at tinuon na ang pansin sa hawak nito white folder. "Ngayon lagi ka ng sasalungat sa desisyon ko dahil sa kanya? You won't like what I can do to her. If you don't obey all my orders, you will see."

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

I just got back from the barangay hall because I visited a site near Cierra, which is the farthest part of our barrio. Grandpa has a new project there, so he ordered me to visit and take care of what needs to be done there.

"Where's Grandpa?" tanong ko sa mga tanod ng makapasok sa loob.

"Kakaalis niya lang kanina, Steven. Mukhang may pinuntahan, eh."

"Do you know where he went?"

I have a bad feeling about this. He threatens me every day, saying that if I don't do his demands, he'll kill Lilianna. He used Lilianna as a form of blackmail on me and I can't tell my girlfriend everything because I don't want her to get involved. Naghihinala na rin siya sa akin dahil sa pag-alis ko.

"Hindi, eh. Pero narinig ko kanina bago siya umalis may pupuntahan daw siya roon sa mga nagtatanim ng mga palay. Lianna ba 'yon? Pasensya kana hindi ko na kasi matandaan," sagot nito.

I didn't respond to what he said anymore. I turned away from him and headed towards the car. I immediately started the car and drove towards Lilianna's workplace. It's close to the route she takes to the tree house where she lives.

Nakarating agad ako at tanaw na tanaw si lolo na kinakausap si Lilianna. My chest erupted in anger. We had previously discussed that he wouldn't include Lilianna in his plan, but look at him now, right in front of my girlfriend.

"Grandpa!" I shouted.

Nandidilim ang aking paningin ng sugurin ko siya habang nakakakuyom ang aking kamao. Dumiretso agad ako kay Lilianna at hinawakan ang kanyang braso para itago siya sa aking likod.

"What are you doing here!?" I shouted.

"Don't raise your voice at me, grandson. You won't like what I can do," my grandpa said.

The situation on the farm continued to escalate. Instead of feeling reassured because Lilianna was unaware, she became even more suspicious of me after what happened today. I know there are many questions running through her mind, but I chose not to tell her.

I don't want her to be involved or get caught up in this mess.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

I closed my eyes as I felt his hand on my cheek. The sound echoed inside her office at the barangay hall. Without emotion, I looked at him upon hearing his scream.

"Sino nag sabi sa 'yo na sundan ako roon!" singhal nito sa akin.

"You're going to hurt her!" I shouted back.

"Sinabi ko ba na bumalik ka rito? May inuutos pa ako na dapat mong gawin!" nanginginig ang katawan nito sa galit.

"I'm going home," madiin kong tugon.

Mahina siyang natawa sa aking sinabi. "Uuwi ka na? Hindi pa tapos gawain mo rito. May kailangan ka pa asikasuhin, may meeting mamaya at ikaw ang aattend dahil may aasikasuhin ako sa dulo ng Cierra."

"It's not my fault—"

I didn't finish what I was saying as the corner of her lips lifted, and he called someone on his phone.

"Alam niyo naman kung nasaan nakatira si Lilianna hindi ba?" His smile was mischievous as he spoke to the person on the phone.

My ear twitched upon hearing what she said. I stood up from my seat but sat back down when I felt one of Grandpa's bodyguards grab my shoulder to restrain me.

"What are you doing!" I shouted.

When Grandpa turned to look at me, he smiled as if he were crazy. I stood up and forcefully pushed away his bodyguards.

"Don't you dare, Grandpa!" galit kong sigaw.

"Alam niyo gagawin niyo? Kayo na ang bahala sa kanya—"

"No! Stop it! I'll do what you want. Itigil mo lang 'yan," pagpigil ko.

"Wait, don't do it. I already changed my mind," usal nito sa kabilang linya ng marinig ang aking sinabi.

He laughed and stopped the conversation. He sat on his swivel chair and raised his hand, indicating to his bodyguard to let go of my arm. I forcibly pulled both of their hands from my arm and control myself from punching them.

"You will follow all of my orders, Steven, if you don't want me to hurt your girlfriend."

I couldn't do anything but follow his order, even though I wanted to disobey it. I had no choice but to do what he wanted because if I didn't obey him, Lilianna would be in danger.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

"She's pregnant," I whispered.

I discovered Lilianna was pregnant a few days ago. I am now more terrified, she's not the only one that I need to protect now, but our family too. Days passed, and we also secretly met with her grandfather. He needs to know that his granddaughter is pregnant.

"What..." The tone of his voice revealed his shock and surprise at what I said.

"She's one month pregnant, Abuelo."

We are here now in a café inside the village of Pazamor. Whenever we need to talk or update each other about Grandpa or Lilianna, this is where we choose to meet. It's better to meet in person than to talk through text or email. I think it's safer this way, so Grandpa won't see or read what we discuss in case he becomes suspicious.

"Is she okay?" nag-aalala niyang tanong. "How about the baby?"

"She's okay, Abuelo. Don't worry. Saglit lang po ako rito. I need to go home early because she needs me. Siya lang mag-isa sa treehouse," sagot ko.

"Tree house? It's too unsafe to live in a treehouse. Do you want me to find you a place to live near Cierra? I don't want you and Lilianna to live in the treehouse while she is pregnant."

Umiling ako. "Ako na po ang bahala ro'n, Abuelo. May nag offer na rin sa akin ng bagong bahay medyo malayo siya sa mansion kaya sa tingin mo mas safe 'yon."

"Are you sure you don't want my help?" he asked.

I nodded. "Yes. Ako na po ang bahala, Abuelo. Babalitaan na lang kita."

He just sighed and nodded. "Thanks for the update, Steven. You should go home immediately. It's not safe to leave Lilianna alone at the treehouse. Please take care of her."

I stood up and smiled at him. "I will, Abuelo."

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

The same routine repeats itself whenever I work with Lolo. If I refuse his orders, he will threaten me that he's going to kill Lilianna. I don't have a choice, so I do what he wants. My work is stressful. My grandpa manages his duties at barangay hall, and I continue to manage his rice business without being allowed to take a break.

I come home tired, but it quickly fades away when I see Lilianna. I messed my hair and poured alcohol into the glass while deep in thought. I still feel anxious until I see Lilianna and the triplets in good condition.

It's late at night, but I still can't sleep. I'm silently sipping alcohol while staring at my sleeping girlfriend. She's laying down with her hands on her huge belly. She's sleeping quietly and snoring lightly.

We're having triplets, and they're all girls. I wish our babies looked just like her—three mini versions of her.

"Steven."

I glanced at Lilianna when I saw her awake. Her voice is very soft, and I like it. I like how she says my name. I watched her next move. She carefully got up from bed and walked towards me.

"Steven, bakit ka naman umiinom nag alak ngayong madaling araw. Ayos ka lang ba?" she asked, worriedly.

I smiled at her. "I can't sleep. I need to drink so I can sleep peacefully."

"Tara na sa kama," hinawakan niya ang aking kamay. "Alas tres na ng madaling araw at ngayon ka pa talaga uminom. Matulog na tayo, okay?"

I nodded. I watched her climb back to our big bed. I lay down beside her, and she raised the comforter to keep us warm. When I felt her hug my arm, a faint smile spread across my lips.

"You're so sweet, Doll," I whispered as I stared at the ceiling.

I looked down and caressed her smooth cheek. She's stunningly lovely. This wonderful woman, who will now be the mother of my kids, will soon be my wife.

"You're too sweet for me," I whispered.

"Ayaw mo ba?"

I held her hands when she reached my jaw and caressed it. Her face had a gentle expression as she looked at me. I experienced a slight ache in my chest as she gazed at me with such tenderness. She looked at me softly and gently. Looking at my girlfriend, her doll-like, angelic face appears so sweet. I don't want her to be involved in this mess, so even though I know I hurt her by lying, I think it was the right thing to do.

Ayaw ko ng dagdagan pa ang problema nito at baka lalo pa siyang maistress. She needs to be healthy and happy for our triplets.

I shook my head. "No. I like it when you care about me. It just feels like I don't deserve you."

Naramdaman ko ang pagkabigla nito. "Steven, bakit mo sinasabi 'yan? Huwag kang ganyan. Malulungkot kami ng anak mo."

I chuckled and pinched her nose. "I'm sorry. Bigla lang pumasok sa utak ko."

"Mahal na mahal ka namin, Steven," she said, softly. "Kung sa tingin mo na walang deserving sa 'yo nagkakamali ka," she held my hands and put them in her big tummy. "Nandito kami, oh."

Hinalikan ko ang kanyang noo at tinignan ito. "I'll protect you and our babies, Doll. I promise."

I hug her very tightly, but with care to avoid squeezing her belly.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

"Pasensya na po, Kapt. Cillian. Kamamatay lang po ng ina nitong triplets kaya sa akin po pinaako ng kapatid niya. Hindi ko rin po kaya na buhayin 'tong tatlo kaya kung puwede po ampunin niyo na lang."

"Selsa, do you think I will accept your offer? Hindi nga lang 'yan isa kundi triplets pa. They are not even our blood relatives."

I clenched my fist when I heard what my grandpa said. Nang mahuli ko na nakatingin sa akin si Selsa ay tipid ko itong tinanguan.

The rain outside the mansion is heavy due to the strong storm. It's late at night, and in front of Grandpa and me is Selsa, the former household helper here.

"Sige na po, Kapt. Cillian. Parang awa niyo na po wala—"

"Get out, Selsa. Umalis kana nga, nagresign ka nga rito nagiiwan kapa ng palamunin—"

"I'm going to adopt them."

I saw Grandpa glance at me. He clearly couldn't believe what I said.

"You know what, Steven. Malaki ka naman na kaya kung anong gusto mong gawin, gawin mo. You literally going to adopt them?" He asked me and even pointed to the three babies.

Selsa was accompanied by two people, each carrying one of the triplets.

"What? You said I'm a grown man. I can make decisions for myself," pabalang kong sagot.

"This is unbelievable," Grandpa whispered, and he walked out.

When I saw that he was gone, I approached Selsa. I took the eldest among the triplets that she was carrying. Pinasilong ko ang kasama niya sa gilid para hindi mabasa sa ulo. Kahit na may dala silang payong ay nababasa pa rin sila dahil sa malakas na hangin at ulan.

"Selsa, thank you very much for your help," I whispered. "Please take this and go home," I reached for the white envelope containing money that was in the pocket of my pants.

Selsa was involved in leaving the triplets here. It was Abuelo's idea. To keep them safe, I agreed with that plan, but I knew there would be a big consequence if Lilianna found out that our child was alive.

"Walang anuman po, Sir  Steven. Tulungan ka na lang po namin na iakyat ang dalawa sa taas. May crib naman po kayo sa kuwarto niyo?"

I nodded. "Yes, I just built it a while ago. Let's go."

We immediately headed to my room. On the side of my bed, there was a large crib that I had bought. I painted the crib pink and matched it with bedding designed with a small ribbon on it.

"Just carefully put them both there," maingat kong nilapag si Aquina sa crib ng mailagay nila si Selene at Cordelia.

They're only days old, not yet a few weeks old, and until now Lilianna is still sleeping and resting at the hospital. She has no idea that we took her child. Up to now, I keep getting updates from Abuelo about Lilianna's condition.

When Selsa and her friends left, I slowly lay down on the bed and watched our three daughters with Lilianna.

I closed my eyes, feeling a headache coming on. The crash into the large tree affected me more than Lilianna, causing pain throughout my head and body. I covered my eyes using my arms as I felt my tears gathering on my eyes. I took a deep breath to calm myself.

I miss her. I miss Lilianna.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

"How's your girlfriend, Steven?"

Grandpa asked, and he was grinning at me like he had done something. I looked at him emotionlessly and continued typing on the laptop.

"Girlfriend?" I asked.

"Emilio's granddaughter," sagot nito.

"We already broke up after the accident," I lied, I tightened my grip on the mouse as I felt a pang in my chest. "Hindi ko na siya pinapansin."

"Really?" natatawa niyang tanong. "Poor her. She already lost your baby."

I quietly clenched my fist. I chose to ignore what they were saying, pretending not to hear it. Even my heart couldn't accept that I had just lied and that we had already broke up.

I just received a message from Abuelo saying that Lilianna just woke up and she's looking for me. I really want to go to her, but I can't. I want to tell her the truth that our triplets are alive, but I can't.

"I want to work from home, Grandpa. Don't worry, you can send all the documents and files to my email."

"You requested to work from home because of the triplets that you adopted, am I right?" tanong nito.

I nodded. "Yeah. No one will take care of them but me."

"We need you here, Steven. Just hire a nanny to care for them."

I stared at him as I closed my laptop. It's getting darker and I need to go back to the mansion.

"I don't want to hire a nanny for them—"

"Bakit ba umaakto ka na akala mo totoong anak mo 'yon? Steven, your child with Lilianna is already dead!" galit nitong sambit. "Depress ka ba kaya umaangkin kana ng anak na hindi sa 'yo?"

I picked up my laptop, I harshly opened the door and glared at him.

"Don't you ever say that to me, Grandpa. Don't disrespect Lilianna like that because you'll never know what she feels right now."

He didn't respond to what I said. He remained staring, our eyes locked in a silent stare-off.

"You'll be the one to suffer without me. No one else will help you but me, especially with your company. I'm going to work from home tomorrow. I'll be online early in the morning until afternoon, so if there's an emergency meeting or files to edit, I can handle it immediately and transfer it to your email."

I turned my back on him and didn't wait for his answer.

As soon as I arrived at the mansion, I headed straight to my room. I asked Agatha to take care of the triplets today because I needed to inform Grandpa that I would be working from home starting tomorrow.

I want to take care of my own kids. I want it to be just me, and I don't need to hire a nanny for the three of them.

"How are they?" salubong ko kay Agatha ng makapasok sa loob.

"They are still sleeping. Pinainom ko na rin sila ng gatas, Steven. Baka maya-maya magigising din sila," sagot nito.

I set down my bag on the bed and sat down. I took a deep breath and unbuttoned the first button of my polo.

"Thank you, Agatha," I whispered. "You can go now. Pasensya na sa abala, kung kailangan mo ng tulong mag-text ka lang sa akin. I owe you for this."

"You're welcome," she responded. "By the way, may package ka pala, nilagay ko sa freezer, nakalagay kasi na perishable, and keep frozen daw. Hindi ko na binuksan, ang bigat eh."

"Okay, thank you again," pagpapasalamat ko.

She left immediately and locked the door. I started to shower. I'll make sure that my body is clean before I hold my babies later. After finishing my shower, I went to the bedside table, where I noticed a small card and read what was written on it.

'Steven, this is Lilianna's breast milk. I'll provide you with this until she runs out. It's healthy for the baby to drink breast milk.'

Mabilis lang din ang aking kilos kaya nakapaglinis agad ako ng kuwarto. I need to maintain the cleanliness in my room. After I cleaned my room, I just stared at my daughters, who were sleeping peacefully.

So cute. So tiny.

Mahimbing pa rin ang tulog nilang tatlo sa crib. I carefully caressed their cheeks and they moved a little when they felt my hands before I went back to my bed and took a nap. Before I drifted off to sleep, I could clearly hear Lilianna's voice, like she was looking for me.

"Lilianna..." I whispered.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

"Daddy, welcome home!"

The three of them were waiting at the door of my room. Smiles spread across their lips, and they were obviously happy to see me. Limang taong gulang na silang tatlo.

I just got home from the barangay hall and came straight here as soon as I could.

"Hi, my babies. Why aren't you sleeping?" I asked.

"Daddy, hinintay ka po namin para sabay po tayong mag sleep," sagot ni Aquina.

"Yes! But we are already done eating dinner, daddy," segundo ni Selene.

"That's good," I responded with a smile. I placed my bag on my office table.

I felt that they were following me because I heard their footsteps towards me.

"Daddy, let's sleep na po. We're sleepy na," narinig ko ang hikab ni Cordelia ng magsalita ito.

"Daddy, are you tired?" tanong ni Selene.

A smile appeared on my lips because they surrounded me. They were holding stuffed toys and looking up at me. I squatted and leveled their height, their gray eyes looked very innocent while looking at me.

"Of course, I'm tired," I replied, tenderly. I gently stroked their hair, inherited from their mother. "But not anymore. Daddy is no longer tired because I got my three beautiful babies now."

I immediately saw the smile light up on their lips. They both hugged me at the same moment, and I immediately wrapped them in my arms. We shared a hug for a few seconds before we went to sleep on my bed.

"Daddy, did bisabuelo hurt you again?" Cordelia asked.

She is still awake, while her two siblings are already sound asleep beside me. I just smiled at her and stroked her hair.

"Why did you ask?"

"Because there's a bruise on your cheeks," malungkot niyang sagot.

I chuckled and began gently stroking her back to help her fall asleep faster. Sometimes my stubbornness leads to this situation. Since Grandpa knows that Lilianna and I are no longer together, he constantly blackmails me, threatening to take action regarding the triplets.

As a result, we often argue. I end up being slapped or punched due to his hot-temper. I come home with bruises, and they notice them. I don't want to lie to them, so I tell them the truth that their great-grandfather is not a good person. It's also a way to protect them from him.

"Don't mind my bruise, Mar. You should sleep now. Lagpas kana sa sleeping schedule mo."

Her lips just pouted, and she hugged me. Silence prevailed again before she spoke.

"When will we see our mommy, dad?" Cordelia asked, sadly.

It took me a few seconds to answer her question. I know they want to see their mother because I do, too. I also want to see her.

"Soon, Mar," I whispered and kissed her temple. "Makikita niyo na rin ang mommy niyo konting tiis na lang."

"We will wait, daddy," malambing na wika ni Cordelia. She closed her eyes and hugged me tightly. "Me and my sisters are willing to wait."

Afterward, she eventually fell asleep. I repositioned her on the bed before getting up to go to the office table beside my room. While handling paperwork, I observed them sleeping. Raising them alone is challenging. If one triplets cries, expect the other two to cry as well.

As they grow older, it becomes more difficult to care for them. The triplets are playful and extremely energetic. However, they are still my children, and I can manage.

I rarely let them out of the room when Grandpa is here. When he's not around, I allow them to go out of the room with the household helpers here in the mansion. As much as possible, I keep the three of them away from Grandpa.

Because when the triplets reached the age of three, I gradually started to see who they resembled. It's better if Grandpa doesn't spend too much time with them, or he might become suspicious.

Sometimes Agatha visits us, and she's the one who will take care of the triplets while I'm working at the barangay hall with my grandpa. It's challenging to manage my time between working and taking care of the three of them, but gladly, I managed, and I love doing it.

The day that I was dreaded to arrive finally happened. Lilianna found out about our daughters. I know I hurt her, her reaction says it all. The way her eyes stared darkly at me says it all. But I understand why she was like that. I deserve all the hate. I deserve all her rage and anger.

However, I just did it for their safety. I did that to keep all four of them safe from Grandpa. That was the reason. After Abuelo and I said everything, she was still angry. I told her everything I had kept from her before because I didn't want to lie to her again.

I want our relationship to be okay the second time around, not just for the two of us but for our children, the triplets. I want to give them a happy and whole family, so I'm trying to fix the broken relationship between us.

I pleaded with her to give me a chance. It's nerve-wracking because I don't know her intentions or answer to me. I'm afraid he might plan to start a new family and leave the four of us behind. I did everything I could to make things right between us.

And during the graduation itself, she told me she would give me a chance. She would fix the broken relationship and forget the past. I was happy because of that, and I'm happy because she also couldn't imagine marrying another man and starting her own family.

I wouldn't trade the triplets for anyone else. I can't marry another woman because I only want Lilianna.

"Ang cute nila," Lilianna whispered, she sniffed and wiped her tears.

We're here now at the hacienda, sitting on a long and soft sofa. I have my arm around her shoulder while she leans against my broad chest.

She watched videos of the triplets from when they were babies until they grew up. I decided to do that because when she finds out that the triplets are alive, I have something to show her.

"Stop crying," pang-aalo ko sa kanya.

I combed her long, wavy black hair while smiling as I watched her. I could hear her soft sniffles as tears continued to flow while she leaned against my chest.

"Look at them. Ang laki ng braso at binti, ang tataba nila," she cried.

I peeked at her iPad that she was holding. She was watching the video where the triplets were crawling towards me on their crawling mat placed on the floor beside the bed. We could hear the triplets' giggles one after another as they reached the camera I used to record them.

"They're cute, right?" nakangiti kong tanong.

Tumango siya at tinignan ako. "Thank you for this, Steven. Kahit papaano ay nakita ko sila habang baby pa. Ang lulusog nilang tatlo," masaya niyang wika.

"You're welcome—"

We both looked at the iPad when the video changed again. This might be the video where I recorded the triplets because I heard their first word. I moved quickly then because I might not capture it on video.

"What did you say, my babies?" dinig ko ang aking boses sa video. "Come on, say mama again."

I smiled when I saw the video. I was lying on the bed with the camera facing the triplets, who were now playful on the bed. They were sitting side by side, looking at the camera I held.

"Mama! Mama!" they both chanted. They clapped while looking at the camera, repeatedly mentioning "mama" while clapping.

My chest tightened upon hearing Lilianna cry while watching. Automatically, I wrapped my arm around her waist to comfort her. Her hand gripped my arm while she continued to cry, staring at the iPad she was holding.

"I told you, Doll. Their first word was mama."

"Masaya sila habang nagsasalita ng mama," lumuluhang sagot sa akin ni Lilianna. "Masaya sila, Steven. Sana kasama ko kayo sa mga araw na 'yan. Gusto kong marinig sa personal na nagsalita sila ng mama," paguulit nito sa akin.

I smiled at her tenderly and held her hand gently. I embraced her tightly again before speaking.

"I'm sorry," I whispered. "I hope you are there, Doll. I'm sorry again."

She turned off the iPad and placed it on the center table in the living room. Then, she faced me and gave me a sweet smile. I leaned back on the soft sofa as she pressed herself against me, almost lying on top of me.

"It's okay," pagpapagaan niya sa aking loob. "Nangyari na ang nangyari, Steven. Hindi na rin naman natin maibabalik ang dati kaya ang magagawa na lang natin ngayon ay tanggapin 'yon."

I automatically glanced down at her chest. Her cleavage was visible because she was leaning over me, pressing against my chest. She wasn't wearing a bra since we were alone at home, aside from the household helpers.

The triplets aren't here because Francheska took them to her boutique to try on clothes, and they're going to visit Abuelo at City Hall. It's already night, and they still haven't returned.

"I know, but I still feel sorry," I whispered again while staring at her cleavage.

"You're looking at my boobs," Lilianna stated. "They're big now, right?"

"Yes," wala sa sariling sagot ko. They were indeed big.

She touched my arm and gently stroked it. Eventually, she lay down on my chest and listened to the fast beating of my heart.

It has been five years since our bodies touched. Lilianna has a different effect on me. I felt the warmth spreading through my body, but I controlled it. I held her waist and closed my eyes, hoping that somehow the heat I felt would disappear.

"Do you want to touch it?" Lilianna suddenly asked in a soft voice while still lying on my chest.

I opened my eyes wide at what she said. "Why would you say that? We're in the living room. The house helpers might see us—"

"You can touch it inside my room," she interrupted, her voice was soft and alluring. "Tayo lang naman ang nandito at wala ng iba, Steven."

I restrained myself from acting on my desires towards her. For 5 years, I never even thought of doing with other women what Lilianna and I did together. Apart from not wanting to, my attention was devoted to taking care of the triplets.

Her voice was clearly seductive, as she mentioned, but I chose to stop myself.

"Stop teasing me, Doll," I spoke softly to her and closed my eyes again.

"I'm not teasing you. We can do—"

"Mommy! bulaga!"

We were both surprised when Aquina suddenly lay down on Lilianna's back. Selene and Cordelia followed her. The three of them were now on top and filled the whole room with laughter.

"So heavy," reklamo ni Lilianna.

"Mommy, naglovey-dovey kayo ni daddy?" pangaasar na tanong ni Selene.

"It's called bebe time!" segunda ni Aquina.

"Mommy, daddy, you're so sweet to each other po," nakangiting wika ni Cordelia.

My arm was supporting their bodies to prevent them from falling. Eventually, all three of them were back on the ground, and Lilianna got up while laughing.

"Masaya ba kayo sa lakad niyo?" nakangiting tanong ni Lilianna ng makaupo ng maayos sa sofa.

As the triplets continued their stories one after another, I noticed Francheska entering. She had a small smile on her lips and was carrying a small paper bag, which I assumed contained three items for the triplets.

I stood up and took the paper bag she was carrying.

"This is for the triplets," wika ni Francheska ng maibigay niya sa akin ang paperbag.

"Thank you, Francheska," pagpapasalamat ko.

"You're welcome."

When I returned to where Lilianna was sitting, the four of them were already standing and holding hands.

"Where are you going?" I asked as I approached them..

"We are going to take a bath na daddy para makapagpahinga na po kami," sagot ni Aquina.

Just as Aquina finished speaking, I heard a yawn from our youngest daughter, Cordelia.

"Mauuna na kami. Steven. Paliliguan ko muna itong tatlo. Mukhang inaantok na rin itong si Cordelia," pagpapaalam Lilianna.

"Okay, be careful in the bathroom, you might slip. I'll also take a shower in the guest room," I handed her the three paper bags I was holding for the triplets. "Here, take this. Francheska give this to the triplets. Kayo na ang bahala rito at mauuna na ako.

"Tatabi ka rin po ba sa amin ni mommy later, daddy?" tanong ni Selene.

"Yes, baby. Maliligo lang si daddy tapos didiretso na lang ako d'yan, okay?"

Selene nodded her head. "Okay, daddy. Bye!"

"Bye, daddy!" paalam ni Aquina at Cordelia.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

I lifted my head as the door to the guest room, where I was sleeping, suddenly opened. Lilianna entered, looking at me. The lavender-scented body wash she was carrying filled the room as she approached me.

"The triplets are looking for you. Mabuti at nauto ko pa sila hanggang sa makatulog," salita nito ng makapunta sa akin.

I gestured for her to come closer, and she did. When I looked at her, she was wearing her favorite silk nightdress, which was white, matched with a silk robe.

"May ginagawa ka?" tanong nito.

"Sit on my lap," utos ko.

I couldn't wait and immediately put my arm around her waist, seating her on my lap. I felt that she was surprised, but it soon faded.

"I just finished what I was doing. There was an emergency at Grandpa's company, so I had to attend to it first," I answered.

She started sitting sideways on me, but I was surprised when she adjusted her seating posture. She turned to face me, her hand resting on the back of my neck.

"You should be resting now, Steven. Masama ang ma-stress dahil sa trabaho," malambing ang tono ng kanyang boses.

I just smiled at her as I leaned against my swivel chair. I held her waist and gently moved my hand up and down there.

"Don't worry, I'm about to take a break, too."

She smiled and hugged me. Automatically, I wrapped my arms around her body and nuzzled my face into her neck. I closed my eyes as different scenarios filled my mind.

"Steven, the triplets are sleeping," she whispered while hugging me.

"Hmm."

I opened my eyes when I felt her fingers sliding through my hair and gently pulling, causing me to look up at her.

"You can touch it now."

I chuckled softly at what she said. I held the back of her neck and kissed her. It seemed like she was expecting it, so she immediately responded with warmth to the kiss I gave her. While our lips were busy with each other, I closed the laptop and focused again on the exchange of kisses we were sharing.

I grabbed her waist and lifted her. She automatically put her legs around my waist as we continued to kiss. It's thrilling, comfortable, and, most importantly, it seems like we're floating in the clouds while we do it. We've been longing for each other's touch as our hands move together.

We paused briefly from kissing just to catch our breath. Now, she's lying on my bed with her eyes half-lidded, looking at me. She's like a delicious dish, ready to be savored. What she did added even more heat to the feeling. She's just looking at me, but the effect is intense. It seems like our feelings for each other have intensified even more.

I leaned forward and slowly lowered the strap of her silk nightdress, but it seems she got impatient and removed it herself. Her large breast was revealed to me, along with her pink nipples.

"Steven," she called my name.

We're both blushing now. I can clearly see the blush on her cheeks and chest. I leaned down again to kiss her on the lips before slowly moving down to her neck and large breast. I played one of her nipples using my tongue as I latched on it.

"No foreplay," she whispered while her breath was uneven because of the pleasure that I gave her. "I need you right now. We can do foreplay later, but not now." The tone of her voice sounded like she was pleading with me.

My face darkened at what she said. I'm just trying to restrain myself from being aggressive towards her right now. I want to take it slow, but she's impatient.

She held the back of my neck and lifted herself to kiss me. Her hand was wandering across my body. Our kiss was interrupted when her hand moved down on me.

I cursed silently as she put her right hand into my boxer and placed her warm hands on mine. She softly massaged it, causing it to become harder. Sunod sunod na mabibigat na paghinga ang aking pinakawalan habang patuloy siya sa kanyang ginagawa.

"Stop," I groaned.

Hinawakan ko ang kanyang kamay para pigilan. I pinned both of her hands on the top of her head while aligning myself with her as I harhsly ripped her underwear. Tinapon ko 'yon sa kung saan. I also took off the boxer that I was wearing and touched her folds, and when I felt that she was already wet, I aligned myself and slowly entered her. Our moans filled the entire guestroom.

Her face almost crumpled as she felt mine. I couldn't move immediately on top of her. I looked up at the ceiling while breathing rapidly, finally after fucking five years.

"Lilianna," I groaned as felt her warmth.

"Move," Lilianna moaned. "I want you to move, Steven," she pleaded.

I do what she says. I released her hand and slowly moved on top of her. While I continued on with what I was doing, I removed my white shirt and watched her from below.

She's squirming too much because of the pleasure that she felt. Paulit ulit niyang sinamsambit ang aking pangalan na nagmistulang musika sa aking tenga. Her moan added fuel to the fire. Mas lalo lang nanginit ang aking katawan at binilisan ang aking galaw sa ibabaw nito.

"Tell me you miss this, Doll. Tell me," I leaned toward to her to whispered at her ears. "Because I fucking did. Every single night," I whispered seductively to her.

"I do, Steven. You don't know just how hard it is for me to keep myself from doing this with you," She struggles to respond. She's out of breath, and I can still hear her soft sighs. I felt her embrace me, and her long nails lightly scratched my back due to the pleasure I made her feel.

"Don't hold back now, Doll. I'm all yours. All night."

I curse softly as she met my thrusts. The slow pace had now been replaced with quick, intense thrusts. That's what she wanted, so I gave it to her. My right hand was busy massaging her little nub while thrusting at her. While my left hand started to play with her mounds and her rosy nipples.

"It feels great," she softly murmured to me, almost as if she were running out of breath. "Faster, please."

I leaned down and kissed her passionately again. My thrusts on top of her became faster as I felt myself nearing. I also knew she was feeling the same because I felt her tightening.

I still heard the faint crack of the bed, but I just ignored it. If it breaks, I can buy a new one. I can even buy five if they want.

It hurts, but it feels so good.

"Steven!"

"Shh," I whispered.

I covered her mouth because she suddenly screamed. She involuntarily held onto my hand, covering her mouth. I removed it when I noticed her body trembling from the pleasure she felt.

Her body was shaking as I released inside her. She was catching her breath while looking at me. Her forehead was sweaty, so I wiped it. I lay down beside her and hugged her from behind.

"It feels great, Steven," she whispered. Hinarapan niya ako at hinaplos ang aking panga. "I miss doing this with you."

I did not speak and just gently stroked her face. She was sweating but still smiling. She was curled against me, and I could still feel her thighs trembling from what we did.

Am I being too rough? Sinunod ko naman ang gusto niya kaya binigay ko.

"Does it hurt?" nagaalala kong tanong sa kanya. "I'm sorry—"

"It's okay, Steven. Don't worry, I like it,"she replied while smiling at me sweetly.

I sighed and touched her cheek with my thumb. "But your legs are shaking."

Mahina siyang natawa at mabilis na hinalikan ang akong labi. "Because you're so good, that's why my legs are shaking."

I chuckled and shook my head. I kissed her again, and she responded. She's now struggling to keep up with my movements as our tongues play against each other's. The kisses we shared were too hot and addictive.

I do not know how long it lasted, but we eventually had sex again. I'm also not sure how many times we've done things as if we were making the most of each other because it's been a long time since something like this happened between us.

In the morning, I heard loud crying while I was in the bathroom. I rushed outside and saw Lilianna on my bed, crying while carrying a black box.

Shit! Did she see it!?

"What happened, doll?" I asked when I got closer to her.

"What is this?" she asked while sobbing. She showed me the black box. She opened it, revealing the Eternity Halo Solitaire Ring that I bought from Swarovski. "Sa akin ba 'to? Are you going to propose to me?"

I sighed and took the ring box from her. She was only covered with a blanket, her naked body, and she looked down at me as I slowly knelt.

Hindi ko natago ng maayos ang box ng singsing at doon niya pa nakita sa ibabaw ng lamesa. Ang akala ko ay naipasok ko na 'yon sa drawer.  It was an epic fail because I didn't expect her to find out so soon. I plan to propose to her tomorrow because that date was our monthsary back then.

"I don't have a choice but to say this. I should have proposed tomorrow because that day was our monthsary back then, but it seems like I might have to do it earlier," I chuckled softly at what I said while kneeling in front of her. I opened the ring box again in front of her.

"I know I made a big mistake with you, and I'm willing to make it right. I promise to be honest with you, Doll. I only see you as my wife and the mother of our future children. I want to grow old with you and no one else. This is what I promised myself and to you. I will only marry you. You will be the only mother to our triplets and no one else," I said to her seriously, tears welling up in my eyes.

"This ring has been with me for a long time. I bought it a long time ago because I knew you would be my wife, and I wasn't wrong."

"Steven! Pinapaiyak mo ako," she was crying with a smile on her lips as she looked at me.

"Lilianna Sia Abella or soon to be Mrs. Donovan, will you marry me?" My voice was trembling as I waited for her response."

Before she could respond, she broke down in tears. She gave me a short nod before giving me a tight hug. As soon as I heard her reply, I started crying.

"Yes, Steven. I'll marry you. I'll marry you!"

THE END