ISMAEL'S P.O.V.

Jothea and I decided to go to the reception together after we cried for a long time while exchanging our vows. We are holding hands, and I realized my dream had finally come true.

"What if we don't go to the reception?" she playfully asked. We got into the limousine, and I couldn't help but smile because of her sudden question.

"We need to go there, my love. At least to show how grateful we are for them coming to our special day."

"Well, you have a point." She nodded. I guess I actually got what I wanted on my birthday last year. Now, I have brought home a beautiful piece of art that I can stare at up close for my lifetime.

She rested her head on top of mine. My heart was pounding so loudly that she must have heard it. Who wouldn't be? After all, she's now officially mine. Waiting three years to have her did not go in vain.

"Aren't you going to ask how I was when you were gone?" she asked, while her head was still resting on my chest. "Sabagay, you definitely know where I am."

She knows me well. That morning she left, I tried my best to stop myself from going to her so I could respect her decision to give her time, but I couldn't be at ease if I couldn't look at her for even one day. Considering the multiple times she's been in danger because she's away from me, I can't let her just go away from me like that. I just found myself hiding, even in disguise, so she wouldn't notice I was following her.

"Nope, my love. I didn't know. How have you been?"

She smiled after raising her eyes to meet mine. "You're lying. You know where I am, Ismael. Because if not, paano ako matutunton ng mga kapatid mo?"

Okay, she got me.

"And even Danjer himself was there. How come I never noticed?"

I chuckled. "Because he's good at hiding."

"Parang ikaw," she answered. She knew me so well.

"Did you miss me?" I changed the conversation.

"Of course I did. If not, will I run to you? How about you? Did you miss me?"

"All the time, Jothea. Even now that you're finally here with me, I feel like I'm missing you more. If I could just tuck you in my skin, I will."

She grasped my hand, feeling the ring she had placed on my finger earlier. She clasped our hands and kept staring at our rings. As if she were still in disbelief of what just happened earlier. It is November 15th, our first anniversary, yet it will remain memorable because we will celebrate it every year for our wedding.

I stole a quick peek at her stunning face. "Let's go to Switzerland after tomorrow." My invitation drew her attention to me.

"For a honeymoon? But—" She reached down and put my hand on her belly. "Can we go there after Cal is born?"

A smile slipped my lips. "I understand." Exactly so. It kept running through my head that I should have postponed the wedding, just like she said earlier, until our first baby was born so we could go right into our honeymoon after, but it is what it is. Just two more months, and we can actually do what we want. Time flies so fast, so I shouldn't be worried.

We made it to the reception venue. It took place in a magnificent hall near the city where our mansion is located. Everyone greeted us with warm smiles and embraces. What relieved me even more was seeing how joyfully they were applauding my wife as well.

Isa and Danjer were there together with the rest of my nine siblings, Guian, Dakes, Veo, Cael, Leonne, Kaei, Verlee, Miel, and Vino, who welcomed us with an embrace. I introduced them one by one to my lovely wife.

"Congratulations on your wedding," they greeted one by one.

"Ang ganda naman ng napangasawa mo, kuya!" They even patted me on the shoulder. "Anong gayuma ang pinainom mo sa kaniya para patulan ang gurang na katulad mo?"

"Hotdog," Jothea said with a mischievous grin, which shocked me. What she said made my brothers laugh even harder. God dammit. She always teases me.

"Pinakain pala!

"I like her attitude, Kuya!" They commented. "Mukhang makakarami talaga kayo!"

"What if umuwi na kayo para nakakapagsimula na?" Danjer bantered.

"Tanga. May laman na nga, eh."

"Oh, right! Hindi kasi halata!"

I shut my eyes in disbelief. I remember that this is the reason why I don't go to them, even if I have the chance.

"Mga bolero! Manang-mana kayo sa kuya niyo!" Jothea yelled as if she were pleased to see me being bullied by my younger brothers.

Smiling was the only thing I could muster. Her exceptional social skills were a complete surprise to me; all I knew was that she was an introvert. To my relief, they appear to get along swimmingly with my brothers.

Jothea eventually told me that she was planning to see her family, notably Joth, as they still hadn't been able to communicate. She promised to extend her greetings and gratitude to her best friend, Savannah, as well as her coworkers.

I bid my farewell to my brothers and sister and went to the corner where Mr. Tory was, but before I finally faced him, I noticed Mrs. Estanislao, so I greeted her first. She beamed while holding my hand.

"Congratulations, my son. Sabi na nga ba't siya ang mapapangasawa mo. I still remember seeing you staring at her when she was a baby," she implied.

"That look has no meaning, nay. I was just worried about what I heard from her parents at that time, and I instantly felt I wanted to protect her."

She grasped my arm. "I know, son. You were just seven years old at the time. You can't possibly develop romantic feelings for a newborn. Perhaps that was the first instance that the red strings were tied to the two of you, though."

I don't believe in such things, but knowing what happened to us, maybe it's my perseverance after all. When I saw her at eighteen, I never realized she was the same girl I had seen when I was seven years old. It wasn't until I told Mr. Tory about the situation that I instructed him to closely monitor her to determine if she was pregnant. Slowly, I find myself starting to believe that fate may have played a role in making me feel convinced that she is the one for me and that she is everything I have ever desired.

From where we stood, we both watched Jothea. I don't understand why seeing her at the hospital when she was a baby became such an ingrained memory, yet it felt like it happened only yesterday.

"Truly, I'm happy for you, Ismael."

I gave her a little nod, thanked her, and embraced her warmly. Like a mother, she looked after me for a long time. "Thank you so much, Mrs. Estanislao, nay."

"Magpakaligaya kayo," she remarked before she released me. She added, "Para hindi na pusa ang aalagaan ko kung hindi mga apo," before she departed from me.

I just smiled. I saw Mr. Tory, who seems to have been waiting to talk to me; that's why I finally went to him. We sneaked out the back door to have a private conversation.

"What happened?" I inquired.

"Raviel killed himself, sir, while Roxsielle was brought to the mental hospital," he stated, which gave me a complete cold shiver.

After hearing the news, I felt resentful. I cannot deny the fact that I was one of the reasons for their predicament. I was the one who instructed Mr. Tory to remove any parts of Raviel that had come into contact with my woman, despite my warnings.

"I see," I said defeatedly. "We will cover all of Roxsielle's medical expenses, including her secret medication, and keep it a secret from the clan. Ensure she returns to jail to prevent further disturbances to Jothea.

He nods. "I understand, sir. Also, about Zarate's family, it was confirmed that Raviel killed them both by setting the fire on their house to immediately inherit the wealth of his parents, who adopted him."

There was a sigh from me. For a man, he's terrifying. I understand why Jothea was so scared of him that she had to deal with horrible nightmares every night. "How did he kill himself again?" I asked.

"He banged his head on the wall multiple times."

I shook my head in dismay. I never knew that my former student would turn out like this. Revenge doesn't really do any good for people.

"Also, about your grandfather's service last year 2008 as mayor of Laranez, I discovered something substantial."

"What is it?"

"It wasn't Miss Alvandra's doing that caused the fire in the village."

I scowled. "What do you mean?"

"Two children, a boy and a girl, were responsible for starting the fire, according to secret documents found in your grandfather's possession and eyewitnesses from the community who could attest to the truth. Rumor has it that the boy was so possessive that he was devastated to learn that he had a half-sister, and the other girl felt similarly betrayed because she had imagined she would be the only child in her family. In an effort to keep their parents from leaving the house, they locked them before setting the fire in their house."

I gasped in disbelief. I don't want to ask anymore because Mr. Tory's description makes me think I know who he's talking about.

"Your grandfather was really shocked by what happened and did everything to cover it up," he added.

Just as I was going to speak, my name was called. "Ismael? Mr. Tory? What are you doing here? What are you talking about?"

I shifted my gaze to Jothea. "Nothing, my love; it was just about the presidency tomorrow." By her waist, I grasped her. "Let's go inside."

"Sandali, tapos na ba kayong mag-usap ni Mr. Tory?"

"Yes, we are. Don't worry about it. How's it going? Have you talked to your friends yet?"

"I did. Let's go. Let's eat first. Nagugutom na ako at ang anak natin."

"Sure, my love." I kissed the side of her temple.

Time flew by, and I can't get the hang of it. Especially on days when I have to leave to take care of the clan and attend to their individual issues and problems. When they battle and squat about the land and property, as if their greed is taking them anywhere, I simply shut my eyes. Thanks to the availability of all clan titles and final wills and testaments in the father's possession, which detail the distribution of clan property upon death, any disagreements can be swiftly settled.

It's just tiring.

I rested for a while in the living room of a distant relative of ours, whose problem had been settled because of my mediation. I reached for my phone to contact my lovely wife. It's nine o'clock in the morning. She's probably wide awake.

I sighed. Why do I even have to be out the door at five in the morning? I even outperformed a professor. I never woke up that early to attend class before.

To: My tiny little thing

Good morning, my love. Did you receive the flowers I prepared?

-

Her prompt response made me smile like an idiot. Like a schoolboy trying to win over his crush, I feel embarrassed.

From: My tiny little thing

Yes, Ismael! Thank you so much for the daisies! Anyway, how are you? Did you sleep well last night? I'm sorry, I didn't wake up early enough to make you coffee. I slept too well.

-

To: My tiny little thing

Put it out of your mind. Now that you're carrying our child, you'll require extra rest. How are you? Has your morning sickness returned?

-

From: My tiny little thing

Yes, pero saglit na lang. Nasasanay na ako. Kumusta ka d'yan? Miss na kita. 🥺

-

I was stunned to see the little emoji she put up. So, there is such a thing. I covered my mouth as I inhaled. We never got into this kind of texting before. Nobody told me that this was too endearing.

To: My tiny little thing

I'm sorry if I get so busy with my duties. I promise you, I will make time for you. I miss you also, my love. Can you send me a picture of you so I can be strong?

-

I never thought that I would be this demanding.

From: My tiny little thing

What kind of picture?

-

I was about to type to reply when I received another message from her.

From: My tiny little thing

Like this?

-

I felt the blood drip from my nose when I saw the picture she sent. I was just asking for a picture of her face and her tummy. Why would she send me this? Such a tease.

I should change her name in my contacts now since she's not tiny anymore. I can't wait to go home and suck those.

Damn it. I still have lots to do. I should settle everything early so I can see my beautiful wife, who's patiently waiting for me. 

*****

"Happy birthday, love!" My wife greeted me enthusiastically when I arrived at our residences. It was past midnight. I felt guilty that I came home late because of piles of work with the clan and with my businesses.

I dropped my briefcase at the mansion's entrance and welcomed her with a hug. I sniffed her scent like it was a relieving medicine to alleviate my weariness from a long day of work. God, I miss her so much.

"I miss you," I murmured. She loosened from my embrace to meet my expressive gaze.

"I know, but we can't. Don't worry, isang buwan na lang naman." I felt her gentle touch on my face. I long for her. "Kumain ka na? I prepared some food for you and also a cake."

My face lit up with joy. "Not yet, my love." I caressed her big tummy as I kneeled down. I placed my ear on top of it to listen to our baby. I have been doing this for a while now, and it's hard not to get overly emotional whenever I think of Cal growing inside her and then holding him in our arms in just one month.

"I love you, my son." I kissed my wife's stomach before standing up again to kiss the lips of the woman I love. "I love you, my love."

"I love you too, Ismael."

I escorted her to the dining room, where the food was ready for me. A big smile spread across my face in an instant. I felt my exhaustion fading away even more.

"Thank you for preparing this."

"They helped me," she remarked, referring to our helpers. "They say ngayon ka na lang daw nila ulit mapaghahandaan dahil hindi ka naman daw dito nagse-celebrate ng birthday mo."

"Right, I have never celebrated my birthday since I left this house. Last year na lang ulit pati ngayon," wika ko.

"Don't worry, we'll celebrate your birthday every year, Ismael. I won't get tired of preparing something like this."

*****

A month had passed without me realizing it. I was drowning in work. Good thing Danjer was helping me a bit. And because of that, I came up with the idea to create a council.

"Ahhh!!!"

The first thing that struck me when I set foot in our mansion was the deafening screech. It was three in the afternoon. Someone had previously offered to help me take care of the whole clan, so I was able to come home early. I only have to travel once for a couple of hours to meet them for an assembly and discuss everything in one sitting. I even beat the president of the Philippines, who has his own administration.

"Hindi ko iiiri 'to hangga't wala si Ismael! Ahhhh!"

I bolted for the living room as soon as I heard the scream. It was my wife now on the couch.

"What's happening?" My heart raced.

"Kuya! Manganganak na ata si ate Thea!" Isa replied worriedly that even I was perplexed.

"Am I seeing things? Are you panicking?" Mom asked, laughing.

"Who wouldn't?! Look at Kuya! He doesn't know what to do either!"

All I could see was that I was at a loss for what to do. I pause to get my breath, but seeing Jothea in agony makes me nervous.

"Ismael! Ahhh! It's fucking painful! Ahhh!" I hurried over to her and took her hand. What am I gonna do?

"Good Lord, call the doctor!" mom ordered.

"Alright. I will," I answered, releasing my grip on my wife's hand to retrieve my phone.

"Don't fucking let go of my hands, Ismael! I swear! Hindi ko ilalabas 'to!"

"Huh? O-okay." I clasped her hand while I tried to call a doctor. I crouched on the floor and watched her while I was still waiting for the line to be connected to our family doctor.

"Kuya, hindi naman doctor ang tinatawagan mo! Ako na nga!" Isa immediately took my phone from my hand.

I saw tears and sweat all over Jothea's face. If only I knew that she would go through this excruciating pain, I shouldn't have gotten her pregnant.

I softly touched her face as I tried to collect myself. I was never prepared for this day. No, I already prepared myself, but no one warned me that I would literally be blocked mentally when the time came.

"Ahhhhh! Ahhhhhh!" I never knew it would kill me to hear her cries of terrible pain across the living room. We never had the chance to bring her to the room to give birth there. When a female doctor arrived, she immediately helped my wife.

It is unbearable to see my wife suffering just to give birth to our child. And here I am, trying to ease her pain by just holding her hand tightly. I don't know if I'm helping. When I see her crying, my heart seems to be breaking.

"Ahhhh! Ismael! It fucking hurts!"

"I know, I know. I'm sorry." I leaned forward and kissed her delicately on the hand. "What do you want me to do, my love?"

She glanced at me wearing those pleading eyes. "Can I bite you?"

"Of course, my love. Share your pain." I extended my arm. The moment she bit me was the moment I realized and understood the pain she was in. She never bites me like this when we're having sex.

The next thing I heard was not her piercing screams but a loud cry from a baby. Tears formed in my eyes when I finally saw my son with Jothea. Happiness seems to have numbed the sting of Jothea's bites as well.

"Thank you, my love. Thank you. You did a great job. Thank you." I kissed Jothea's forehead. She's now catching her breath while her eyes are closed.

"Where's Cal?" she timidly inquired.

"He'll be with us in a moment. Take some rest for a couple of minutes. I'll bring him to you."

She nodded as she let go of my hand. Mom and Isa greeted me with a smile and said, "Congratulations, Kuya!" "Congratulations, anak." However, they first went to Jothea to greet her, rather than me.

"Where's my grandson?!" dad said when he arrived at the mansion with Aunt Veonna. Just as I was going to speak, they skipped me and went right to Jothea to greet her. As I watched them, I found myself unable to control my emotions. They really adore my wife.

"Sir, your little one. I cleaned him up already," said the doctor before handing Cal to me. My pulse raced faster when I saw my very handsome son.

I can't stop crying. "Congratulations, sir, and to your family. Your wife gave birth to a healthy and handsome boy."

"Thank you. Thank you for the hard work, doctor."

I looked again at Cal, who was now in my arms. Sleeping soundly. It was just a moment ago when he started crying non-stop. I can't help but remember his mother always crying, just like him. I guess he inherited that from his mother.

"Ismael! Kailan mo balak dalhin sa akin ang anak ko?" shouted Jothea. Oh, I almost forgot it.

"The baby is ours, my love," I declared as I handed her our precious bundle of joy. A smile drew on her lips. "Thank God, he looks like you."

I placed our son on top of her. It is truly the most breathtaking sight I will ever see—her holding our baby—and no one warned me about it. It moved me to tears.

"We are now three," she stated.

"Yeah."

"Congratulations to the both of you," dad added, his smile expanding to encompass both of us.

"Yes, eleven more to go," commented Aunt Veonna.