Chapter 23

"Are you nuts? Bakit mo hinayaang umalis?" Mom's voice thundered inside the penthouse when I told her that Dianara, left.

I can't even talk to tell her the reason why she left. "We had an argument—"

"You're stupid! Hindi kita pinalaking ganyan, Zihyun Jaire..." Dad tried to calm her down but Mommy just couldn't. "Mas malala ka pa kay Zhaffiro ha! Ano bang nangyayari sa inyong mag kapatid at nagiging loko-loko kayo? Take note, kahapon si Zhaffiro, ngayon naman ikaw?!"

"Hon, calm down." Dad's voice was soft as he tried to calm mommy down, again. "Baka nagkatampuhan lang—"

"Isa ka pa! Kung gawin ko rin kaya sayo yung ginawa ni Dianara sa anak mo? Matutuwa ka ba na iiwan kita? Wag mo kong simulan, ha! " 

" I'll shut up now. " 

" Mom, I promise, I'll find her." I tried to convince Mommy and I huffed a breath when she nodded slowly.

"Kapag hindi mo pa mahahanap si Dianara after one month, itatakwil kita bilang anak ko. " She threatened me.

"Hon, that's too much! " Dad suddenly spoke.

Mom glared at him, "You know how much I like Dianara to be my daughter-in-law so don't you dare, meddle with my decision about this. " 

" I know. But, taking Zihyun's inheritance away, is—" Dad's words were cutted when Mom walked out. His gaze turned to me. " Your wife is with the Hidalgos. The private investigator I hired will call you, any minute. And fix your problem with Dianara, I want her to be one of our family too. " 

Dad followed Mom outside and I stood there, stunned  because of what I heard from Dad.

Dad's right. The private investigator he hired called me minutes after they left. He told me everything about Dianara's profile and that's the time I knew that she's a Hidalgo. Ilang buwan lang din ang nakalipas nang malaman niya 'yon. I regret not listening to her.

I was jealous of nothing. Rafael is her twin. Why didn't I notice their similarities? Their gray eyes are similar and I didn't even notice that.

"I can't wait for our vacation, tomorrow." Arielle's voice filled my ears when we're once in the pool area with my other cousins.

The whole family planned an outing. I wasn't planning to go but Aniah wants me there. I can't say no, alright.

"Seah, sa mababaw ka lang hindi ka pa man din marunong lumangoy." Kalvin yelled when Casseah joined Arielle and Janine on the pool.

"How can I learn when you keep saying 'no' when I want to take a swimming lesson, huh?!" Casseah shouted, annoyed by his brother's warning. 

"Aw, my lil' sis, we both know the real reason why you're not allowed to take a swimming lesson," Kalvin scoffed.

"Really Kuya? I already told you that Daniel is just my friend, nothing more, nothing less." 

"That boy obviously likes you, Seah. Kapag niligawan ka ng gagong yon susunugin ko ang pinagmamayabang niyang Ferrari." 

"You're so mean." Casseah shouted back.

I stood up from my seat and walked out from the pool area. I couldn't take their petty arguments. Well, I kinda side with Kalvin's reason, if Aniah has a suitor in the future, I would do the same. 

"I can sleep beside Rafa-" Dianara's soft voice filled my ears as I entered the lobby with my family.

"You can sleep in my room, Dianara Hidalgo." I cutted her and I saw how stunned she was after hearing my voice behind her. 

"Zihyun." She whispered my name but I heard it. Unti-unti niya akong hinarap matapos iyon. Our eyes met and I bet she's nervous.

I can easily read her emotions through her eyes. She may lie sometimes but one look into her eyes, I know what she feels already.

"Long time no see, Astrielle!" Dianara's mom greeted Tita Astrielle, probably they noticed my presence behind me.

"Oh, the Hidalgo's are here too?" I heard Tita Callista's playful voice but I know she's irritated just by seeing the Hidalgos.

They're our greatest enemy when it comes to business. Hidalgo was one of our family friends before, but they cutted connections with our family because of what Alana's Dad did to our family.

Hindi naman naging parte sa pagnanakaw ng Tatay ni Alana ang mga magulang ng asawa ko. Maybe, Dianara's parents were ashamed of what their relative's wrong doings.

I watched Dianara's movement. She's obviously nervous.

"How are you,Callista?" Her Mom greeted Tita Callista too, but I remained my gaze on Dianara.

"Still gorgeous, how 'bout you, Reign?" 

"Likewise." 

I was surprised when Aniah suddenly came into the scene and she's currently hugging Dianara's waist. Kahit kailan hindi ako nagselos sa kapatid ko, ngayon lang.

I heard some of the people around us gasping.

"I visited Kuya Zihyun's penthouse but you were not there anymore. What happened, Ate Pretty? Nag fight ba kayo ni Kuya Hyunie?" 

Kahit ako nagulat sa prangkang tanong ng kapatid ko at siguradong pati ang pamilya ng asawa ko ay ganoon din, I can ever hear my Aunt's dramatic gasped.

"U-uh..." My wife's voice trembled. My heart raced when her gray eyes looked at me as if she's asking help to get my sister away from her. I squatted in front of her and took Aniah away from Dianara before I stood up again.

"What's the meaning of this,Dianara?" Ralph Hidalgo's voice thundered in the whole lobby but it didn't even flinch a bit.

"If you're mad, you can punch my son, he deserves it.", My mom suddenly said.

She's really mad because of what I did to her favorite daughter-in-law. Huh!

"Tell me Ate, anong ginawa sayo ng Zihyun na yan?" Rafael whispered to Dianara but I can still hear it because of our small distance.

"At ikaw Tamara,bakit narito ka at kasama ang pamilyang ito?" Tita Aya's voice is obviously irritated. Mabuti nalang hindi sumama ang mga pinsan ko dito. Hindi sila tumuloy dahil change of plans daw.

"Aya, stop!" Tita Aya's husband spoke.

Dianara's eyes were watching the people behind me. 

Damn it, look at me. 

Sa 'kin mo ituon ang atensyon mo, love.

"Diana, let's go!" My wife's dad spoke again with his authoritative voice.

They left the lobby quietly. 

"Who's Dianara? At bakit kilala ni Aniah yon? Kaano-ano siya nang pamilyang yon, Zihyun?" Tanong ni Tita Astrielle kaya naman ay nabaling ang tingin nila sa'kin.

"She's part of our family, isn't she gorgeous? Those eyes, those soft features—"

"Ate Zianna?! You knew that Dianara girl? How?" Tita Callista asked.

" And what part of our family? She's obviously a Hidalgo, paano natin naging kapamilya iyon?" Tita Aya asked too, hindi man lang pinasagot muna si Mommy na mukhang excited na ikwento lahat.

"Let's talk about her later, what about dinner time?" My Mom said.

"Fine! I'm tired na rin kasi, and tatawagan ko rin si Kuya Terron mamaya para isumbong na kasama ni Mara ang 

pamilyang yon," ani Tita Aya.

Isa-isa nilang nilisan ang lobby at nag paiwan naman ako matapos pasabayin si Aniah sa kanila. Lumabas din ako kalaunan at naisipan na maglakad-lakad sa dalampasigan para makapag-isip kung paano ko makakausap si Dianara.

After almost one hour of walking, I decided to rest in one of the lounge chairs under the big umbrella. I was watching the calm waves when suddenly Dianara's dad came into the view with Rafael behind him.

They're both standing in front of me, so I immediately stood up and bowed to give respect. "Good afternoon, Sir."

"Hmm..ikaw ba ang dahilan kung bakit mugto ang mata ng anak ko noong dumating siya sa bahay dala ang mga gamit niya?" He asked and I nodded, guilty.

I made my wife cry, should I punish myself now?

"Can I punch you?" Rafael asked as if he's asking about borrowing my car key.

"We got a permission from your mother, but we want to know if we can punch you. Don't worry, just two punches and were done. Baka umiyak pa iyong anak ko kapag makita niya na duguan ka," Dianara's dad, explained like he's hosting a game show and telling me the mechanics about the fvcking game.

"You can—'' I haven't finished my sentence yet when Rafael attacked and punched my right jaw. Dianara's dad punched my right jaw after Rafael. 

Should I be thankful that they didn't punch my eye? Damn.

"What's your relationship with my daughter?" Dianara's dad asked after punching me.

"We're married, Sir."

" What the f*ck?" Rafael cursed under his breath.

"Do you love her?" Sir Ralph, asked.

"Yes, Sir." I answered without even blinking.

"I see...ngayon ko lang nakasama ang anak ko na yon pero may lokong nakabingwit agad sa kanya, tsk." He shook his head. "Anong plano mo para sa inyong dalawa?"

"I want us to get married, in the church this time. I bought a house for our future family... I'll make it up to her, I'll be a good husband to her. I won't promise that I won't make her cry but i'll try my best to make it up to her, always.''

After talking to Dianara's dad, he allowed me to talk to her daughter already. Ilang beses akong kumatok sa kwarto niya pero walang sumagot. Her sister came...if my memory is right, her name is Rylana. Her sister got the intimidating look from their father, while Dianara got this soft and angelic look from their mother.

''Why are you here, sir?'' Dianara's sister asked in a serious voice.

''I'm your sister's husband.'' I said.

Namaywang siya at pinagtasan ako ng kilay. She's trying to intimidate me,really? I wanted to scoff so bad but I didn't.

She sighed, " Fine! But, I think she's inside the shower or she's sleeping—"

"It's fine, I can wait here," I said and she just smirked before twisting the door knob and pushed it to open. 

"Here you can wait inside," She smiled. "Treat my Ate, right or I will sue you," She threatened me before walking away. 

Napailing naman ako at akmang papasok na sa loob pero napahinto ako nang mamataan ang magulang ni Dianara na naglalakad papalapit sa 'kin.

"She's inside?" Dianara's mother asked while smiling. 

"Yes, ma'am." I answered.

"Momma!" A little girl ran towards Mrs. Hidalgo. I guess she's the youngest.

"What is it?" I can see how Mrs. Hidalgo's eyes twinkled after hearing her daughter's voice.

The little girl whispered something to Mrs. Hidalgo and as I watched them Dianara's dad suddenly tapped my shoulder to get my attention.

"I know you love kids so much but give my daughter a proper wedding first before giving us a grandchild, boy." He's smirking while saying that. "But, it's good to have a grandchild before the wedding, though. It's up to the both of you, I won't meddle anymore."

"It depends on Dianara, Sir." I said, honestly.

He nodded, "I have four children and the two of them are in love already. I'm just letting them since they're old enough to decide for themselves. So, if my daughter, Dianara, is happy to be with you, then I'll just suck it up—"

"Stop being a dramatic j*rk, sweetie." Mrs. Hidalgo cutted her husband, Mrs. Hidalgo smiled at me before dragging Mr. Hidalgo away with their youngest child.

Napailing nalang ako bago tuluyang pumasok sa kwarto na inaakupa nila Dianara.

The room is quiet. I tried looking for her inside the main bedroom but she's not there. Napatingin ako sa pintuan ng banyo at kunot ang noo na lumapit doon at kumatok. 

"Love?"  I can't hear anything so I tried to twist the door knob and surprisingly it's not locked. 

Pagpasok ko sa loob ng banyo ay agad na bumungad sa 'kin ang asawa ko na kasalukuyang natutulog sa bathtub. 

I was about to step outside knowing that she's not wearing her clothes but when I saw her that she's still wearing her clothes I slowly walked towards her. 

She's sleeping peacefully and I don't want to distrub her but her lips are already pale. I carried her carefully. 

Taming Dianara wasn't easy...she may act like we're cool everytime I'm with her but I know that she's still doubting me. 

"I'm sorry..." I apologized to her one day when we're in Marikina for a Fun Race. 

Her expression was blank but her eyes showed otherwise. 

"Galit pa rin ako sayo," She whispered. "Pero wala na rin namang magagawa ang 'sorry' mo kasi nangyari na..." bumagsak ang mga luha na pinipigilan niya kanina pa, she wiped it and tried to smile. "...But, g-give me time to heal and trust you again."

"It's okay...I can wait until you're okay, love—"

Napahinto ako sa paglayo sa kanya nang magsalubong ang kilay niya, "Bakit ka lumalayo?" Her voice suddenly changed, from a sobbing voice to an authoritative voice.

"You said you want me to give you time to heal—" Ipinilig ko ang ulo ko, naguguluhan na sa sinabi niya kanina.

"Oo, pero hindi ibig sabihin no'n na layuan mo ko," Naglakad siya palapit sa'kin at hinila ako palapit sa bleachers. Damn, my wife is so bossy. 

"I thought you wanted me to give you time—" She made me sit in the bleachers before sitting on my lap, sideways. 

She leaned her head on my chest before hugging my nape. "Sabi mo babawi ka?" She asked and I nodded while caressing her hair. "Bakit kaya ang rupok ko pagdating sa 'yo?"

"I don't know either." Wika ko kahit na alam ko naman na pareho kami ng iniisip kung bakit.

I heard her chuckled and when she stopped, silence filled the atmosphere but later on, I broke the silence.

"What's your plan for tomorrow?" I asked her.

"Hmm, maghahanap ako ng condominium na malapit lang sa resto na pinapatayo ko, bakit?" 

"Can I come with you, though?!"

 F*ck, I sound like a poor child while asking her if I can come. The h*ck?!

She giggled before nodding, "Okay!" 

I couldn't sleep after that...when I told her dad that I bought a house, it's true. But, I don't know how to tell her that. I know how practical she is when it comes to living. She didn't grow up with a fancy life like her other siblings.

When I took her to our house in LAU Residence she was amazed and that kinda relieved my nervous ass.

"Hindi ko afford ang ganitong buhay—" Before she could complete her sentence I cutted her words.

"You can, now." I said, seriously.

"Tingin mo gagastos ako para lang magkaroon ng malaking bahay? Tsaka nasasayangan ako sa pera na gagamitin, mas gugustuhin ko pang i-donate ang mga kinikita 'ko at ang iba ay gagamitin 'ko para sa investment, mas gusto ko pa nga ang tumira sa simpleng bahay lang basta malapit sa dalampasigan. Para sa tuwing gigising ako, isang magandang tanawin agad ang makikita 'ko." I'm amazed at how she wants a simple life even though her family owns a big company. "N-nasabi sa akin ng Mommy mo na...ikaw ang may-ari ng bahay na nasa tapat lang ng bahay nila ah!? Ang dami namang bahay."

I chuckled, "Mas mabuti ng handa ako para sa future." 

"Huh?"

"Pero kung gusto mo naman pala magkaroon ng beach house. . . sabihin mo lang, sasamahan pa kitang mamili ng lugar o isla." I smirked after telling her that.

She wants to have a beach house...I should purchase an Island for us, as soon as possible.

_

"You okay?" I asked her when I heard Dianara's sobbed as I hugged her from behind. 

We're inside the guest room in our house, we just finished our love making and it's fvckin' memorable 'coz it's Dianara. 

"Ang sakit ng katawan ko," I stopped myself from laughing because I knew better that even though her body is sore, she can still throw a punch on my face.

"I love you!" I said before kissing her temple. I tightened my embrace on her bare waist and kissed her nape. 

"Isa, Zihyun." Dianara's voice became serious when I kissed her earlobe. 

I chuckled and stopped kissing her. "Let's live together now, love." I said.

I didn't get an answer from her and I immediately understood it. My wife fell asleep. She's that tired.

_

"I logged in my Instagram account on your phone, para kapag nahiya ka ulit na i-post ang litrato nating dalawa, pwede mong gamitin ang account ko. Magkukunwari na lang ako na hindi ko alam na ikaw 'yon." I informed her, one day when she finally met my cousins.

Hinampas niya ang braso ko matapos marinig iyon, "Ang kapal mo naman! Gusto mo i-post ko pa iyong nag da-drive ka para manahimik ka na." She exclaimed.

I laughed, "Then do it, love. I'm waiting." I challenged her.

"Story lang pala," She crossed her arms below her chest and eyed me, "Gusto ko yung mga pinopost ko sa feed ko is puro mukha ng magiging anak natin."

I was stunned after hearing that...my mind couldn't process it but when Dianara spoke again, I immediately cutted her off.

"I mean—"

"So, you want a child, huh?" I whispered before hugging her waist, this is my favorite position whenever I'm hugging her. 

"O-oo." She said, defeated. 

We've been making love almost every night when she's sleeping in our house. And everyday, I'm observing her silently. 

I noticed how her mood quickly changes. 

"Mom!" I called mommy as I entered the garden. She's busy picking flowers and giving them to Aniah. It's one of their bonding.

Her smile widened when she saw me walking towards her. 

"Naparito ka? Where's Dianara?" 

And of course, she won't forget her favorite daughter-in-law, "She's busy for our house furnitures,"

"You silly, why did you leave her alone?"

"Of course I didn't leave her alone in our house. She's with her siblings, and I came here to ask you something..." I massaged the bridge of my nose.

"What is it?" Mommy became more attentive.

"Can you tell me some symptoms—"

"What symptoms? Are you sick? Are you dying? Is it pernicious?" She's starting to exaggerate.

"I want to know the symptoms if a woman is pregnant, mommy."  I said, seriously.

She stilled while her eyes are wide open. "W-what?!"

"A symptoms of pregnancy—"

"Oh my god!" She shrieked. "Tell me, son. Is Dianara, pregnant? Please say, yes. Damn you, you should've bring her to an OB-gyne for a check up—"

"I'm still not sure, mom. Calm down. It's just a speculation since she's been moody these past few days, you know." I said.

She told me the symptoms of pregnancy and after memorizing all of it I observed Dianara each day.

Dianara doesn't want to visit a doctor for a check up and I can't force her since Mommy said I should be careful because pregnant women are sensitive.

I'm freaking sure that Dianara is pregnant. When I watched her eating the seafood we ordered I felt happy. She even forgot to feed me after a minute 'coz she's busy eating. 

When I fetch her to come with me to my work she said that she's sleepy. Mom told me that pregnant women sleep a lot. 

I even carried her from the car to my office. She's really tired and sleepy. My poor baby!

It gave me a mini heart attack when she was about to jump to get away. F*ck! It was f*cking dangerous.

Damn it.

"Love," I tried to get Dianara's attention while playing with her fingers as we waited for our breakfast.

"Hmm?" She hummed, softly.

"Will you marry me?" 

She sat properly with wide eyes.

"Really, Zihyun?" She almost 

Itinagilid ko ang ulo ko habang kunot ang noo, "You don't want us to get married?" 

"Kasal na tayo." 

"Yeah?!" I scoffed. "But, I want you to experience getting married in the church, love. Don't you want that?"

"Siyempre gusto..."

"Do you want a grand wedding, love? I can give you that kind of wedding," I said. I didn't mean to be boastful but it still sounds like that.

" Aanhin mo 'yang grand wedding kung hindi kita sisiputin?" 

I stilled after hearing her question. "W-what?" 

"Paano kapag hindi kita siputin?" 

My jaw dropped after hearing it again, "But you love me, right?"

I don't care if I sound desperate, d*mn it. I want to hear her saying I love you ,

"Huh? Kailan ko sinabi yon?" 

"Yesterday. 'Yong caption mo sa picture ko kahapon, don't tell me, that you're just kidding?!" 

Malakas siyang tunawa at naguguluhan na tingin ang iginawad ko sa kanya. She smiled after laughing, "I'm kidding." she said.

She's kidding? What? Fvck! She's just kidding about the caption on her post yesterday? 

"You don't love me?" 

"Pakuha ng phone ko, please…" She said and as a good husband, I grabbed her bag from the coffee table and gave it to her.

I looked at her with a questioning look but she just ignored me like it's nothing. I watch whatever she's doing. 

She gave me a pouch which made me more curious. 

"What's with this pouch, love? Answer my question, first. I'm sweating bullets here, " I sounded dramatic, now. Damn it.

"Just open it."  Utos niya pa. 

Binalingan ko siya bago ibinaba ang tingin sa pouch at binuksan iyon. Kunot ang noo na kinuha ko ang panyo na nasa loob no'n.

"What's—" I didn't finish my sentence when I felt something inside the handkerchief. Pinagpag ko iyon at agad na sinalo ang puting bagay na muntik nang mahulog.

I froze when the white thing I'm holding is very familiar to me. The first time I saw this thing was when Mommy confirmed that she's pregnant with Aniah.

And I can still remember what she told me that time...two red lines means Positive. And this one has two red lines, too.

"W-what the f*ck?!" I cursed when I realized all of it. 

"Huwag magmumura, maririnig ni baby—" 

I hugged her and buried my face on her shoulder. "I'm so happy! Thank you. I love you so much! I love you!" I whispered and kissed her nape.

"I love you, baby!" My hug tightened after hearing the three words that I would love to hear from her. Only her!

"I'm gonna be a father," My voice broke, "D*mn. I can't believe it. I'm so happy. I love you!" I almost exclaimed.

God knows how happy I am knowing that my wife is pregnant with our first child and it's also the first time I heard her saying 'I love you' to me. 

"I'm gonna be a father."