CHAPTER FORTY | PART TWO: HIS P.O.V. 2
"Jarrex, may offer ako." Ani Shaeley isang araw na pumunta siya sa restaurant namin. Biglaan ang pagbisita niya pero natuwa pa rin sina Ate Jhea nang makita siya. I was helping Ate Jhea here at the restaurant, and suddenly, Shaeley went in. They greeted each other and talked for a few minutes before Shaeley told me that she needed to talk to me.
I eyed her confusedly. "What is it?"
"Are you free this week? Someone told me that she was looking for a good male model." She said and crossed her arms.
I sighed. "I'm sorry. My schedule is tight during these times."
She pursed her lips. "Gano'n ba? Pumayag ka na, she will pay whatever amount you want."
"I'm really sorry, but I can't." I told her again. I want to help her but I'm really busy this week. Kapag pumayag ako sa offer niya ay baka hindi ko na kayanin.
She cleared her throat. "Ay, gano'n? Sayang naman. Ikaw lang kasi ang kilala kong magaling na male model. Naku, nangako pa naman ako kay Ate Flare na hahanapan ko talaga siya ng magaling na modelo. Sayang talaga." She said dramatically and stared at me with a small smirk on her lips. Anong sinabi niya? Ang 'babaeng' 'yon ang naghahanap ng lalaking modelo? I released a heavy sigh and looked away to avoid Shaeley's teasing eyes. I can't believe this! Shaeley knew that as soon as she mentioned her sister's name, I would immediately agree! "Sayang talaga, Jarrex. Pero sa tingin ko naman, makakahanap pa ng ibang lalaking modelo si Ate. Tatanungin ko na lang siguro siya kung meron siyang naga-gwapuhang modelo at 'yon na lang---" I cut her off.
"I will do it." I said coldly. Nakaka-inis, thinking that Destiny will work with another male model is making me so damn mad.
Shaeley laughed. "Akala ko ba, busy ka?"
"Hindi naman masyado." I said coldly again. She laughed more. Matagal na natapos ang usapan namin ni Shaeley dahil mukhang hindi rin niya kayang tapusin ang pang-aasar niya sa'kin. Nakatitig lang ako sa kawalan, masama ang tingin, at salubong na salubong ang mga kilay.
I immediately prepared when the day came that Shaeley told me. I was too busy preparing so I didn't read Jhavin's message to me right away. Nabasa ko lang 'yon nang matapos ako.
Jhavin:
' Bro, I need your help. These people are chasing me. '
I raised a brow. He's a famous actor, so I think, that was normal. But I am worried, so I called him.
"Where are you? Are you alright?" I asked when he answered the call.
["Oh, yeah. I'm fine, natakasan ko naman sila."] He said. I released a heavy sigh. ["Pwede mo ba akong sunduin? Mas mabuting ikaw ang makita nilang kasama ko para hindi ma-issue dahil kapatid kita, kapag nakita nilang babae ang kasama ko, siguradong iba ang iisipin nila, alam mo naman..."] He added. My brows met. Bakit? Babae ba ang kasama niya ngayon?
"Just go home. I'm busy." I said blankly. Kung susunduin ko siya ngayon, baka ma-late na ako sa pinag-usapan namin ni Shaeley.
["What? Why are you so busy, bro? Ako nga, e, may time pa rin."] He said playfully.
"Just go home."
["Tss---"] I cut him off.
"Sino bang kasama mo?" I asked suddenly.
["Huh? Oh, I..."] He paused. ["I'm with Flare, I'm with your ex, bro."] He said. My eyes widened.
"What the f-cking f-ck, Jhavin?!" I shouted.
He laughed. ["Why are you cursing, bro?"]
"Umalis ka na diyan, baka ma-issue pa kayo." I said, annoyed.
["Oh, really--- I just want to tell you that Flare was glancing at me. She's curious, I think. Hindi pa yata 'to nakaka-move-on sa'yo."] He said teasingly. I clenched my jaw before I harshly pushed back my hair. This asshole!
"What the f-ck, Jhavin! GAGO KA!" I licked my lips as my heart pounded when I heard 'her' beautiful cursing voice.
Jhavin laughed. "And, she's cursing, Jarrex. Halikan ko kaya 'to---"
"T-ngina, Jhavin! Umuwi ka na lang!" I shouted again, pissed. He laughed more because of my words.
Jhavin didn't listen to what I said earlier, we met at the building of Destiny Flare Vallenieza's company, Jhavin was inside her office. Shaeley was smirking as if she was planning something bad, nanatili siyang gano'n kahit pa nakarating na kami sa opisina ng ate niya. Destiny was so shocked when she saw me, mukhang hindi sinabi ni Shaeley na ako ang male model na kinuha niya. We did the photoshoot in that building, when we finished, we went to a restaurant to eat. I was not in the mood because I heard her talking to her husband on the phone earlier, I was even more annoyed when a man approached our table.
Cole Daveria. That's his name. Napaka-bantot ng pangalan.
Hindi siya ang asawa, sino ba kasi ang asawa ng babaeng 'yon?
I haven't met her husband yet, but I have met her son! Her son... is in front of me... right now. The little boy that I just met feels familiar, that's why I asked him...
"What's your mom's name? Ayos lang ba sa'yong itanong ko 'yon?" I asked gently to him.
He nodded. "It's fine po. Destiny Flare Vallenieza... that's my mama's name po." Sagot niya na nagpatindig ng balahibo ko.
F-ck! She has a child!
I still had a lot to ask, but Shaeley, with her friend, suddenly came. She looks nervous and she was panicking while convincing Destiny's son to leave with her.
"Avex, umalis na tayo, nando'n ang mommy mo, kasama ang daddy mo..." Shaeley said. I stiffened. Hindi ako gumalaw, hindi ako makagalaw kahit pa nagpaalam na si Shaeley na aalis na sila. It was so painful and it got to the point where I gradually realized that we could never be together. It was so painful. I wanted to give up, but I couldn't... I love her so much.
Because of so much curiosity. I used my connection to find out who Destiny Flare's husband was. I did everything to get the information, I didn't care if I ran out of money. And f-ck! I don't f-cking know if I will be happy or angry when I find out the truth. She is not married! I felt relieved because she wasn't really married, but I was also mad because she lied to me. She made me believe that she's married.
Isinama ako ni Jhavin sa isang mall isang araw dahil magkikita sila ng girlfriend niya, isinama niya ako dahil kung sakaling may makapansin na nasa mall ang isang sikat na artista, hindi sila maghihinala dahil kasama niya ako. I left them immediately when I made sure that they were already in a safe and a private place. I was walking down the hallway of the mall when I heard something.
"Are you sure that's him, Shin?" The voice is familiar.
"Of course! Mommy showed me his picture, she also told me our father's name." The girl's voice is also familiar.
"Really? What's his name?"
"Hm... Jarrex! Jarrex Evan Alcadel." I stiffened when I heard my name. What? I am their father? Hinanap ko agad kung saan nanggagaling ang mga batang boses. Mabilis ang mga hakbang ko, takot na baka mawala ko sila. When I was already in a quiet hallway, I saw her, Destiny Flare Vallenieza, in front of her was the boy and the girl I had heard talking earlier, I was behind those kids, that's why they couldn't see me.
"Mom, Deshin knew our Dad's face and name." The little boy, named Avex, said to Destiny.
"Of course! Mom told me. Our Dad is a model, Mommy showed me a magazine, there was a picture of our father on the cover. He was also the one who gave me an ice cream before, remember? When I ran away from Tita Shaeley. Why don't you believe me? Our Dad's name and your name are almost the same." The little girl, named Deshin said. Tumindig ang balahibo ko. Naalala ko na siya nga ang batang babae na nakita ko sa park, at sinabi ni Shaeley na anak ito ng kanyang Tita, but I think... she lied.
Deshin is Destiny's daughter.
My heart started pounding fast as I gradually realized everything. My brows met and then I clenched my fists.
"Deshin told me his name earlier, Ma. Deshin said that our Dad's name is Jarrex Evan Alcadel?"
I swallowed hard. They are my...
They are my children! I am their father!
I thought that the fact that she wasn't married was the most shocking truth I knew, but I was wrong, there was something more surprising than that, and that was the fact that I was the real father of her child, of her children. They are twins! Our children are twins! Can you believe it? I had already met them, but I had no idea that they were my children. I f-cking thought that they were just strangers.
"Bakit ngayon ka lang? I've been waiting for you... f-for a long time. Dad! Why?" My son asked, crying and sobbing. Parang may bumabara sa lalamunan ko. Nanghihina at nagsisisi ako. I want to be strong in front of my kids, but I can't hide the pain.
"Shh, I'm sorry... I'm sorry, ngayon lang ako, I'm sorry..." I whispered weakly. Minutes later, my daughter slowly walked towards us. Mas lalo akong nanghina. Especially when I hugged her and she cried.
"You won't leave us again, D-Daddy, right? You were not with us before... so you s-should stay po with us now." My daughter said with her shaking voice.
"I'm sorry, I was very late... your Dad came so late." I said.
"Don't leave us again, Dad... I promise to be a good girl na po." Deshin said softly. Parang pinipiga ang puso ko nang marinig ang nagmamakaawang boses ng anak.
"I will never leave you again, I promise..." I said.
That day, I promised myself that I would never let them get away from me again. I will do everything to keep them with me. I will fix everything. We will start again. Hahayaan ko siyang magpaliwanag, at 'yon ang ginawa niya...
She left me because her mother threatened her. I understand her, she was just scared. She was scared that she would be the cause of my downfall. I felt useless because I wasn't by her side when she was crying and begging her mother. I felt even more useless when I found out that she raised our children alone, she was alone and I wasn't by her side that time. I was not by her side when she gave birth, on the twins' first birthday, while Deshin and Avex were growing up.
I wanted to be mad at her, she hid the truth from me. But I can't stay mad at her for long. I love her so much, umabot na sa puntong kaya ko siyang patawarin kahit gaano pa kalala ang ginawa niya. I can forget the pain she gave me, huwag niya lang akong iwan ulit.
"Can we add paintings here?" Destiny asked when I told her that we could add more things in my condo. I nodded. I was just listening and nodding to her suggestions. "You? What do you want?" She asked and slightly turned to me that's why our nose touched.
I chuckled as my heart pounded. She shouldn't have asked that. "Are you really asking me what I want?" I asked playfully.
She blinked. "Uh, y-yes?"
I gently kissed her cheek. "I... just want a lifetime with you..." I said sincerely and tightened my hug on her waist. "I love you..." I whispered. "I love you in this life, and I will still love you in my next, and my next, next, next life." I kissed her shoulder. "I love you... always." I stared at her as if she would suddenly disappear if I took my gaze away from her.
I love this girl... so much.
I worked hard to be successful, because I wanted to fulfill my dream. My dream. Destiny Flare Vallenieza. She was so hard to reach because she was so high. That's why I promised myself that I would work hard. I worked hard because of her, I worked hard for her. Siya ang pinaka-malaking dahilan kung bakit ako nagsumikap ng sobra. Siya ang pinaka-malaking pangarap ko.
Siya ang pangarap ko.
***
"Jarrex?" Alyssa called my name as she happily approached our table. I was with Deshin and Avex. We're here at a five-star restaurant because we followed their mom. Destiny was talking to that Cole Daveria, and I was listening to them by call. Sinabihan ko siya kanina na tatawagan ko siya at 'wag niya 'yong papatayin dahil makikinig ako sa kung ano mang pag-uusapan nila. "What are you doing here?" Alyssa asked when she was already in front of our table.
"Napadaan lang," I answered shortly. I pursed my lips when I caught the twins staring at Alyssa. Deshin is almost glaring at her.
"Is she the one you told me about, Avex?" I heard Deshin, she was whispering to her brother.
Avex frowned. "Yes, I'm sure she likes our Dad." He whispered coldly. I suddenly saw myself in him. I smirked.
"Uh..." Alyssa looked at the twins confusedly, and then she glanced at me again. Nagtatanong ang mga tingin.
"They are my children. Avex, Shin, greet Alyssa. She's my co-model." I said. Alyssa looked so shocked because of what I said.
"Hi, po." The twins greeted half-heartedly.
"They a-are... what, Jarrex? I don't understand..." Alyssa asked confusedly.
"They are my children, Alyssa." I repeated.
"What do you mean? You're single, right? Paano nangyari 'yon?"
"My stubborn girlfriend ran away with our children back then, but now, they are back, so..." I said.
Her lips parted. "Who's... who's that girl?"
"Why do you keep asking po? And are you talking about my mother? She's there... po." Deshin said and pointed her Mom. Tumingin naman doon si Alyssa. Ilang minuto siyang napatulala at hindi makapagsalita. She just left when her friend called her. I caught Deshin rolling her eyes. Sinuway ko agad siya at pinagsabihan bago ko pinagpatuloy ang pakikinig sa usapan ni Destiny at ng lalaki niya.
Yes, I was annoyed because she was talking to that man, but I immediately forgot about it when I heard what she said. She loves me, and I am the only one she wants to marry. Para akong mababaliw sa sobrang saya. She loves me! I heard that clearly.
"It got bigger." I said when I noticed the mole on her chest. We were inside her room because she wanted to check something in here.
"W-what---you pervert! Bastos!" Her face reddened. My eyes narrowed. Ano naman kayang iniisip nito?
I smirked. "Your mole, I mean." I said. This girl, so pervert. Inaakusahan agad akong bastos kahit siya naman talaga ang bastos mag-isip.
She cleared her throat and looked at me with a smirk on her lips. "Yours got bigger too..." She said softly. Goosebumps flooded my skin. Ngayon, hindi na ako makangiti. I stared at her darkly. She laughed. "Your arms, I mean." She said and rolled her eyes.
I glared at her. "You better shut up, Vallenieza." I warned. She laughed again. This girl, she really knows how to turn me on.
When I went back to work, I talked to Miss Jhazmine in her office. I have something important that I want to tell her. As expected, she was so shocked and disappointed when I told her that I wanted to stop modeling. She was disappointed but she knew that she could do nothing. I will stop modeling, I want to focus more on my children, and on the mother of my children, they are my biggest responsibilities. And, also... I will marry 'her'. I will propose to Destiny and I will make sure that she won't be able to refuse.
Destiny's eyes watered when I put a ring on her finger. It's already evening. The twins are asleep. We were just talking earlier here on my condo's balcony, at naisip ko, it was the right time to propose to her. "Papakasalan kita hindi lang dahil may mga anak tayo, papakasalan kita kasi mahal kita." I said because I remember that she told me last time that, maybe, I would only marry her because we have children. But that was not true! I love her. "Will you marry me?" I asked. "You can't say no." I added huskily.
A tear fell from her eyes. I immediately wiped it. She chuckled as she helped me wipe her tears. "Bakit ka pa nagtanong?" She asked playfully.
I chuckled.  "Alright, hmm, then..." I paused and stared at her seriously. "Please, marry me." I added and kissed her cheek.
Natatawa siyang umiwas. "Are you begging?" Tanong niya. Umangat ang gilid ng labi ko. Her laughter was like music to my ears. Palagi na lang talaga siyang nagtatagumpay na baliwin ako.
I licked my lips and wrapped my arm around her waist as I pulled her closer to me. "If I had to beg you to say yes, I would. So... please, I'm begging you, Destiny Flare. Please, marry me." I whispered and kissed her lips softly. She blushed. I licked my lips again and kissed her chin, her ear, down to her neck, and shoulder.
She bit her lower lip and held my shoulder, letting me kiss her on any part of her skin. "You don't have to do that, I will marry you even if you don't beg." She said softly.
I tightened my grip on her waist and smiled. "That's good." I said as I went back to her lips and kissed it gently and carefully. She wrapped her arms around my nape and kissed me back. With all that happened, I lost hope, especially when she left, I thought she wasn't the woman for me, I couldn't accept that, I love her, I love her so much, that's why I told myself that if she isn't for me, I would not accept it. If I have to fight against destiny, I will. I will rewrite the stars to make her mine, to make her mine again.
Right, Destiny Flare Vallenieza is mine, she's mine, she's always mine.
To be continued...