Gabie's POV
"Hey, I'm serious. For the record, I like you—a lot. I don't know when or how it started, but I know I can't go a day without thinking about you. The best part? Sleeping beside you. It's something I haven't done comfortably in a long time—until you came into my life. You changed how I see women, relationships… and even life itself. Because of you, I wake up happy, content. Not the same kind of happiness I feel for my grandparents or my sister Wednesday, but something new and different. I hope you believe me. This isn't easy for me to say—I've been preparing for days. I even planned to tell you over dinner tomorrow night, but since tonight's here, I'm taking the chance. I don't care if this place isn't romantic. What matters is that I'm serious about what I'm saying… about how I feel. You don't have to answer me right now. No pressure. I just needed to clear the air between us."
I couldn't speak. I just tugged on his uniform and tiptoed to kiss him. He responded immediately, his hand sliding behind my back to steady me. Then, gently, he lifted his face a little, deepening the kiss.
That night, we ended up in my bedroom, naked and close, expressing our love in the most physical way.
***
"Sweetheart, wake up. We need to get ready early to beat the traffic," he whispered, his voice soft as I lay there, still drowsy, wanting to savor the moment longer.
"I'm still sleepy…" I started, but a sharp pain in my lower body cut me off. I winced.
"I'm sorry. I know it hurts, but we have to go. You can rest on the way," he said gently, planting a soft kiss on my forehead. Then, with a lightness that surprised me, he lifted me like a newlywed and carefully sat me on the bathroom sink.
He turned on the faucet, mixing the water to the right temperature. Before I could protest, he removed the blanket wrapped around me and lifted me again, easing me into the tub.
He grabbed the shampoo, poured some into his palm, and began massaging it into my wet hair.
"I'm fine—I can wash myself," I said, a little stubborn. "Just take a quick shower so we can finish faster."
He chuckled softly and kissed my lips before stepping into the tub to bathe.
Afterward, he helped me dry off and carried me back to my room without any difficulty.
"I'm not crippled," I complained, half-smiling. "I can walk, you know. You don't have to keep lifting me."
"Yeah, I know," he said, "but I want to. It's my fault you're sore now."
"Alright, I'll get dressed. So, you get dressed too," I teased, nudging him out of the room.
We came downstairs at the same time, him carrying our bags, me walking slowly since he was still weak.
He handed me a pain reliever, which I took right away.
"Thanks," I said with a smile.
He kissed my lips and winked. "No, I should be the one thanking you. You made today extra special."
I stayed quiet beside him as he drove, his expression serious but calm. Soft music played through the speakers, and I caught him singing quietly now and then. Only then did I realize how much he loved Coldplay.
***
But even as I smiled, my mind kept replaying his words. "He really likes me. More than just liking me—he's falling in love with me." It sounded almost too good to be true. "Could someone really feel this way? Could he really feel this way?" My heart pounded in my chest, a mix of hope and fear tangled inside me.
I wanted to believe him. I wanted to trust that this wasn't just a fleeting feeling or some passing sympathy. But part of me was terrified — "what if I was wrong? What if I was only fooling myself?"
And yet, the gentleness in his eyes, the way he held me, the sincerity in his voice… it all felt real. I could almost forget the doubts, the fears, the past hurts I'd carried for so long.
Maybe this was a beginning — a new chapter I didn't know I was ready for, but maybe, just maybe, I was.
***
The trip felt longer than it was because I'd fallen asleep, only waking when he gently shook me.
"Wake up, sleepyhead. We're here," he whispered.
I rubbed my eyes, a little embarrassed. "Sorry, I guess the medicine knocked me out."
He smiled softly. "No need to apologize, sweetheart. Ready to go?"
"Wait, let me fix myself first. I don't want to come out with messy hair or eye gunk." I glanced in the mirror, spotting some crusty bits and my hair all over the place.
"Take your time," he said, kissing my forehead before heading to get our bags.
As we stepped into the reception area, I couldn't help but be impressed. It was a beautiful place — my first time here.
"Do you like it?" he asked, grinning.
"Yeah, it's really nice. But… where exactly are we? I thought we were staying in Manila."
"We're in Cavite, at Torres Farm and Resort," he said.
"Have you been here before?"
"Nope, first time for me too."
"How did you find out about this place?"
"A colleague told me about it. He brought his family here last month for his birthday. He invited me, but I didn't want to intrude on family time."
"So why bring me here today? I thought we were going back to Laguna—Wednesday said so."
"I did ask her to drive for our grandparents—they're arriving any minute now."
"Huh? She said she was too lazy to drive."
"Not anymore. I talked to her last night. She's actually excited."
"Oh, really?"
"Yeah, she told me to tell you she's happy for us."
I blinked, confused. "Wait… are we…?"
"Of course," he said with a frown, "after we confessed last night… and, well, made love."
I groaned. "Shouldn't you have asked me if I wanted to be your girlfriend first?"
He laughed. "You're such an innocent sweetheart. So, do you want to be my girlfriend?"
"You're crazy! You asked me right after I basically gave myself to you!" I teased.
"I just wanted to be clear, since you looked confused earlier. Consider this official."
We both laughed and checked in, my cheeks still warm from the conversation.
I thought to myself, "I'm such a dork sometimes, but maybe that's part of my charm."
Just then, his phone rang — it was Wednesday. They'd arrived at the reception.
"Happy Birthday!" she shouted when she saw us.
"Luh! Why didn't I know it was his birthday?" I whispered, surprised.
But the sight of Grandpa and Grandma beaming at us made me forget everything else. I rushed forward to kiss them both warmly.
Grandparents and grandmothers hugged warmly after I shook hands with the two oldies. Then suddenly, Wednesday pulled me into a hug.
"I'm really obsessed with how hyperactive you are!" she exclaimed.
"Congratulations! I'm so happy for you! I knew it!" Wednesday said loudly, making me blush from the attention.
After a long round of greetings and laughter, we headed to the restaurant to eat. The happy conversation continued over our meal.
Afterward, the two oldies decided to rest while we agreed to take a bath.
"Why didn't you tell me it was your birthday today? I was so surprised! I was the only one who didn't know why we were here," I said sullenly. "And I don't even have a gift for you."
"Nah! The most precious and priceless gift I ever received was from you last night," he said, his eyes shining with happiness.
"Huh?" I asked, confused.
"Huh?" he repeated, teasing me.
"You mean… what happened last night?" I whispered, careful not to be overheard by Wednesday, who was busy by the pool with his phone.
"I mean the confession we made to each other… and yes, that too. I'm so lucky you trusted me," he said softly, then kissed me on the lips.
"What the hell? Get a room, brother!" Wednesday shouted, suddenly looking right at us.
"Bitter!" August teased back.
"I'm not! I'm just not a fan of PDA!"
"Yeah, that's why you two broke up!"
"Whatever!" Wednesday said, crouching down.
"Come on, let's go," and he walked away. "Don't mind her. She's just jealous that I have you now, and she's still single," he joked.
***
We've now been together for over six months. Our relationship is going well, and his family accepts and supports us wholeheartedly.
They often joke about us getting married since we live in the same house. But of course, I can't rush August. As a woman, I want to wait until I'm truly ready. Honestly, it's okay with me—even without a wedding, it feels like we already are husband and wife.
We often talk about marriage. He says that when we get married, my mom should be with us because it's such an important day for both of us. I've thought a lot about how to approach my mom when the time comes. August tells me there's a reason everything happened the way it did—and he's right. Without all that, I wouldn't have met him.
***
One day, his grandmother got sick, so we suddenly went home to Laguna. I overheard her talking to August about marriage.
"If you're sure about my grandson, why don't you marry him yet?" she asked.
"Grandma, honestly, I'm ready anytime. But I want to talk to her mom first and ask for her blessing. I want her mom to be there on our special day," August answered.
"So, what's your plan now?"
"I'm planning to ask if we can meet her mom. I'd go crazy if I lost her. I already see a future with her—and with you, grandma. Together, we'll make our own happy family."
"I know. I can see it in you, and I know she loves you too. But what if she's still not ready to see her mother?"
"Then I'll marry her without her mom. What do you think, grandma?"
"That would be fine. We can't force her. Just be patient and try to understand her. I know it's hard for her to face her past."
"Yes, grandma."
I know it's not good to eavesdrop, but I couldn't help overhearing. Fortunately, no one saw me. Quietly, I slipped away to August's room and lay on her bed, thinking about what I heard.
I'm scared that when my life finally feels stable, it might fall apart again when I introduce them to my mom. I don't want August dragged into my family's troubles.
I'm happy and content with where I am and what I have now. I'm ready for marriage—accepted and loved by his family as one of their own.
***
So tonight…
"Can we talk?" I asked hesitantly as he dried his hair just after his bath.
"Yeah, of course, sweetheart. What's on your mind?" August sat beside me, gently taking my hand and playing with my fingers.
I took a deep breath. "First… I'm sorry I overheard your conversation with Grandma earlier. I was on my way to say hello and accidentally caught part of it." I paused, swallowing the lump in my throat. "Honestly, it's okay if we get married without my family. The truth is… I'm scared that when my life starts getting better with you and your family, it might all fall apart once my family gets involved. I don't want you dragged into the mess I left behind. I don't think I could bear losing you because of that." I sighed, the weight of my fear pressing down on me.
August's eyes softened. "Shhh, don't cry." He reached up, cupping my face with both hands and gazing into my eyes. "I'm here. I'm not going anywhere, okay? Nothing will tear us apart. I'd go crazy if I lost you. I love you so much, sweetheart."
Unable to hold back my tears, I buried my face in his chest and sobbed quietly.
He hugged me tighter. "Hush now. Everything will be fine." Then, with a playful smile, he changed the subject. "So… how about we talk about your dream wedding?"
I pulled back slightly, surprised by the shift, but smiled and kissed him softly.
"I love you, August," I whispered.
He grinned, pulling me into another warm hug. "I love you too."
***
The next morning, I woke up alone. The bed felt empty without August beside me. I hurried to get ready, blushing with embarrassment for waking up past noon again. When I went downstairs, the maid greeted me.
"Ma'am, Sir August already had breakfast. Grandpa and Grandma went out for their check-up, and August drove them."
"Wait—why didn't he wake me? He didn't say anything about leaving," I murmured, confusion tightening my chest.
The maid nodded. "Sir August said we would accompany you to the waterfall today and that he'll bring food for lunch there. He plans to follow us there after the check-up."
I nodded, still trying to process. "Okay… I'll get dressed. I'll be down shortly."