"Now tell me Francis, why are you here?" tanong ko sa kanya nang marating namin ang isang malaking garden ng palasyo kung saan kami madalas tumambay noon. 

 

Francisco Lachowski is a friend of mine. He's a royalty from Belgium at tumira siya sa palasyo namin noon dahil sa pag aaral niya ng aming kultura. He stayed in our palace for three months at doon kami naging malapit sa isa't isa. But don't get me wrong, Francis is just a good friend. Walang anumang romantic relationship ang nabuo samin while he was here. Francis is a good guy, matalino, sweet, at palabiro. Naaalala ko pa non na palagi niya kong kinakausap kahit na madalas hindi ko siya pinapansin. He never gave up on me hanggang sa ako na lang ang sumuko at kinausap siya. But what I like most about him is naiintindihan niya yung sitwasyon ko. Naiintindihan niya how hard it is to be part of the royal family coz he is too, but he never judge me and just listens to me every time na maglalabas ako ng sama ng loob. I enjoyed his company back then hanggang sa bumalik siya sa kanila. We never lost contact. Madalas nakakausap ko pa rin siya sa telepono but never did he tell me even once na he likes me more than just a friend. That's why I am very confused why he's here now willing to compete to be my fiancè. 

 

"Didn't you hear what I've said earlier? I'm here for your hand Jennie" nakangiting sagot niya sa tanong ko. 

 

"At kelan ka pa nagkagusto sakin? Last time we talked you have this girl na kinababaliwan mo sa inyo right?" taas kilay kong tanong sa kanya. 

 

"Did I say I like you romantically? Wala naman akong sinabing gusto kita" natatawang sabi nito. 

 

"So, why are you here then?" 

 

"My parents wants me to marry someone from a royal family. Wala silang pakialam kahit ano pang lahi ng pakakasalan ko as long as she's a royalty" seryosong sabi niya sakin. 

 

Napakunot noo naman ako sa kanya. Problema ko na nga si Kai tas ngayon dadagdag pa siya. 

 

"At bakit ako? Bakit ako Francis? We're friends!" 

 

"Exactly! We're friends kaya nga sa tingin ko mas okay kung tayong dalawa na lang. Besides, our families are friends with each other. Ayaw mo ba nun? Atleast ako kaibigan mo, kilala mo. Kesa naman magpakasal ka sa taong hindi mo naman kilala. Unless..." he looked at me intently. 

 

I looked straight into his eyes. My eyes were pleading for him to back off coz I already have someone. He's mouth formed an 'o' shape and he's eyes widened in shock. 

 

"Oh my God! You're inlove? My little dumpling is inlove isn't she?" nakangiting tanong niya as if this is the greatest news he ever received in his life. 

 

I nodded my head. 

 

"So, who's the lucky one?" he asked. 

 

All of sudden he's back to being nosy. Akala ko ba he's here to marry me. So, why is he interested in my lovelife now. 

 

"Isa ba dun sa kasama ko kanina?" he asked and I nodded my head again. 

 

"Don't tell me you're in love with that Kai? Tell me anong nakita mo dun at pinatula---" 

 

"Jeez Francis of course it's not him! I will never ever be inlove with him" I said cutting him off. 

 

Again, his mouth went agape and he grinned michievously. 

 

"Yes, I'm in love with her. So, please Francis, back off" pakiusap ko sa kanya. 

 

Nawala ang ngiti sa mga labi niya at muling naging seryoso ang mukha niya and he looked straight into my eyes. 

 

"I'm sorry Jennie but I can't" 

 

"But I love her Francis!" 

 

Francis faced me and held both of my shoulders still looking in my eyes. 

 

"I know. I just need to do this Jen!" 

"But if you compete there's a higher possibility for her to lose and my Dad might choose you for me, meaning  I can lose her forever Francis please. Mahirap na ngang kalaban si Kai dumagdag ka pa! Now dalawa na kayong iisipin ko. For once, I just want to be happy" I said looking down trying to hide the tears forming in the corner of my eyes. 

 

Francis lift my chin up and wipe the tears in my eyes. 

 

"I'm sorry Jennie"  he said leaving me alone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---------

Lisa

 

I heard a knock on the door kaya bumangon ako para buksan yung pinto. Pagbukas pa lang ay bumungad na sakin ang mukhang bagong iyak na si Jennie. Namumugto ang mga mata niya at namumula ang kanyang ilong. I felt a pang in my chest seeing her like this. Kaya naman kahit na inis pa rin ako sa kanya dahil sa pagsama niya sa lalaking yun ay wala akong nagawa kundi ang pansinin siya. I'm soft for her when she's crying. 

 

"What happened, Love?" nagaalalang tanong ko while cupping her cheeks. 

 

She hugged me and buried her face in my chest. Agad ko naman siyang hinila papasok ng kwarto at isinara ang pinto. Rosie is in the bathroom kaya naman kaming dalawa lang ang naririto ngayon. I caressed her back and asked her once more. 

 

"Hey baby why are you crying?" 

 

I really hate seeing her cry coz it makes me weak. 

 

"I'm sorry about Francis" she said pulling out from the hug to look at my eyes. 

 

"I know you already have enough about Kai and now there's another one. I'm sorry for making it hard for you baby" she added while in tears.

 

"Ssshhh... Don't worry about it. Didn't I tell you I'll fight for you? For us? I don't care how many people I need to compete with, as long you're there to support me I will do my best to win you. I won't let him or Kai get you away from me. I promise" I said right into her eyes. 

 

"I love you, Lisa" she said pulling me for a kiss. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Baby?" tawag niya sakin while we cuddle in her bed. 

 

Yes, we managed to sneak out again. Andito kami sa kwarto niya magkayap, feeling each other's warmth. Her head is resting on my chest while I am caressing her arms na nakayap sa bewang ko. I live for moments like this with her. Now, no matter what happens, kahit sino pang humadlang samin, I will never ever let go of this woman beside me. 

 

"Hmm?" 

 

"I thought my Dad was mad at you? But I'm still wondering why he did let you pursue me?" nagtatakang tanong niya. 

 

"Why? don't you want me to do this for you baby?" 

 

"No! I mean... yes of course I want you to pursue me, but I'm confused. My Dad's mind is not that easy to change. What I'm saying is... I thought he doesn't believe you and still thinks that you kidnapped me? sabi niya while playing with our intertwined fingers. 

 

"Baby, I'm sorry" napatingin siya sakin ng bitawan ko ang mga salitang yun. She sat up on the bed and looked at me with me with her creased brows. 

 

"Why?" she asked. 

 

"I lied to you" mas lalong kumunot ang noo niya. 

 

Umupo na rin ako para maharap ko siya ng maayos. Halata ko na kasi sa mukha niya na gulong gulo na siya sa mga sinasabi ko. Nakatingin lang siya sakin ng seryoso kaya hinawakan ko yung mga kamay niya. 

 

"You remember the night when your father talked to me?" I asked and she nodded her head. 

 

"Jen, he believed me. He knew I didn't kidnapped you and he knew about us but I didn't tell you coz I saw Kai listening to our conversation back then" 

 

Her eyes widened in shock and went agape. Halatang hindi siya makapaniwala sa sinabi ko. 

 

"Y-you mean he knew that we... that we---" 

 

"Yes baby he knew that we were together" I answered cutting her off. 

 

"H-how?" she curiously asked. 

 

"It's because of my Dad..." 

 

Ikwinento ko kay Jennie how my Dad sent our photos taken on the island to the King para patunayan na hindi siya nakidnap. Ang buong akala ni Dad noon hindi naniwala ang hari. Ang hindi namin alam he also sent his guards to check on Jennie and all those times na magkasama kami sa Isla, hindi namin namamalayan na may sumusunod na pala samin. I even told her that it was Kai who reported that she's been kidbapped na nagpalala ng sitwasyon.

 

Napansin ko natahimik si Jennie at the mention of Kai's name. Parang may gusto siyang sabihin pero pinipigilan niya.

 

"You okay, babe? Is there something you want to tell me?" tanong ko and she looked at me worriedly. 

 

"Lisa I knew... I knew that it was Kai but I kept silent" pag amin niya. 

 

She knew and she didn't even bother to tell me? Why? Is she protecting him?

 

"I didn't tell anyone coz he threatened me. He threatened me that he will hurt you if I did. I got scared so I followed him. I'm sorry baby, I'm sorry. I just don't want you to get hurt" she said hugging me and started sobbing in my chest. 

 

I clenched my jaw. The audacity of that dog to threaten my girl! I swear I'm gonna kill him if he comes near her again. 

 

"Sssshhh... stop crying I'm not mad... Don't be scared now babe. I'm here. Thank you for protecting me but dont worry about me anymore baby. I'm not gonna let him touch you or hurt anyone of us. I promise" I said while caressing her back which she responded with a nod. 

 

"But if the King knew where I am why didn't he bring me home and why is he still letting him to pursue me?" tanong niya. 

 

"He's giving him another chance since he's friends with his parents and he values their loyalty but he didn't tell me why he didn't bring you home the moment he knew where you are"

 

She nodded her head again. I pulled put from the hug and I made Jennie faced me. 

 

"Jen promise me... promise me you'll stay away from that guy. Don't let him come near you, okay? I don't trust him" 

 

She nodded her head and said, "I don't trust him either" 

 

We get back from cuddling after that when I remembered that blonde guy na taga Belgium. Hindi pa rin pala pinapaliwanag sakin ni Jennie why he let that man hugged her and why did she let him took her.

 

"But how did you knew that blonde guy from Belgium? Why did you let him hug you?" kunot noong tanong ko which made her chuckle. 

 

"Are you jealous?" pang aasar niya sakin.  

 

"I'm not! You're mine, why should I be jealous?" sabi ko while pouting my lips. 

 

Ngumiti ulit siya habang tinitignan ako, then she gave me a quick peck on my lips. 

 

"He's a close friend of mine. He used to live here when he's doing his research about our culture. We managed to become friends despite our opposite personalities. He's a good guy" she said while drawing circles on my clothed stomach. 

 

"Do you by any chance... happens to like him?" I asked trying trying not to look so jealous. 

 

"I do" 

 

Natahimik ako. I felt a little sting in my chest with her confession but I'm forcing not to be jealous. But I am anxious to know if she still likes him until now but I don't want to sound clingy or worried about it. I trust Jennie and I believe her when she told me she loves me. 

 

But still, I want to make sure na wala na siyang feelings for him. I was about to ask her but she beats me when she spoke first. 

 

"As a friend. I never see myself in a relationship with him" sabi niya. 

 

A grin automatically formed in my lips after hearing her next sentence. I thought she has feelings for him pero masyado lang pala akong nag oovethink. Now, I'm calm and assured that this girl loves nobody else but me and I hate myself for doubting her. 

 

Jennie lifted her head up at nahuli niya kong ngiting ngiti at huli na para itago ko pa sa kanya yun. 

 

"Why are you grinning like that?" she asked with her creased brows. 

 

"I'm just happy" 

 

She went on top of me at pinaningkitan niya ko ng mga mata niya

 

"Happy? Where in a very problematic situation yet you're still happy?" 

 

"I don't care about whatever situation we are in right now. As long as you're here loving me, that's enough for me to be happy. I love you, Jennie. I can't wait for you to be mine" I said pulling her for a kiss. 

 

She kissed me back so I flipped our postion making me on top of her. She placed her arm around my neck as we both stare at each other's eyes intently. She's smiling lovingly and so am I. I leaned down and kiss her lips once again. She slightly tug my lower lip so I could open it for her. I did what she pleased and she slid her tongue inside my mouth. She pulled me closer so we could deepen the kiss. Damn! The way her tongue roamed around my mouth was so hot. This is not the first time I kissed her but it always feels like one. I can't get enough of her. I feel butterflies in my stomach everytime our lips collide. 

 

My lips left hers as I trailed kisses on her jaw to her neck, and every inch of it. I also gave attention nibbling her earlobe. She silently moaned and I felt her arching her back to be in contact with mine. 

 

My hands ran slowly to her waist caressing her smooth skin under her dress then I went down to kiss the valley of her with her clothes still on. 

 

"Please, stop teasing... undress me now... ahhh!" she begged. 

 

I smirked seeing her react this way in every touch that I make. Jeez! I love her so much!

 

"As you wish your highness" 

 

I was about to undress her when I suddenly felt my phone ringing. I ignored it and continue undressing Jennie but my phone never stops ringing which made me groan in annoyance. Whoever the is calling this should be important or I swear I'm gonna kill him! 

 

"Answer your phone that might be really important" sabi niya giving me an assuring smile after she kissed me on top of my nose. 

 

Agad akong umalis on top of her at saka ko dinukot yung phone ko sa bulsa ng pantalon ko. I didn't even bother to look at the caller as I placed it on my ear. 

 

"Hello!"

 

I don't need to check who's calling dahil kilalang kilala ko na kung sino. It's my twin, Rosie.

 

"Oh chill! I'm sorry for interrupting whatever you and Jennie might be doing, but Dad is calling and they want to talk to us! So, you better come back here now coz he's waiting" 

 

I heave a deep sigh as I looked to Jennie first bago ko sagutin si Babs. I'm frustrated. ually frustrated to be exact. 

 

"Okay, I'll be there. Bye" then I dropped the call. 

 

Naglakad ako papunta kay Jennie na nakaupo sa kama niya and I sat beside her then gave her a weak smile. 

 

"I have to go, Dad's calling and he's looking for me" then I exhaled. 

 

Jennie smiled at me then she reached for my cheek and caressed it. 

 

"Okay lang, Love" 

 

I pouted my lips coz I really don't want to go yet but Jennie stood up and she pulled my hand para ihatid ako sa pinto. Sumilip muna siya sa labas to check if there are guards roaming around and when she's sure na wala, she pulled me out but she managed to kiss me first before she totally lets go of my hand. 

 

"Goodnight my love!" I said. 

 

"Goodnight. Dream of me, Love" she answered giving me another quick peck. 

 

Umalis na ko when Jennie already close the door of her room but a smile is still plastered on my lips. 

 

I walked towards our room when I suddenly felt something behind me. Parang pakiramdam ko may sumusunod sakin. Lumingon ako pero wala naman akong nakita. Maybe that was just my imagination. Pinagkibit balikat ko na lang at saka ako dire- diretsong bumalik sa kwarto namin ni Babs. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-----
HALA! MALAPIT NA PALA 'TO MATAPOS!! THANK YOU SA LAHAT NG NAGBASA AT SUMUPORTA!! MAHAL KO KAYO! PLEASE WATCH OUT FOR THE NEXT CHAPTERS! KONTI NA LANG MGA 4 CHAPTERS NA LANG... 😭😭😭