ARRANGED MARRIAGE 

Chapter 12

YEONWOO'S POV

"You sure you're ok?" I asked while gently caressing Nancy's right hand. We slept in the attic, Nancy wanted to stay and so I obliged. Gusto daw niya akong makilalang mabuti just by looking at my pictures and other memorabilia from my childhood.

"Still a bit sore but it's ok." she answered. We're still in bed, too lazy to get up, still and still glued together. We're facing each other, our legs across each other. A picture I wish would happen every morning.

"Anong oras appointment mo?" I asked next.

"10 A.M."

"Ahm, hon is it ok kung si Mang Julio muna mag drive sa'yo pag hindi mo ako kasama?"

"Why?"

"Hindi ako mapakali pag wala ka sa paningin ko lalo na ngayon." I honestly said and I saw a spark in her eyes. "Why?"

"I never thought you're that protective, honey." she said teasing.

"I am for the people I care about, how much more to the one I love." I said giving her a quick kiss.

-

We're both surprised when we're headed down to the dining area and heard Lolo Pablo.

"Lo, ba't andito kayo?" takang tanong ko sabay halik at mano namin ni Nancy

"Nalaman ko kay Ricahrd ang nangyari kay Nancy. Hindi na sana ako pupunta pero tumawag si Kai kagabi. Nag alala ako Apo, dahil sabi ni Kai tinopak ka nanaman daw." sagot ni Lolo na nakangiti.

"Lo, who wouldn't get mad in that situation..."

"I know Apo, I understand. Kaya nga napasugod ako dahil baka nagkakasakitan na kayo ni Nancy, pero masaya akong makitang maayos kayo." Lolo said smiling.

We're speechless and sat down for breakfast instead.

"Nga pala andito rin si..."

"Hi brad! Good morning Nancy!" bati ni Hyebin galing sa kitchen at may dalang tasa ng kape.

"Hi Hyebin. Good morning" masayang bati ni Nancy

"Nakasabay ko siya kanina. Nauna na siyang nag almusal kasi dumaan siya para kunin daw ang kotse niyang kinarnap." kwento ni Lolo at nagkindatan sila ni Hyebin

"Sorry guys dko na kayo nahintay magbreakfast, kanina pa ako dito and I took the liberty to eat breakfast because I will have to go straight to the office, right Boss." baling niya sa akin. Hindi ako umimik.

"I thought you just had coffee." tanging nasabi ko.

"I already had my breakfast. So coffee na ngayon." taas pa niya ng tasa.

"Ok you can go now. Your key's on..."

"Got it!" masiglang sabi ni Hyebin habang pinakita ang hawak hawak na susi ng kotse niya.

"Maganda yata ang gising mo Hyebin." I said without looking at her.

"Masarap kasi ang almusal dito. Ikaw din Yeonwoo mukhang maganda ang gising mo. Masarap bang dinner mo?" Nakakaloko niyang tanong at taas baba pa talaga ang kilay. I heard Lolo and Nancy let out a small laugh.

"Seryoso Hyebin?" I asked with serious voice.

"Oo Yeonwoo. Ser-yo-so." sabay tawa.

"You can leave now." taboy ko na sa kanya.

"Haven't finish my coffee yet."

"You can drink that in your car." sabi ko.

"Ano to take out?" sagot niya.

"Yes if you like...you can also take the cup. All yours." sabi ko na just to get rid of her and I can only see Nancy silently laughing beside me.

"Anything funny, hon?" bulong ko sa kanya .

"Sweet naman." komento ni Hyebin sa narinig bago pa makasagot si Nancy

"I'm not talking to you." patol ko na kay Hyebin

"Alam ko, I'm not talking to you either. Side comment lang yon." tanggol niya.

"Lo Pabs, kunin ko na lahat ng asukal niyo dito para naman mawala ang pait ng buhay ko. Tutal hindi na nila kailangan ng asukal. Nilalanggam na sila eh." si Hyebin and Lolo can't help but laugh.

"You can go now Hyebin, you're already late." hindi pa rin talaga makaramdam na tinataboy ko na siya.

"Aren't you already late, too, Boss?" balik ni Hyebin sa akin. I saw Nancy and Lolo's attention shifted to my direction.

"I'm on leave." I quickly said.

"Weh???" react ni Hyebin

"Anong weh ka diyan?" balik ko.

"Kahit nga force leave ayaw mo eh." paalala ni Hyebin

"That was before." I just reasoned.

"Wow, for the first time. I'm so happy for you, Boss taking your leave without being sick or any reason but just to have staycation." tuwang sambit ni Hyebin sabay lingon kay Lolo. "Right, Lo Pabs?"

"Toast to that." sakay naman ni Lolo habang taas ang tasa ng kape. Hindi na ako umimik pero masama na ang tingin ko sa dalawa kaya hindi na sila nagsalita pa.

"I'll go now." paalam na ni Hyebin, she's about to stand when her phone rang. "Yes, Joy." she answered. "I'm still on my way and yes I know I'm gonna be late. I'm here at Yeonwoo's and she's taking her leave so I just need to check on some things." sabi nitong nakangiti. She's silent for a few seconds listening to what the other person is saying while her eyes roll. "Yes I know, Joy and we should be happy because finally Yeonwoo files her leave...we'll talk later. Bye." sabi niya saka ulit bumaling sa amin. "O siya alis na ako hinahanap na ako ni ytary." Biro ni Hyebin. "Lam mo Nancy unahan kami sa office niyan kaya nagtataka siguro wala pa ako. Sa tindi ng traffic sa office na kami nag aalmusal." kwento ni Hyebin kay Nancy

"You can go." Taboy ko na muli.

"Oo na, Yeonwoo. Napaka obvious mo namang magtaboy. Bye Lo Pabs, bye Nancy. Bye Boss and you're welcome." Hyebin said referring to her car I took last night.

"Bye, Hyebin. Ingat." kaway ni Nancy at ganon din si Lolo.

-

"I'll go with you in the bathroom." I offered when Nancy was about to enter in the bathroom

"And why?" taas kilay niyang tanong.

"Baka mahirapan kang maligo. I mean, your hand's still sore." I reasoned.

"Misis Yeonwoo Lee , in case you missed out, haven't you noticed me earlier during breakfast? I ate breakfast on my own." taray niyang paalala.

"That's different, I mean you're just holding spoon and cup. Unlike in the bathroom. You'll be holding too many..."

"Too many???" laking mata niyang tanong. "Like?"

"Shower knob."

"That's easy, Yeonwoo."

"Body wash."

"Oh please, that's like a bubble."

"How 'bout shampooing?"

"I can do it with one hand."

"How can you scrub your body?"

"I still have one hand remember?

"You can't dry yourself..."

"I can, Yeonwoo. Hindi ako napilayan."

"Mahihirapan kang isuot ang robe mo."

"I don't need to tie it up."

Wala na akong maidahilan.

"Are you really concern about my sore hand or you just want something else?"

"Of course I'm concern, hon." depensa ko.

"Do you want to go shower with me?" she asked and I immediately nod like a child.

"Do you want us to take a bath together?" tanong niya ulit at parang mapuputol ang ulo ko sa tindi ng taas baba nito.

"So you're not concern about my hand?"

"Of course, I do!" sagot ko agad.

"Hay naku, Yeonwoo. I'm going to shower alone and you will just assist me. There'll be no hanky panky." sabay talikod niya at pasok ng banyo na kasunod ako.
She slowly undressing herself in front of me.

"How can I not think of hanky panky, hon kung sa paghuhubad mo pa lang nanunukso ka na?"

"Ako pang nanunukso ngayon? Excuse me, I don't need to seduce you." she immediately turned around to face me and I can see my wife's ness and started to feel like I want take her again. "Go!" gising niya sa isip ko.

"What?" I asked lost in a moment.

"You need to go out." as she pushed me out of the door.

"But you'll need me."

"I'll just call you when I need you." taray niya sa akin. "Go."

"But, hon?"

"Mahalin mo yang mukha mo. Seduce seduce your face." as she pushed me one last time and I'm out of the bathroom. Is this how it feels to have a blue balls? Yeonwoo you ruined it, sermon ko sa sarili ko.

NANCY'S POV

When I got out of the bathroom, Yeonwoo looks grumpy. May sumpong, if you only knew Yeonwoo I want you much more than you want me. I'm really falling for her every heartbeat. Never thought I could be this in love with someone, especially with a girl.

"Next?" I said while walking towards her. She was just sitting on her office table in our bedroom and was seriously reading something on her laptop. I don't know if she didn't hear me or she just totally ignored me. "Aren't you taking a bath?" I asked now standing beside her.

"In minute." she said emotionless. I couldn't help but smile. I leaned down and kissed her. Slowly teasing my Yeonwoo, I felt her kissing me back.

"Ok then, come dress me up." I said after our kiss and took her hand to stand."Then have a quick shower because we'll gonna be late." sabi ko na at daig pa ang panahon sa biglang pagbago ng mood niya.

-

I'm doing my make up when I heard Yeonwoo's phone. She's in the walk in closet.

"Honey, your phone's ringing." I said.

"Can you please get it for me, hon?"

"Sure." as I walked few steps to take her phone. "Your secretary." I said when I saw Joy's name appeared in the screen.

"Yaan mo na. I will just call her back." sagot lang ni Yeonwoo

"Ok" I plainly said. After a few minutes she's out in the walk in closet wearing only jeans and shirt.

"Are you sure this is ok?" she asked.

"Yup, we'll just have a rehearsal anyway and look, even with just shirt and jeans you look gorgeous." I honestly said. She's smiling while walking towards me.

"You look more ravishing, Hon." she whispered then hugged me.

"Oh no we'll gonna be late, honey." I reminded her when she started giving me soft kisses on my neck down. I saw her smirk when we're facing together. "Why"

"I love how your body reacts with me, hon." she said and gave me a quick kiss. "I love you." she said just then her phone rang again. Istorbo sabi ko sa isip ko. "Saglit hon." she excused and got her phone.

"Yes, Joy?." I knew it was her.

"Yes, I'm on leave just today...that can wait... Then I will call Mr. Cruz...Nothing to worry Joy, thank you. See you tomorrow. Bye."

"Yeonwoo, I can handle naman. Besides Mang Julio will be there with me..." I was stopped when she crushed her lips to mine. It was sensual and addictive. It's like always our first.

"I'm yours for the whole day, Nancy. You can do whatever you want and I'm just here beside you." she lovingly said as she slowly walked to get her things. I was left speechless.

-

The whole day was fun and bubbly. I just saw the funny side of Yeonwoo, Daisy was laughing the whole time when we had our free time and between breaks.

"Nancy, has the best and gorgeous PA." biro pa ni Daisy

"Thanks, Daisy. Don't forget libre pa ako. No salary, no allowance." sakay naman ni Yeonwoo

"True!" balik ni Daisy

"O c'me on. It's just for this day lang noh!" kontra ko.

"Kahit na." sagot ni Daisy. "Can we go out later?" alok niya.

"Na-ah." I shook my head. "I want to compliment my wife for being with me the whole day." I said.

"Oh, how sweet naman." inggit na sabi ni Daisy. "Or you're just jealous because someone might steal your wife's attention from you?" kantiyaw niya.

"Of course not! I'm confident as in confident." I firmly said. Though partly yes, looking at how some of the models around us obviously flirting with Yeonwoo. Her executive look faded the moment they saw her with just jeans and shirt, they had the guts to casually converse to Yeonwoo, as if they've known her for too long. To think that this was just the second time they met her.

"Oh bakit natahimik ka?" Daisy said.

"Wala lang, para kasing BFF na nila ang asawa ko kung makipag kwentuhan." comment ko lang.

"Hindi naman nag aamoy selos dito." balik ni Daisy

"I thought you're my best friend?"

"I am, Nancy. That's why I know when something smells fishy." kindat niya.

"Yeah, right." irap ko sa kanya.

"Girls, be ready..." tawag ng isang crew sa amin.

"Coming...." halos sabay naming sagot ni Daisy

-

"What's my compliment?" Yeonwoo asked when we arrived home.

"Ahm, massage?" I answered

"And?" she asked again.

"Hot bath?"

"And?"

"Massage again?"

"And?"

"I will put you to sleep."

"Ha? Paano?"

"I will sing or read you stories." sagot ko na pigil ang tawa.

"Ano ako bata?"

"Ayaw mo?"

"Wala bang mas pang matanda?"

"Ah ok, massage nga while you're lying in bed."

"Yon lang?"

"Do you want more?"

"Yes, more than massage."

"Ok, then. I will sing while I massage you."

"Nancy naman eh."

"What?"

"You know what I mean."

"I just want you to relax because I know you're tired even if you just watched me the whole day, Yeonwoo."

"I'm already relaxed, hon. And I'm full of energy. I can do exercise the whole night."

"What exercise?"

"You know...the one kind of exercise that's full of love and love." she said making her shoulders up and down while her hands are raised.

"So you want to do exercise tonight?"

"Oh yes!" she excitedly said.

"On the floor?"

"Pwede! Exciting!" she excitedly said, eyes glowing.

"Ok then I'll get the mat and you get changed." utos ko.

"Change? Mat?" takang tanong niya "Kahit walang mat at hindi naman kailangan magpalit. Mas maganda nga walang damit." sagot na niya at natatawa na talaga ako.

"You're funny, Yeonwoo." I said. "You can't even say it straight."

"Say what?"

"What you want." I said and she kept silent.

"I'm not much of a talker." she said after.

"Then show it." I said and that's her signal as she walked towards me and cupped my face and gave me a sweet and tender kiss. As she slowly undressing me.

"Y-yeonwoo." I called her as our lips parted.

"Let's have a hot bath and I will give you free massage so we can make love overnight." she said her eyes full of desire and passion as we slowly walked to the door of our bathroom.

-

Yeonwoo's still sleeping soundlyher arms around me when I heard a message on her phone. I look at the side table and got my own cellphone. It's quarter to 5 in the morning. Still early, who might that be? I just ignored and looked at Yeonwoo. She's in deep sleep just looking at her. I held her face carefully caressing with my thumb, too careful not to wake her up. Falling for a girl never crossed my mind, but here I am. Madly, deeply in love with her. How many guys have I felt like this every time we touch. None. Only with this sleeping soul beside me. How many guys have I felt I want to make love with over and over again? None. Only with this goddess sleeping with me in bed. I'm enjoying the view of staring at my wife's face, thinking what would be the future awaits us. I slowly moved closer to kiss her nose as I slowly held her head in my wanted to feel her breath me. I felt her pulled herself closer to me her arms tighten around me and her face in my chest. I felt my whole body lighten up when I felt her breath, as if breathing me in while breathing herself out to me when she exhale. I wish for this moment to last. Only with her. Only with Yeonwoo

YEONWOO'S POV

"Are you sure you won't be late?" I asked Nancy

"It's ok, honey. It's still early." she answered. She then kept her face out of the window of our car.

"What are you thinking?" I asked.

"Nothing important." she answered.

"Really?" kulit ko.

"Yeah."

"Then why are you doing that?" I asked as my eyes went down to our entwined hands.

"What?" she asked

"You keep rubbing my hand and playing with my fingers." I said.

"You don't like that?"

"I love you doing that, of course." agad kong sagot. "But it seems you're uneasy."

"Ahm..." she started and looked at the rear mirror as if too shy to say what she wants to say. I moved closer and whispered.

"Huwag ka nang mahiya kay Mang Julio." I said.

"Baka sabihin niya selosa ako." balik niyang bulong at napangiti ako.

"Ok, sige. You can whisper it to me. What's up?" Tanong ko muli, she looked hesitant but I gave her a look to open up. "Ano yon?" kulit ko. she rested her chin on my shoulder and her hands around me as if hugging me while we're sitting.

"Ahm...Someone message you early this morning..." she started as my arm around her waist, waiting intently at what she's about to say.

"Ok?"

"Ahm...just curious cause it's too early." she whispered. She's like a teenager acting silly, pretending not getting jealous over something but still coming out obvious.

"Ah yeah, that's Joy. She reminded me of my meeting this morning, so I won't be late." paliwanag ko.

"Ah...ok." was all she said and loosen up ang going back playing with my fingers. I fished out my cellphone and after a few seconds. I'm giving it to her. "Why?"

"Enter your password." I said smiling.

"No, Yeonwoo. I don't...I'm not going to intrude in your..."

"It's alright, hon. You're not intruding my privacy or anything. I just want you to know my password."

"Then why are asking for my password?"

"Masyado kasing obvious ang password ko kaya I can have your password instead." ngiti kong sabi.

"Aaaah.okay. Birthday mo?" she asked and I nod. Natawa siya and took the phone then entered six same numbers.

"Bakit yan?" I asked.

"Mas madaling mamemorize." ngiti niyang sabi.

"You can register your fingerprint too." alok ko but she shook her head.

"It's ok, honey. It's ok." she said as she hugged me tight.

"Sure you're ok?" baling ko.

"Yes. I love you Yeonwoo." she whispered.

"Love you too." I said.

"You don't have games?" she asked while scrolling my phone.

"No time for games." I reasoned.

"You should have at least one game." she said.

"I could get addicted, mahirap na." I said while gently caressing her side. I rest my head on her and closed my eyes while she's playing or doing something on my cellphone.

"You can take a nap, honey." she said while we sit back and our heads still connected. And so I did,but not to take a nap but to feel her presence with me inside the car.

-

Ganito pala ang pakiramdam pag alam mong may naghihintay sa'yo or may uuwian ka. I'm driving my way home alone, kasama ni Nancy si Mang Julio. Hindi ko siya pwedeng hayaan magdrive mag isa. Maaga nga akong umuwi pero traffic naman ang kalaban ko. It seems like I'm on the road for hours yet I'm still not far from where I came from. Kahit anong kantiyaw sa akin ni Hyebin hindi pa rin ako nagpa pigil umalis ng maaga sa office. Actually it's already 9pm but still, the traffic is still building up the road. I was humming with the song in the background when I heard a beep in my cellphone.

I took my phone and frowned at the screen. Buddy Hyebin Who? When I opened it was Hyebin's message.

"Still on the road, I bet. Haha! For the love of Nancy, kahit traffic hahamakin!"

Baliw talaga itong loko na to. Sagot ko sa sarili ko. I didn't bother to answer her. After a few minutes another beep came. Android Virus Secretary. Who is this? What the?

"Yeonwoo, just reminding you of the files I just sent you. I wasn't around when you left so I just emailed it to you. Safe drive."

It's Joy. I'm confused as to why these names in my phone book. I was about to scroll my phone book when it rang. It's Nancy. Now I remember aside from her name, may mga pinalitan rin pala siyang ibang pangalan. I just can't help but smile.

"Hello, Hon ko na Love ako." I answered as I recall her name she entered on my phone book. I heard her laugh.

"Maganda ba or is it long? You can edit it back if you want." sabi niyang parang bata.

"Nope. I love it that way. What's up?"

"Where are you? We're on our way home now."

"I'm on my home too. See you in a bit?"

"Ok love, see you. Drive safe. I love you."

"Love you too. Bye." tanging nasabi ko. It feels so light and calming. Something new yet it feels like it was already inside me before. It was a long drive but it didn't bother me. As I got out from my car after parking in the garage my phone rang again. Si Mommy. I stared for a while hesitant to answer. Minsan lang tumawag si Mommy, maybe she already knew about me and Nancy

"Hello, Mom?"

"Hello, Anak. It's been a long time."

"Yeah quite a long time." I repeated.

"Sorry, Anak..."

"It's ok Mom, I understand. Sanay na ako." I said and there was a long silence.

"Is it true that you're already married?"

"Yes Mom..."

"To a Mcdonie..."

"Yes..." and another seconds of silence.

"Your Dad wouldn't like it."

"It's my life Mom."

"Anak..."

"Lolo gave him the freedom to choose the life he wanted. Live the path he chose. He was given freedom why can't he give me the same freedom I believe I also deserve."

"Yeonwoo..."

"I made my decision, Mom. Nothing and no one can change that."

"How can you be so sure that she's even serious, Yeonwoo."

"How can you be so sure either that she's not serious, Mom?"

"She's a Mcdonie..."

"So?"

"Anak..."

"I won't let Dad interfere with my life now, Mom. He was never a father to me before and I don't need a father to decide for me now."

"Yeonwoo!" halos pasigaw na tawag ni Mommy.

"I need to go Mom. Just got home and I'm too tired to argue. We'll talk some other time. I love you. Bye." I said ending our conversation. Just when I thought everything is going smooth, I sighed.