A/N: This is the final chapter before the epilogue. Please bear with me until the end.🙏
Months after the proposal Axton and his parents came to my mother's mansion in Laguna to formally ask my hand or what they called "Pamamanhikan".
Naging tradisyon na raw ng Pamilya Esquivel ang ganito kahit sa modernong mundo.
"I believe my daughter is a grown up woman now so I guess there wouldn't be any problem. We're all set. Expect us to be in their wedding but I want to protect my family name. If you know what I'm talking about." The sophisticated woman raised her head.
"No problem, Madamè. I can take care of that," seryosong boses ni Axton.
Napainom ng wine si Mamà at hindi na nagsalita. No one knows about her being my mom and we all know it would only complicate the situation if that issue will expose.
Umuwi kami sa mansyon nila Axton pagkatapos ng meeting na 'yon.
"Dito na kayo magpalipas ng gabi, Axton hijo..." malamyos na sabi ni Tita Thralaine.
I was amazed how she speaks up and handles herself that even in her late forties, the trace of her youthful beauty is very evident.
"I'll prepare our dinner for tonight." Ngumisi siya sa akin.
"Whatever Mom," tamad na sagot ni Axton kaya siniko ko siya.
"Thank you, Tita." Ngumiti ako.
"You can call me Mom now."
"Mom," I echoed awkwardly.
"She can use the guest room-"
"Are you kidding me, Dad? She's going to sleep in my room," putol ni Axton sa Daddy niya.
Hilaw na naman akong ngumiti at palihim na kinurot ang braso niya. Matalim na nagtitigan ang mag ama hanggang sa tumawa si Tita.
"Enough of that, boys. Hayaan mo na sila, Ryland. Tara, samahan mo ako magluto sa kusina. Our children might go home early tonight. Please excuse us." Ngumiti siya sa amin at tumatawang kinaladkad na ang asawa.
"Hey! You're being too rude to your parents." Marahang sinuntok ko ang dibdib niya.
"Dad's just so very conservative. I hate it." His eyes bore into me.
"I like it. Pareho sila ni Papà." Humalukipkip ako at tinignan ang pinanggalingan nila.
Axton's father is incredibly handsome. Now I know where he inherited his beautiful brown eyes.
Later that night we had a formal dinner. Doon ko nakilala ang iba pa niyang kapatid at dalawang sisters in-law. I have learned that they're actually five siblings. Pangatlo si Axton at bunso pala ang nag iisang babae na si Cassie. Doon lamang ako nagkaroon ng idea sa family background niya. The Esquivels are known in the world of business and law.
"Ehmeghed... I can't believe you're marrying." Heloise giggled beside me.
Kasama ko siya sa pagpaplano ng kasal namin at ang isa pa naming wedding coordinator.
"OMG! I'm so excited."
Ngumiti lang ako at nagpatuloy sa pagsusukat ng wedding gown ko.
"Sino pa ba ang iinvite natin? Hmm... Don't you think it's okay to invite Brice? Kaso makikita na naman natin ang bruhildang half sister mo. I'm sure she'll come with him." Umikot ang mata ni Heloise habang fina-finalize ang guests' list.
Bumuntong hininga ako at humarap sa kanya.
"It's okay, Loi. Matagal na naman 'yon. I'm fine with it."
BINABASA MO ANG
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