Eyes Don't Lie

Chapter 30

"Astrid, are you sure about this?" Aniya ni Katya at nag-aalalang napatitig sa akin sa salamin.

"What are you talking about, Katya?" Tipid ang ngiting ibinigay ko sa kaibigan.

"About this wedding... I mean..."

"I will marry Naville."

"Do you love him?"

Natigilan ako sa tanong nito at saglit na napatulala sa kawalan at inalala ang nangyari kagabi sa bar.

"Vernon..." pagtawag kong muli rito at hahawakan na dapat siya nang umiwas ito.

What is he doing here?

"I'm sorry, Miss. But I don't know you." Aniya.

Kumirot ang puso ko roon at natigil sa ere ang kamay. I know he's lying. It's easy to recognize him. Sa mga mata pa lamang niya. Kabisadong-kabisado ko na. And his voice too...

This is Vernon. I'm sure of it.

"Ay! Hindi pala Alvarez. Namali lang!" Dinig kong sigaw ni Katya.

Tipid kong nginitian ito at napahawak sa braso ko. "I'm sorry. I just thought you're someone I know before."

"Why is that?"

"He has those blue eyes just like yours." Tugon ko.

"Is he an important person to you?"

"Hmm... someone I know..." I love and treasure.

"Someone you know, ha..."

Napayuko ako at napakagat ng labi. I nodded as a response.

"I want to say sorry to him. And I want him to know that wherever he is, I'm happy for him. I know that's what he feels right now."

My tears started to form in my eyes when I realized this will be my last chance to say it. Because tomorrow will be a new journey for me. I will marry Naville. I should never see him again after this. This feeling, I should bury it in the deepest and darkest part of me.

"How could you be so sure he's happy?" Ramdam ko ang hinanakit sa boses nito.

I swallowed hard and decided to stare last time at his eyes. "I know for sure he will be happy without me by his side."

"Really?" Nanunuya ang tono nito.

Pilit naman ang ngiti kong pinakawalan. "And if you ever see him... please tell this to him."

I will never forget that once in my life, I loved an Alvarez. The one with the blue eyes like ocean. The sweet, supporting, and loving boyfriend that I once have.

"My feelings were true. I did love you that time, Vernon. And I'm sorry for hurting you. I wish you nothing but the best..." naglakad ako palapit dito at niyakap siya nang mahigpit.

Napapikit ako nang mariin at dinama ang init ng katawan niya. This was once my warmth, my comfort, and my home.

Years ago, I thought I will see myself walking with the man I loved waiting in the aisle. But it was never been fulfilled.

I stared at the man waiting for me in the aisle. Naville's eyes are staring only at me. I swallowed hard as I smiled at him.

He doesn't have those blue eyes, but he supported me with all his might. He loves me even if I can't love him fully. He understood me if I cry at night with a man that's not him. He always care for me and love me.

So... why can't just my heart beats for him? Bakit hindi nito magawang ibalik ang noong mabilis na pagtibok ng puso ko tuwing nandiyan siya sa harapan ko?