Thirteen out of the fifteen potential brides were there to present themselves in the council. Makki crouched and kissed Yvienne's forehead before going forward to announce his choice. He took the podium below the elevated stage and adjusted the microphone. His eyes drifted on the crowd waiting for him to speak.
"I will be marrying the goddess of Brilhart Enterprise and the CEO of BRi Persecom Asia, Ms. Yvienne Brilhart!" His gaze landed on his wife who stood from her seat and gave a confident neckbow to everyone. Natawa na lang siya sa response nitong iyon. Wala namang nagsabing kailangan nitong gawin iyon. Pero nakadama siya ng pagmamalaki dahil ito na mismo ang nagkompirma sa kanyang pahayag.
"May I hear any objection from the other parties?" Athrun cutted-in, after giving him an approval nod. Satisfaction and amusement was apparent in the chairman's blue eyes. Mukhang isa si Yvienne sa nagpapaaliw rito.
"Chairman, nobody informed us that there's addional candidate. The original line-up was only fourteen then, how was it possible that the Brilhart was included?" Mula sa oposisyon ay nagtanong ang president ng Shintome Holdings, si Bruce.
"Excuse me, Sir?" sumabat si Yvienne at naglakad patungo sa gitna bitbit ang shot gun. Kahit ang mga guards sa loob ng hall ay hindi nagtangkang pigilan ang asawa niya. "Is there any problem with me joining Makki's potential brides? Nag-enroll po ako, nag-apply, single naman po ako at mahal ko si Makki kaya wala sigurong dahilan para hindi ako mag-qualify."
Her declaration made his heartbeat raced wildly in amasement. Sure thing, she has her own way of getting his hard side melt.
"Never mind, I rest my case, Chairman." Sumuko si Bruce at naupong muli.
No one else tried to question him and her. There is no need to bring up their marriage at the Malawi too or else they have to put up her shot gun and her witty disposition that even him cannot win.
"On that note, I am inviting you all to our wedding this coming weekend," he concluded and a resounding applause followed.
Mula sa maindoor ng conference hall ay pumasok ang mga hipag niya, sina Jellyann, Mayee, Glen, at Mimi. Kasama si Amayya. The ladies distributed the invitation card and the pure gold coin. Walang tumanggi at lahat ay naaatat pang mabigyan. Isang matamis na tagumpay para sa araw na ito. Nakangisi siyang bumaba sa kinaroroonan ni Yvienne at hinapit ang asawa, kinudlitan ng halik sa labi na malugod nitong tinugon. Sumenyas siya ng pasasalamat sa mga hipag at gumanti ng thumbs-up sa mga kapatid na alertong nakaantabay pa rin sa kaganapan.
Pagkatapos doon sa hall ay bumaba sila sa kanyang opisina. Nagpahanda na siya roon ng tanghalian. Dumulog agad sa hapag ang asawa at pumili ng kakainin. Gutom na marahil, kanina pa nito hinahaplos ang tiyan. Nag-urong siya ng silya para rito at maingat itong pinauupo.
With them are Johan and Yllaine Brilhart, Aivan and Rosalyn Aceron with their daughter Janiza. He is going to clear everything over lunch. They settled on the vacant seats before the buffet table. While he stayed behind his wife. Sinulyapan niya si Janiza na nakatingin sa kanya. Kung si Yvienne ay high spirited, kabaliktaran naman ito. The girl is extra modest and careworn but confident enough to maintain an eye contact with him.
"I don't think there is need to talk when the result will still be same," pahayag ni Aivan na pumasada ang paningin sa kanilang dalawa ni Yvienne.
"I agree," sang-ayong ng asawa nitong si Rosalyn.
"Sapat na sa akin ang paliwanag ng Chairman kanina," dagdag pa ng lalaki.
"Still, let me take my responsibility of explaining my side, Sir." He pushed on. "I know, I am not exempted of the marriage tradition we have in the council. I can't escape from it. But before my set of potential brides has been decided, I was already taken by. I'm inlove with Yvienne and it's been a while since I kept ignoring my feelings for her."
