Heartless Romance

Epilogue

THERE is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love. Our journey isn’t perfect—it was full of struggles, pain and heartaches. But from the start until the end, it’s just a proof how our love remained. . . and will remain forever despite of those trials we’ve been through.

“Today, we are gathered here in the sight of God and these witnesses to join together Claude and Arabelle in holy matrimony.” The priest announced.

The ceremony has just begun. Our guests were seated; some of them looked with excitement, and some of them are in tears of joy.

It didn’t take long for me to realize that this decision was the rightest thing at all—Claude proved it to me. Siyempre’t hindi naging madali rito ang makuha akong muli. But he did everything to retrieve what he’ve lost.

Hindi niya man aminin pero alam kong nahirapan siya sa mga pagpapakipot na ginawa ko. At kung hindi madali para sa kaniya na bawiin ako ay lalong hindi madali ang paghingi kay mama ng basbas nito. But in the end, everything still became so worth it. Today, we’re getting remarried. Oo nga’t kasal na ako sa kaniya dati pa. I thought our first marriage is fake, but it’s not. Claude just wanted to make me feel it’s real. Besides, noong unang kasal namin ay hindi nakadalo si mama. So he decided to repeat the ceremony in a more romantic and grandeur way this time.

The slow sounds harmonized with my heartbeats as my tears began to flow. I swear, no one can remark how elated I am. That at last, we’re finally here.

“Those whom God has joined together, let no man put asunder. In so much as Claude and Arabelle have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, having given and pledged their faith, each to the other.” The priest had given us blessing. “May Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior, always be at the center of your relationship, that you may know the ways of true love and kindness.”

I looked at Claude just to see he’s also staring at me, with his eyes full of so much love and passion. As if I’m the most beautiful woman he’ve ever seen. It’s been years but he can still give me the same butterflies.

“Claude and Arabelle will mark their transition as a couple not only by celebrating the love between themselves, but also by celebrating the love between all of us—including the love of their parents, siblings and friends. Without that love, today would be far less joyous.” After the short preach, it is now time for our declaration of intent. “Do you Claude, take Arabelle to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and not so good times, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?” The priest asked.

“I do.” Claude answered with the most sincere and expressive manner while remained looking at me.

“Do you Arabelle, take Claude to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and not so good times, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?” The priest repeated the question, but this time, I am the one he’s asking.

I breathed deeply without breaking my eye contact with Claude. “I do.” I answered whole-heartedly.

“A ring is an unbroken circle, with ends that have been joined together, and it represents your union. It is a symbol of infinity, and of your infinite love. When you look at these rings on your hands, be reminded of this moment, your commitment, and the love you now feel for each other.” Patuloy sa malalakas na pagtibok ang puso ko nang oras na para sa palitan ng mga singsing. There are no enough words to describe the happiness I’m feeling right now.

“I, Claude Fontanilla, promise to cherish you always, to honor and sustain you, in sickness and in health, in poverty and in wealth, and to be true to you in all things until death alone shall part us.” He vowed while pressing the ring on my finger.

I could feel myself blush from having all types of emotions running rampant inside my heart. The kind of love that made me feel so secure for every sweet promises he utter.

“I, Arabelle Torres - Fontanilla, promise to cherish you always, to honor and sustain you, in sickness and in health, in poverty and in wealth, and to be true to you in all things until death alone shall part us.” I declared my vow with all of my heart.

I can’t promise I’ll be a perfect wife, but I will cherish him for the rest of my life.

“I now pronounce you as husband and wife. I ask you right now to seal the promises you have made with each other this day with a kiss.” The priest announced. “You may now kiss the bride.”

Claude raised the veil, giving me a clearer view of his handsome face. He chuckled the moment our gaze met. “How blessed I am to have someone like you.” He looks at me as if I am the only one who matters to him.

You’re one in a million, too, Claude. I wanted to answer him that phrase, but it only became a thought when he softly kissed my lips. I couldn’t stop my tears of joy as I kiss him back.

The crowd had given us a round of applause. And few moments after the ceremony, I carried our eight-month-old Mirabelle. While Claude’s hands wrapped around my waist. We had a picture taking with genuine smiles plastered across our faces.

Nothing beats the feeling of being in love and being loved.

Who’d thought it’s possible to be happy without hurting and sacrificing anybody? My mom and I were already okay. And it may take a lot of time but Claude and I were starting to rebuild a better and stronger relationship. What could I wish for? Posible palang maging masaya nang walang ibang natatapakan at nasasaktan. Everything feels so right that I’m starting to ask myself if it’s just a dream— because it’s just too good to be true. At kung nananaginip man ako? Ayaw ko nang magising. Happily ever after isn’t a fairy tale, it’s a choice.