The Gentle Truth

PROLOGUE

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, songs, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner.

Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

——————————

This is the first installment of GENTLEMEN SERIES.

This book also contains graphic descriptions of blood and violence. Strong languages, vulgar words, curses/profanities, that was really intended for an open-minded reader. Reader discretion is advised.

Some scenes/ideas were INSPIRED in real life scenarios, songs, actual events, social media posts, random quotes and thoughts, memes, recently and timely topics/issues in the society and even other books read by the author.

——————————

The author does not condone nor promote any form of discrimination or hate towards any individual or group based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The thoughts, feelings, and actions of the characters in this story are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or beliefs of the author.

———————————

Please be advised that this book contains cringe scenes that you may found uncomfortable to read. I really hope you understand me. I'm just a beginner and I'm still learning how to write and deliver my words properly.

No part of this book may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.

PLAGIARISM IS A CRIME.

*****

Ang simula ng wakas...

Not all story starts in the beginning. Sometimes it starts when it's almost ending. Why? Because we only realize it's worth when it's gone.

I could say, that's our story. It may have begun when we were younger, but it hasn't changed the fact that our relationship isn't just like before. Not when we're already on the brink of collapse.

"Ma'am pwede po kayo muna dito sa counter. Tawag lang po ako sa kitchen." I just nodded to Mimi, one of the staffs here in my Café.

Ni hindi ko na natignan ang costumer noong lumapit ako sa cashier para kumuha ng order. Busy kasi ako sa pagsusulat ng inventory ng shop. Wala rin kami masyadong staffs ngayon dahil holiday. I sigh when i finally finished jotting down. I looked up wearing my smile.

"Hello, good morning. What's your-" My body froze. My smile vanished upon realizing who's standing infront of me. He smiled softly.

"Hey, uhm are you okay?" His face etched in worry. I just nodded simply. Calming down myself.

"I am fine, thanks. What's your order?" I cleared my throat trying my best to look fine. When it's clearly not.

"Ganun parin, mhie. Padoble nalang. May kasama kasi ako. Salamat." Sabi nya sa malambot na boses. Ngumiti lang ako ng tipid at tumango. Pero hindi nakalagpas sa paningin ko ang tinutukoy nyang kasama. Lalaki iyon at kilalang kilala ko kung sino.

After he payed for his order, i excused myself. Mabuti nalang at bumalik si Mimi para tulungan ako. Pumunta ako sa opisina ko at nilock ang pinto. And when i locked the door, my knees wobble. I fell down on the cold floor. My back was resting on the door. I hugged my knees as i started crying.

I thought I've already overcome it. I thought i already moved on. I thought i can live my life without him. But i guess, i was so wrong.

That man was, Joaquin Acacius Alcazar. My first love. My only love. My greatest love. My best friend. My soon to be ex-husband.

Si Waki lang ang natatanging bakla na minahal at pinakasalan ko sa buhay na 'to. At ang lalaking kasama nya ay ang unang lalaking minahal nya. Maybe they're together again. Who knows, right?

But I can't understand why the hell I'm still crying. Hindi ko mapigil ang mga luha ko. Akala ko kaya ko na. Akala ko kaya ko nang wala sya. Akala ko lang pala.

I guess, if i had a chance. I would still do the same. I would still choose to let him go even though i love him. Because he is my gentle truth among the rough reality-that our relationship already fell apart. He's always been my gentleman. My gentle love. But it's not enough to fill the space in his heart, that's already occupied with the first man he love.

Joaquin may not reciprocate my feelings, and his heart belongs to another man, but that doesn't diminish the love i have for him. He's been my best friend since childhood, and even though our paths diverged into adulthood, my love for him remains unchanged.

It's a love that transcends gender preferences and societal norms. A love that is genuinely pure and true. I wouldn't trade this love for anything. It's what makes me who I am, and it's what keeps me going.

I am, Alaina Hope Mendez-Alcazar. And this is our story. Of how i fell inlove and ended up in a marriage with my gay best friend.