Lost in the Pastel Hues (Sunset Avenues #3)

Chapter 50

Chapter 50

Run Free

Back then, my only wish was to be free and happy. Pangarap ko lang iyon noon. But when he came, I just didn't know, subconsciously, he gave me the freedom and the reasons to see beyond happiness. He eventually..and gradually made me realize the deeper purpose of my dream back then. What are you willing to do for freedom? Does happiness come with sacrifice?

The side of his lips rose. Ngunit sa kabila ng kan'yang pagngiti ay ang takot sa kan'yang mata. Natatakot ka bang hindi ko iyan tatanggapin, Alvarez?

"Paige Emerald Legacy-Wellington—"

But instead of answering him in that three letters, I pulled his collar and kissed him deeply. Binuhat niya ako, inikot at sinuklian ang halik na iyon. I felt him smiling and trembling at the same time as he slid the ring.

"I love you. I love you."

I heard the claps of people, the congratulations.. Nagkagulo na rin ang backstage dahil sa mga kumukuha ng larawan.

"You know the answer to that," I said, smiling.

"Pero patapusin mo man lang ako, Senyorita," natatawang sambit niya.

"Dumaan tayo sa pagdududa, sa ilang taon na magkahiwalay, napuno ng galit pero sa huli ay naghilom at bumalik. Ikaw sa akin at ako sa iyo. Lumipas ang dalawang taon at muling sinubok. Pero naghintay ka sa kabila ng walang kasiguraduhang pagbabalik. Ngayon, hindi ako magtatanong. But please marry me, Paige Legacy."

"I'll marry you, Jake Alejandros Alvarez," I answered solemnly but filled with conviction.

May isang limousine na sumundo sa amin sa labas ng venue. All I knew was that he planned it along.

"Naaalala ko ang sinabi mo noon nang magkasama tayo sa Batanes nang minsang banggitin ko ang kasal, Senyorita. Kilalanin muna ang isa't-isa.. Travels. Island hopping. Trying cultures of countries we find unique."

Isang ngiti ang gumuhit sa aking labi. Naaalala ko ang mga bagay na nasabi ko sa kan'ya noon. At habang magkahawak kamay, napagtanto na iyon nga ang gagawin namin. As if taking a step at that moment is choosing bravery over fear.

Husgahan man ako ng ibang tao. I might be labelled by people again. Throw speculations and allegations again. But this is now my truth, I have found my freedom. I have found my happiness. I have found it in myself and I have found it in him.

"Finally having a break, Java? Getting married?"

"Soon, buddy," sagot ni Jake.

Nilingon ko siya at napagtanto kung gaano siya kagwapo. Nagtaas siya ng kilay nang mahuli niya akong nakatitig sa kan'ya. I just smiled. Pinatakan niya ng halik ang aking noo. My heart is overwhelming and it hasn't sunk yet all the things we have been through and how we ended up this way.

"A private jet, Jake?"

"Pagkakaguluhan ka pa sa loob ng airport, Senyorita. Dito, solo na kita."

It is just us, the pilot, the co-pilot and the cabin crew. Nakahanda rin doon ang iba sa mga gamit namin. He really prepared for that day to happen. Hinintay lang niyang matapos ang show sa araw na iyon para wala nang sagabal.

It turns out that, days prior to that, while I was busy with the Fall Winter fashion show, he was preparing for that tour. To hold hands without the interference of external factors.

"Do you really remember what I said that day?"

"Marami pa akong naaalalang sinabi mo, Senyorita."

"Huh? I am just pertaining to that day..in Batanes."