THE CROWDED MARRIAGE

Chapter 11

Maeve Dominique Valencia
-present-

I think the relationship I have with Ivory is moving forward.

Baka nga katulad nang sinabi ni Isha... I have a chance.

Napailing-iling na lang ako sa aking sarili. No! Where did that come from? Ivory told me with clarity that I hadn't had a chance since the beginning.

Pero wala namang mali kung susubukan mo?

I sighed at how the back of my mind argued with me.

"Are you uncomfortable?" Ivory suddenly asked, which brought me back from my reverie.

"Huh?"

"I saw you shaking your head and keeping sighing from time to time. You don't want to move with me to my condo?"

My head nodded, then I shook it... I looked so confused.

"No... that's not what I'm thinking about. I'll move with you... kailangan ko lang ng fresh air." Tumango-tango pa ako sa aking sarili na parang iyon na ang pinakamatalinong dahilan na ginawa ko. "I just need fresh air..." I repeated.

Even with my calm facade, I felt the movement of the rooftop of Ivory's car.

In my peripheral vision, I saw how Ivory's index finger moved the little switch control to open the rooftop of his car... then his hand went back to holding the gear shift.

The fresh air greeted us as he drove the road smoothly.

My head shifted to Ivory, who was still looking in front. A slow smile appeared on my lips.

"Don't put meaning into it... that's me being a nice fiancé to you. It's my responsibility to make you comfortable wherever you're with me," he explained.

I tucked the hair that was on my cheeks behind my ear. I crossed my arms in front of my chest while also looking at the road. I keep my smile on my lips now... not minding if Ivory could see it.

"You're always extra defensive when you're with me. Wala naman akong say sa mga ginagawa mo." I even shrugged my shoulders. "You're really a lawyer, aren't you?"

"Tsk."

My lips widened when I heard that from him. He's so pikon.

"Anyway... why did you think of moving me with you to your condo? Ilang months pa lang pero bumigay ka na sa akin."

He gave me a quick glance.

"You're enjoying teasing me, aren't you?" he reverted back.

I let out a small chuckle. "You're too late to realize that, my fiancé."

"So you always tease me, huh?"

I just lifted my brows in response.

It was so fast to get into our mansion. When we got out... my parents greeted us, which made my good mood go away.

I don't know how Ivory will reason out about me moving out of the mansion into his place.

"Ginabi kayo," my dad started.

Lumapit si Ivory sa kanila para mag mano. While me, I walked closer to kiss them on their cheeks.

"Come. Nagpaluto ako sa chef ng maraming pagkain," my mom smilingly muttered like she's the best mom in the world.

I widely smile to show how grateful I am. Ivory managed to give them a small smile that I know was also a fake one.

I don't really know why they often went home after announcing my marriage to Ivory. Maybe because they are looking and checking for their biggest investment... which is me marrying Ivory Kyson Mortimeroz. I know they are just making sure that we're okay.