The Third Side of a Love Story

Chapter 13

Siya ang bumungad sa paningin ko nang napunta sa direksyon na iyon ang spotlight.

He's the most beautiful man I've ever known.

That's all I can say because that's the truth.

I was in awe when I saw him pointed by the spotlight. His charisma leave me breathless. Halos hawakan ko na ang dibdib ko sa itsurang ipinapakita niya sa akin. He really knew how to take good care of himself and surely master how to look better than anyone.

He's a fine-looking man who deserves the attention. Ni hindi na nga niya kailangan pang hingin pa iyon sa ibang tao. Even without saying anything, everyone in the room will look at him just to mesmerize his beauty.

I can't say how much I'm thankful this night turned out. Buong akala ko ay wala siya at hindi siya darating. I almost hate him thinking he will just ditch me like that. Ngunit narito siya ngayon at gumawa pa siya ng eksena.

I was mixed by the all the emotions only him can make me feel all at the same time.

Romantic music started to play as he walk towards my direction. My Dad announced Justin's name himself. Siya na  yata ang pumalit sa host. But I know this is all his idea.

Pinagmamasdan ko lamang si Justin habang papalapit siya ng papalapit. But as he walk nearer and nearer, his smile becomes faker and faker.

He don't want any of this.

The happiness I felt a while ago didn't actually faded because it wasn't really happiness. It's just all the feeling of being thankful na ginagawa niya pa rin lahat ng ito kahit labag ito sa loob niya.

Alam ko naman simula pa lamang na hindi siya sang-ayon sa engagement. Na idea lamang ito lahat ni Dad and Justin's parents to make my wish come true. Ako lang naman talaga ang may gusto nito.

Ngunit sino ba ako para tumanggi pa?

I know if I tell Justin sorry about all of this, magagalit siya. He probably just going to tell me to go with flow and what makes me happy the most important. Kahit hindi niya gusto, basta para sa akin. Okay lang para sa kanya.

Smiles on my lips turns into tears falling from my eyes.

Guests might think this is tears of happiness.

I just wish it is. But it's not.

These tears are sadness and sorrow.

Of how this man cannot love me the same way I did to him. It's the tears how cruel world could be for me and Justin. Kung bakit hindi nalang pwede na kami na lamang dalawa para sa isa't isa.

Is loving me too much to ask?

Iyon lamang ang nasa isip ko habang walang kurap akong nakatingin kay Justin na ilang hakbang nalang ay nasa harapan ko na.

"Happy Birthday Ven."

"I thought you were not coming."

"Why would I missed this for the world?"

He whispered and it's like music to my ears.

"I'm gonna have to pass you this microphone because I know you have something to say. Everyone, please give a round of applause for Justin Paul Cojuanco."

"Thanks, Tito."

"You're welcome hijo. Remember, my wife and your parents are just right there for both of you. We have your back. Just..." He paused and held Justin' shoulder. "Just do what you want you do. I trust you with my daughter Venisa."