Unexpected Love

Prologue

I was totally shocked when my best friend's soon-to-be wife chose me to be her bridesmaid. I don’t think anything could hurt more than that. Owen is my childhood best friend, my partner in crime. Wherever I go, he's always there. We even went to the same elementary school. But now, at such a young age, he's getting married. We're still in Senior High School, both 18 years old, and yet he's already tying the knot.

Expect the unexpected talaga when it comes to business.

It makes me sick to think that you can't choose what you want because you're tied to a contract. I should be the one standing there. I sighed deeply at the thought that my best friend is getting married... but not to me. Yes, I have feelings for my best friend, and here I am at his wedding, serving as a bridesmaid.

Their wedding wasn't extravagant, with only a select few guests. Most were business associates of Tito, and my father was also there. I sighed again, my chest tightening as I watched my best friend smile. He seemed so happy with this marriage.

“I do, Father,” I heard my best friend say, and I looked down at those words.

Tears fell down my cheeks. I hadn’t realized I was secretly crying. If anyone were watching me now, they’d probably think I was crying out of joy, but the truth was the complete opposite. Though I was happy for him, I couldn’t hide the fact that it also hurt deeply, having loved him for so many years.

I glanced across the row and was startled to see a man staring at me intently. I wiped away my tears.

Bakit kaya nakatingin ‘yung lalaking ‘yun?

I decided to ignore him and refocused on the ceremony, which was nearing its end. They were at the part where...

“You may now kiss the bride.”

The guests cheered, but I couldn’t bring myself to watch. I sighed deeply, feeling like this might be the end of our close friendship. He’s married now, with a wife and soon a family of his own, so I can’t keep monopolizing his attention.

After the ceremony, they took pictures. I forced a bitter smile. They looked so happy.

“Yana! Come here, let’s take a picture!” he called out to me, and I was surprised.

Yana…

He used to call me that all the time. He loved my nickname. Sigh. Even though it pained me, I joined them for the photo, convincing myself that my best friend deserved to be happy.

“Hi, Driana!” I forced a smile at Ella.

We got into position for the photo, and I hadn’t realized that the guy from earlier was standing next to me. He was one of the groomsmen, and honestly, he was quite handsome. I gasped softly when he looked at me again, and our eyes met just as the camera clicked.

Who’s that guy?

Even during the reception, I couldn’t stop thinking about him. Nakakainis! It felt like I was hypnotized by his chocolate-brown eyes, which seemed to pull the strength right out of me.

This is bad!

“Ang lalim ng iniisip mo, baby ah,” said my dad, sitting next to me at the table.

I just sighed. My dad knew me so well. He’s raised me on his own since I was 15 years old. My mom passed away three years ago. Sometimes, life feels so unfair. I took a gulp of wine.

“I’m just happy for them. Wala na akong makukulit na best friend nito,” I said, sadness lacing my voice.

“Hush, baby. Daddy’s here. I’ll be your best friend, okay?” I smiled at that. I love my dad so much.

I hugged him. Even though I’m heartbroken in love, I’m lucky to have a loving father. He kissed my forehead before letting me go.

“Yana! Halika, the bride’s about to throw the bouquet!” Zoey suddenly called out.

“Nope, I’m good. Kayo na lang,” I declined, but she wasn’t one to give up.

In the end, here I am, standing with the other bridesmaids. Since this really isn’t my thing, I stood at the back, not wanting any attention. The bride was already in position, ready to toss the bouquet.

They say whoever catches it will be the next to get married.

I couldn’t care less about that bouquet. All I wanted was to go home. I absentmindedly twirled my hair as I waited for it all to be over.

“Ready na ba ang lahat?” the emcee asked excitedly.

“Yes!!” the bridesmaids and some single guests screamed.

When will this be over?

“On 1… 2… 3…”

Ella, facing away from us, tossed the bouquet into the air. For some reason, my heart pounded in my chest. Everything seemed to slow down, including the bouquet falling through the air—

“Ah!” I yelped as someone bumped into me.

Just my luck today. And to top it off, the bouquet seemed to be heading straight for me.

It really wants me, huh?

Sorry, but marriage isn’t my thing yet! I’m still heartbroken! Just when I thought all hope was lost, someone grabbed my hand and caught me before I fell. As we both fell, I somehow ended up catching the bouquet. What was that? This was all new to me, and my world seemed to stop spinning. I felt the warmth from this man’s body. I was sweating.

Oh no!

“Oy! Ikaw na ba ang susunod na ikakasal?”

“Baby, are you okay?”

“Yana/Karl!”

The crowd went wild, while I sat there, unable to believe that I had landed in this guy’s arms. My heart raced. I had never felt this way before. It was pounding like a thousand horses.

“Are you okay?” I shivered when I heard his voice close to my ear. My eyes widened as everything sank in.

I had fallen into someone’s arms unexpectedly, and it was driving me crazy.