Stolen Moments

Epilogue

I'm sorry this took so long, I've been really busy with school and I couldn't focus on writing this. Anyways, this is Stolen Moments' ending! I hope you liked Zayden and Celestine's story, thank you for reading this far! Enjoy and see you on Levi's story! <3

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"Kuya, do you remember Celestine?"

I shifted my gaze at my brother when I heard him mention a familiar name. I raised my brows and nodded at his question. "What about her?"

He shrugged and pursed his lips. "I'm marrying her."

My jaw almost dropped but I was quick to stop it. I remained my dry face as I looked at him. I didn't want him to see that I care... because I really don't.

"Girlfriend mo?" I asked casually, ignoring the weird pang in my chest.

Of course I know her... she's my wife. Well, was.

We were best friends first, then we fell in love, and got married. It lasted for almost a year but it ended because I found out that she cheated on me. I was so mad and hurt. I spent a lot of nights drinking and contemplating, trying to realize what I did wrong. I had to ask myself a lot of times, was it my fault?

In the end, I was the one who asked for an annulment. I didn't want to, but it was probably for the best for the both of us. I was brutally hurt, I didn't know how to cope. We lost communication the moment she left our home. I regretted my decisions after I realized that I completely lost her, but I knew it was for the best. I love her, but she cheated on me. I couldn't turn a blind eye on that.

At first, I thought Zack was just spitting nonsense. Not until I saw her with her parents in our house, ready to talk about their wedding. It was a fixed marriage. I knew they weren't in love with each other, but knowing my brother, I also know he would want to give their marriage a chance. As his kuya, I will forever look out for him. And I was worried that he might experience the same pain that Celestine made me feel. The self doubt, the trauma, the fear... I didn't want to see him go through that.

"Good morning po." Mine and Celestine's eyes met the moment she glanced at me. She looked beautiful in her dress. I had to stop myself from smiling softly. She still loves her dresses.

"Are you mad at me again? Oh, scratch that. You're always mad at me anyways."

I had to act as if I wanted to annoy her. That was my only way to talk to her. I can't just talk to her casually. Not now, not yet.

I wonder how much she has changed. Is she still picky when it comes to her dresses? Does she still bake the best strawberry shortcake? Is my Sinigang still her favorite? Is Tangled still her favorite movie?

Does she miss me?

I couldn't help but wonder, what if we never broke up? What if she never left? We would've probably had a family by now. I've always wanted to have kids with her. We had it all planned out.

I knew I couldn't let my defenses down. I don't want to get hurt again. I had to stay away from her because I was well aware that a piece of my heart still yearned for her. That despite what she did, I still love her.

"Why would I be nice to the woman I hate, Celestine?"

Hatred. That was what I needed to feel towards her. Feeling anything other than that for her is not good for me and my heart. I knew that.

But the heart wants what it wants, and mine wants her. It wanted my wife.

I volunteered to help with the wedding preparations because it was my way of telling myself that I should stop this resuscitating feeling that I have for her. She's getting married, I should let that sink in my mind.