✓ Forbidden Sweetness of Eden [COMPLETED]

Chapter 25

No one told Kristel that embarking a new beginning as soon-to-be Mrs. Marasigan was this exhausting. As soon as they left the island, Kristel has to shoulder all her bridal responsibilities that she left to her mother-in-law. Sa dami ng hinahabol niyang requirements and papers hindi na niya alam kung anong hitsura ang ihaharap niya sa kasintahan sa mismong araw ng kasal nila.

A loud and long sigh escaped from her mouth after reviewing the whole course flow of their upcoming wedding. It was just a simple event that will be held in their garden, just like how she and Heart wanted, but Kristel wants to be attentive even in the littlest detail for their special event. Sa ganoong paraan niya na lang kasi naipapakita na seryoso siya sa pagtanggap ng inaalok na kasal ng kasintahan. Heart even told her not to push herself but Kristel was stubborn.

Kinagat ni Kristel ang pang-ibaba niyang labi. Mariin niyang ipinikit ang mga mata ngunit kaagad din siyang nagmulat ng maalaala ang mukha ng Propesor. Mabilis na naghurumentado ang kaniyang puso kasabay ang matinding pagkirot niyon.

There is something inside her that was gnawing by guilt. Is it because she doesn't let the Professor explain? Kristel's palms folded into fists. Alam niya ang pwedeng mangyari sakaling marinig ang rason ng Propesor. Mas mabuti nang siya ang magdusa sa desisyon niya keysa masaktan ang kasintahan na walang ginawa kundi ang intindihin at mahalin siya ng sobra.

Although the emotions that were present on the Professor's eyes that night was haunting her through her wake and sleeping time. Patuloy itong bumabagabag sa damdamin niya na mas nakakadagdag sa pressure na nararamdaman niya ngayon.

"Oh God, please help me." Utas niya.

Kristel couldn't hold it in anymore. Ibinagsak niya ang katawan sa mahabang sofa pagtapos ay ibinaon ang sariling mukha sa mga palad. The pressure that was weighing her down was no longer bearable. It was draining her from inside. At sa ganoong sitwasyon siya naabutan ng biyenan.

The old woman immediately attended to her daughter-in-law. She asked if there is something she can do to cheer her son's future wife but Kristel was moved by the woman's warmth and brought her to tears. It was her first time feeling this kind of kindness from a Mom, so she couldn't help but to bawled her eyes out like how a newborn does. She was trembling in between her arms and it took her full minute before she sobbed.

"I'm s-sorry, Ma." Paumanhin ni Kristel. "You shouldn't have seen me like this. Ang laki-laki ko na pero iyakin pa rin ako." Natatawa niyang sambit habang tinutuyo ang sariling luha.

"So am I, hija. Hindi mo alam kung paano ako mag-atungal baka sa Papa mo." The woman laughed. "Kulang na lang ilagay niya ako sa duyan para ihele."

Kristel bit her lower lip. The warmth from her mother-in-law was cozy and comforting. It was embracing her and lulling her like a baby.

"Thanks, Ma. I really appreciate it."

"Ano ka ba? Wala 'yon. Basta, kapag may problema ka you can approach me. Try to open up more to me, magiging anak na rin naman kita ... thanks to Heart." Aniya ng ginang bago siya pabirong kinindatan.

Kristel chuckled. Muli siyang binalot ng mahigpit at mainit na yakap ng ginang. Hindi man siya pinapakuwento ay natural na bumukas ang kaniyang bibig para sabihin sa biyenan ang dinadamdam niya. Wala siyang itinago at hindi sinabi sa katabi maski pa na mataas ang posibilidad na magalit ito dahil Ina ito ng lalaking mapapangasawa niya—at kasalukuyang pinagkukuwentuhan niya ng nararamdaman para sa Propesor.

She told her everything. From the first time she met Teodomero, their moments together, the happiness she felt with him and the security she had when he's with her. Kristel shared the immeasurable and palpable emotions she had for the Professor—of course, for Heart too but the old woman doesn't need to question her furthermore just to understand her feelings. By just listening, she could tell that her daughter-in-law is in love—unfortunately, not to her son.