The Virgin Stripper

33

VV

"Love?" Elijah had been staring off into space for a while now.

"Yes, love?" He turned to me, smiling. "You look beautiful! Are you excited for your bachelorette party? You might come back having changed your mind about me," he sighed, looking away.

"Ano ka ba! I didn't want a bachelorette party. Mom insisted, so I gave her a chance. And please, baka ikaw pa ang uuwi na nagbago ang isip, love," I teased, pulling him into a hug, which he returned.

"I would never ever change you. Only stupid people would do that, and I am not stupid. If I lose you, I'll lose the family I've built with you." He kissed my forehead. Ugh, kuya knows how to make me melt.

"Okay? I love you, wifey," he said, pulling me closer.

I nodded. "Di pa tayo kasal." His expression shifted. "Just kidding! I love you more, my husband!" I chuckled, teasing him.

"Hello?" My sister's voice broke the moment.

"Ate, we have to go now, look—" she paused, spotting us still holding each other. "Gosh, kuya, stop it, it's kadiri," she muttered, probably grossed out. Or maybe she's just bitter.

"Alam mo, I know you do this with your partner too, so don't say it's kadiri," I said, rolling my eyes.

"Tss, tara na nga," she grumbled.

"Have fun! Not too much," Elijah whispered with a wink.

"Hoy, Quinn, maging possessive ka naman!" I grumbled, rolling my eyes. "Hays, cge na, oo na, magsasaya ako."

I hated the party. It was full of half-naked people, loud music, and uncomfortable energy. I tried to keep a smile on my face, but the more I looked around, the more I wanted to escape

"Kamusta, Valerie?"

"Hi, love, good morning," I shyly smiled at her, trying not to let my discomfort show.

"I thought you hated the party? Why is my wife so drunk?" Elijah's voice was calm, but I could tell he was teasing me, his eyes glinting with amusement

"Love, di na wifey? Wife? Tss, may nahanap ka kagabi, no?" I couldn't help but smirk, pushing his buttons.

"Cute. I'm just kidding. I know you didn't enjoy last night because you were all, 'I love my husband only! Get away from me, I hate you, I want my hubby,'" he said, mimicking my tone. I felt my cheeks burn bright red.

Did I really say that?

"Stop! Shhh," I whispered, embarrassed, and leaned in to kiss him. His hands slid to my waist, pulling me closer, and for a second, I thought we might not stop. But just as I was about to give in, I pulled away.

"Stop, baka san mapunta to, ha? Baka gising na yung anak mo," I teased, trying to stay composed.

"The room's soundproof," he grinned, clearly wanting more, but I shook my head and stood up. I could barely contain my laughter as I started to walk out of the room.

"Mommy, good morning!" My daughter, Yanna, came rushing up the stairs with her new yaya trailing behind. She was holding a tray with a little breakfast for me.

"Good morning, ma'am," the yaya said, smiling.

"Breakfast in bed, mommy!" Yanna giggled, holding out the tray.

"Good morning, lovie!" I scooped Yanna into my arms, planting a kiss on her cheek. "Thank you, baby," I whispered, giving her another kiss. Her giggles filled the room, and I felt a wave of warmth wash over me.

"Okay, that's enough. Let's eat breakfast," I said, playfully trying to distract myself from the lingering thoughts about last night.

"Baby, look, daddy doesn't like you kissing me," I joked, making Elijah laugh.

"No, not at all, baby," he replied, with a grin as Yanna kissed me again, making me feel both embarrassed and loved.

"So sweet naman!" I grinned, knowing I was being a little extra, but I couldn't help it.

"How about daddy?" Yanna asked, looking up at us innocently.

She kissed Elijah on the cheek. "I love you, mommy, daddy!" she said, with a smile that melted my heart.

"We love you more," Elijah and I said in unison, feeling complete in the little moments we shared as a family.