Forbidden Relationship (Forbidden Series #3) (Completed)

Chapter 25

"Another visitor?" Kuya asked as the doorbell suddenly rang. We had just finished our snacks, and my friends had only recently left.

"Let me get it, Aling Nita," I said to the old woman just as she was about to step outside.

I walked out and opened the gate for Sir Zade's car, then followed as he drove into the garage and parked.

When he stepped out of the car, he offered me a faint smile. "Is someone inside with you?" he asked.

I nodded before asking, "Why are you here?"

"Your parents mentioned you've been staying cooped up in your room. I thought I'd drop by in case you were feeling unwell," he said with a shrug. "Just concerned—as your fiancé."

"Thank you, Sir," I replied.

"Don't call me ‘Sir’ outside of school," he said firmly. "Come on inside—we have a lot to talk about." He headed straight for the front door, and I followed close behind.

"By the way, who's your visitor?" he asked. I was about to respond when he opened the door himself.

He paused briefly, surprised, then turned to me. "Ate and Kuya are my guests… Zade," I said, emphasizing his name carefully.

I moved past him and approached Ate Grapes. I noticed her clenched fist as she stared at Sir Zade. Did she still hold a grudge against him?

"Bro!" Kuya Mark greeted Sir Zade, walking over and offering a fist bump. "It's been a while. I heard you're a teacher now."

He glanced at Ate Grapes and added with a teasing smirk, "Imagine—leaving the girl you loved, only to end up marrying her sister."

"Kuya," nagbabantang tawag ni Ate Grapes sa kaniya. Tumayo si Ate Grapes bago naglakad palayo nang walang paalam.

Kuya patted Sir Zade's shoulder. "My little sister still cares for you. Make wise decisions in life. I don't want Grapes to suffer any longer," he said seriously before following Ate out of the room.

Sir Zade and I sat in silence once they left the living room. I waited for him to speak, but he seemed lost in thought, his gaze distant.

"Zade…" I called, reminding him that he had said we had much to talk about. "Let's begin our conversation."

He finally spoke. "Your Ate Grapes… Is she still the same?”

"What do you mean?" I asked, unsure where he was going with it.

"Is she still the girl who loves the color purple. Can't stand sweet food, avoids studying and dreaming because she's afraid of being disappointed?"

"The girl who speaks boldly to your parents, defends you but never herself… and still resents me for everything I said and did to her?"

"Ang dami mong alam sa kaniya," nakangiti kong sinabi.

"Because I believe that when you truly love someone, even after a long time apart, their likes and dislikes remain etched in your heart and mind," he said softly.

"I want to be loved and understood like Ate Grapes," I replied.

He gently redirected the conversation.
"Alright, let's focus on us. At school, we'll maintain the student-teacher dynamic. With our parents, we'll present the image they expect. It's that simple."

"Can I tell my friends about this?" I asked.

"If you want to, go ahead," he said. "I'd just prefer not to make our arranged marriage public at school. A relationship between a student and a teacher is against the rules, after all."