Chapter 38: Embracing the Present

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Alexander and Isabella's visit to Batac had left a lasting impression on both of them. As they settled back into their routine in the city, the conversations with Mama Meldy echoed in their minds, reminding them of the importance of prioritizing their relationship amid the whirlwind of responsibilities and upcoming events.

Days turned into weeks, and Alexander found himself buried in political meetings, campaign preparations, and the growing pressure of his role. Meanwhile, Isabella was equally engrossed in finalizing the details of their wedding, which was fast approaching. Despite their busy schedules, they made a conscious effort to carve out time for each other, often finding solace in quiet dinners and late-night walks where they could simply talk and be present with one another.

One evening, after a particularly long day of meetings, Alexander returned home to find Isabella waiting for him in the living room, surrounded by a pile of wedding invitations and decor samples. She looked up, her face lighting up with a smile that instantly melted away the stress of his day.

"Hey," she greeted, setting aside the items in her lap. "How was your day?"

Alexander shrugged off his coat and loosened his tie, his expression softening as he approached her. "Busy, as usual. But it's better now that I'm here with you." He leaned down, kissing her gently before sitting beside her on the couch. "How about you? How's everything going along with the wedding plans?"

Isabella exhaled, a mix of excitement and exhaustion in her eyes. "It's coming together, bit by bit. There's still so much to do, but I'm trying not to get overwhelmed. Just focusing on the little details, you know?"

Alexander nodded, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her close. "I'm sorry I haven't been around as much to help. I know it's a lot, and I wish I could be more involved."

Isabella looked up at him, her eyes filled with understanding. "I know you're doing your best, Alex. We both are. I just want us to remember that this wedding is about us, not just the event itself. It's okay if everything isn't perfect."

Alexander smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. Isabella's words were a reminder of why he loved her so deeply—she always managed to put things into perspective, making even the most daunting tasks feel manageable.

"You're right, Bella. We'll make it perfect in our own way," Alexander said, resting his forehead against hers. "And I promise, once all this political madness settles down, I'll make it up to you. We'll have the wedding of our dreams, and I'll be right there every step of the way."

Isabella nodded, her smile widening. "I'm holding you to that promise, Mr. Marcos. But until then, let's just take it one day at a time."

As the weeks continued to unfold, Alexander found himself juggling more than ever. His campaign efforts intensified, with strategic meetings and public appearances becoming a daily occurrence. He felt the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him, but he remained steadfast in his determination to not let it affect his relationship with Isabella.

One evening, Alexander received a phone call from his campaign manager, who was eager to discuss an upcoming event that required his presence. Alexander listened patiently, his gaze flickering over to Isabella, who was seated across the room, engrossed in a phone call with the wedding planner. He could see the slight furrow in her brow as she navigated yet another last-minute change, and his heart sank with guilt.

After hanging up, Alexander walked over to Isabella, who was just finishing her call. She looked up, sensing his presence, and gave him a reassuring smile.

"Everything okay?" she asked, setting her phone aside.

Alexander nodded, though the tired lines on his face told a different story. "Just more campaign stuff. But I'm thinking of cutting back on some appearances—at least for the next few weeks. I want to be more present for the wedding preparations, and more present for you."

Isabella's eyes softened at his words. "Alex, you don't have to do that. I know how important your campaign is. We can make this work."

Alexander shook his head, his expression resolute. "No, Bella. I've been thinking a lot about what Mama Meldy said. This is our time, and I don't want to look back and regret not being there for you when it mattered most. The campaign can wait; our wedding can't."

Isabella reached out, her hand resting gently on his cheek. "You're amazing, you know that? Thank you for always trying to find a balance, even when it's hard."

Alexander smiled, taking her hand and pressing a kiss to her palm. "It's not just me, Bella. We're a team, and I'm lucky to have you by my side."

As they stood there, wrapped in the comfort of each other's presence, they realized that no matter how busy or chaotic their lives became, they could always find peace in moments like these. Together, they were stronger, and together, they could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

With renewed determination, Alexander began to delegate more of his campaign responsibilities, freeing up time to be more involved in the wedding planning. He accompanied Isabella to venue visits, offered his input on decorations, and even took part in a cake tasting session that left them both in fits of laughter. The shared experiences brought them closer, reminding them of the joy in planning a future together.

As the days inched closer to their wedding, Alexander and Isabella made a pact—to always prioritize each other, even amid the demands of their respective careers. They knew that life would continue to throw challenges their way, but with open communication, unwavering support, and a commitment to their partnership, they were confident they could navigate it all.

In the quiet moments before sleep, as they lay side by side, Isabella turned to Alexander with a contented sigh. "You know, no matter how busy things get, I'm just happy we're doing this together."

Alexander looked at her, his heart swelling with love. "Me too, Bella. This is just the beginning for us, and I wouldn't want to do it with anyone else."

As they drifted off to sleep, hand in hand, Alexander and Isabella knew that their journey was far from over. But with every step, they were writing their own story—one filled with love, resilience, and the promise of a future built on the strength of their bond. And no matter what challenges came their way, they were ready to face them, together.

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