Forbidden Love

Continuation

As the plane ascended into the clouds, Duke leaned back in his seat, the weight of his decision finally settling in. Matagal na akong naghintay, he thought. For years, he had tried to convince himself that letting Sabrina go was the right thing to do, but now he knew better. He couldn’t live without her. Hindi ko na kayang ulit na mawala ka.

The city below grew smaller, and with every mile that separated him from his old life, Duke felt a strange sense of hope blooming inside him. He had no idea how Sabrina would react when he saw her, pero handa na siyang harapin kahit ano. He owed her an apology, yes, but more than that—he owed her the truth. Kailangan ko sabihin ang lahat sa kanya. Kahit anong mangyari.

He closed his eyes for a moment, imagining what it would be like to see her again. Her bright eyes, the way her smile always lit up a room. How many times had he replayed their last moments together in his head, wishing he had done things differently? But now, he had the chance to make things right. Sana, this time, mapatawad mo ako.

Hours later, Duke stood at the airport, the busy sounds of the terminal swirling around him. His heart raced as he imagined seeing Sabrina again. What if she’s moved on? a small voice in his head whispered, pero pinilit niya itong isantabi. It didn’t matter if she had moved on. He had to try.

Para sa akin, ikaw pa rin ang mahal ko, Sabrina, Duke thought, gripping his suitcase tightly as he walked through the crowd. At alam kong kailangan mong malaman iyon.

As he made his way to the hotel that evening, Duke couldn’t help but reflect on everything that had led him to this point. His failed marriage with Maxine, the mistakes he made with Sabrina, and the years of pretending to be someone he wasn’t. He had wasted so much time trying to live up to expectations—sa totoo lang, I never wanted any of it.

Now, things were different. This was his chance to finally live for himself, to choose happiness over obligation. And more than anything, to choose Sabrina. Kung papayagan lang niya ako, I will never let her go again.

The next day, Duke found himself standing outside Sabrina’s office building. His heart pounded in his chest as he looked up at the sleek, modern facade. Nandito na ako, he thought, taking a deep breath. He had no idea what was about to happen, but there was no turning back now.

He stepped inside, heading straight to the reception desk. “I’m here to see Sabrina Gonzalez,” he said, his voice steady but his nerves on edge. Please, sana andito siya.

The receptionist looked up at him, a polite smile on her face. “Do you have an appointment, sir?”

Duke shook his head. “No, but… she’ll want to see me.”

Minutes felt like hours as Duke waited in the lobby, his thoughts racing. He wondered if Sabrina would be happy to see him or if she would turn him away. What if she refuses to talk to me? The thought sent a wave of anxiety through him, but he quickly pushed it aside. Hindi ako aalis hanggang hindi kita nakakausap, Sabrina.

Just then, the elevator doors opened, and there she was—Sabrina. She looked more beautiful than ever, her hair falling softly over her shoulders, her eyes filled with surprise as they locked onto his. For a moment, they just stood there, staring at each other, the distance between them feeling both vast and insignificant all at once.

“Duke?” Sabrina finally said, her voice soft but laced with confusion. “What are you doing here?”

Duke swallowed hard, his heart racing in his chest. This is it, he thought. Now or never.

“I came for you, Sabrina,” he said, stepping closer. “I made a mistake—ang laki ng pagkakamali ko— and I’m here to make it right.”