Love and Resilience

Walking toward Forever

Serena’s POV

I still can’t wrap my mind around it—Jovana proposed to me. Even now, after all this time, I keep asking myself *why* she chose me after everything I put her through. I left her when she needed me the most. I tried to protect her by pushing her away, and even though my intentions were good, I know I hurt her deeply. But Jovana… she understood. She always does. And now, instead of resentment or pain, she’s giving me her whole heart, offering me a love I thought I’d lost forever.

How did I get so lucky?

As I stand in front of the mirror in my bridal gown, a thousand thoughts race through my mind. Today is my wedding day, and I’m still in disbelief. I’m getting married to the woman who saved my life both literally and emotionally. Jovana has been my anchor, my strength, and the light that pulled me out of the darkest moments of my life. When I first met her in Cebu, I never could have imagined that she would become the person I would spend the rest of my life with. But here we are, ready to take that step together.

My friends surround me, adjusting my veil, offering final words of encouragement. They’ve been with me through so much, and today, their smiles reflect the joy we’ve all waited for. "You did it, Serena," Ava said, tears welling in her eyes. "You survived… and now you’re about to marry the love of your life."

I smile back at her, though my heart is still racing. The reality of the moment is finally sinking in. Surviving cancer felt like a second chance, but marrying Jovana? That feels like the real victory.

The hours of preparation pass in a blur. Makeup, hair, getting into the dress it all feels so surreal. But now, here I am, standing at the front doors of the church. My mom is beside me, her arm linked with mine. She looks at me with the kind of pride that only a mother can have.

“You look beautiful, Anak,” she whispers, her voice filled with emotion. “Stunning, really. I always knew you’d get here. After everything you’ve been through, you’ve finally reached your happiness.”

Her words bring a lump to my throat, and I blink back tears. I glance at her, our eyes meeting, and we exchange a smile full of understanding. My mom was there when I was at my lowest, and now she’s here, witnessing my greatest joy.

The doors of the church swing open, and my breath catches in my throat. The soft notes of the wedding song fill the air, and I step into the room. The church is packed with people family, friends, loved ones. Their eyes are all on me, but I barely notice them. My gaze is locked on Jovana, standing at the end of the aisle, wearing a perfectly fitted tuxedo. She’s smiling at me, her eyes shimmering with tears.

She looks so beautiful, so incredibly stunning. Somehow, she manages to be both handsome and graceful at the same time, and my heart skips a beat just seeing her there. The love in her eyes is undeniable. I could drown in that look, in the certainty of it.

As I take my first step down the aisle, the world seems to blur around me. The music swells, and each step feels like I’m floating. It’s like walking through heaven, with all the love in the world surrounding me. My heart is pounding, but it’s not nerves it’s joy. Pure, overwhelming joy.

Finally, I reach Jovana. She’s crying now, trying to wipe away the tears that spill down her cheeks, but her smile never falters. I can see her lips trembling, and the moment I’m close enough, she leans in and whispers, her voice shaky with emotion.

“You’re... you’re breathtaking, Serena.”

I smile, my own eyes misting. “So are you, Jo.”

We both laugh softly through our tears, the world around us fading into nothingness. It’s just us now. Just Jovana and me.

The officiant begins the ceremony, but it’s like a distant hum in the background. All I can think about is how I’m standing here, next to the woman who never gave up on me, the woman who fought for us even when I couldn’t.