Love and Resilience

A Love Worth Fighting For

Serena's POV

After the ceremony, Jovana and I walked hand in hand out of the church, the sun shining brightly as if it were celebrating with us. The sound of applause and cheers from our loved ones filled the air, but all I could focus on was her. My wife. It still felt surreal to think that after everything we'd been through, we were finally here together.

We arrived at the reception venue shortly after, a beautiful garden strung with fairy lights, with tables arranged elegantly beneath a canopy of trees. The soft hum of music played in the background, setting a perfect atmosphere for celebration. I could see the smiles of our guests, their eyes lighting up with joy as Jovana and I entered the space.

My heart was full as I glanced around, taking in the love and support surrounding us. My three closest friends rushed toward me, their excitement contagious.

"Serena!" Mary exclaimed, pulling me into a tight hug. "Ang ganda mo habang naglalakad ka sa gitna kanina ha, masaya ako para sayo, girl."

Before I could even respond, Sabrina stepped in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "So anong pakiramdam na hindi kana Ms. Suvillan ngayon? Kundi Mrs. Rommer na, ready kana ba maging asawa at ina at ready kana ba maging boss si Jovana? she teased, laughing.

I rolled my eyes but grinned. "Oh, please. If anyone's going to do the bossing, it's me," I joked, but my heart fluttered with warmth. "Honestly, though, it feels amazing. I've never been this happy."

Ava, the most emotional of the group, had tears in her eyes as she hugged me. "You deserve this, Serena. After everything you've been through... I'm just so happy to see you find your happiness."

Her words touched something deep within me, and I hugged her back tightly. "I wouldn't be here without all of you. You've all been there through the hardest parts of my life, and I'm so grateful."

Jovana, who had been chatting with her dad, walked over with a wide smile and wrapped her arm around my waist. "sabi ko sa kanila dapat masanay na sila na maging utusan kita" she said, giving me a playful wink.

"Utusan moko? Let see, Jovana. Let see." I quipped, making everyone laugh.

My mom approached us then, her eyes filled with pride. She looked beautiful, dressed in an elegant gown that matched the wedding's soft color palette. I could tell she had been crying earlier, but now she was beaming.

"Serena," she said, taking my hands in hers. "Seeing you like this today... I can't even describe how proud I am. Ang dami mong pinagdaanan anak, para makarating ka dito. Masaya ako para sayo; para sainyong dalawa ni Jovana. Kampante ako dahil alam kong hindi ka niya papabayaan, nakikita ko yon, anak. You deserve this."

I blinked back tears, my heart swelling with emotion. "Ma, Hindi naman ako makakarating dito kundi dahil sainyo, ginawa mo ang lahat para sa ikabubuti ng kondisyon ko at ang laki ng pasasalamat ko sainyo, ma. You were my rock when everything felt like it was falling apart. Thank you for always being there."

She hugged me, holding me close for a few moments before pulling back to look at Jovana. "And you... Jovana,
salamat sa pagmamahal mo sa anak ko, salamat sa hindi pagsuko sa kanya at sa pagtanggap ulit sa kanya. Ipinagkakatiwala ko na sayo ang anak ko, alam kong hindi moko bibiguin. I couldn't have asked for a better partner for her."

Jovana smiled, a little bashful but full of gratitude. "Thank you, Ma. Serena is everything to me, and I promise
na lagi ko po syang aalagaan at iingatan, mamahalin ko po siya ng higit pa sa pagmamahal ninyo."