Whisper of the Heart

Chapter 24

The changes in Wyatt's behavior were impossible to miss. Para bang ibang tao na siya, and yet, deep inside, it was still the Wyatt she had always known but now, with no walls, no hesitations. He had admitted it the night before: he was in love with her. That confession seemed to ignite something in him, as if finally freeing himself of the burden he had been carrying for so long.

The sweetness he showered her with felt like a fairytale come to life. Every small gesture from holding doors open to preparing her coffee just the way she liked it made Chloe feel like a Disney princess in her own story. His attention to every detail, his constant checking in on her, and the way his eyes lit up when she walked into a room, everything about his actions screamed love. Not just care, not just friendship, but a devotion so palpable it made her chest tighten.

Hindi lang ito simpleng pag-aalaga. Wyatt had become more attentive, more present, and more expressive with his emotions. He made her feel seen, treasured, and safe. Before, he was her friend, solid and dependable, yes, but this? This was something entirely different. Now, every glance, every touch, every word carried an undercurrent of longing and commitment that had her heart both soaring and breaking at the same time. How could she deserve this?

"Have you eaten?" he asked one morning, his voice filled with genuine concern. He had woken up earlier than usual to prepare a simple breakfast for the two of them. Chloe, still groggy, could only nod as she stared at the plate of pancakes he placed in front of her.

"Hindi mo na dapat ito ginagawa," she said softly, but her voice cracked slightly. It was overwhelming, this kind of love and attention.

"I want to," he replied simply, his eyes meeting hers with an intensity that made her chest tighten. "Because I love you, Chloe. You deserve this and so much more."

Napansin din ito ng mga magulang ni Wyatt. During one family dinner, Carmina leaned over to whisper to her husband, Robert, while watching Wyatt carefully cut up Chloe's steak for her. "Iba na talaga ang anak natin," Carmina said, her tone both amused and proud. "He's never been this attentive to anyone."

Robert chuckled softly and nodded. "It's Chloe. She brings out something different in him."

"Nakakatuwa silang tignan," Carmina added, a smile playing on her lips. "I just hope na he's in it for the long haul. Chloe's been through so much. She deserves someone who will stay."

Chloe, for her part, couldn't help but notice the warmth and approval in Wyatt's parents' eyes whenever they looked at her. It was comforting, but it also made her heart ache a little. She didn't know if she deserved all this happiness after everything that had happened. It almost felt fragile, like a bubble that could burst at any moment.

Despite her reservations, she allowed herself to savor the happiness Wyatt brought her. Every time he held her hand, every time he whispered words of encouragement, every time he made her laugh with his silly jokes, Chloe felt a glimmer of hope rekindling inside her. Maybe, just maybe, she could let herself believe that she was worthy of this love.

Wyatt drove Chloe to the hospital for her monthly check-up. His grip on the steering wheel was firm, but his free hand rested gently on hers. He had been present every step of the way, ensuring that she didn't feel alone in this journey. "We're in this together," he had promised her once, and Wyatt was nothing if not true to his word.

When they arrived at the clinic, Chloe noticed how Wyatt's protective instincts kicked in. He guided her carefully through the lobby, one hand lightly resting on the small of her back. She couldn't help but smile at his attentiveness, kahit medyo over the top minsan. "Wyatt, kaya ko naman maglakad mag-isa," she teased gently, pero halata sa boses niya ang lambing.