The wedding day arrived......
"Oh man, you look so nervous! You weren't shaking like this in MMA fights!" Nikko laughed at his teammate.
"This is totally different! You only feel this way when you're about to get married," Marco said.
Later, his parents arrived, smiling proudly.
"Marco, my son, today you start a new life as a husband. Always treat your wife well. Life will bring trials, but be strong. Use wisdom in every decision, don't let emotions rule you," his father advised.
"Son, your wife becomes part of you. If she makes mistakes, guide her, don't hurt her, either physically or emotionally. If you're the one at fault, apologize. Love her the way your father has loved me," his mother added.
"And don't worry about us with the syndicate. The whole community has our back. We'll know if anyone's looking for you. Nobody escapes the eyes and ears of our neighbors," his father said firmly.
"Dad, Mom, I don't want you caught up in my problems. Don't worry, I look completely different now, and they don't even know my real name. They won't find me," Marco assured them.
"We're proud of you, son. Be a good husband," his father said tearfully, hugging him.
At the hotel with Karla...
"My daughter looks stunning! Your dad would be so happy if he were here. Our baby is getting married!" her mother said, crying.
"Don't cry, Ma—you'll ruin your makeup!" Karla laughed.
"Karla, you're so beautiful I feel like I'm turning lesbian!" Kitchie joked.
"She's right you look amazing. Even more beautiful than when you won Miss Bulacan five years ago!" Jenny added.
"Stop it! You'll make me cry and ruin my makeup!" Karla joked back.
Just then, her aunt entered.
"Karla, you have a visitor."
A middle-aged woman stepped in.
"Mrs. Nancy!" Karla gasped, surprised. The last person who knew her secret.
"Congratulations! Brianna told me it's your wedding day, so I came to greet you," Mrs. Nancy said, handing her a gift.
Karla stared at her anxiously, but Mrs. Nancy leaned close and whispered:
"Don't worry. No one will ever know what you went through. Even Mateo won't say a word. We'll protect your name and dignity."
Karla held back tears. She knew it was wrong to keep secrets from Marco, but she believed it was the only way to keep the man she loved.
"Thank you, Mrs. Nancy. I'll be forever grateful," Karla whispered.
At last, she could walk down the aisle with her head held high.
Barasoain Church, Malolos City church a few minutes later......
Marco stood tall at the altar, flanked by his proud parents, waiting for his bride. Dressed in a finely tailored Philippine barong, he looked striking, his broad shoulders and strong stance making him resemble a military general, elegant and commanding.
Today he would marry Karla, the woman who had stayed by his side. Yet his eyes wandered to the old acacia tree outside the church, pulling him back to a memory he could never erase.
It was there, years ago, where he and Mae kissed under their lone witness, the acacia tree, shy, trembling, unforgettable. A moment that lived only in their heart.
YOU ARE READING
The Unbroken But Impure
RomansaA story of a young woman who, though still a virgin, already carries experiences with men because of painful events in her life. How long can she protect her honor? Will she still be able to offer what she has been safeguarding to the man she loves...
