Destined to Reunite

Chapter 35 (EPILOGUE)

CAITLYN'S POV

Napangiti ako nang wala sa oras when i saw them in their high spirits, clearly enjoying my so-called extended birthday debut. Cristina drank her wine before she looked at me. "Heidianne, you're the only person na one-week celebration ang debut. You're the best!" Sigaw niya while laughing.

Juliana took a bite of grilled shrimp na kanina pa niya hawak. "Thank you for the invite, Heidi. We're really enjoying it." Sabi niya before she gave me a hug.

I patted her back habang magkayakap kami. "Anything for you guys. I couldn't celebrate without you guys." Sabi ko.

I saw Kuya Calvin roll his eyes while sipping his fresh coconut juice. Bumelat ako sa kanya. Joshua, sitting next to me, leaned in and whispered, "I think this vacation is more for you and less about your friends, pero okay lang 'yun." He chuckled softly, causing my eyes to roll, but i smiled at his comment.

As the night went on, we decided to explore the beach. The moon had risen, casting a silver glow over the waves, and the resort's beachfront lit up with lanterns hanging from the trees. Kaizer led the charge, grabbing a football and challenging everyone to a night beach game. The girls joined in, laughing as they tried to keep up with the boys, but ultimately, Max and Joshua dominated the impromptu match.

After namin maglaro, we all gathered around a bonfire, the crackling flames providing warmth as they roasted marshmallows and exchanged stories. I found myself enjoying the simplicity of the moment-being surrounded by my closest friends and family, with no other worries in the world.

Joshua handed me a stick with a perfectly roasted marshmallow. "So, how's the debut week treating you so far?" he asked, his voice soft under the blanket of stars.

I smiled, taking a bite. "I think this might be the best part. Just being here, relaxing. It's nice to have a break."

"Good. That's what this place is for," Joshua said, his tone sincere.

Nginitian ko siya saka sumandal sa kanyang dibdib. "I want to stay here longer," I whispered.

I felt his arms wrapped around me, pinikit ko yung mata ko while resting on his chest. "Well, in that case. Do you want me to build our house here in the future?" Sabi niya, making a promise.

"Wow. You're overly optimistic, have you ever pictured me as your wife?" Pabirong tanong ko.

He laughed and stood up, dusting of his pants. "Actually.. i have."

I looked at him with a confused look, tinignan ko ang aking mga kasama and they're smiling widely at me. I shifted my gaze to him, smiling softly at me. He slowly kneels on one knee in front of me, pulling out a small velvet box with a gold ring inside.

Fvck, is he going to propose?

"Before anything else, i asked for their blessings because this isn't just about us. This is about both our families and the life we're building together." He said while looking at me intently.

He took a deep breath and held my hand gently. "Heidianne, i know we're still young and there's so much more ahead of us. I just can't imagine my future without you in it.."

I started tearing up and quickly wiped it up. "Joshua, what the heck are you doing?" I said.

Tumawa siya ng mahina. "This isn't a proposal-not yet. This is a promise that one day when the time is right. I'll kneel again in front of you and ask for your sweet 'yes' to be my life partner. For now, will you wear this promise ring and wait with me for that day to come?" He asked.

I immediately nodded and laughed through my tears. "Hmm. I'll wait for that day. I'll wait for you."

I burst into tears when he slid the promise ring onto my finger, the campfire crowd erupts in cheers and applause. I threw myself around him as everyone gathered around to celebrate with us.

Nilapitan ako nila Cristina at Juliana to congratulate me. "Congratulations!! Grabe yung kilig na naramdaman namin ni Cristina earlier!" Masayang sabi ni Juliana.

"Thank you, girls! I didn't expect this at all, thank you for all your efforts."

"Joshua, you've just raised the bar too high for us, man." Natatawang sabi ni Kaizer.

Joshua held my hand and pulled me closer. "Well, she deserves nothing but the best."

Pabiro ko siyang hinampas. "How'd you come up with this?" I asked.

Humawak siya sa kanyang batok before he answered. "Hmm. Hindi pa ba 'yon yung sagot sa tanong mo sakin kanina?"

Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin. "But i just turned 18! How did you even get the blessing from our parents for this?" I asked, showing the promise ring he gave to me.

He cupped my face and kissed me. "It's about showing you that i'm serious about us-today, tomorrow, and whenever we're ready to decide together. No pressure, no expectations, just a promise to grow side by side."

I chuckled and softened my gaze but still unsure sa aking sasabihin. "It's a promise to build everything step by step?"

He nodded and smiled. "I'll be here, making sure we make it together. This ring is just a little reminder of that promise." Sabi niya while caressing my hand kung saan nakasuot yung promise ring.

I took a deep breath and held his hand. "If you truly believe that, then I'll believe in us too." Sabi ko.

____

The following days promised more adventures-snorkeling in the nearby coral reefs, exploring hidden coves, and maybe even a little island hopping.

I lay in bed that night, the sound of the waves gently crashing in the distance. The villa's soft lighting and the comfortable bed made me feel at ease. I could hardly believe that this entire trip was happening. Despite the initial awkwardness of spending time with Joshua again after our complicated past, everything seemed to be falling into place.

There was something about being away from the city, in a beautiful place with the people i loved, that made me feel like maybe-just maybe-i could let go of old grudges and enjoy the present.