Love Me Again

Chapter 4 - Manila

Nicomaine was very happy that she got the chance to spend time with Richard even for just a short time. Richard on his way to work couldn't stop smiling. He's learning a lot from his wife.
Carmen: Kanina ka pa naka ngiti ha, I guess going out of town with your wife helped.

R: Ma, I hate to ask you this question but have you ever thought once to entertain Mr. Monte de Villa's affection towards you? I mean, with what's happening in our company and all..
C: No, I would never do that. I approached him for help and assistance but I was very clear with him, not that. I loved your father. Just make it clear with Nicomaine as well and be fair with her. Mabuting tao ang Ina ni Nicomaine.

R: Well, that's my fear, Ma, may mga taong maaapektuhan, masasaktan. I want this done carefully...
Richard's phone was ringing, Its Gwen...
R: Hi Gwen..
G: Are you free for lunch?
R: I can't, I have meetings all day..
G: How about tomorrow?
R: Not sure, I will try..
G: I didn't see or even talk to you for 3 days...
R: I'm married Gwen, I thought we already have an understanding about this?
G: Ok, fine, just wanted to see the love of my life.
R: Bye Gwen.
Carmen: I'll see you then
R: Ok Ma.
Nicomaine was on her way to surprise her husband...
N: Miss, is Mr de Gracia free today?
Reception: He's in a meeting all day Ma'am, do you want to leave a message?
N: No, that's fine.
On her way out, she bumped into a friend from her old school in The States.. Kyle Martinez.
Kyle: Hey, Else, is that you?
N: Kyle? Hahaha...yeah, what are you doing here.
K: Vacationing..plus meeting potential investors?
N: Do you want to go for a coffee?
Kyle: Can't say no to a beautiful lady, let's go...
The receptionist sent a quick note to Richard's Assistant about his wife dropping by, Richard instructed them that if she ever comes by, they should let her in but it was too late as Nicomaine had left with a friend. He rushed to get out of the meeting to see if he can catch her. As he made it out side, he saw his wife with a man walking towards a nearby coffee shop...he followed them.
Kyle: So what's new with you?
N: I'm married now...
K: No way, when?
N: It's a quickie, hoy hindi ako buntis..ikaw?
K: Well, as I've said earlier vacation then business on the side. When is your next gathering for the New Entrepreneurship program gonna happen?
N: Not sure pa, there's a lot of potentials but I will let you know.
K: You never change, beautiful as ever..You must be very in love with this man for you to marry him this quick.
N: I guess so (whisper to her self- wish I can keep him for good)

Richard interrupted their conversation...
R: Hi wifey..
N: Oh, how'd you know I'm hear
R: My Assistant told me.
N: I thought you're in a meeting all day?
R: Are you going to introduce me to your friend?
K: I'm Kyle, please to meet you Mr. ...
R: de Gracia. Richard Damian DeGracia.
K: Join us?
R: Do you mind if I talk to my wife in private?
K: Not at all, excuse me Else...
N: Is there a problem?
R: I just want to invite my wife to a nice dinner tonight?
N: (happy smile) Thought you'll never ask.
7:00 pm At the Casa Amour ( fictional restaurant)
Richard: You're so beautiful tonight.
N: Tonight lang?
R: Hahah.always.
N: This is beautiful. Ganda ng music. Gosh, I'm so full.
R: Do you want to dance? Para naman mahimasmasan ang mga tiyan natin...
N: Okay.
As they were dancing slow to the beautiful music of You're the One by the Carpenters, Richard was looking into Nicomaine's beautiful eyes and full lips. He couldn't help it, he kissed her, she kissed him back and hugged him so tight with tears in her eyes. She didn't want this marriage to end, she didn't want this staged marriage to vanish, she wants to hold on to it ....till eternity....
N: I love you (she whisper to herself)
R: What is this I'm feeling? (He softly whisper)

They dance away that night with full of stars in the sky.