The Groom's One True Bride

Chapter 6

"I love you."

Kiefer was playing with Zitti when he received a phone. He silently called out to the nanny for Zitti, "Hello?"

"Kief, it would seem Alyssa is filing for annulment," his lawyer's voice boomed on the other line. That got Kiefer stunned for 5 seconds.

So this is how it would end.

"You know, I could just have it adjusted without all this fuss. Papabura ko na lang, if you like," he offered, and Kiefer gritted his teeth, "Get it done. I don't care how you do it."

"Easy, boy," his lawyer chuckled, "I'll get it done, don't worry. I just want to make sure that you know."

"Will that be all?" Kiefer asked coldly, and they ended the conversation.

"Kief?" came Sarah's timid voice.

He hated her voice. He hated her. He hated everything that reminds him of her.

He turned around. They didn't even pretend to be a couple. Sarah is now staying on Alyssa's room, together with Zitti. Basically, they have done what they have planned to do, except for the sex between them. They are living separate lives, but providing one roof for Zitti. The sex part has died. Love definitely isn't there.

"I'm going out tonight. Umaga na ako makakauwi," she whispered, averting her gaze. She rarely looks at him, eversince she reappeared. And Kiefer doesn't care.

He just shrugged. "And tomorrow, I'll have a photoshoot in Lucena. I wanted to bring Zitt-"

"No," he exclaimed, "Zitti stays here. Mahirap magbiyahe ng malayo for her."

Sarah nodded. "I'll... I'll just go out and buy some stuff," she whispered, and signaled the nanny to come with her. Kiefer shook his head. "No. Leave Zitti here," he said.

Sarah sighed, "Look, gusto ko lang mailabas si Zitti."

Kiefer turned and gave his back on her. "Zitti stays. I don't trust you," he said, and left her.

Sarah looked at his retreating back. Then she looked at the nanny conspiratorially, "Let's go."

*****************************

"I miss you!" Alyssa said, kissing Zitti.

They have been meeting secretly, at a mall where they know Kiefer doesn't go to. Alyssa can't help being away from Zitti, and she can't find it in herself not to see her.

She hugged and played with Zitti, Sarah just watching them. They just had an afternoon snack together, trying to catch up on things.

That's when Alyssa broke the news to her. "Sa," she smiled, forcing herself to look happy, "Babalik na akong Batangas."

"Huh?" Sarah asked, confused, "But why?"

Alyssa could not say she's pregnant. She loves Sarah, but bringing up Isaw will complicate Zitti's position in the family. "Mahirap ng ilang beses kaming nagkabanggaan ni Kiefer," she murmured, her eyes on Zitti.

"What??!" Sarah panicked, confusion on her pretty face, "How did it happen?"

"Di ko rin alam e," Alyssa sighed, "Basta ilang beses na kaming nagkita. Sa, hindi pwede yung ganito. Hindi pwede 'yung ganitong nagkikita kami ni Kiefer."

Sarah's eyes were full of fear, and worry, "Alyssa naman. If this was your plan a long time ago, hindi na sana ako sumama kay Kiefer. We don't need him!"

"But Zitti does," Alyssa sadly murmured, and Sarah hung her head. "Ly," she whispered, "Ayoko na ng ganito..."

"Pero wala tayong magagawa. Isipin mo na lang, para lahat ng 'to kay Zitti," she said, smiling bravely at her cousin. Sarah smiled back. "Balang araw, kapag naiayos ko na lahat ng 'to...," then Sarah trailed off. Her phone vibrated just in time, "Hello?... Oo, magkita na lang tayo dun sa bookstore.... Yes, in 10 minutes, sige... Bye." She looked at Alyssa, "Darating na sundo namin."