FORTUITOUS

34| Pink Diamond

SELENE

"Seriously, you two are not having sex?" I grimaced at my brother-in-law.

It's already my semestral break and I decided to spend a month here in Laguna, at my Ate's humble home. I am so in love with Constantine, my favorite nephew, that I am willing to sacrifice a month of traveling just to be his doting Aunt Selene.

Kuya Levin chuckled then placed a pot of plants down before looking at me. "Is it a big deal?"

"Of course!" My eyes widened. "You're married! And sex is a big factor in success of a marriage."

Kuya Levin laughed then went to another plant then lifted it up. He asked me where to put the pot. After securing the clay pot, he returned his full attention on me. "Selene, mas hihiwalayan ako ng Ate mo kapag pinilit ko s'ya sa gan'on. We're fine this way."

Kuya Levin was kind enough to let me do some gardening on their backyard. He's even helping me out in lifting pots and jars to arrange everything. Ate is not really fond of doing things like this or any other domesticated stuffs, but I hope she'll water the plants after my stay here.

I rolled my eyes then placed a hand on my hip. "But Kuya!" I stomped my foot. "Your marriage won't go anywhere if you'll stick with being fine." I air-quoted the word 'fine'.

I huffed as I remembered the woman who was hitting on him. That shameless governor's daughter dared flirt in front of my sister. Ang kakapal na talaga ng mukha ng mga malalandi ngayon na harap-harapan na kung manglandi. Ni hindi man lang nahiya na umamin mismo sa Ate ko na gusto n'ya si Kuya Levin!

"Selene, I won't force Tria to do things she don't wanna do. I am fine not having sex. I am always tired anyway." Kuya shrugged.

I am getting pissed with my Ate! What if Kuya try to sleep with another woman? I am sure na hindi lang si gov's daughter ang nagbibigay motibo kay Kuya Levin. My brother-in-law is good looking and a good conversationalist. He's an eye-candy and there's nothing not to like about him.

"Do you love my Ate?" I asked.

Kuya Levin smiled. "I do. I do love her."

A gentle smile formed my lips. "I thought so." I giggled. "You married her for business and influence. Then you threw away everything to stay with her. You sacrificed your name, your position, your power, your riches... everything in choosing her. If it's not love, I don't know what it is."

Kuya Levin removed his gloves then he sat on the concrete flower box we made two days ago. I watch him as he gulp down a bottle of water. He looked at me then smiled at me. "When Tria asked me if I would like to marry her, I must admit that I was taken by surprise."

That's what I was worrying for. They didn't marry for love. Ate proposed a marriage during a desperate situation for the company. Their wedding happened like a business deal. They don't even know each other personally. Their relationship doesn't have a good foundation, and I am worried that it won't be hard to get it shattered.

I don't want my sister to be left behind. I don't want my nephew to experience a broken family.

"I was old enough to get married. Hell, I have to get myself a wife, and then Tria offered." Kuya Levin chuckled. "It's not really about influence that made me accept her proposal. AGC is not in a good shape while my business is soaring high. Having her as a wife may be good, but I don't really need it." He smiled at me. "I was too busy with my ambitions that I never cared about relationship. I can bed any woman I want.

But then, Tria's angst got me. I like her fierceness and her bold proposal of marriage. I considered her proposal because she'll be the perfect wife for a businessman like me. She'll fit in my world. A woman who was cut and tailored in a business world will understand everything about me. It would save me from a drama of a wife who feels neglected because her husband is always busy making money.  It was a bonus that she came from a known family. But what I really like about her is her character and personality."