She Loved, He Fought (The Daughters' Series #1)

Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Wedding

Natigilan siya ngunit kalaunan ay tumango rin.

We haven't talked about it yet and I don't think we would gonna discuss it. Because maybe... we're both afraid. We fear that it might dictate our relationship. However, it should not be meant that we will just stand and love each other as if nothing will come between us. 

We've already crossed the line so might as well carry on with eyes open─ seeing through from both perspectives.

I want him to be transparent to me as much as I want to be honest with him.

"My father is in jail. Your family accused my father that he raped your Tita which I highly doubt even at this point. My father couldn't do that..." his voice was deep yet shattering.

That confirmed beyond any reasonable doubt that we're not on the same loop in this matter. He believes that his father didn't commit that. Whereas, I don't.

I highly believe in the justice system of our constitution. His father is in jail because that's what cost him for committing a crime.

I put aside the massive aches inside my chest and imposed myself to be brave. I even restrained my tears.

"But the court proved it..." my voice came out like a whisper.

He closed his eyes tightly and there was a silence. I could feel the thick atmosphere rising by the second looming around─ engulfing us.

I swallowed hard and shook it off; I can't be overwhelmed in this situation.

"Hindi niya magagawa iyon... hindi niya magagawa."

I slowly nodded, dropping my sight to his throat.

I already expected this response from him. If I were in his shoes, I'd believe the same thing. And I respect him for that but that doesn't mean I should believe what he's believing.

Pumikit ako nang mariin at paulit-ulit naghahanap ng mga salita. Kailangan namin maging tapat sa isa't-isa. Clearly, we are not on the same page of this case but there's still hope in my heart that we can work this out... as long as we want to.

"Hindi mo 'ko kailangan paniwalaan, Frances."

Dumilat ako at pagod siyang tinignan. His gaze was still dark as ever but there's a glint of sparkle in it. It was as if he understands me. It was as if he's ready to compromise like I do.

"We may not agree in regard to this. But I want to tell you... that I believe in you, Elias. I believe when you say that you love me..." I paused to keep my voice intact. "That you are not gonna do harm to me and to my family... I truly believe in you because I also love you."

To be honest, saying that to him feels like a luxury. There's so-called 'instinct' telling me that time will come, I have to pay for this. It feels like a debt that I have to pay for getting close when the world demands me to walk away from him— slapping us that we live in a different worlds.

Now I understand what he meant when he said that he has all the reasons in the world not to be closed with me.

He lifted my chin as he gazed down at me.

"You don't have to do anything, Frances. This is my fight..." he trailed off. "You don't know how much I hate to say this... but I just want you to love me."

A tear slipped from his eye.

"Because your love drives me, it makes me want to be the best version of myself. And I won't do anything that will harm you... pero sa pamilya mo? Hindi ko alam. I will always stand by the truth."