After All

Epilogue

"Hey, Paul." my landlady called me as I am about to enter my apartment. "A woman came here looking for you. I just told her that you weren't here since I don't know that you're coming back today."

Si Lia, nakita ko siya kanina habang nasa cab ako but I decided not to see her. "It's okay, Mrs. Smith. If she comes back, just tell her the same thing." Pumasok na ako sa loob ng apartment ko para magpahinga. Alam ko naman kung sino ang nagsabi kay Lia kung nasaan ako. I saw a message from Dom habang pauwi ako na wala na siyang nagawa kaya naibigay na niya.

[Sorry, bro. Wala na rin akong nagawa, sobrang desidido siya na puntahan at hanapin ka.]

"Okay lang, bro. Sige, salamat. Ingat ka."

I went to bed after talking to Dom, I have to wake up early tomorrow to pick up my Mom and Peter. They came here to visit me. Mom is excited to visit me this time dahil aayusin na namin yung adoption papers para sa baby na iaadopt ko. I decided to adopt a baby after Lia and I broke up. I wanted to divert my attention and I felt na gusto ko na rin magka baby.

Leon changed my perspective in life. I strive to be better every single day because of Leon. After more than a year of staying in Australia, I decided to go home. Nag focus na ulit ako sa Firm namin nila Dominic. I've been hearing a lot about Lia and their family. The company is doing well, meron na rin silang bagong engineer. And she's still single. The woman that I love the most, is still single.

"Why are you rushing? May nakita ka bang multo, ha?" I asked Mara upon seeing her rushing towards to our table.

"I saw Lia and their friends. They're here. They saw Leon, and by the way they look at me and Leon I know na what they're thinking." I grabbed Leon and we walked towards tha parking area. Mara is right, they thought Leon is my kid with Mara.

"Yes, Mara?"

[Chuckie, are you home?]

"No, I'm currently out. It's a friend's... Lia's birthday."

[Can you check on him? He's not replying to my messages and calls. I'm just worried.]

"Yeah, sure. Will check him out on my way home. Bye." I ended the call.

"Happy birthday again, Lia." I greeted her.

"Thank you, Paul. Yung nandito ka is enought gift for me. I'm sorry if pinaghinalaan namin kayo ni Mara. And kay Leon." she said while biting her lower lip.

He's my son, Lia. He's mine. And yung kay Mara, I am used to it. Since college, you always thought of me and Mara being in a relationship." I gave her a smile.

I went inside my car and started the engine. I let out a heavy sigh when I saw her enter the elevator. I still love you, Lia. But I am not confident enough if we can make it this time.

She volunteered to take care of Leon while Ate Meann will be on leave for 2 weeks. Hindi pa rin siya nagbabago, siya pa rin yung Lia na minahal ko noon.

"Ano galit ka na naman dahil ginamit na naman kitang asawa?" ayaw niya akong tigilan kahit hindi ko na siya pinapansin. "Or nagseselos ka?" she got me there.

"Asa ka." I am trying to hide my feelings.

"Eh bakit ka ganyan? Anong ginawa ko sayo? Narinig mo lang na niyaya ako mag date gagalit ka agad dyan?" she said habang nag aayos ng ibang pinamili namin. "Bakit ba ang grumpy mo? Pwede ka naman umamin kung nagseselos ka." sobrang confident niya about my feelings for her. "Love mo pa ako 'no?" I took a pause with what I am doing and looked at her.

Oo, mahal pa rin kita. Mahal na mahal. I smirked at her, "Mahal mo pa rin ako 'no?"

"What will I tell her?" I asked Miles.

"Just tell her nasa Batangas ka for work. We need the whole night to prepare for your biglaang proposal." Kazel said. I asked for help from them para mag propose kay Lia, but tonight while they're preparing I have a dinner with her Mom and Dad.

"Gov. Zamora and Mrs. Zamora, good evening po." I stood up as they reach the table.

"Paul, I'm really.."

I gave her Dad a smile, I know he will apologize for everything that has happened. "Governor, it's all in the past. I invited you for dinner to ask for your daughter's hand. I love Lia so much. And I'm sure you know it Mrs. Zamora." I gave them a smile, "Ever since your daughter came into my life, wala na akong ibang mas minahal pa na higit sa kanya. I want to spend the rest of my life with your daught if you will allow me to."

Her Mom grabbed my hand, "Paul, hindi kami hahadlang or papagitna sa inyo ni Lia. She loves you so much. And I know she's been waiting for you all this time. We will you support you and Lia."

I looked at Governor Zamora's eyes and he gave me a smile, "She's yours and will forever be yours. Welcome to the family, Paul."

"Lia, simula noon hanggang ngayon mahal na mahal kita. Will you spend the rest of your life with me?" I asked her while I kneeling infront of her.

"Nakakainis ka naman, eh. Sabi mo kagabi no rushing, hindi man lang ako nakapag bihis." she's crying but she's smiling. "Yes, I will marry you. Kahit naman noon pa pakakasalan naman kita, eh."

"I love you so much, Paul. And I will marry you. I will spend the rest of my life with you." she grabbed my face and kissed me.

Our relationship is not perfect. But everything happened for a reason. It happened to make us stronger. It happened so we can grow individually. Ilang beses man akong nasaktan sa nakaraan, kung hindi dahil sa mga pain na 'yon hindi ko marerealize kung gaano ko kamahal si Lia.

I love her with all my life and handa akong masaktan para sa kanya dahil alam kong lahat ng 'yon ay worth it. She's worth every pain and tears. Kahit ilang libong beses pa akong masaktan, sapat na ang mahal ko siya para manatili ako sa piling niya.

"Congratulations, Mrs. Sebastian! You're 7 weeks pregnant." 4 months after our wedding we received the best news ever. We're now having a baby.

"Paul, thank you. For fulfilling my dream. This is my dream, to be your wife and have a family with you." she hugged me.

"Lia, I love you. And as your Engineer, we will build this family. Magtutulungan tayong tuparin ang pangarap natin, pangarap ng isa't-isa, at ng mga magiging anak natin. Mahal kita."

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