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"Dahil Kuya ka." Sinapo niya ang kanang pisngi ni Knight. "And trust me when I say that you're doing a good job at being a big brother, Knight."

Knight took a deep breath, "thank you, mi reina. Though i'm worried, but, not that worried than before. Sabi ni Midnight, si Don Ambrose ang kumuha at nagtago sa kaniya. If Don Ambrose can hid Midnight from Papa like that, then that means we have an advantage. Pero hindi pa rin tayo puwedeng makampante. It's my father we're talking about— he's wicked. I'm even nervous now that he's not doing anything against me. Tumakas ako sa poder niya pero wala pa siyang ginagawa, SM. I'm pretty sure he's planning something big."

Tumango si SM, "hindi rin naman ako makakampante. I was a cop before, remember? I was taught to always be on guard." Kapagkuwan ay naglalambing na ihinilig niya ang ulo sa balikat ng fiancé. "Baby?"

Knight softly kissed her cheeks, "hmm?"

"I love you."

Napangiti si SM ng maramdamang natigilan si Knight at parang tumigil din ang paghinga nito bago nag 'I love you too' sa kaniya.

Mahina siyang natawa saka hinalikan ito sa gilid ng leeg. "Gusto kong manatili rito sa bahay ni Uncle Kee pero ayoko kasi hindi naman satin 'to. Gusto kong umuwi sa Pilipinas. I miss your house and my house, I miss Eli, I miss my café, my employees and I miss the village."

Niyakap siya sa beywang ng fiancé. "Then let's go home."

"Would it be safe though?" She asked.

"We'll make it safe." Ani Knight saka hinalikan siya sa balikat niya at sinapo ang mukha niya para mahalikan siya nito sa mga labi. "We'll make the village safe for our family— for our baby."

Nakangiting tumango siya saka iniyakap niya ang mga braso sa leeg ng fiancé. "Kailan tayo uuwi?"

"Pagkatapos ng kasal natin."

Tumaas ang dalawa niyang kilay. "Kasal?" Nagulat siya. "Kailan?" Akala niya matagal pa sila bago ikasal kasi wala naman itong sinasabi.

"Bukas."

Napanganga siya. "A-ano?!"

"What?" Knight was looking at her with, confused. "Bakit parang nagulat ka? Ayaw mong makasal sakin kaagad?"

Pigil niya ang ngiti sa mga labi dahil sa nababasa niya ang kaba sa mukha nito. And because of that, she wanted to tease him. "Bakit? Natatakot kang magbago ang isip ko?"

"Hell, yes."

Hindi na niya napigilan, malakas siyang natawa saka tinapik-tapik ang pisngi nito. "Para kang ewan, Knight. Buntis na nga ako't lahat-lahat, takot ka pa rin?"

"Buntis ka man, ikasal man tayo, magsama at kahit ilang taon pa ang lumipas, mananatili ang takot ko na baka mawala ka sakin."

"Aww..." she rubbed the tip of her nose against his, "baby, that's sweet and all but please do keep in mind that I love and I will always be with you. Nangako ako diba? At hindi ako tumatalikod sa pangako ko."

"I know." He smiled. "I was just trying to make your heart pound. Did it work?"

Natatawang piningot niya ang kaliwang tainga ng binata. "Sana talaga hindi magmana sayo ang magiging anak natin. I'm praying really, really hard."

Ngumisi ang loko saka inilapat ang dalawang kamay sa tiyan niya. "Please, please, baby," anito na parang nagdarasal, "dapat magmana ka sakin. Guwapo, macho, matalino at kaaya-ayang tingnan."

"Ano ka babae na kaaya-ayang tingnan?" Tinabig niya ang kamay niya sa tiyan niya. "Don't you dare. Hindi dapat magmana sayo ang anak natin. Ayokong maging sinto-sintu siya, Knight. Maawa ka naman."

Humaba ang nguso ni Knight, "talaga bang walang kaaya-aya sakin na ayaw mong magmana siya sakin?"

At nagtampo ang loko. "Asus..." ginulo niya ang buhok nito, "okay ka naman, sinto-sintu nga lang."

"Again with the sintu-sinto." Ang sama ng mukha nito at alam niyang magrereklamo pa ito ng may kumatok sa pinto at bigla nalang bumukas iyon.

"Mommy..." aniya sa bagong dating habang umaalis sa pagkakaupo sa hita ni Knight.

But her Mom's eyes were settled on someone else— Knight.

"Mi hijo..." sinugod ng ina niya ng yakap si Knight na ngayon ay nakatayo na. "Look at you." Pinakawalan ng Mommy niya sa pagkakayakap si Knigt at sinapo ang mukha nito. "You've grown so much, young man. Very handsome." Her mom grinned, "i'm so glad you're together with my daughter now. I'm so excited. Give me a hug, my little lord."

Knight looked uncomfortable by her mother's affection. He was frozen in place while her mother fussed over him.

That's right... Knight's Mom died early. Is this his first time feeling a maternal love?

Nakikita niyang hindi alam ni Knight ang gagawin habang niyayakap at kinakausap ito ng ina niya kaya senenyasan niya itong yakapin din ang ina niya.

And Knight followed adorably. "T-thank you for accepting me, Ma'am—"

"You're such a silly boy." Natatawang sabi ng ina niya, "nakalimutan mo na ba ang sinabi ko sayo noon habang nakikipaglaro ka kay SM ng baby pa siya?"

Knight looks freaking clueless but her mother was still fussing over him.

"I told you to call me M—"

"—M...?" Knight trailed awkwardly.

"...Mom." Malapad na ngiting sabi ng ina niya na mukhang nakalimutan siya pansamantala. "Mommy... or Mama, kahit anong gusto mo sa dalawa."

Knight opened his mouth to try the word awkwardly, "M—Mama..."

Ang lapad ng ngiti ng ina niya. "You're still so adorable. You're such a good boy."

Nagbaba ng tingin si Knight. "I'd been a bad man, M-Mama. I'm far from being a good boy."

Hinaplos ng ina niya ang pisngi ni Knight saka hinawakan ang kamay nito. "Not from where I stand. Minahal mo ang anak ko, pinaglaban mo at pinanindigan mo. Not all men would do that and that makes you a good man in my eyes. Saying 'I love you' is easy, but fighting for that love is very hard. Hindi lahat nananalo, hindi lahat, kayang ipaglaban ang pagmamahalan nila."

Knight glanced at her, "she's my light and my life."

Nakangiting kinuha ng ina niya ang kamay niya saka pinagsiklop iyon sa kamay ni Knight habang hawak nito ang mga kamay nilang dalawa.

"You two... marriage is not easy. But if you're dedicated and committed to your partner and to your family, then you can get through anything— doubt and unfaithfulness will not enter your family. So be good to each other, cherish and love one another."

Sabay silang tumango ni Knight.

"Great," hinalikan siya nito sa pisngi at ganun din si Knight na naiilang pa rin, "anyways, i have to go and get your Dad. Baka anong gawin na naman nun kapag nalasing."

Natawa siya. "He seems like he's having fun."

Umingos ang ina niya. "Feeling bagets ang Daddy mo, e matanda na siya."

Malakas na natawa si SM samantalang pigil naman ni Knight ang tumawa. "Iparinig mo yan kay Dad, magtatampo 'yon tapos magpapalambing."

Her Mom just rolled her eyes. "Twenty-eight years with me so he should know I would never do that unless I want to."

SM smiled. "I miss you, Mommy."

Her Mom smiled back at her, "I know, baby, I miss you so much too." Hinalikan siya nito sa nuo saka bumaling kay Knight, "kumain ka na ba? You should be down there with your friends. Ito ang huling gabi na binata ka. They're having a blast."

"Bababa na rin po kami, Mom." Aniya.

Tumango ang ina niya saka nagpaalam sa kanila bago lumabas.

Nang makalabas ito, nagkomento kaagad si Knight.

"Your Mom is nice."

Napangiti siya. "She is. Looks like she adores you."

Knight smirked smugly, "well, I am adorable."

Natawa siya saka hinawakan ito sa kamay, "halika na, baba na tayo."

Knight grunted and wound his arm around her shoulder. At habang naglalakad sila, panay ang halik nito sa leeg at balikat niya. He keeps licking and nipping her skin.

Bumaling siya rito, "horny ka?"

Knight smiled sheepishly, "how'd you know?"

Kinurot niya ang tagiliran nito. "Behave."

Knight kissed her ear, "let me have you later, please?"

"No."

"Mi reina—"

"Knight, tigilan mo ako."

"But, mi reina," he was now nipping the edge of her ear, "please, let's make love. I'll be good. I'll make you scream."

Umiling siya. "Nope. Not happening."

"Me reina—"

"Knight, magtigil ka."

He was sulking for a second then he grinned, "hmm... why am I asking your permission when I can just ambush you to make love to me?"

Kinurot na naman niya ito sa hita. Tumawa lang ito saka patuloy ang paghalik sa leeg niya hanggang sa makarating nila sa likod ng bahay kung nasaan ang swimming pool and barbecue area.

And when they enter, confetti poppers exploded followed by congratulations. And she felt so happy seeing everyone here.

Knight's friends, her Uncles, her parents, her butler and Knight's team. Though they're missing two people. Eli and Midnight.

She wished they could come and celebrate with them but she knew they can't. That's why she has to work harder for those two to be able to come out and be with Knight and celebrate like this. At alam niyang hindi 'yon magiging madali pero kasama naman niya si Knight— kakayanin nilang dalawa 'yon.

The party was a blast, it was so much fun. Panay ang laro ng mga kaibigan ni Knight ng mga larong pambata na nahawa na si Jacques at ang ibang teammates ni Knight.

At kinailangan niyang pumasok sa kabahayan para sa kaunting katahimikan ng tumawag sa kaniya si Eli.

She texted her earlier that Knight proposed and they're getting married. Mukhang ngayong lang nito nabasa ang text niya.

"Hey, Eli. Kumusta—"

"Naiinis ako sayo! Bakit ka magpapakasal ng wala ako diyan, ha?! I'm your best friend, Matamis na Lunes! Hindi puwedeng wala ako riyan." Ang galit nitong boses ay nauwi sa pag-iyak. "Nagagalit ako sayo! Nakakainis ka! Kasal mo tapos wala ako?!"

Napakagat-labi siya, "biglaan lang kasi..."

"Ewan!"

Huminga siya ng malalim. "Then come to Spain."

"Matamis na Lunes naman!" Inis nitong sabi, "sa tingin mo ganun lang kadali 'yon! I need travel documents!"

"I'll take care of it."

"Huh?"

"Just book a flight and go to the Airport, i'll take care of the rest."

"Oi, Matamis na Lunes, baka naman makulong ako riyan sa 'take care of the rest' mo."

"Ipapahamak ba kita?" Tanong niya.

"Of course not."

"Then trust me."

Eli blows a loud breath, "fine. Aalis ako ngayon din."

"Sige. Ingat."

Nang mawala ang kaibigan sa kabilang linya, tinawagan niya ang contact nila sa Embahada ng Espanya. It's a private line that only her father was allowed to use.

"Who am I speaking to?" Tanong ng nasa kabilang linya. It's part of the line security.

"Sweet Monday Canja Lopez." Pagpapakilala niya. "Idrytís Mufasa's kórī. Winged Lion Shield Insignia. Head my order."

"At your service, milady."

"A friend of mine will be travelling to Spain without any travel documents. It's an emergency. Treat her well. If something bad to happen to her, i'll kill you."

"Yes, milady."

"Antío." Bye. Aniya saka pinatay ang tawag.

Then she called their contact in the Immigration. Same words, same threat. She has to make sure that Eli will be safe. Nang matapos ang tawag, akmang babalik na siya sa barbecue area ng makita ang ina niyang nakangiti habang titig na titig sa kaniya.

"Mom..."

Sumimsim ito ng wine mula sa hawak na kopita saka lumapit sa kaniya. "Your father told me what you've been through in that one year that we're not with you. Baby, alam kong hindi sapat ang i'm sorry pero babawi ako. Kinailangan lang talaga naming gawin 'yon para kahit papaano ay hindi ka mapahamak at para na rin matuto kang tumayo at lumaban para sa sarili mo. And look at you now, doing your Dad's work. I'm so proud of you, my sweet baby. I know you'll be an amazing Idrytís."

Nanubig ang mga mata niya. "Thank you, Mom. And please, stop saying i'm sorry. Ayos lang. Naiintindihan ko kung bakit niyo ginawa 'yon."

Hinaplos ng Mommy niya ang pisngi niya, "ah, my Sweet Monday, you've always been understanding. A logical woman with a heart."

She smiled. "Pinalaki mo akong ganun."

Her Mom kissed her cheek, "i'm so proud to be your Mom. You have always been a good daughter. Minsan tinanong ko ang Daddy mo kung magrerebelde ka ba samin. He would always answer 'of course not'. Then Knight came." Tumawa ito. "Nanalo ako sa pustahan namin ng Dad mo na susuwayin mo siya dahil kay Knight."

Napailing siya at hindi makapaniwalang napatitig sa ina. "Pinagpustahan niyo ako?"

Her mother chuckled. "Your father was a sore loser."

Nailing na natawa siya. "Magkano ang pustahan?"

"Not monetary, baby."

"Then what?"

"I'm here, aren't i? That means I won."

SM can't help shaking her head. "You manipulated him again, didn't you?"

Nagkibit-balikat ang ina niya. "Nang malaman namin ang tungkol kay Knight, hindi ba sinabihan ka ng Daddy mo na layuan siya? And when you said no the first time, I made a bet with your sore loser Dad. Of course, I picked the winning side."

"Who's this sore loser, huh?" Boses iyon ng ama niya saka naglakad palapit sa kanila. "I have you know that I always win."

"Loser." Anang ina niya sa ama niya.

"Cariño, stop bullying me." Niyakap ito ng ama niyang naglalambing, "let's dance, cariño. Te extraño."

Natatawa namang nagpaubaya ang ina niya at nagsayaw ang dalawa kahit walang musika. And SM can't help watching the two. Even at that age, her father was still the sweetest man to her Mom. Always. Sana ganun din kami ni Knight.

Then a set of arms wrapped around her waist from behind and a chin rested on her shoulder.

"Wanna dance too?" Knight whispered on her ear.

Humarap siya sa binata. "Sing and we will."

Knight grinned before holding her hand and his other hand was on her waist as he sang Bruno Mars' 'Marry you'. And as they dance, they keep on laughing because Knight keeps getting the lyrics wrong.

He calls it improvising while she calls it 'being sinto-sintu' again.



TAPOS NA ANG PARTY ang nagkaniya-kaniya nang tulog ang mga kaibigan niya sa inihandang kuwarto ni Cloud. Mahimbing na ring natutulog si SM at halos lahat ng taonsa bahay na 'yon. Habang si Knight ay nakaupo sa stool ng island counter at umiinom ng beer.

Hindi niya maalis sa isip niya ang pinabasang mensahe kanina ni Cloud sa kaniya. Galing 'yon sa ama niya.

And it says 'you will pay for going against me'.

Si Midnight kaagad ang naisip niya, na baka saktan ito ng ama niya. He wanted to call Midnight so bad but he might be hiding. Baka dahil sa kaniya malaman ng ama niya ang lokasyon nito.

And because of that, he can't sleep. Buti nalang nakatulog kaagad si SM. Siguradong mag-aalala ito sa kaniya at ayaw niyang pag-alalahanin ito.

She's pregnant, she should be stress free.

Knight blows a loud breath before drinking his beer again while eating chocolate cake.

"Someone looks problematic." Boses iyon ni Shun mula sa likuran niya.

Umupo ito sa kaharap niyang stool at natigilan siya ng makitang kasama nito si Valerian at kay Shun ito tumabi ng upo. Val was slightly swaying because he had too much too drink earlier.

I wonder why he's still awake?

Pabiro niyang sinapo ang puso habang nakatingin kay Val. "Ouch. You're hurting me, best friend."

Tiningnan lang siya ng masama ni Valerian.

"Beer?" He asked.

"Sure." Sagot ni Shun.

Umalis sa sa kinauupuan at kumuha ng beer sa reef. Tag-isa si Shun at Val kahit hindi naman sumagot si Val.

Bumalik ulit siya sa pagkakaupo sa stool. "Bakit hindi pa kayo tulog?" Tanong niya.

Shun who's shockingly not carrying a laptop at the moment answered. "Just finished talking to my wife."

"Can't sleep. Just done talking to mooncake." Valerian murmured before chugging down the beer, emptying the bottle.

"You?" Shun asked him.

"Excited." Sagot niya saka mahinang tumawa. "But worried."

Val tsked. "Is that why you want to fucking cut ties, you fucking moron?"

Knight shrugged and chuckled, "yeah... kinda."

Napailing si Valerian, halatang lasing na ito, "fuck you for dragging me to my most hated country!"

"I didn't drag you." Mahina niyang sagot. "This is your choice, Val. All you."

Val glared at him, "all me? Well, who the fucking fuck wants to cut ties in the first place? Kung hindi ako pumunta ritong tang'na ka, ano sa tingin mo ang mangyayari?"

"You'll forget our friendship." Aniya saka uminom ng beer.

"Fuck you!" Valerian hissed at him. "You think that's fucking easy? After forcing yourself in my life and proclaiming yourself as my best friend, you're just gonna cut our ties. That's it? Like I don't have no fucking say in the matter? Like it's just a one-sided fucking friendship?!"

Valerian was pissed so he looked at Shun, asking for backup.

Shun blows a loud breath before tapping Val's shoulder. "Relax, bud—"

"No. Kanina pa ako nagtitimpi sa gagong 'to." Dinuro siya ni Valerian, "you're a fucking dick for wanting to cut ties. Sana ginawa mo 'yon ng mas maaga, sana ginawa mo ng hindi ka pa kasama sa buhay naming lahat. Do enlighten me how are we gonna fucking forget a lunatic like you, huh? Thanks for the friendship? Fuck you!"

Bigla nalang siyang binato ni Valerian ng hawak nitong bote ng beer na wala nang laman buti nalang nakailas siya.

Valerian was really pissed.

Knight took a deep breath, "i'm sorry. 'Yong lang kasi ang naisip kong paraan para hindi kayo madamay sa gulo. Some of our friends are already married and has a family to protect. Ikaw," iminuwestra niya ang kamay kay Val, "Grace is pregnant, Val. Ayokong may mangyaring masama sa kaniya ng dahil sakin. I'm not gonna drag you all into my messy life."

Valerian glanced at Shun. "Then what's he doing being a part of your messy life? Shun has a family too. With kids."

"I'm his teammate." Sagot ni Shun. "I can't abandon him."

Valerian snorted. "Nah... I know the real fucking reason why."

Pareho silang napatitig ni Shun kay Valerian. Knight wants to know if there's another reason.

"What?" Knight impatiently asked.

Valerian sighed and pointed his finger at him, "there's something about you that we always do what you fucking say, even how crazy it is, because it's you, it's fucking okay. It's like we know you're a lunatic, but we fucking trust you anyways. And we fucking follow you no matter what because it's you. At hindi ka namin maiwan-iwan kasi parte ka na ng buhay namin. As for Shun, I know for a fact that he's staying by your side because he's worried of you— because he doesn't want you to feel alone and abandoned—"

Tinakpan ni Shun ang bibig ni Val. "That's enough, Volkzki. I know you're drunk but not this drunk."

Napakurap-kurap si Knight kay Valerian at kay Shun. Valerian was always an honest man when drunk.

"Hey, Val?"

Masama ang tingin nito sa kaniya. "What?!" He snapped.

Tinuro niya ang sarili. "I'm your best friend, right?"

Kinunotan siya nito ng nuo. "Of course! Why the fuck are you asking you bonehead?! You're my fucking best friend—best of friends! So don't you dare cut ties with me. I'm really gonna kill you, Knight! I'll fucking kill you!"

Pigil ni Knight ang matawa. Liquor always makes Valerian an honest person. "I won't."

"You better not!" Yumopyop ito sa lamesa habang unti-unting pumipikit ang mga mata. "I am here for you, you fucking lunatic. I step in the country I fucking hated for you. Ano nalang ang mangyayari kapag hindi na tayo magkaibigan? You'll be lost. How are you gonna add an experience to your book of life without me? Only we can tolerate your craziness.

Tumingin ito sa kaniya habang nakayopyop pa rin ang ulo sa lamesa, "i'll buy you a Triple Bavarian Chocolate cake just don't cut ties with me..." Valerian voice was becoming sadder and sadder.

"Sinusuhulan mo ba ako?" Panunukso niya sa kaibigan.

"Yeah..." sagot naman ni Val.

Napailing si Shun. "When he get sober tomorrow, he's gonna regret this."

Natawa siya. "Na-video-han mo ba?"

Shun chuckled. "Ako pa?"

"Ipakita natin sa kaniya bukas."

Natawa si Shun. "Ilang mura kaya ang matatanggap natin?"

"A lot." Knight chuckled. "But that's him. Kahit ano pang mura niya, mabait pa rin siya."

Shun took a deep breath, "stop teasing him for a little while. Mukhang nagka-phobia yata siya. Naalala mo ng pinutol mo rin ang kumonikasyon mo sa kaniya ilang taon na ang nakakaraan. If not for Iuhence chasing his wife, you two wouldn't see each other again. You know, Val, always acting tough but he's actually a soft hearted person. Huwag mong abusuhin ang pagiging mabait niya."

Tumingin siya kay Shun. "Sinasabi mo rin ba na hindi ko abusuhin ang kabaitan mo?"

"Bakit? Mabait ba ako?" Balik na tanong sa kaniya ni Shun.

"Why do you think we're friends?" He asked back. "I only befriend nice and kind people."

Napailing si Shun saka inubos nito ang beer. "Matulog ka na. Bukas na ang kasal mo."

That made him smile. "I'm excited. Can't sleep."

Napailing lang si Shun saka inalalayan si Valerian na makatayo, ng makitang nahihirapan ito, tinulungan niya ito sa pag-alalay kay Valerian hanggang sa kuwarto nito.

Inayos ni Shun ang pagkakaunan ni Val saka siya naman ay inalis ang sapatos nito pagkatapos ay sabay nilang inayos ni Shun ang kumot ni Valerian.

Then they left Val's room together and part ways on the left hall.

"G'night." Ani Shun.

"G'night." Sagot niya saka bumalik ulit sa kusina para ubusin ang beer at cake na naiwan.

That where he saw Don Ambrose. Drinking beer alone and sighing.

"Knight." Anito ng mapansin siya. "Why are you still awake?"

"Worried and excited." Sagot niya saka umupo sa stool na kaharap ng kinauupuang stool ni Don Ambrose.

Nabalot sila ng katahimikan hanggang sa basagin niya 'yon.

"Thanks for earlier." Aniya na ang tinutukoy ay ang pag-ako nito sa kaniyang anak kanina.

Don Ambrose smiled and raised his bottle of beer, "for your Mom."

That put a smile on his face, "for Mom..."

They clinked the bottle of beer in their hands and they continued drinking. After a couple of minutes silence, Don Ambrose started a topic and they got talking like it's not gonna be an early morning soon.

Who would have thought that Don Ambrose was fun to talk to? Difinitely not him. And he wants to talk to him some more.





ߑưߏ۰ߑưߏ۰ߑưߏ۠The wedding march ߒՍ

Happy Reading.

—————
Happy Anniversary to Team Fingers ߘؠThank you for always supporting me. Sending a virtual hug ߒՍ
—————

CHAPTER 44

TO SM'S shocked, everything was ready. From her wedding gown to the simple reception, everything was already in place. All she needs to do was walk down the aisle. Hanggang sa mga sandaling 'yon na suot na niya ang wedding gown niya, nagtataka pa rin siya kung paano nagawa 'tong lahat ni Knight.

SM was sure Knight had some help but to pull this off in a day? It's insane!

Speaking of her future husband, she haven't seen him the whole day. Nang magising siya kanina ay wala na ito sa tabi niya. Hinanap niya ito sa buong bahay pero hindi niya ito nakita. Though she didn't look in the greenhouse because it's off limits for her. At naisip niyang baka nandoon si Knight at inaayos ang dadausan ng kasal nila.

Knight really readied it all.

And while standing in front of the mirror, she can't stop admiring her  gorgeous golden wedding gown. With a square neckline glitter tulle beading sequins crystal, a ¾ sleeve backless royal train. Bumagay iyon sa kulay ng balat niya at kasyang-kasya lang sa kaniya.

"There... beautiful..." anang ina niya sa nasa likuran niya na katatapos lang ayusin ang buhok niya.

It was her Mom who did the make up and the hair. Her Mom was enjoying making her beautiful, she can tell by the happy smile on her lips.

Tumagilid siya habang nasa harap ng salamin saka tiningnan ang buhok niya doon.

It's in a asymmetrical Twisted Updo, on top was a gold baroque wedding crown of leaves and flowers and there are gold leaves and flowers streaming down and wrapping around her updo hair until it reaches her nape.

Napangiti siya. "It's beautiful." Humarap siya sa ina, "thank you, Mom."

Masuyo siya nitong nginitian saka pinakatitigan siya. "You know, when you and Knight were kids, his Mom and I talked about marrying you off to each other. This is somewhat nostalgic. How I wish she could see this. Her boy is finally a man. She would've been so proud."

SM's smile softened. "Ang dami na niyang masakit na pinagdaanan, Mommy. I'm happy because i'm the woman he chose to spend his life with. I  will do my best to not be a burden to him. I'm happy to marry a good man, Mom."

Her mother caresses her hair softly, "i'm happy too. Pero hindi pa rin siya makatingin sa mga mata ko. That kid... he's still guilty for kidnapping me. Pero hindi naman niya ginusto 'yon. Though for a kidnapper, he was rather kind."

Natawa siya. "Anong ginawa niya sayo, Ma?"

"Binigyan niya ang ako ng tubig at pinakain niya ako. Not only that, he told his men to handle me with care and never touch me inappropriately. Nang makita ko siya, nakilala ko siya kaagad at naisip ko, magiging proud si Blythe sa kaniya dahil sa ugali niya." Blythe was Knight's mother. "His father is an asshole, but Knight grew up to be a good man."

Tumango siya bilang pagsang-ayon. "His love for his siblings and his selflessness to the people he cares about always makes me love him more."

Kinuha ng ina niya ang Jewellery box na dinala nito kanina sa kuwarto saka binuksan iyon at inilabas doon ang isang gold necklace na may rose na pendant.

"It's beautiful." Buong paghangang sabi niya.

Lumapit sa kaniya ang ina saka isinuot iyon sa leeg niya. "Galing pa 'to sa Lola ng Lola mo. Pinasuot niya sakin nuong kasal ko, ngayon ikaw naman ang magsusuot nito."

Napahawak siya sa pendant ng maisuot ng Mommy niya ang necklace sa leeg niya. It's gorgeous. "Thank you, Mom."

Ngumiti lang ang ina niya at nabaling ang atensiyon nilang dalawa ng may kumatok at pumasok si Uncle Kee.

He immediately smiled when he saw her. "Mi hermosa sobrina!" He exclaimed. "Gorgeous!"

Mahina siyang natawa. "Thank you, Uncle Kee."

"Well, I came here to tell you that we're all ready." Anito. "It's you who's missing—"

"Keegan." May babala sa boses ng ina niya, "don't pressure my baby."

Sumaludo si Uncle Kee sa ina niya na ikinatawa niya. "Yes, Ma'am. I'm leaving."

Kaagad itong tumalilis ng alis. Nagkatinginan silang mag-ina saka napailing.

"Ganun ba talaga katakot sayo si Uncle Kee?" Tanong niya sa ina habang naghahanda nang lumabas.

Her mom shrugged. "Who knows?"

Natawa siya saka naglakad na palabas ng kuwarto habang nasa likod niya ang ina, inaayos ang likuran ng damit niya.

SM was barefooted as she walks towards the stairs. Napatigil lang siya sa paglalakad ng makita ang ama niya sa tuktok ng hagdanan na may nakalatag na red carpet pababa sa salas.

"Dad..."

Mufasa looked at her and smiled. "I'm heartbroken, baby. I'm not the only man you love anymore. My baby has grown up."

Napapailing na natawa siya saka maingat na yumakap sa ama niya. "Te amo, Daddy."

"Te amo también, mi Princesa."

Lumapit sa kanila ang ina niya at pinagitnaan siya ng dalawa habang nakatayo sa tuktok ng hagdanan.

"Ready to be an awesome and fierce wife, mi princesa?" Tanong sa kaniya ng ama.

Malapad ang ngiting tumango siya. "Yes."

"Shall we?" Tanong ng ina niya.

SM nodded.

And then slowly, they descended on the staircase. With her parents on each side, holding her hands.

"That bastard is lucky to have you." Anang ama niya ng nasa salas na sila. A red carpet continued down the path towards the green house. "He's taking you away from me. You're leaving me behind."

Napailing siya. "Dad, i'll always be your girl. That will never change."

Nalukot ang mukha ng ama niya. "You only say that for lip service—"

"Stevan." Her mother and her warning voice. "Shut up. They're both lucky with each other."

Kaagad na tumahimik ang ama niya at parang batang humaba ang nguso nito.

She tiptoed while walking and whispered over her father's lips. "Hindi ko akalain na understanding ka pala, Dad."

Her Dad sighed before answering, "i'm maybe the King of the Jungle but your Mom is my queen so yes, i'm very understanding when it comes to her. And yes, i'm weak, Princesa."

Mahina siyang natawa saka bumaling sa ina. "Don't bully Dad too much."

Ngumisi ang ina niya. "Sorry, baby. But when I see your Dad, I see this sign in his forehead that says bully me. Hindi ko mapigilan ang sarili ko."

Napailing nalang siya. Who knew her family could be this little weird?

Napangiti siya at mas lalong lumapad iyon ng makita si Eli sa pinto malapit sa pasukan ng greenhouse.

"Eli!" Hindi niya ito nakita kasi kadarating lang nito at kailangan mag-ayos kaagad.

"Matamis na lunes!" Kaagad itong lumapit sa kaniya saka maingat siyang niyakap. "Ang ganda ng wedding dress mo."

Umakto siyang nagtatampo. "E ako? Hindi maganda?"

"Syempre, hindi. Ako lang ang maganda rito e. Pero dahil kasal mo, ipapahiram ko sayo ang korona ng kagandahan." Eli lift the imaginary crown on her head and put it on hers making her chuckle. "Hayan, nasayo na ang korona."

Thank God Eli made it! Gabi naman ang kasal kaya nakaabot ito.

Eli was her Maid of Honor but she has no idea who's the Best man.

"Nasaan ang best man?" Tanong niya kay Eli.

Umiling ito. "Wala."

"What?" She was shock.

Knight's friends are all here but no best man?

"He said it's reserved for Hatinggabi— but it's a secret and only me and your family knew. He won't chose anyone to replace him." Kapagkuwan ay nagtanong ito, "kailangan ba talaga itago si Hatinggabi sa lahat? And i'm in shock right now, Matamis na Lunes. You're Mom is alive? Like... WTF?!"

Hinawakan niya ang kamay ng kaibigan at pinisil 'yon. "I'll explain later."

Huminga ng malalim si Eli saka tumango bago napipilitang bumalik na sa puwesto nito kanina.

Silence fell the house and seconds later, it was broken by a soft piano and cello duet of the song 'Thousand years'.

The melody was so sweet, soft and emotional that she can't help reminiscing her memories with Knight as she walked down the aisle towards the greenhouse that was transformed into a beautiful wedding venue.

The chairs and tables are all covered with fresh flowers. There's even a canopy above their heads with meteor shower shape lights and fairy lights around them.

Pero hindi mapigilan ni SM ang mahinang matawa ng makitang si Uncle Kee, Uncle Queen at North ang flower boy nila at may mga flower crown pa itong mga suot. At si Shun at Val naman ang ring bearer. Tyron Zapanta and Dimitri was the bible bearer while Jacques and Cloud was the coin bearer.

The amazing pianist was Thorn Calderon and the one playing the cello was Reigo Vasquez.

SM was chuckling but when she saw Knight on the altar, he stole her gaze and all her attention. He was very handsome with his white and gold tuxedo.

But what really caught her attention was his eyes, he's in tears while looking at her walk down the aisle.

Nginitian niya ang binata.

Then she mouthed, 'te amo'.

Tumango lang ito saka natatawang tinuyo ang luha sa pisngi habang nakatutok pa rin ang mga mata sa kaniya.

At nang sa wakas ay makaabot sila sa altar, ibinigay ng ama niya ang kamay niya kay Knight.

"Alagaan mo ang Princesa ko." Sabi ng ama niya. "Or i'll kill you."

"Yes, Sir!"

Niyakap naman ng ina niya si Knight. "All I asked is for you be happy with my daughter, because you make her happy as well."

"I am..." he looked at her, "happy."

At nang silang dalawa nalang sa harap ng altar, hinawakan nito ang kamay niya habang nanunubig pa rin ang gilid ng mga mata nito.

SM chuckled before drying Knight's cheeks with her thumbs. "Did you do all this?"

Sumulyap si Knight sa mga kaibigan nito bago tumango. "With their help. Nagustuhan mo ba?"

Tumango siya. "Yes. I love it, it's very pretty."

"I'm happy." Knight whispered.

"Me too."

Knight smiled at her, kissed her forehead before guiding her to face the altar, in front of the priest.

As the ceremony starts, Knight didn't let of her hands. From answering I do, to saying their vows, Knight held her hands like he didn't want to let go of her. Na para bang kapag pinakawalan nito ang kamay niya ay aalis siya.

"... may God bless your union. I now pronounce Count Knight Alastair Minrod Velasques and Countess Sweet Monday Canja Lopez Velasquez, husband and wife. You may now kiss th—"

Knight lips was already on hers before the priest could finish his words.

Natatawa naman siyang tinugon ang halik ng asawa saka yumakap siya sa leeg niya. Nang maghiwalay ang mga labi nila, ilang segundo silang nagkatinginan bago siya hinalikan sa nuo ng asawa.

"Te amo, Sweet Monday. By the law, you mi condesa, but in my heart and in my life, you are mi reina."

"Te amo también, milord."

Mahinang natawa si Knight saka hinalikan ulit siya pagkatapos ay niyakap at bumulong sa tainga niya ang loko-loko niyang asawa.

"Huwag na tayong um-attend ng reception. Deretso tayo sa honeymoon."

Pasimple niya itong kinurot sa tagiliran. "Behave."

"But, baby, i'm horny."

"No." She said firmly.

Knight grunted, "I want to take off your wedding gown. You're beautiful with it but i'm pretty sure you'll be gorgeous naked."

Napabuntong-hininga nalang si SM. "I can't believe I have to put up with your horniness from now on 'till the day God takes me away. Bakit ba kita pinakasalan?"

"Kasi mahal mo ako."

Kumawala siya sa yakap nito. "Behave, Knight. Let's finish this first."

And that's what it takes to make her husband grinned widely. "Yes! Tonight, mi reina."

As if she can say no to him. "Yes. If I'm not that tired."

Knight was still grinning from ear to ear. "I love you, mi reina." Gumuhit ang pilyong ngiti sa mga labi nito, "you know I love chocolate cake, right?"

Kumunot ang nuo niya. She can feel that her husband was up to something. "Yeah...?"

"Why don't I cover you with ganache later and have my way with you?"

Hindi makapaniwalang napatitig siya sa asawa. "Is that your fetish, my Lord?"

"I bet It'll taste even better on you."

She sighed. Well, it's our honeymoon night. "Fine. You can do whatever you want."

"Yes!" Masayang hiyaw ng asawa saka humarap ito sa mga bisitang hinihintay lang matapos ang mahinang boses nilang pag-uusap ni Knight para lumapit. "Who wants to party?" Nakangiting sigaw ni Knight.

Some popped champagne and some popped some bottle of beers to answer Knight's question.

Then the picture taking commence followed by congratulations. One by one, they congratulated them while Knight's friend congratulate and warned her of Knight.

"Tulad ng sinabi ko, kung ayaw mo na kay Knight, libre ang serbisyo ko." Wika ni Atty. Yilmaz.

Knight smirked. "Buti nalang dito ako sa Spain nagpakasal, hindi sa Pilipinas."

"I have a Lawyer friend here in Spain." Sagot ni Atty. Yilmaz.

"Fuck you." Sagot ni Knight.

While the other mumbled, "of course you have a friend here."

"So... may kasal pa sa Pilipinas?" Tanong ni Beckett.

Tumango si Knight na ikinagulat siya.

Napatanga siya sa asawa. "Mayroon pa?"

"Yeah." Sagot ni Knight. "By that time, i'm hoping everyone is present. Including Andrius. Hindi ako makakapayag na hindi tayo makompleto sa kasal ko."

Kunot ang nuo ni SM. Who's Andrius?

Capt. Khairro tsked. "It's all my fault."

Thorn sighed. "Who would have thought that that woman's death can destroy him like this. Sana matapos na itong impyerno na kinasasadlakan niya ngayon."

Cali showed his fist, "kapag nakalabas siya, gawin natin ang makakaya natin para bumalik siya sa dati."

"Deal." Sabay sabi ng lahat.

Sumingit si Shun sa usapan na may dalawang beer, "what's with the long faces? This is a wedding for fuck sake!"

"It's Andrius..." sagot ni Capt. Sanford.

Phoenix tsked. "Wala tayong magagawa para kay Salazar ngayon. All we could do is visit him to show our support and that's it. He doesn't even want to see us. Pero kapag nakalabas siya, saka tayo bumawi."

"Let's hope for the best." Wika ni Titus.

"Hell, yeah!" Sigaw ni Captain at kumuha ito ng beer saka isa-isang binigyan ang mga kaibigan.

At the same the food was being served by Cloud and Jacques. SM was amazed at how those two moved with impeccable manners and graceful movements. Naiintindihan niya si Cloud dahil matagal na itong butler, pero si Jacques? Natutuwa siya dahil natututo na talaga ito.

But of course Jacques wears a Louis Vuitton suit as he serves.

Habang nagsasaya at kumakain ang mga kaibigan ni Knight, lumapit naman sa kanila ang mga magulang niya para i-Congratulate sila kapagkuwan ay si Uncle Queen at Uncle Rafael naman ang lumapit sa kanila. 

"Congratulations, Count and Countess Velasquez." Ani Uncle Rafael sabay bahagyang yukod sa kanila ni Knight. "It is an honor to be of attendance in your nuptial."

Uncle Queen slightly bows down as well. "May God bless your marriage, Count and Countess Velasquez."

"So serious!" Sabad ni Uncle Kee na kalalapit lang sa kanila. "Let's enjoy some booze, people. Let's have some fun!" Then he looked at them, "congratulations, newlyweds. Have fun."

Napailing nalang siya saka ngumiti ng makaalis ang tatlo at lumapit naman sa kanila si Uncle Ambrose.

"Congratulations to the both of you." Anito.

"Thank you." Sabay nilang sabi ni Knight.

But Knight added, "thank you for volunteering to be my Dad for the day. And for agreeing to give a toast later and a speech. Thank you."

Uncle Ambrose just smiled and SM was happy for Knight and thank to Uncle Ambrose.

"By the way, I heard you're going back to the Philippines after this?" Tanong ni Uncle Kee.

Tumango si Knight. "Yes. As i've said last night, you can visit my house anytime."

"Maybe i'll accept your invitation." Sumimsim ito ng champagne sa kopita bago nagsalita ulit. "So... is it okay if I went home with you? Extra protection." Tinuro nito ang sarili. "I can help."

"That would be amazing, Uncle Ambrose." Umalis siya sa tabi ni Knight para yakapin ang tiyuhin. "Salamat. Pero, ayos lang ba kay Dad na sasama ka samin?"

Nagkibit-balikat ito. "Mufasa will miss me that's for sure, but," he looked at Knight, "I have decided to help."

Knight smiled and it's a genuine happy smile. "Thanks, Don Ambrose."

Uncle Ambrose chuckled. "I would appreciate it if you replace the word Don with Uncle."

Nakangiti pa ring tumango si Knight. "I will, Tío Ambrose."

Uncle Ambrose nodded with a smile before leaving and returning to his table.

Inakbayan naman siya ni Knight. "Nagkausap kami kagabi, alam mo bang hindi siya nag-asawa? Ganun niya kamahal ang Mommy ko. Walang pumalit kay Mommy sa puso niya hanggang ngayon."

Maingat niyang iniyakap ang isang braso sa beywang nito. "Kaya ba gusto mo siya?"

Knight nodded. "I don't usually invite people to my house— but he's an exception."

"That's nice." Hinalikan niya sa pisngi si Knight. "Mas okay sakin para may kasama tayong alam ang galaw ng Papa mo."

Bago pa makasagot si Knight lumapit sa kanila si Eli.

"Congratulations, Matamis na Lunes at Kabalyero!" Sinugod siya nito ng mahigpit na yakap, "masayang-masaya ako para sayo! Sa wakas! Magkasing ganda na tayo."

Natawa nalang siya kay Eli. "Salamat dahil pumunta ka kahit madalian."

Pinakawalan siya nito sa pagkakayakap at tinitigan siya, "I wouldn't miss my best friend's wedding for the world." Kapagkuwan ay bumaling ito kay Knight. "Your blonde hair suits you."

Knight smiled, but there's sadness in their depths. "Thank you, Eli."

Eli moved to hugged Knight and when Eli let go of Knight, her face was dead serious. "I just arrived and I have jet lag so I let it go earlier but... is that how you treat your baby sister?"

She and Knight both froze at Eli's question.

Nameywang si Eli. "Ever since that scene in your house, when I saw that man you called Papa, I keep dreaming about my missing memories for more than a month now. And I keep seeing you. Mom wouldn't tell me anything. But when I saw your blonde hair, it just clicked and I remembered some memories of you that I have forgotten, though only a few. Hindi pa kompleto ang memorya ko—"

Naputol sa pagsasalita si Eli ng bigla nalang itong yakapin ni Knight ng mahigpit ng mahigpit.

"You remember— you remember me..." Knight whispered with relief.

"Just a little..." Eli whispered.

"Thank God... I was looking for you, Elizabeth. I didn't stop looking. I miss you so much, little sister. I miss you so much, so so much."

A tear slid down on Eli's cheeks. "Bakit hindi mo sinabi sakin na ikaw ang Kuya ko?"

Pinakawalan ni Knight sa pagkakayakap si Eli saka sinapo nito ang mukha ng kapatid. "I have a messy life, Elizabeth. Ayokong madamay ka. Ang nasa isip ko, mas okay na na hindi mo ako naaalala, ang mahalaga ligtas ka."

Eli's tears keeps on falling, "even before, you're like this, always thinking about me. Always being selfless."

Knight smiled. "You're my little sister, trabaho ko na alagaan ka."

Tinuyo ni Eli ang luha sa pisngi nito saka ngumiti. "Congratulations, Kuya. Masuwerte ka at si Matamis na Lunes ang naging asawa mo. Mabait yan, pero huwag mong galitin. Mabilis ang kamao niyan."

Knight smiled.

Eli waved her hands goodbye. "Sige, bukas na kita iisturbuhin at gigisahin. Enjoy your night, Kuya." Eli kissed Knight's cheeks before returning to her table.

Humarap sa kaniya si Knight saka niyakap siya nito at isinubsob nito ang mukha sa leeg niya. At naramdaman niya ang pagkabasa ng balat niya sa leeg. Nakikita niyang nanginginig ang balikat nito kaya alam niyang umiiyak ang asawa.

"I feel so relieved, mi reina." He whispered. "Is it selfish for me to enjoy the fact that Elizabeth can remember me now? Magugulo ang buhay niya."

Hinaplos niya ang likod ng ulo ng asawa. "We'll look our for her as well. Hindi natin pabababayaan ang mga kapatid mo. Eli is my best friend, Knight. Hindi ako makakapayag na may mangyaring hindi maganda sa matalik kong kaibigan. Makikipagpatayan ako."

Humigpit pa lalo ang yakap sa kaniya ni Knight. "Mi reina..."

Hinayaan lang ni SM si Knight na yumakap sa kaniya habang hinahaplos niya ang likod ng ulo nito hanggang sa kumalma ito at naayos ang sarili.

"I hope my tears didn't turn you off." Ani Knight ng pakawalan siya nito sa pagkakayakap. "Malambot at mahina talaga ako pagdating sa mga taong mahalaga sakin."

"I know and no, it doesn't turn me off." She kissed him on the lips, "I love the fact that only I get to see you like that."

Knight pressed his forehead against hers, "because I know if it's you, it's okay to be weak." Knight took a deep breath before hugging her again.

"Hey! You two. Stop it! Let's start the Reception party!" Sigaw ng ama niya na ikinatawa niya. "Kagabi pa ready ang mensahe ko sa inyong dalawa."

Napailing nalang si SM saka nagpagiya kay Knight papunta sa mesa na uupuan nilang mag-asawa.

And so... the Reception party began. A party with lots of craziness and weirdness.

What did she expect? The house is full of weird people.

—————————
And now that they're married, it's gonna be another adventure. — C.C.


CHAPTER 45

SWEET MONDAY has became moody lately. Moody to the point that she doesn't want to make love to him— so no honeymoon after the wedding and she doesn't want to talk to him nor smell him. It's a fucking torture!

And this has been happening for a week now!

Pauwi nalang sila sa Pilipinas, hindi pa rin siya nito kinakausap. Panay ang sabi niya sa sarili na buntis ang asawa niya kaya ganun ito pero mahirap pa rin! He was used to his sweet, caring and loving Sweet Monday but this Sweet Monday now was very cold towards him.

And he wanted his Sweet Monday back!

Nakasimangot na pabagsak siyang umupo sa gilid ng kama. "Ano bang nangyayari sa asawa ko?" Napasabunot siya sa sariling ulo. "Alam kong buntis siya pero bakit ganito? She's torturing me!"

Jacques frowned at him. "Why are you in my fucking room?"

"Because I have no one to complain to..." Mas lalong humigpit ang pagsabunot niya sa sariling buhok. "Busy si Cloud para sa pag-alis natin mamayang gabi. Wala akong makausap. You'll do even though I don't like you."

The Marquess sighed. "I have nothing to say. Stop pissing me off."

Knight tsked. "Why is mi reina like this, huh?" Pinagsusuntok niya ang gilid ng kama ni Jacques. "Why is she torturing me like this?!"

The Marquess glared at him. "Get out!"

"No!" Pagmamatigas niya. "Ayaw sakin makipag-usap ng milady mo kaya ikaw ang kakausapin. Butler ka naman niya."

The Marquess grunted. "Maybe she already regrets marrying you."

"Mi reina loves me." Puno ng kompiyansa niyang sabi, "though this happened days ago. Basa ang buhok ko kasi katatapos ko lang maligo. Usually, kapag nakikita niyang basa ako, kaagad siyang kukuha ng tuwalya para tuyuin ang buhok ko."

"What are you, five?"

"I like it when she dries my hair for me." Knight let out a heavy sighed. "So... going back to my story. Hindi tinuyo ni SM ang buhok ko. At hindi na siya umuupo paharap na umuupo sa hita no. I hate this!"

The Marquess sighed, like he had enough of him. "Please shut up—"

"And then she won't let me sleep in my favorite position like what the fuck! I miss my Sweet Monday—"

"Out!" Galit na tinuro ni Jacques ang pinto ng kuwarto nito. "Out, Count!"

Humaba ang nguso niya. "You're so mean."

The Marquess blows a loud breath. "What do you want me to say? That milady is gonna be back to normal today? It's a pregnancy thing and we'll never understand because we're fucking men! And it's not like you're the only one she has snob these past days!"

Gulat siyang napatitig sa Marquess. "She snob you too?"

The Marquess sighed and glared at him. "Why the fuck did you impregnate her anyway?!"

Sa halip na sagutin ang Marquess, tumayo siya at naglakad palabas ng kuwarto nito. "Don't talk to me. Tama, lalaki ka pala. I should talk to a woman with experience."

"Fuck you!" Singhal sa kaniya ng Marquess, "don't you fucking come back here."

Knight just waved his hand. "Sorry for sitting on your Gucci bedsheet."

"Fuck you!" Sagot ng Marquess.

Tuluyan na siyang nakalabas sa kuwarto ng Marquess at hinanap niya ang alam niyang makakasagot sa katanungan niya.

"Mama." Kuha niya sa atensiyon ng ina ni SM na nagtatanim ng halaman sa paso sa greenhouse. "May itatanong sana ako."

Kaagad naman nitong tinapos ang ginagawa para ibigay sa kaniya ang buo nitong atensiyon. "Go on... ask me."

"Ahm..." umupo siya sa bench malapit sa ina ni SM na ibang paso naman ang inaasikaso. "Something is going on with my wife. Sinubukan ko siyang kausapin pero ayaw niyang makipag-usap sakin."

Tumingin ito sa kaniya. "Alam mo ba nuong pinagbubuntis ko si SM, halos dalawang buwan kong hindi kinausap si Stevan? I just hate his face and his voice. I wanna hurt him so bad So I chose to stay away."

Napanganga siya at malalaki ang matang tinuro niya ang sarili. "'Yon ba ang nangyayari ngayon samin? Oh, dear Jesus. I can't survive a month without speaking to Sweet Monday. What do I do, Mama?"

Tumawa ito. "Just be with her. She'll eventually go back to normal. Mukhang namana niya sakin 'yon."

Napasabunot siya sa sariling buhok. "I'm so sad right now."

SM's Mom laughed. "Ano ka ba, isang linggo palang kayong mag-asawa. Marami pa kayong pagdadaanan."

Tama! Knight took a deep breath. "I can do this. For mi reina."

Natatawang-naiiling ang ina ni SM. "Actually, a week ago, SM told me she doesn't like seeing or talking to you. Sabi ko sa kaniya dahil 'yon buntis siya, pero giniit niyang ayaw niya talaga. And then I thought... when is Knight gonna break?"

Napatanga siya sa ginang. "Y-you were waiting for me to break?"

"Yeah." Sagot nito na parang wala lang. "and then Keegan and I made a bet."

Napatango siya na para bang normal lang din 'yon. "Of course you did."

SM's mom chuckled. "Keegan said you'll break and fall after two weeks but it's just one week." She grinned. "Looks like I won."

Knight smiled awkwardly. SM's mother is much more terrifying than Mufasa. Good thing she likes him as her son-in-law. At mukhang ito ang pinagmanahan ng asawa niya. Though SM tries her hardest to not manipulate people or make a bet with them.

But unlike SM, her mother is a different case.

"Be thankful." Anang ina ni SM na ikinabalik ng atensiyon niya rito. "SM always try her hardest to be nice. Siguro dahil pinalaki namin siyang ganun. We always tell her that 'be nice to everybody'."

"The world is merciless to nice people." He said.

"We know, so we always tell her that 'be nice to everybody, but be careful who you trust'. Not everyone cares, some people are just there to gather dirts about you and use it against you when you least expect it."

"Agree."

Bumuntong-hininga ito, "at ngayong siya na ang gagawa sa trabaho ni Stevan, hindi 'yon magiging madali sa pamilyang bubuoin niyo. I was scared for this day to come."

"Was?" He frowned. "Not anymore?"

Umuling ito saka masuyo siyang nginitian, "nasa tabi ka na niya. I'm sure that she's in capable hands. A hands that can protect her, love her and make her happy at the same time."

Humugot siya ng malalim na hininga saka nagtanong. "Is there anything I can do for SM when she became an idrytís?"

She let out a long breath, "it's not gonna be easy, Knight. As an Idrytís, she will make a decision that you can't comprehend. May mga desisyon siyang masasaktan ka, maguguluhan at magagalit. May mga magkakataong ding maglilihim siya sayo, mga planong hindi mo dapat malaman, mga sekretong kailangang itago. But even though that's the case, stay with her. That's what you can do for her. My husband, Stevan, he's far from perfect but we always talk and compromise. We always try to understand each other and respect one another."

Tumango siya. "Sweet Monday always understands me and my secrets. Even after knowing that I kidnapped you, she still try to understand me. Because of that, and because I love her, I will do my very best to give back the understanding she always gave me."

"I'm glad." Anang ginang.

Tumingin ulit siya sa ina si SM saka yumukod siya. "This maybe too late, but, please forgive me. I'm sorry for kidnapping you, Mama. I'm so sorry."

"It's okay, Knight. Forget about it."

Tumango siya saka nabalot sila ng katahimikan bago siya nakapagpaalam sa ginang.

Knight wanders aimlessly around the house until his feet enters the kitchen.

"You look like hell." Komento ni Uncle Ambrose ng makita siya. "Mind telling me what's going on?"

"It's SM." Pabagsak siyang naupo sa upuan ng hapagkainan, "hindi niya ako pinapansin. It's pregnancy thing."

"Oh." Binigyan siya nito ng isang bote ng beer, "I don't have an experience with that."

Nangalumbaba siya. "I want to ask Papa but... I don't think he'll answer me."

"Ask me what?" Tanong ng bagong dating na narinig pala ang sinabi niya.

"It's your daughter." Si Uncle Ambrose ang sumagot sa ama ni SM. "She's ignoring, Knight, because of pregnancy. He needs advice, Mufasa."

Nameywang ang ama ni SM saka tumingin sa kaniya. "Suck it up. It's called marriage. Nang pinagbubuntis ng asawa ko si SM, at hindi niya ako pinansin ng ilang buwan, alam mo kung anong ginawa ko?" May pagmamalaki sa boses nito kaya nasisiguro niyang may ginawa itong negatibo.

"Ano?" Umaasa niyang tanong.

Mufasa grinned. "I begged, of course. I'm telling you, that's the only way."

"Yeah. I should do that." Sang-ayon niya.

Tumango ang ama ni SM. "Good. Be a puppy... show her that puppy face and eyes of yours. Be cute."

"That's unmanly." Komento ni Uncle Ambrose.

Tinuro ng ama ni SM si Uncle Ambrose, "you only say that because you have no experience with pregnant women!"

Uncle Ambrose's face fell. "She was taken from me before I could get her pregnant."

Knight blows a small breath. "That was awkward."

Mabilis namang umiling si Uncle Ambrose, "no, I mean, I hate you father, but not you. You're a good kid."

"A good kid who already killed a lot of people." Anang ama ni SM, "yes, very good kid." Puno ng sarkasmo nitong sabi.

Napabuntong-hininga nalang siya saka nagpaalam sa dalawa at bumalik nalang sa kuwarto nila ni SM.

Napatingin siya sa mga naka-impake na nilang mga damit. They're really going back to the Philippines tonight. It's not gonna be easy anymore.

They're married, SM is pregnant, Elizabeth remembers him now and Midnight... he's trying to explore the world and he's worried.

Paano niya po-protektahan ang mga taong mahal niya?

Tumunog ang cellphone niya. Nang tingnan niya kung sino 'yon, kaagad niyang sinagot ng makitang si Shun ang tumatawag.

"What's up?" Tanong niya.

Shun left with Valerian and the others the morning after the wedding. Pinasama niya si Elizabeth sa mga kaibigan niya pauwi para ma-protektahan ito. Hindi sila nakapag-usap ng maayos ni Elizabeth pero nangako siyang mag-uusap sila kapag nakauwi na siya sa Pilipinas.

Tumikhim muna si Shun bago nagsalita. "We have a problem."

"Ano 'yon?"

"Leandro and Leo Barthlomeo, they're moving." Anito. "Nakatanggap ako ng mensahe galing sa ina ng kambal na Vitale. At tulad ng ginagawa natin palagi, kahit walang go signal mo, nagpadala ako ng tao doon sa sinasabing HQ ni Beth pero ni isa walang bumalik."

Kumuyom ang kamao niya. "The bodies?"

"Gone. Wala rin ni isa."

Nagtagis ang bagang niya. "Wala bang alam si Beth?"

"Sinabi na niya sakin lahat ng alam niya." Ani Shun saka bumuntong-hininga. "Not only that, Beth wants update about Blake and Blaze. Gusto niyang malaman kung anong ginagawa ng dalawa."

Hinilot niya ang sentido. "Fuck..."

"Yeah... and hear this." Shun took a deep breath, "the last boss, the one who made Beth the Organósi's spy on Barthlomeo brothers lied to Beth about the Vitale Twins. Wala siyang kaalam-alam sa nangyayari sa kambal niyang anak."

Knight blows a loud breath. "Keep it that way, Shun. Send her some photos of the twins in Italy. Tell her they're on vacation and having a good time."

"Copy that— oh, and, someone tried to kill Sanford."

Nanlamig ang buo niyang katawan. "What?!"

"Yeah... hindi ko alam kung may kinalaman 'yon sa trabaho niya o dahil binabantayan niya ang kapatid mo."

Capt. Khairro Sanford was the perfect bodyguard for his sister because of his position as a cop.

"Can Sanford handle it?" Tanong niya.

"Sabi niya, oo raw."

"Utilize the Organósi to protect them—"

"Ahm... about that." Shun cleared his throat, "your father froze our movement last night, Knight. Kailangan lahat ng desisyon mo, dadaan sa kaniya at aaprobahan niya bilang boss natin. So ... any other plan?"

Nasapo niya ang nuo. Without his connection in the Organósi, he can't protect the people he loves. At alam iyon ng ama niya at wala siyang magagawa.

"Fuck!" He hissed. "Sa ngayon, pasabi kay Sanford na bantayang maigi si Elizabeth—Wait— did you tell him my relationship with Elizabeth?"

"Nope. I told him she's an special case."

"Good. Anyway, for now, let's do what we can."

Natahimik ng ilang segundo si Shun saka bumuga ito ng marahas na hininga. "I don't like this, Knight. Kahit ang koneksiyon ko sa Organósi ay nilimitahan din. Good thing I have Duke Keegan's system with me. Pati rin si North limitado ang galaw at pinadala sa ibang lugar. Dimitri received a letter today saying he's been assigned to a new boss."

Napatitig siya sa kisame saka mahinang natawa. "It's starting, Shun. My father is making his move now."

"At anong gagawin natin?"

"Let him." Aniya saka bumuga ng marahas na hininga. "Let's be a good boy for the meantime."

"You have a plan?"

"A long one."

"I'm in." Mabilis na sabi ni Shun. "What can I do?"

"Don't give my father a reason to punish you." Sabi niya saka umupo sa gilid ng kama, "let's be good soldiers and follow the rules."

"That's it?"

He smiled. "Yeah. That's it."

"I can do that." Ani Shun na may bahid na ngiti. "Kailan ang uwi niyo?"

"Mamayang gabi ang alis namin."

"Have a safe trip." Anito, "anyways, i'd been digging around that woman I told you before. Yong rape child."

"Oh. Yeah, I remember."

"Guess what I found?"

Kumunot ang nuo niya. "Ano?"

"I found her real father. It's not Leandro Barthlomeo."

"And? Something's up for you to tell me this."

"And you'll never believe who it is."

"Who?"

"Your idol."

Mas lalong nagsalubong ang kilay niya. "I don't have an idol—" nanlaki ang mga mata niya, "holy fuck! That one?!"

"Yep. I used Duke Keegan's system and I pulled out a very confidential file of the Organósi that even your security code can't open."

"Where is he?" He asked.

"Pennsylvania."

Gumuhit ang ngiti sa mga labi niya. "So that means... that girl is the next—"

"Nope." Shun cut him off, "that girl is the second child."

"His eldest is a son?"

"Daughter."

"How about the first Arkhon? Any luck?"

"Nandito siya sa nakuha kong file pero wala siyang naka-rehestrong anak. Asawa lang niya."

Napatango-tango siya. "Thanks, Shun. Lie low for now."

"Gotcha."

Nang mawala si Shun sa kabilang linya, mahina siyang natawa. Kapagkuwan ay napabaling ang atensiyon niya sa bumukas na pinto ng kuwarto.

SM entered.

He smiled at his wife. "Hey... miss me?"

Tiningnan lang siya nito ng ilang segundo kapagkuwan ay napakurap-kurap. "I don't feel like hurting you today."
Napatanga siya. "What?"

"Nitong mga nakaraang linggo kasi, kapag nakikita ko ang mukha mo, gusto kitang pagsusuntukin at tadyakan kaya dumistansiya nalang ako. I don't want to hurt you."

"Oh." Was all he can say. Like mother like daughter indeed.

Sweet Monday finally smiled at him after a week! "Sorry... pinag-alala ba kita?"

He tapped his lap. "Come here."

Mabilis naman itong lumapit sa kaniya saka paharap na umupo sa mga hita niya. Kaagad niya itong niyakap.

"I miss this— I miss you." Aniya.

Hinaplos lang nito ang buhok niya.

Knight looked up at SM. "Maybe we should do the honeymoon now. Baka bigla na namang gusto mo akong saktan."

"Pero paalis na tayo."

"In the plane?"

Tumawa ito. "Alam mo ba kung gaano kasikip ang banyo sa eroplano?"

"Cloud said the plane is big, so... " pilyo siyang ngumisi. "The lavatory is gonna be big as well. My chocolate ganache can wait 'till we get home."

Napailing si SM. "Whatever you say."

"Great! Anyways, I have good news."

"What?"

"I think I found the right person to fight and dethrone my father."

A sweet but sly smile appeared on SM's lips, she looked so beautiful and dangerous at the same time. "What are we waiting for then? Let's begin and play."

"Mahihirapan tayong mag-umpisa. My father freezes my connections in the Organósi. Limitado ang galaw ko."

"That's okay." She cupped his face, "as an Idrytís, I have private armies. We'll utilize them instead."

Tumango-tango siya saka nginitian ang asawa. "It's gonna be one hell of game, mi reina."

SM pressed her lips on hers before whispering over his lips, "let's think of it as a game of chess, we're already losing, the enemy already has a big advantage, but it's two brains versus one. All we need to do to win is to put all the right pieces in the right places. You're the King in this game, and as your queen," she brushed her lips against his, "I promise to protect you with all of my might. So play hard and good, my Lord, I will shield your crown until I hear you say... 'check mate'."

Umiling siya. "I will not sacrifice my queen. Never." Tumiim ang titig niya sa asawa. "I rather lose than to see my queen hurting."

She kissed his forehead. "Play outstandingly and skillfully, my lord, and you will not lose me."

Knight kissed the edge of her jaw and whispered, "I will win, mi reina. I'm not gonna lose you."

"I know." Ihinilig nito ang ulo sa balikat niya.

"It's chess." Aniya. "And I hate losing."

"You and me both."

Niyakap niya sa beywang ang asawa, "so... kumusta ang check up mo kanina? Healthy ba si baby?"

Tumango si SM. "Yeah."

Hinaplos niya ang tiyan nito, "eight months from now, we're gonna be parents."

"Hmm-mm." SM hummed. "Don't spoil our kid, please?"

"I'm not promising."

Mahina itong natawa saka hinalikan siya sa leeg. "May pangalan na ako para sa baby natin."

"Talaga? Let me hear it."

"Kapag lalaki, gusto ko, Nexxus Knight dahil Nexxus ang pangalan ng Lolo ko sa father side. Kapag pababae naman, gusto ko Sweet Mint kasi paborito ko ang mint."

Knight chuckled. "I won't argue with that. Ikaw ang maghihirap manganak. You deserve to name them. But I like the name Sweet Mint. Sana babae ang magiging anak natin."

Mabilis na umiling si SM. "No. Gusto ko lalaki para may Kuya sila. Gusto ko 'yong kuya na kagaya mo na maalaga sa mga kapatid niya. Sana makuha niya 'yon sayo."

He looked at SM. "I thought you don't want our baby to be like me?"

"You have a lovable personality, except being crazy."

Natawa siya. "Bumabawi ka sakin no?"

Natawa na rin si SM. "Halata ba?"

"Yep."

SM buried her face on the hallow of his neck. "Sorry for wanting to hurt you this past few days, i'm sure this will happen again. So if I ignore you, just ignore me too. Kaya sulitin mo nang mabait pa ako sayo."

"Yes, boss." Mas hinigpitan niya ang yakap sa beywang niya, "hindi ka ba nagki-crave ng pagkain?"

"Hindi naman."

"How about—"

There was a knock on the door and Jacques entered. "The plane is ready. We have to go now."

Knight blows a loud breath and looked at SM. "Let's go home?"

SM smiled. "I miss home."

Umalis ito sa pagkakaupo sa hita niya saka magkahawak kamay silang lumabas ng kuwarto. The Marquess and Cloud took care of their belongings while they settled in inside the car.

"Ingat kayo." Bilin ng ina ni SM. "Please be very very careful."

"Don't make me worry too much." Bilin naman ni Mufasa.

"If something happens, call us." Ani Uncle Queen.

"Please have a safe trip." Ani Uncle Rafael.

Duke Keegan grinned then fisted his knuckles. "Team Swight!"

Pareho silang natawa ni SM saka isinara na ang pinto ng kotse. Kapagkuwan ay bumukas ulit iyon at sumakay sa likod si Uncle Ambrose, sa tabi nila, habang sa passenger seat naman si Cloud at si Jacques and nagmamaneho.

Driving to the airport was eventful. Someone tried to shoot their car but it was bulletproof. Someone tried to run them over but The Marquess was a skilled driver. Maybe because he was into drag racing before. Men in motorcycle tried to pushed them off the high-way.

But nothing. They arrived and boarded the plane swiftly and hassle free.

It's just him, SM, the pilot, two flight attendants, Jacques, Cloud and Uncle Ambrose.

Nang nasa taas na sila, tumayo si SM at umalis sa tabi niya pansamantala. Susundan sana niya ito pero nakita niyang kausap nito ang isa sa kasama nilang female flight attendant kaya naman hinayaan na niya.

Nang makabalik ang asawa sa tabi niya, hindi ito bumalik sa pagkakaupo. Sa halip ay umuklo ito at inilapit ang bibig sa tainga niya.

"The lavatory is big." She whispered and winked at him before going to the bathroom first.

Nangingiting tumayo siya saka sinundan ang asawa sa banyo.

The door says its vacant but when he entered, his wife was there, sitting on the close toilet lid and staring down at his rock-hard groin.

"Don't make a noise." She whispered and smiled while unbuckling his belt.

While he move the door lock to 'OCCUPIED.'



Belated Happy Birthday, Charito Trocho. I miss you. Hope to see you soon ߒՍ
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CHAPTER 46

SM LOOKED UP at Knight, eye to eye, before her tongue reaches for the tip of his length, making him sucked a breath. Then she twirls her tongue around his length while still looking up at him before slowly and fully welcoming him to her mouth.

"Fuck..." Knight hissed.

Gustong-gusto ni SM ang reaksiyong nakikita sa asawa kaya naman mas ikiniwal pa niya ang dila paikot sa kahabaan nito. She twirls and twirls her tongue around the tip of his shaft before she took him whole.

And like how she would eat a lollipop, she licked and sucked.

"Fuck, baby..." Knight was starting to pant.

Hinawakan niya ang puno ng pagkalalaki nito habang pinaglalandas niya ang dila sa kahabaan ng asawa at paminsan-minsan ay sinisipsip niya ang dulo niyon at iniluluwa na lumilikha ng ingay.

Then she started moving her head, in and out his sex moved inside her mouth. Her mouth was full with her husband's well endowed length.

Hindi mapigilan ni SM ang mapadaing sa tuwing sinusubukang isagad ni Knight ang kahabaan sa loob ng bibig niya.

SM opened her mouth wider to accommodate Knight's size. She was tasting his pre-cum, she can feel from the tension of his movement that he was trying to hold back from fückïng her mouth but miserably failing.

Napadaing siya lalo ng hawakan nito ang ulo niya at iginiya iyon kung gaano kabilis ang gusto nitong paggalaw ng bibig niya.

SM looked up at Knight while his cøćk was still buried inside her mouth and her mixture of saliva and pre-cum was dripping from the corner of her mouth as she sucked him fast.

Nararamdaman ni SM na mas lalong naninigas ang kahabaan ng asawa niya sa loob ng bibig niya. If it's even possible, it was getting bigger as well. Napapadaing nalang si SM sa tuwing sinasagad nito ang pagkalalaki sa loob niya.

Then all of the sudden, he pulled out, pulled her up, made her turn, pulled up her dress, pulled down her underwear and he buried himself inside her.

Napasinghap siya at hindi napigilang mapadaing ng malakas at naitukod ang mga palad sa dingding ng banyo ng isagad ng asawa niya ang kahabaan nito sa loob niya mula sa likuran.

"Ohh!" She moaned and gasped.

At hindi man lang siya nakagalaw o nakapagsalita, dere-deretsong inangkin siya ng asawa ng mapusok. Baon na baon ang pagkalalaki nito sa basa niyang pagkababae at gumagawa iyon ng ingay sa tuwing nagtatagpo.

He was fückïng her from behind like a mad man. Thrusting and thrusting while grunting in pleasure.

Nararamdaman niya sa bawat pagbaon nito ng pagkalalaki sa loob niya ang pananabik nito sa kaniya— ang pangungulila nito sa bagay na 'yon ma hindi niya naibigay simula ng ikasal sila.

Napakuyom ang kamay niyang nakadiin sa dingding ng banyo. Pinipigilan niya ang lumikha ng ingay kahit malapit na siyang mahibang sa ginagawa sa kaniya ng asawa niya.

He was pulsing inside her, filling her core and it feels so good she wanted to scream but she has to hold it in.

May mga tao sa labas na tiyak na maririnig kung mag-iingay siya.

"Uhmmm!" She was muffling her moans. "Uhmmm...." So good. More!

Umaawang ang labi ni SM na itaas ni Knight ang isa niyang paa saka ipinatong sa nakasarang toilet lid at mas lalo pang sinagad ang sandata nito sa loob niya na ikinaliyad ng katawan niya.

Oh, god!

"Ahhh!" She couldn't take it anymore. The need to scream for pleasure was too much, she's failing miserably from holding it in. "Uhmm... Knight..."

Napasabunot na si SM sa sarili niyang buhok habang nakahawak sa beywang niya ang asawa at binabayo ang pagkababae niya mula sa likuran. Kapagkuwan ay hinawakan nito ang pisngi niya at pinalingon siya nito patingin dito.

Her lips instantly met Knight's and they kissed feverishly.

"Uhmm..." she moaned inside Knight's mouth.

Knight groaned while his tongue was teasing hers, while his whole mouth was romancing hers.

Hindi sinasadyang nakagat ni SM ang pang-ibabang labi ni Knight ng maramdamang bumaba ang isang kamay ng asawa sa pagkababae niya at nilaro-laro ang hiyas niyang naninigas at pumipintig habang mapusok pa rin itong naglalabas-masok sa pagkababae niya.

SM's toes curled and she moaned loudly again. "Ahh!"

Kaagad niyang itinikom ang bibig ng akmang mapapaungol na namam siya.

"S—stop..." Hinihingil niyang sabi, "i—i'm g—gonna m-moan a—again— ohhh!"

Knight did stop, much to her disappointment. Pero kaagad ding nawala ang pagkabigong naramdaman niya ng igiya siya nito paharap sa lababo, at hinuli nito ang mga mata niya sa salamin na nasa harapan nila.

The lust in his eyes was seeping through her body, making her belly tingled and her mound wet.

Oh, god.

Napalunok siya at napaawang ang mga labi ng dahan-dahang ipasok ni Knight ang pagkalalaki sa loob niya habang nagkakatitigan silang dalawa sa salamin.

It's like he was watching the lust and pleasure playing on her face as he filled her from behind.

Napahawak sa gilid ng lababo si SM ng mag-umpisang umulos sa loob niya ang asawa habang titig na titig pa rin sa kaniya sa salamin. Sa una ay dahan-dahan lang hanggang sa naramdaman niyang umuuga ang buo niyang katawan habang inaangkin siya nito.

SM pressed her lips together, stopping herself from moaning was very hard especially when her husband was playing with her clīt, rubbing it and teasing her and making her wetter than she already is.

"Uhmm... Oh...Aahh..." hindi na niya kayang pigilang ang sariling mapaungol. "Ohh... Knight— Ahh!"

Knight's left hand was playing with her nipple, his right hand was teasing her clīt and he was thrusting in and out of her— fast, hard and rough.

"Ohh..." mas lalong humigpit ang hawak niya sa gilid ng lababo ng maramdaman ang namumuong kiliti sa kaibuturan niya na mas nagpawala ng hiya sa buo niyang pagkatao.

She's so near... she can feel it.

Inhibitions escaped her body as she grind her ass to accept her husband's every thrust.

"Sige pa," daing niya, "faster, my Lord. Do me hard."

And the word 'my lord' set Knight off. Mas lalong tumaas ang libido nito at lalo siyang inaangkin ng mas mapusok at nakakahibang.

"My Lord... please... faster... ohh..."

Pinakawalan ni Knight ang dibdib niya at pagkababae saka hinawakan ang pang-upo niya sabay hugot at baon ng pagkalalaki nito sa basang-basa niyang pagkababae.

Hugot. Baon. Sagad.

"Ahh! Ahh! Ahh!" SM was losing her mind. "Uhmm— ohh! Yes! I love that, my lord. Ohh! Oh... keep doing that— oh, so good. Ahhh!"

While moaning and groaning shamelessly, a burst of pleasure erupted inside her and it ripped through her.

Orgasm.

She already orgasmed.

But I still want more.

Good thing Knight didn't stop. He continued thrusting deep, fast and hard inside her.

"Uhmm... more, my Lord. Give me more."

Maybe it was hormones talking but her body has never been this hot before.

She's craving for another orgasm.

"Make me—ohh— cum— again— ahh!" She moaned loudly as her body arched. "M—make a mess of me— oh, my Lord..."

She asked for it, he provided.

Long and deep thrust after thrust until SM found herself writhing and gasping for air in so much ecstasy.

And she felt it. She came. Again. Then she felt Knight's warm seed filling her from behind, satisfying her and making her feel contented.

At dahil sa kapaguran, napasandal siya sa dibdib ng asawa habang hinihingal pa rin. "T-That was good. Let's do it again."

Knight kissed her nape and the back of her ear. "Don't temp me, mi reina. You know i'm always horny."

Ngumiti lang siya saka nanatiling nakahilig sa asawa. Gumalaw lang siya ng abutin ni Knight ang wet wipes sa tabi ng lababo para linisin ang kalat nito sa pagkababae niya.

SM bit her lower lip as Knight cleaned her with wet wipes and pulled up her underwear before tidying up her dress.

Natawa siya. "Ang galing ng asawa ko, ah."

Ngumisi ang loko at kinindatan siya sa salamin. "Oo naman. It's a long fight, mi reina. We can always occupy the lavatory again. I don't mind making mess out of you."

"Nope." Umiling siya.

Sumama kaagad ang mukha ni Knight. "But you said it was good."

"And tiring." Tinuro niya ang tiyan. "See this? Pregnant, remember? Our baby will hate you if you keep poking inside."

Knight buried his frustrated face on her neck. "This is unfair. Tino-torture mo na nga ako, mahal pa rin kita."

"That's love." Natatawa niyang asar sa asawa.

Knight just grunted before hugging her. "Lumabas na tayo bago pa kita ipakilala kay 'second round'."

Bumaba ang tingin niya sa mga hita niyang nararamdaman niyang nanginginig pa rin.

She looked at her husband. "Carry me, please?" Paglalambing niya rito.

Ngumiti naman ang asawa niya saka maingat siyang binuhat at lumabas na sila ng lavatory. Nakahinga ng maluwang si SM ng makitang walang tao sa labas.

Thank God no one heard her moans.

"Did I tire you?" Tanong ni Knight sa kaniya habang karga-karga siya.

"A little." Sagot niya.

Nang maibalik siya nito sa kinauupuan niya kanina, hindi kaagad ito tumabi sa kaniya. Sa halip ay nilapitan nito ang isang flight attendant, kapagkuwan ay bumalik itong may dala nang comforter.

"Baka lamigin ka mamaya." Anito saka binalot nito ang comforter sa kalahati ng katawan niya, mula beywang pababa.

Napatitig siya sa asawa na nakaluhod sa sahig ng eroplano dahil inaayos nito ang comforter para matakpan pati ang talampakan niya.

Always the sweet Knight. She's glad she doesn't feel like hurting him today. It wasn't a pleasant feeling. Ayaw na ayaw niyang saktan ang asawa pero yon ang gusto niyang gawin nitong mga huling araw.

It was hormones but still... she doesn't want him to be in pain.

Natigilan siya sa pag-iisip ng mag-angat ng tingin sa kaniya si Knight at nagtama ang mga mata nila.

"Hi, handsome." Nakangiting aniya habang hinahaplos ang buhok nito.

Knight smiled at her like a gentleman would. "Hello, mi reina." Kapagkuwan ay umupo ito sa tabi niya at ihinilig nito ang ulo sa balikat niya.

Knight was being a baby again.

Hinayaan niya lang ito hanggang sa naramdaman niya ang mga labi at dila nito sa leeg niya.

Nagtatanong ang mga matang nilingon niya ito at pabulong nagtanong. "Horny again?"

He nodded.

Napatanga siya sa asawa. "What kind of dick do you have?"

"A healthy one that misses you so much."

Piningot niya ang tainga nito. "Behave."

Knight whispered on her ear. "Wala naman tayong katabi. Please?"

Pinandilatan niya ito. "Ano na naman ba ang binabalak mo, ha? Pinagbigyan na kita kanina."

"I just want to touch you and make you cum." Knight said that with no inkling of shame on his face.

They're married but SM still blushed as Knight's bluntness. "Knight!"

"What?" He blinked. "Can't I make my wife cum in my hands?"

Napanganga siya sa asawang walang katiting na hiya sa mukha. "What the hell are you trying to say—"

Bago pa niya matapos ang sasabihin, ipinasok nito ang kamay sa loob ng comforter, ini-angat ang laylayan ng damit niya saka pumasok ang daliri nito sa loob ng underwear niya.

Then he rubbed his index finger on her clīt, making her suck a breath.

"This is what i'm trying to say, mi reina."

Handa na siyang sawayin ang asawa sa kapilyohan nito ng ipasok nito ang isang daliri sa loob niya.

Natigilan siya, napasingap at napaawang ang labi ng sumalakay sa kaniya ang kakaibang sensasyong dulot ng daliri ng asawa sa pagkababae niya.

Wala sa sariling napahawak siya sa gilid ng sofa type na kinauupuan nang dalawang daliri na nito ang nasa loob niya habang ang hinlalaki nito ay nasa hiyas niya ang hinahaplos iyon.

"Uhmm..." mahilis na tinakpan ni SM ang bibig ng may kuwalang mahinang ungol sa bibig niya.

SM immediately glared at Knight but it instantly melted when he started playing with her wet folds and clītørïs.

Her head throws back and her hips unconsciously started to move to accept his fingers. Namalayan nalang ni SM, natagpuan nalang niya ang sarili na mas ibinubuka ang nga hita para mas malayang makagalaw ang kamay nito sa pagkababae niya.

"Ohh..." she moaned a little as her eyes dropped closed and her lips parted in pleasure.

She was panting as Knight's fingers moves in and out of her, deliciously.

Nakatakip pa rin sa bibig niya ang isang kamay habang ang isa ay nakahawak sa bisig ng asawa at inuudyukan iyong mas bilisan pa ang paggalaw ng mga daliri sa loob niya.

"Ohh—" she bit her lower lip and stopped herself from moaning more loudly.

But Knight was merciless, he likes the fact that she's trying her hardest to hold back her moans. Mas binilisan pa nito ang paglalabas-masok ng daliri sa loob niya hanggang sa nanginginig na ang mga hita niya sa sobrang sensasyon.

She was about to cum, so to hold out her moan, she turn to face Knight and buried her face on the hallow of his neck and bit him.

"I hate you." Hinihingal niyang sabi habang nakabaon pa rin ang mukha niya sa leeg ng asawa. "I really hate you."

Knight finally pulled out his fingers from her and what he did next shocked her. He licked off all the wetness covering his fingers— her wetness!

He winked at her, "we both know you love me."

SM was still gaping at his husband's shamelessness while he moved closer to her, lips just inches away from each other and his eyes were holding her gaze.

"W-what now?"

"I wanna eat you."

SM gulped, stunned. "A-anong..."

"Come on."

"Knight—"

SM stopped her words. She can see that stubbornness and determination on Knight's eyes.

Nagpaubaya nalang siya ng hawakan nito ang pulsuhan niya saka dinala siya sa banyo.

He immediately locked it to 'OCCUPIED'.

Hindi makapaniwalang napatitig siya sa asawa. "What's this? Honeymoon on the plane?"

Knight shrugged, "whatever floats your boat, baby."

And with that, he undressed her, made her sit on the edge of the close toilet lid, parted her legs wider and started feasting on her womanhood.

And damned if it doesn't feel good.

SM found herself holding a handful of Knight's blonde hair while he eats her up and she was moaning, uncaring of the world outside the lavatory.

She doesn't care anymore. It's their honeymoon anyways.



KNIGHT'S HOUSE was different from before. Kung noon, tahimik palagi ang bahay niya dahil silang dalawa lang ni Cloud, ngayon ay may nadagdag na sa kanila.

His lovely wife, Uncle Ambrose and the annoying Marquess.

And as they settled in after they arrived, Uncle Ambrose immediately went to work. Putting surveillance cameras all around the house, changing his house security system and memorizing the blue print of his house.

And Cloud was back to vacuuming and Jacques was changing the curtains.

It's funny how those manly man do the chores around the house.

While his lovely wife was sleeping because it's a pregnancy thing— or he just tire her. They did made love a lot in the plane. It was after all a fifteen hours flight— give or take.

Such beautiful memories.

Hinalikan niya sa nuo ang asawa na mahimbing na natutulog at inayos ang kumot nito bago lumabas ng kuwarto at bumaba sa unang palapag ng bahay.

Cloud was now holding holding a feather duster and Jacques was sitting on the couch like a Marquess that he is.

"I'm hungry." Aniya.

"So am i." Sabad ni Jacques na busy sa cellphone nito.

Then they both looked at Cloud and spoke at the same time.

"Cloud, i'm hungry." Sabi niya.

"Cloud, food." Sabi naman ng Marques.

Tiningnan niya ng masama ang Marquess. "He's my butler!"

The Marquess shrugged. "So what? I'm telling him that as a friend."

"You don't do that to a friend!" He snapped.

Jacques frowned at him. "Really? Hmm... last time I check, you don't lie to your friends either, right? I mean, do they really know the real you? Because if they do, they'll be running for the hill— far away from you."

The corner of his lips tugged up and a cold smirk appeared on his lips. "And you know the real me, Marquess, so stop pissing me off. Wala akong pakialam kung butler ka ng asawa ko. I'll kill you."

"Kids!" It was Uncle Ambrose, being a referee. "Enough. You're living in the same house. If SM saw you two fighting, it'll stress her out and may I remind you that she's pregnant?."

Natahimik silang dalawa ng Marquess.

Napailing si Uncle Ambrose saka nilapitan nito si Jacques at hinawakan sa pulsuhan bago hinila palapit sa kaniya.

"Come on. Shake your hands."

"What are we, kids?" Sabay na pagalit nilang tanong ng Marquess kay Uncle Jacques.

Uncle Ambrose's face darkened. "You two will make up or i'll bash your heads together? Pick!"

Napipilitang nag-shake hand sila ng Marquess. It was a short second but Uncle Ambrose was quick to put a cuffs on him and Jacques.

"Uncle!" He hissed.

"Don Ambrose!" The Marquess hissed. "What the hell are you doing?! I hate being bound!"

Hindi pinansin ni Don Ambrose si Jacques. "I'm giving you two a lesson since i'm the oldest in this house, so you listen to me." Ani Uncle Ambrose. "It is said that if you spend a lot of time with that person, you'll be friends."

"You think?!" The Marquess hissed.

"Yah think?!" Knight snapped.

Sabay nilang sigaw ng Marquess.

Uncle Ambrose glared at the both of them. "Who the fuck do you think you are shouting at?!"

He and the Marquess froze.

While Cloud snickered— clearly laughing at them.

Pinagkrus ni Uncle Ambrose ang mga braso nito sa harap ng dibdib. "That is fingerprint-locked cuff, my fingerprint, so play nice. Come on. Dinner is ready."

Pareho silang napasimangot ni Marquess at tiningnan ng masama ang isa't-isa. Parehong masama ang mukha nila ni Jacques na naglakad patungo sa hapagkainan.

Tumabi naman sa kanila si Cloud habang naglalakad sila papasok sa kusina.

"How's the egos doing my Lords?" Cloud was sarcastic. "Was it crushed like a bug by the Don?"

Parehong tiningnan nila ng masama si Cloud na mabilis na tumalilis ng alis.

Bumuga ng marahas na hininga si Knight ng makapasok sa hapag-kainan at makaupo. Tamang-tama naman na pumasok si SM sa dining ball.

He immediately grinned. "Hey, baby."

Tumayo siya para sana lapitan ang asawa ng parang may mabigay na nakatali sa kanang kamay niya na pumigil sa kaniya.

Then he remembered the Marquess!

Nagtagis ang bagang niya saka nilingon si Jacques. "Move your ass! I wanna greet my baby!"

"Don't want too."

"Marquess!"

The Marquess glared back. "Count!"

"Anong nangyayari?" Narinig niyang tanong ni SM. "Anong mayroon sa posas?"

"So they'll be nice to each other." Sagot ni Uncle Ambrose.

"As if that'll happen." Cloud tsked.

"Thank you, Cloud," aniya, "thank you for your honest review. You may rest in peace, you motherfucker!"

"If you wish, I can take the cuff off." Wika ni Uncle Ambrose habang nakatingin kay SM.

Tumingin naman si SM sa posas nila ng Marquess kapagkuwan ay tumingin sa kaniya.

He showed her his best puppy dog's eye and face. He gave his very best cute face.

After a second, SM shrugged. "I don't mind. Keep the cuffs."

Nasapo ni Knight ang puso niya habang nakatingin sa asawa. "I have never been so disappointed—"

She glared at him— those deadly eyes that any man would be afraid of.

Knight gulped then smiled sweetly. "— te amo, mi reina."

Sweet Monday smiled sweetly at him. "I love you too, my Lord."

Natigilan siya ng lumapit ang mukha ng Marquess sa tainga niya saka bumulong.

"Isn't she creepy when she's mad and then she would smile after a second?"

Tumango siya. "Very creepy."

"She looks so menacing and then one second she was smiling like what the fuck— she's abnormal!" Dagdag na reklamo ni Jacques.

Tumango naman ulit siya. "Indeed."

SM smiled at him and Jacques. "Anong pinagbubulungan niyo?"

"I love you." Nakangiting sagot niya.

"Have a nice meal, milady." Sagot naman ni Jacques na may ngiti rin sa mga labi.

"Let's eat." Sabi ni Don Ambrose.

The dinner started and it was the most challenging dinner Knight ever had.

"Should I, no should you..." he was looking at the Marquess, "ako ba muna ang susubo o ikaw?"

"Let's eat together." Anang Marquess saka pinulot nito ang kutsara.

Knight did the same and he was about to move the spoon to his mouth when Jacques tugged his arm.

Hayun, nag-detour ang kutsara at hindi pumasok sa bibig niya.

Kaya naman hinila rin niya ang kamay na nakaposas dahilan para hindi rin pumasok ang kutsara sa bibig ng Marquess.

Nakakalokong nginisihan niya ito. "Subuan kita, gusto mo?"

And to his shock, The Marquess opened his mouth. "I don't mind. I'm hungry."

Knight tsked and looked at Cloud. "Cloud, subuan mo rin ako."

"Of course, my Lord." Ani Cloud na lumipat ng upuan na malapit sa kanilang dalawa ng Marquess.

So as he feed the annoying Marquess, Cloud was feeding him and his self with different spoon of course.

It was indeed the most challenging and demanding dinner Knight ever had.

But what he didn't see is that he would also experience the most challenging and demanding sleepover in the living room. With the Marquess! Still bound with the cuff!

"This is annoying." Knight grunted while his hands hanged on the edge of the sofa.

"Says the guy who's sleeping on the couch while I sleep on the floor!" The Marquess grunted back.

Umingos siya. "Nilagyan ka ng mattress diyan ni Cloud kaya huwag kang reklamo ng reklamo. It's even softer than the couch."

Patagilid siyang nahiga saka natigilan ng makitang may sugat ang pulsuhan ng Marquess dahil sa posas na nakakabit sa pulsuhan nito.

Tumingin siya sa Marquess. He looks like he's not in pain. But that's a long cut. It's even bleeding.

"Hey." Kuha niya sa atensiyon nito, "you're bleeding."

Normal people reaction would be looking at the part of their body that hurts to check, but the Marquess just frowned at him.

Nagsalubong ang kilay niya ng may napansin at naisip. "You... you don't know where you're bleeding, do you?"

The Marquess froze.

Knight blinked. "May ... masakit ba sa katawan mo?"

Hindi sumagot ang Marquess.

He took a deep breath. "Is it—"

"Yeah. It is." Putol ng Marquess sa kaniya. "Inherited it from my mother."

"So you're just acting in pain before?"

Nakatitig sa kisame si Marquess. "Well... that's what normal people would do, right? Unfortunately, I can't feel pain." He chuckled wryly. "Some people wish to be numb because it's painful, they wish for something to lessen the pain. They're complaining about pain.... But they don't know that as they complain, there are people wanting to feel that pain. They think feeling painless is nice?" He sounded so bitter. "If I walk on the street, if someone cut me, or stab me, I would never know until I passed out of too much blood lose. I would never know until i'm already dying in bed. So yes," he looked at him, "i'm a sheltered son of a bitch. Happy now?"

Bumuga siya ng marahas na hininga saka bumangon at tumayo. "Come on. Follow me."

Napipilitang tumayo ang Marquess at sumunod sa kaniya.

"Please tell me you're not gonna masturbate." Puno ng sarkasmo na sabi ng Marquess ng pumasok sila sa banyo.

"No worries." Kinuha niya ang first aid kit. "You'll turn my dick off."

Habang dala-dala ang first aid kit, hinila niya ang Marquess patungong kusina saka inilapag sa island counter ang kit bago kumuha ng dalawang beer sa reef. Habang ginagawa niya iyon, sunod-sunuran lang sa kaniya ang Marquess at wala itong imik.

Nang makaupo sila sa stool ng island counter, binuksan niya ang first aid kit saka inumpisahang gamutin ang sugat nito sa pulsuhan.

"Why are you doing this?" Tanong ng Marquess na may pagdududa sa boses nito.

Sumulyap siya rito saka ibinalik ang atensiyon sa sugat nito. "Marquess, yes, i'm a monsters, but only to those who deserves it."

"And I don't? You don't even know me."

Tinapos niya ang paglilinis sa sugat nito saka binalot iyon ng gauze bago tumingin dito. "Of course, I know you. You're the motherfucker who likes luxury items and who took care of my wife when I was not by her side. Thank you for that."

Pinagtawanan ng Marquess ang kaseryosohan niya. "Don't be mushy. It's disgusting."

Mahina siyang natawa saka inilapit dito ang isang bote ng beer.

"Cheers, you son of a bitch."

The Marquess blows a loud breath before he clinked his bottle with his. "Cheers, you motherfucker."

Pareho nilang tiningnan ng masama ang isa't-isa kapagkuwan ay napailing at sabay na natawa.

"We are a weird bunch." Ani Marquess.

Knight just chuckled and drank his beer. Yep. Lunatics indeed.

~~ o ~~





CHAPTER 47

NAKAPANGALUMBABANG naghikab si SM habang nakaupo sa isa sa mga bakanteng mesa sa café niya. Mula ng bumalik sila ni Knight galing Spain, ilang buwan na ang nakakaraan, binuksan niya ulit iyon at masayang bumalik ang mga empleyado niya.

It has been months since then.

She's now an Idrytis, her father's job was now hers. That means she controls all the private armies under the Idrytis and some of them are working for her on her café as part of her security. Kailangan niyang gawin 'yon kundi hindi papayag si Knight na buksan niya ang café ulit.

Her husband was still as protective as ever.

There's Caless, a member of the Idrytis Elite Force— the only woman on the team and the team's Poison specialist — and was now her café's waitress.

Then Eros, also a member of the Elite Force and was now posing as her café's security guard.

And Vane, the Commander of the Elite Force— but now one of her café's waiter.

Naghikab siya ulit. "I'm so sleepy..." she whispered. Unconsciously, she started caressing her tummy and smiled when she felt her baby kicked. "Aww... excited to see me and your crazy Dad?"

Her baby kicked again making her chuckle. Nagdarasal talaga siya na hindi nito makuha ang baliw na ugali ng ama nito.

A pregnant woman can hope.