Epilogue

Second Chance

Two words that many have tried, but only a few work out. Two words were easy to mention but hard to perform and give, especially if the trauma it provided was too severe.

They said that love is the sweetest the second time around, and I admit; it worked out pretty well with me.

After I gave Nicholai the second chance he had been asking for, everything became bliss. I have no regrets that I gave him a second chance. He proved to me that I did the right thing. Giving him a second chance was the best thing that I ever did. Every day, he always made me feel love, that it was all worth it being with him.

My family was very supportive. They did not judge me on my decision. Later I learned that Nicholai had already talked to them before pursuing me. Jayson and Jaymar, my brothers, told me that they beat Nicholai when he appeared in front of them. He said he did not fight and accepted all their blows. They said that in the end, it was still up to me if I would give him a chance, and if I did, they would be happy to support me as long as I was happy.

It felt as if what happened in the past made us stronger. The relationship I have with Nicholai right now was far beyond what I expected. He exceeded my expectations, and I couldn’t ask for more.

I smiled as I thought about what happened the other day. I couldn’t help but bite my lower lip. I was back in my reverie when I heard the loud sound of my phone.

I answered it with a raised eyebrow while sitting in the backseat of the moving vehicle.

“Sis! Where are you? Kuya Nicholai is panicking here at the church. Maybe he thought that you would not show up,” he said worriedly on the other line.

I laughed out of nowhere. I was on my way to church. It’s our wedding today. I was already fifteen minutes late. I really meant to be late. I’m glad Nicholai panicked because of me. I do not know. My playful side always shows whenever I'm with him. I always teased him whenever there was an opportunity. That was how evil I am.

“I’m already on my way. Relax. But don’t tell him, though,” I said, laughing.

“Seriously? You’re so mean, you know that? I imagined that you would really make Nicholai miserable.”

"Hey! What are you talking about? I’m so kind to him. Ask him about it.”

“Whatever, evil sister. Just get your fucking ass her,” he said, annoyed on the other line.

“Okay. Okay. Tss! Kj! ” I said at the same time, dropping the call.

“Manong, please speed up your pace. They are bored at the church, ” I told the driver with a smile.

"Yes, ma'am," he replied and sped up the pace.

In just a few minutes, we had already reached St. James the Great Parish Church. Our parents actually choose this church. When they found out that Nicholai and I would get married again, they were even more excited. I let them pick the church they want. My mom and Nicholai’s mom both loved the gorgeous courtyard of this church; that’s why they chose it.

My dad was already outside waiting for me. He immediately approached me, and there was a look of relief on his face.

“We’ve been waiting for you. Everyone was restless. They thought you wouldn’t come to the wedding,” Dad said.

“Dad, I’m here already. So just relax,” I said, chuckling.

“Goodness, Denima. I don’t know what to do with you. Let’s go, ” Dad said, shaking his head as he led me to the church door.

The moment the door opened, the song of Moira Dela Torre, Ikaw at Ako, welcomed my ears. My eyes darted where Nicholai was standing. He also immediately looked in my direction. I could see relief plastered on his face.

Did I really make him worry that much?

Tss! As if I wouldn’t attend our wedding. This wedding is different. If back then I was just forced to marry him, now I am not. This wedding is consensual, and we both agreed to it because we love each other.

If back then it was too difficult for me to mention those three words, now it is not anymore. I love Nicholai. I am in love with him.

I smiled as I stepped closer to where Nicholai was standing. He was smiling, but tears were falling from his eyes. When I finally got close to him, I wiped the bead that was falling on the corner of his eye.

“Tss! You’re such a cry baby,” I teased him, which made him chuckle.

“Your fault. You made me worried and then happy just seeing your lovely face,” he said while taking my hand.

“Take care of my baby girl, Nic,” my dad said to Nic.

“Yes, dad,” Nicholai replied. My dad patted his shoulder and then left to sit beside my mom.

"Ready?" I said to Nic. He looked at me with a confused expression.

"I think that's my line, love," he said, shaking his head as we approached the priest.

“That’s not what I mean. Like, are you ready? Are you ready to be rejected in marriage? ” I said with a giggle.

“You've gotta be kidding me. Don’t you dare. ” Nicholai's face became pale at what I said.

"Just kidding, love," I said with a laugh. The priest frowned at us.

“For once, love, can you stop teasing, pranking, or whatever. Just do it after the wedding. Just, please. You're going to be the death of me. ”

I took Nicholai’s hand and squeezed it lightly, and called the priest.

“Father, marry us right away. My future husband is being impatient, ” I said with a smile. I turned to Nicholai and saw his face was red from embarrassment.

“Damn! I’ll punish you later, ”he whispered, making me giggle.

I couldn’t wish for more. I’m happy and beyond blessed. The wounds from the past are slowly healing. Those silent scars that I was keeping for myself, now I could already share it with Nicholai, and we both learned and healed from it.

We may have been hurt initially, but all of that was one of the things that strengthened us today. We were both stronger and became the best version of ourselves.

It’s a happy ending for now. This is not the last chapter of our life, but instead, the first page of another chapter.

And we will promise only one thing to each other, that we will always choose each other no matter what.