Chapter 38
HAVING THE thought of asking Angelo for marriage and actually doing it are definitely two different things.
Charles has been staring at the computer for hours now, trying to find articles and videos about wedding proposals. He wanted to ask Anurak but the guy is busy with his family. Wynter is currently with her boyfriend who is in the Philippines.
Narae suddenly entered his room. “You know, if you want to propose, just propose as simple as you want. The very question "Will you be my partner for the rest of my life?" is only the most important.”
Charles sighed before closing the tabs connected to his proposal. He then turned his chair to face Narae. “How’s your plan for the sixth anniversary?”
The girl threw herself on his bed. “I haven't thought of a theme yet. We already did our common red and black last year. White and black for our third anniv. Black and gold for the second. And plain black for our first.” She turned to him. "Oppa, help." She even pouted making Charles sigh.
“The designs and themes are your forte, Narae. You could've asked Wyn or An.”
Narae gave him a “duh” look. “And you think I didn't try that?” Charles just shrugged, also trying to think of options. He was suddenly taken aback when he heard Narae squeal. He was going to ask her what's wrong when she spoke, “I know! I know! I know!”
Charles raised an eyebrow as he listens to his friend's idea. Only then was he enlightened on what she wanted to do.
ANGELO WENT inside his sister's office after her secretary told him to. He saw the lady in the swivel chair and facing the window. She turned around and signaled him to sit on the visitor's chair.
“How are you, Hermano?”
He smiled at her. “Muy bien, Emerald. How about you?”
“Doing great. How are you and Dom?”
His face fell at the mention of his name. He remembered a year of no words from Charles again. After what happened to them he would always ignore him. He didn't want to look desperate so he did the same. Charles did not spare him his time, nor did Angelo spare him.
“So you two haven't really made it easier for each other, hmm?” His sister just shook her head. "And I'm guessing that he hasn't told you the truth about the wedding that was to happen between us." He frowned at what his sister said. "I didn't tell you about that simply because I thought he'll be doing it but as I watch you stuck in that kind of situation, it worries me."
“What are you talking about?”
Wynter took a deep breath before she began talking. “The wedding… It was really supposed to end up like that. There was no union whatsoever. The priest wasn't really a priest but was an agent acting like one. I messed with Narae and Anurak’s flights for them to miss the ceremony. Everyone in that church, except for Dom, knows that it was a mission, not a wedding.”
He was just stunned as he listened to what his sister was saying. He was trying to take in the information given to him.
“In short, it was all planned. I didn't want to marry my best friend and most of all, I never wanted to hurt my brother. I didn't care then if you would be angry with me, the important thing is that I do what I think is right so that I can protect both of you. So that I can protect the happiness of you two. ”
They remained silent for a few minutes until he got everything his sister meant. “Wait, so you mean to say… you never really wanted to be with him? You don't love him—”
“I do. As my best friend—”
“What I mean is—”
His sister laughed softly which caused him to stop moving. “I’m kidding, Hermano. I knew what you meant. I was just messing with you.” Wynter just smiled then she stared at him. “Now that you understand what happened, are you still not gonna talk to him? After all, he was really a mess back when you left him.”
He glared at his sister. "You made us believe that you were really gonna marry him."
Wynter awkwardly scratched her nape. “My bad. It was all part of the plan, Hermano. Please forgive me.”
Angelo let out a deep sigh and then shook his head while smiling. “Past is past, Hermanita. The important thing is that you are all okay and that you don't love him romantically.”
The woman laughed softly. "So what's your plan now?"
Angelo shrugged. “I have no idea.”
Wynter was going to say something when her phone suddenly rang. “Excuse me, Hermano.” He just nodded at his brother and let him answer the call. “What’s up?—Hmm?—And?—Sure, it’s fine with me—Tell him to man up or else I’ll kick his ass.” His sister suddenly laughed. “Whatever. We'll be there at the end of the week—Duh, I'm one of the owners, little miss.” Wynter rolled her eyes. “Yeah, yeah. Adios.” When the call was over she looked at him. “LUST DAWN’s sixth anniversary is coming by so soon. And just like last year, Narae wanted you to handle the drinks. How about experimenting with new ones? An additional attraction to the customers.”
Angelo smiled as he nodded. “You won't be disappointed. I'm almost done perfecting my third drink.”
His sister gave him a smile. “That’s good to hear. We'll travel to Thailand at exactly three o'clock in the afternoon this coming Saturday. I still have to fix my schedule.”
“Sure. Is there anything else you want to say to me?”
Wynter's face lit up as if she remembered something. “Ah yes. Remember when dad sent you to the US and told you that you needed training because you'll be entering our world?”
“Yeah. It helped me a lot. My training continued last year after coming back here. What about it?”
“I asked him to send you there and train you well.”
“Oh. So should I thank you?”
Wynter signaled him to remain quiet. “I’m still not finished, Hermano. As I was saying, I was the one responsible for that suggestion. Wanna know why?” He nodded. “Because the Vazquez-Williams union is still a must.”
He was stunned at the reason. “A-Am I thinking it correctly? A-Are my assumptions right?”
Wynter nodded. “I do think that we're thinking of the same thing.”
Slowly, he nodded his head. “A-Anything else you wanna… tell me?”
The lady shook her head. “I’ve told you everything. You may now leave and do whatever you want.”
A few moments passed then he just smiled before standing up. “Well then, see you later. Autumn’s cooking dinner."
“I’ll be there.”
He was about to leave his office when he remembered something. “How about you bring your boyfriend with you?”
Wynter rolled her eyes. “Get out, Hermano.”
Angelo left the room laughing. He picked up his phone and called Narae. “Hey, are you busy? Remember when you planned for the LD’s anniversary last year? Can I ask you a favor?”
TIME REALLY is fast. It's finally the sixth anniversary of LUST DAWN, and nobody's coming in.
Angelo frowned at what he's seeing in front of him. Everything is set up. Their theme is black and blue. There is a welcome sign on the big screen of the club, the tablecloths are arranged, and their stereos are playing fine. All he knew was that customers were the only ones who were missing for them to start the event but no one came.
“Are you sure that you gave the invitations?” Anurak asked Narae. He even seems to be confused by what is happening.
“Duh! Of course, I did. I invited about a hundred members,” the girl said while frowning.
“Maybe the date was wrong? Or the time?” Wynter pointed out.
“Maybe Narae forgot to put the date and time. It's not just wrong, but it's really not there,” Charles said.
Narae glared at those two. “I’ve been doing this event for the last five years, thanks for asking.”
"Then what's wrong?" Anurak asked tiredly then sat down on one of the tables.
Everyone sighed, including him. Maybe the truth is that his friends' club already has a competitor. Angelo sighed again. "I'll just go to the comfort room."
Anurak suddenly raised his hand. “Imma go too. I feel like I'm going to take out a lot after swallowing a pitcher of water while waiting.”
He just laughed softly and then walked with the man. "So, how's married life?"
Anurak instantly smiled. “Great. It's actually life-changing. Tough but as long as we can handle each other's attitude and respect each other’s decisions, we can easily overcome the challenges.” He looked at him. “How about you? When are you getting married? When would you want to have kids? ”
“Once I get enough courage to ask him.” He let out a small smile.
Anurak softly patted his shoulder. “Good luck then. Though decide fast or maybe Wynter will be ahead of you,” he said laughing.
He also chuckled. “I can't believe she finally wanted to settle down.”
“No one can predict anyone’s future. Even me, I never thought I would want to get married.”
Angelo just shook his head and smiled and then went inside the CR, followed by Anurak. And when they finished, they also returned to the event together only to see the place in a very different set-up.
As if on cue, someone stood up on the stage and strum the guitar. “Hey, Hermano. This song is for you,” smiling Wynter said while facing the mic.
It looks like the three who weren't doing anything, planned this. Angelo stood there while smilingly watching his little sister sing and play the guitar.
Can I call you baby?
Can you be my friend?
Can you be my lover up until the very end?
Let me show you love, oh, I don't pretend
Stick by my side even when the world is givin' in, yeah
He then saw Narae and Anurak climb the stage while also holding a mic. Only then did he notice that the person he had just talked to was no longer beside him.
Oh, oh, oh, don't
Don't you worry
I'll be there, whenever you want me
But what shocked him was the voice of the next singer. It was his Nick.
I need somebody who can love me at my worst
No, I'm not perfect, but I hope you see my worth
'Cause it's only you, nobody new, I put you first
And for you, boy, I swear I'll do the worst
He was staring at him as he continued singing the song. The spotlights were on him and Charles. He didn't know but the message of the song hit him directly to his heart. It was as if Charles was really saying those words to him.
He slowly walked closer to him. Wynter continued playing the guitar and still did when Charles stopped in front of him.
He was no longer singing but was still holding the mic close to his lips. “Mr. Angelo Gabrielle Cortez, I’m really not that huge fan of speeches and preparations, that would be Wynter and Narae. I am also that sweet and romantic when it comes to these things, that would be Anurak. But lately, I've realized… it's not them that got your attention during your college days. It wasn't them that you pursued all these years. You love them but not romantically speaking. In short, they're not me.” Angelo laughed softly at what he was saying. “All I wanted to say is that—” Charles knelt down on one knee and raised his one arm towards him. An arm whose hand was holding a ring. “—I want to be with you, and I promise to love you more than you could ever love me. I don't want more fear of losing you again. So, Angelo Gabrielle Cortez, would you give me the honor of marrying you?”
Angelo smiled tearfully. He never expected this to happen so fast. He was planning his own proposal for Pete's sake. The man who was now kneeling in front of him had just preceded him. “I’m supposed to be the one to ask you that, Nick. I'm more head over heels in love than you, aren't I?” he said with a laugh.
Charles couldn't help but laugh softly as well. “Just say yes first, and do your own proposal next time.”
With tears flowing on his cheek, Angelo nodded. “Yes. I'm saying yes, so stand up and kiss the hell out of me—”
Angelo’s words were cut off with Charles’ lips on his. He could hear his friends cheering and clapping for them but didn't heed any attention. He was just in glee as he kissed the man of his dreams.
