“THE ENGAGEMENT RING”

I’m happy with everything that's happening in my life with Marius. Honestly, I couldn't ask for more because everything is going according to my wishes, my prayers, and my dreams. It felt like living in a perfect fairy tale where everything was just right.

“That’s good to hear. Anyway, I’ve always dreamed of seeing you happy. You know that, right? I hope you’ll always be happy because I love you,” said Calum, his voice warm and sincere over the phone.

A sweet smile automatically spread across my lips. I was on the veranda of my room, the cool evening breeze gently caressing my skin. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over everything, and the scent of blooming flowers filled the air. Manang Sela was busy in the kitchen, preparing dinner, while MJ was wide awake in his crib, giggling and reaching for the colorful toys hanging above him.

I looked out over the garden, where the vibrant colors of the flowers seemed to glow in the fading light. The sound of birds settling in for the night mixed with the distant hum of the city, creating a symphony that made me feel peaceful and content.

“So, tell me, how are you there in Davao?” I decided to ask, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between us.

“I’m doing okay. Actually, I’ll be returning to Manila soon. Maybe this week,” he replied, his tone casual but with a hint of excitement.

My face brightened even more upon hearing that. “Really? Where do you plan to stay? At my place?” I asked eagerly, already imagining his presence filling my home with warmth.

“No, that’s okay. Actually, I’ve been thinking of getting my own condo unit. You know,” he replied.

My eyebrows furrowed immediately, a mix of surprise and curiosity washing over me. “Are you serious? So, does this mean you’re willing to stay here?” I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

The truth is, I've long known Calum’s reason for not returning to the Philippines. In fact, it was only MJ and I who managed to make him come back. Plus, I didn’t force him. Calum willingly returned to the Philippines with me because he said he just wanted a vacation. This included what he’s doing now—being in Davao and visiting relatives. His decision to potentially stay felt like a significant shift, a promising change.

I looked out at the horizon, the sky painted in hues of pink and orange, and felt a flutter of hope. Perhaps, just maybe, things were falling into place not just for me, but for Calum too. The thought of him being around more often filled me with an unexpected warmth, a feeling I realized I had missed for a long time.

I glanced at MJ, his laughter infectious and pure. He was my anchor, my source of joy amidst everything. Watching him now, I felt a renewed sense of gratitude for the simple yet profound moments of happiness that filled our days.

As I sat there, soaking in the beauty of the moment, I couldn't help but think about how life has a way of surprising us. Sometimes, what we think is set in stone can change in the blink of an eye, opening up new possibilities and new dreams. And right now, with Calum’s news, it felt like one of those beautiful, unexpected turns that makes life so wonderfully unpredictable. The future, once uncertain, now seemed to hold a promise of something more—a promise of new beginnings, of love rekindled, and of dreams finally taking flight.

The night sky began to take over, stars peeking through the twilight, as I stood on the veranda, letting the hope and anticipation wash over me. Tomorrow was another day, full of promise and potential, and I felt ready to embrace whatever it had to offer.

*****

"It seems that way," Calum answered, glancing at Lena, who was sleeping soundly in her bed. The soft rise and fall of her chest as she breathed peacefully brought a gentle warmth to his heart.

He smiled, his gaze lingering on her serene face. Her eyelashes fluttered slightly, as if she were dreaming, and the soft light from the lamp beside the bed cast a golden hue on her skin, highlighting her delicate features.

How could he explain to Samantha that he had just discovered the woman she despised, Lena, was the one who had rekindled his long-dormant feelings of love and passion?

From the other end of the line, Calum heard a soft laugh from his best friend, a sound that was both familiar and comforting.

"Really? So, you're in love now? That was fast," she teased him, her voice laced with amusement.

Calum sighed, a blend of contentment and contemplation in his expression. He reached out and gently caressed Lena's face, feeling the softness of her skin beneath his fingertips. "It seems that way," he admitted. "Don't worry, I'll introduce her to you soon. So don't get too excited," he added with a chuckle.

Surely Sam wouldn't be angry when she found out that he had returned from Davao a week ago. In fact, he had been staying at Lena's apartment since his return. That was what Lena wanted, out of fear that Celso might come back and hurt her. The memory of Lena’s anxious eyes as she confided in him tugged at his heartstrings, solidifying his resolve to protect her.

That was another reason why he wanted to find a new place to live. If possible, he wanted it to be in an exclusive subdivision, a safe haven where Lena could feel secure. He envisioned a home where she could finally breathe easily, free from the shadows of her past. As he watched her sleep, Calum felt a surge of determination to build that future with her, one where love and safety were constants.

*****

I smiled again at what Calum had said. I understood and respected his decision, so I didn't insist further. Because even without him saying it, I knew he would eventually introduce the person who had given him a reason to stay in the Philippines.

A few moments later, Calum and I said our goodbyes. As our conversation ended, Marius entered the room, his presence filling the space with a comforting warmth.

"Hi," he greeted me with a smile that reached his eyes, making them twinkle.

I responded with a smile of my own, feeling my heart lighten just at the sight of him.

Marius walked over to MJ's crib, his movements gentle and filled with fatherly affection. I followed him, standing beside him as we looked down at our baby.

"My son is so handsome. Luckily, he takes after me," Marius said, his voice filled with playful pride as he let out a soft laugh.

I rolled my eyes at his comment, though I couldn't help but smile. "Yeah, but I'm beautiful too," I said in a playful, slightly pouty tone, leaning a little closer to him.

Marius then turned to look at me, his gaze deep and filled with adoration. Concern briefly flickered across his face before he pulled me into a tight embrace.

"Not just beautiful, sweetheart. Extremely beautiful. So beautiful," he said, his voice tender as he kissed the tip of my nose, sending a shiver of warmth through me.

I laughed softly, the sound blending with the gentle evening breeze. "Oh, come on, it's fine if I'm not the most beautiful in your eyes," I replied, my tone teasing yet affectionate.

I had to admit, it was fun to tease Marius every now and then. And this was one of those rare moments when I could see him vulnerable and sweet.

"Hey, I'm serious," he said, his tone suddenly becoming earnest. His eyes locked onto mine, conveying a depth of feeling that made my heart flutter.

I ran my eyes over Marius's face, then playfully pinched the tip of his prominent nose before wrapping my arms around him in a loving embrace.

"I'm just kidding. Don't be so serious," I said with a giggle.

In truth, I found it hard to stop giggling, which eventually turned into laughter. I didn't notice how intently Marius was staring at me. My laughter only ceased when he suddenly kissed me.

I quickly melted into that kiss. It felt like we were teenagers again, savoring the sweetness and softness of each other's lips.

Neither of us wanted to stop in that moment. Our passionate kiss was only interrupted by a series of knocks on the door. Marius and I exchanged glances. His eyes were sparkling, and I couldn't help but laugh when I saw him scratching his head in frustration at being interrupted.

As expected, it was Manang Sela at the door, calling out that dinner was ready. She quickly left after Marius mentioned that we would be coming down soon.

*****

After we finished dinner, I attended to MJ, who was peacefully asleep in the guest room by the time I left him there. In the living room, Manang Sela was engrossed in her favorite soap opera, the television casting a soft glow around her. Donovan, diligently working on his school assignments, was nearby. Meanwhile, Marius remained secluded in his sanctuary, the library, where the faint sounds of pages turning and keys tapping echoed softly.

Retreating to my bedroom, I sought comfort in a warm shower. Despite the expected rainy season, the evening air held a surprising warmth that enveloped me as I stood under the soothing spray. As I combed through my hair, my mind wandered back to a conversation I had with Calum the night before he left for Davao. Quickly rummaging through my bag, I retrieved a small, crimson box, its smooth surface cool against my fingertips.

Opening it flooded me with memories and emotions as I laid eyes on the exquisite ring nestled inside. Its delicate design sparkled in the soft bathroom light, a testament to Marius's thoughtfulness and the deepening bond between us. The moment lingered, filled with a sense of peace and gratitude, as I traced the ring's contours with a gentle touch, thankful for the love and understanding that had grown between us.

Now that everything between us has settled, it feels right to wear it again. Even though Marius hasn't explained to me how things unfolded between him and Lena, perhaps it's no longer important. Maybe some things in a person's past are meant to remain unexplained. Questions without answers are sometimes better left alone or forgotten. Because sometimes, it's easier to forget something when you don't know all the details.

Eventually, I slipped the ring back onto my finger. I knew Marius would understand what I meant when he saw it. Like Manang Sela always says, Marius and I have a way of understanding each other even without words. And I believe in that.

"You've been here all along. I've been looking for you earlier," he commented, his voice carrying a mix of amusement and relief as he approached me seated on the garden set beneath the sprawling mango tree. The evening had draped the garden in a gentle dusk, shadows dancing around us as the last rays of sunlight filtered through the leaves.

"Just taking in some fresh air," I replied softly, my smile unseen in the dimness but evident in my voice.

"Don't you prefer being in the room with our child?" he teased gently, his tone light yet warm with affection.

"I enjoy the fresh air. Besides, let Manang Sela have the air-conditioned room; she needs it more than I do," I explained, a slight laugh tugging at my words.

Marius chuckled softly as he settled beside me, his presence a comforting weight next to mine. Despite the fading light, we found solace in each other's company, our bond palpable even in the obscurity of the garden's twilight.

"You've been here all along. I've been looking for you earlier," Marius remarked with a gentle tone, his footsteps soft on the garden path as he approached me seated beneath the sprawling mango tree, its branches swaying in the evening breeze.

"Just taking in some fresh air," I replied, my voice carrying a hint of contentment. The moonlight filtered through the dense foliage above, casting dappled shadows on the ground around us, creating a serene atmosphere.

"Don't you want to be in the room with our child?" Marius teased lightly, his eyes reflecting amusement.

"I prefer the fresh air. Besides, let Manang Sela stay there; she needs the air-conditioned room more than I do," I answered, a smile playing at the corners of my lips.

Marius chuckled warmly, his presence comforting as he settled beside me on the garden set. The ambient glow of the evening was gentle, painting us in soft hues of silver and gray, enough for us to sense each other's presence without needing to see every detail.

In that tranquil moment, the night enveloped us in its embrace, the chorus of crickets and the rustling leaves providing a soothing backdrop to our quiet conversation. Each breath seemed to synchronize with the rhythm of nature, a peaceful pause in the midst of life's bustling currents.

"Yeah, she's asleep now. Donovan too," he whispered, his voice carrying a soft intimacy in the dimly lit garden beneath the sprawling mango tree. His touch on my cheek was tender, his lips finding mine in a gentle caress that spoke volumes of longing and affection. "It's just the two of us awake now, Sam. So the world is ours again," he murmured, his words tinged with a depth of emotion that made my heart swell with happiness.

In the secluded darkness of the garden, shielded by the canopy of leaves above, I felt a sense of freedom and intimacy with Marius that was both comforting and exhilarating. The cool evening breeze brushed against our skin, adding to the romantic ambiance of the moment.

Silently, almost reverently, Marius guided me towards the back of the ancient mango tree, its sturdy trunk a comforting presence against my back. There was an unspoken promise in his touch, a silent vow of commitment and passion that stirred my senses.

"Shall we continue with the wedding?" he asked softly, his hands gently resting on my waist as he leaned in closer, his gaze filled with a mixture of adoration and desire. His voice held a hint of anticipation, as if he couldn't wait to reaffirm our love in the most intimate of ways.

I lovingly caressed the handsome face of the man I cherished the most. Then, I opened my mouth to speak.

"Never have I imagined growing old without you by my side, Marius," I said.

Marius's smile widened. He gently bowed his head towards me and kissed me deeply on the lips.

"Let's go to my room," he whispered.

I looked at him, speaking through eyes filled with a mischievous smile. "Didn't you want to try something new?"

Marius kissed me again, then pulled back slightly to respond.

"I have something in mind that I know you'll like," he teased.

From the tone of his voice, I immediately understood what he meant. Without hesitation, I wrapped my arms around his neck and reunited our lips in a passionate kiss.

"What are you waiting for? Let's go to your room," I urged, pulling him along.

"Yeah," he replied, suddenly lifting me, causing me to squeal. "Get ready because you're in for a long night," he whispered, nibbling playfully on my earlobe.

I didn't reply. Instead, I rested my head on Marius's shoulder. We entered the house, and I stepped down in the hallway, taking a quick peek at our child to make sure she was fine, fast asleep in her crib, along with Manang Sela in her room. After that, we proceeded carefully, taking measured steps towards his room. The click of the doorknob was accompanied by our lips fervently meeting once more.