“DONOVAN”
As I looked intently at the ring in my hand, I took a deep breath, it’s a refined band and shimmering gem showing memories that felt both far and achingly close. The view from last year repeats showing in my mind with stunning clarity. It was Marius down on one knee. His eyes were full of love and hope as he asked me to marry him. His words had been tender, filled with promises of a future together. I recalled how my heart had soared. How I had felt like the luckiest woman in the world at that moment.
But that dream had deteriorated. Crushed by the sudden and unwanted intrusion of truths I wasn’t prepared to face. Each revelation had fragmented away at my confidence. My insecurities simmered to the surface like venom. I couldn't help but compare myself to another woman who had once held Marius’s heart.
Lana, my sister-in-law, was the woman Marius had loved first. The knowledge of his feelings for her back then fed my jealousy and self-doubt. How could I compete with someone who had such an overwhelming impact on his life? The insecurities that pursued me became an obstacle between us, one that I didn’t know how to destroy.
The ring in my hand felt weightier now. Not just a symbol of love but also a token of the challenges and heartbreaks we had faced. My mind glided back to the numerous nights I had spent struggling over the situation. Torn between my love for Marius and the fear of not being enough for him. The anxieties that had stirred up were like ruthless tides. Terrorizing to drown out the happiness I had once felt.
Deeper this time, I breathed again. I am trying to push away the disturbing memories. The calmness strengthened my thoughts. The room around me seemed too quiet. I wanted to believe that we could overcome these obstacles. And that the love Marius and I shared was strong enough to survive any storm. But distrust lingered, a stable whisper in the back of my mind.
As I held the ring, I realized that it wasn't just about the past. And also, it wasn’t about the other woman who had touched Marius's life as well.
It was about us.
It was about our ability to move forward and create our own story.
I desired to find the strength to put aside my insecurities and embrace the love we had. But it was easier said than done. And the path ahead seemed uncertain.
The mass of the ring pressed into my palm. A concrete reminder of the love that still existed between us. I knew that the journey wouldn't be easy. But I was determined to try. For Marius, for MJ, and the future we had once daydreamed of.
I released another deep sigh. I decided to put the ring back into its small pouch. The spark of the diamond captured the light one last time before disappearing into the velvet confines. I was in the middle of this errand when I felt a presence behind me. The known scent of Calum's scent filled the air. A subtle combination of cedarwood and musk, mixing memories of past talks and shared secrets. I knew exactly who it was, and as I turned around, my suspicions were confirmed. It was none other than Calum, his tall figure transmitting a shadow across the room.
“Just in case, will it be difficult for you to admit the truth to Marius?” he asked, sitting on the long sofa not far from the bed where I was. His voice was relaxed, but his eyes held an intensity of worry that made my heart ache.
His question lingered in the air, stirring up the emotions I had been trying to suppress. I glanced down at the pouch in my hands, feeling its soft texture between my fingers, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside me. The weight of the situation settled heavily on my shoulders, making me feel even more conflicted. I closed my eyes for a moment. Actually, I was trying to collect my thoughts and find the appropriate words to say.
I knew precisely what Calum was insinuating with that question, his intent clear as day. Yet, I chose not to engage in his provocation because I sensed it would only lead to futile arguments. As I continued to delicately place the ring back into its pouch, Calum's presence loomed behind me like a looming storm, unrelenting and determined.
"Just how many times have I caught you staring at that engagement ring?" Calum's words sliced through the air, his tone sharp with accusation. "Even if you didn't confess to me before that you still harbor feelings for him, I would have known regardless. It's written all over your face!"
His words were like a piercing dagger, digging into the walls I had built around my emotions. The atmosphere crackled with tension as I struggled to maintain composure, the weight of Calum's observations pressing down on me like an unwelcome burden.
"What's the matter with you? Why do you always seem to find ways to irritate me?" I shot back, my gaze piercing as I locked eyes with him.
"I'm not trying to irritate you. I just want to shed some light on what you really want in life. You're still deeply in love with that man and that is obvious. The only thing holding you back is your pride!" Calum's words were like arrows hitting their mark, stirring a tumultuous mix of emotions within me.
His observation about my prolonged feelings for Marius hit too close to home. Making me question the efficacy of my façade of indifference. The pressure between us bubbled in the air. Neither of us was willing to back down from the fact that slung between us.
As I wrinkled my brows, frustration, and defensiveness fought within me. Regardless of the distress his words brought, there was an underlying gratefulness for his honesty. Even if it ached. It was a mirror reflecting truths I wasn't ready to confront, yet deep down, I knew he was right.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm the hasty thoughts in my mind. Appreciating the organic honesty in Calum's words, even if they unearthed feelings I wasn't ready to face.
My brows wrinkled in response to Calum's words. A flicker of irritation burnt within me. While there might be some truthfulness in what he said. His harsh tone didn't rest well with me. The truth was, I was the one who had been wronged in all of this.
"Enough with the theatrics, Samantha. Think about what you're doing. Or maybe you are waiting for Lena to interfere in your lives again before confessing?"
His words cut through the air, laden with implications that stung deeper than I cared to admit.
"Why should I be the one to confess, huh? Come on, Calum! It's not fair that I should confess just because I'm a woman! He should be the one taking the initiative!" I retorted, my tone assertive yet tinged with frustration.
Calum rolled his eyes. A touch of annoyance in his expression before answering. "Wow, it's like we're still trapped in the era of our grandparents where men are expected to be the ones to confess or make the first move!"
I shook my head in mild exasperation at Calum. "Please, can you stop scolding me all the time?" I retorted to him before letting out a soft, amused chuckle.
Calum shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly and stood up. "Okay, fine, I'll go to bed now. I have an early flight to Davao tomorrow," he said with a resigned smile.
His words brought a sudden pang of bittersweet melancholy to me. Yes, that's right, he's leaving for Davao early tomorrow morning. Meanwhile, MJ and I will be picking him up just before noon.
"I'll truly miss you," I confessed earnestly as I moved closer to him and enveloped him in a tight embrace.
Calum reciprocated my warm hug with equal sincerity, his arms wrapping securely around me. He then planted a tender kiss on the crown of my head, his affection palpable in the gesture. "Are you certain you don't want to take Manang Sela with you? MJ has grown quite accustomed to her presence. He might yearn for her," Calum gently proposed.
Taking a brief moment to ponder his suggestion, I nodded thoughtfully. "Alright, I'll include her in the trip so that the dear old lady can also relish some invigorating fresh air," I agreed with a soft smile, appreciating Calum's caring concern for MJ and his thoughtful insight.
"Great. Because if you still insist on not bringing her, I'll be the one to accompany the elderly lady," he said, turning away from me with a hint of playful stubbornness.
I chuckled softly, the sound filling the room as I closed the door. With meticulous care, I organized and arranged the items we would be taking with us tomorrow. The task of packing was soothing, a comforting routine that helped ease the tension of the upcoming journey. Since it wasn't initially planned to include Manang Sela, I made my way to her to relay the change, ensuring she could begin packing her belongings for our trip the next day.
*****
As discussed, Marius arrived early the next day to pick us up. He didn't protest my decision to bring Manang Sela along; instead, he warmly welcomed her presence, showcasing his kindness and consideration. There was also no word from Calum, who had texted me earlier saying he was at his cousin's house, leaving an unspoken tension in the air.
With no traffic to contend with, our journey to Bulacan was swift and smooth. As we neared the sprawling estate, a mix of emotions engulfed me, like a hurricane swirling in my chest.
The sight of the grand, imposing house brought back a flood of memories, both joyful and tumultuous, each brick and window telling tales of laughter and tears. The sheer size and luxury of the mansion made it feel like stepping into a different world. A world where time seemed to stand still.
As we pulled up to the entrance, I couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation mingled with anticipation. The majestic of the estate was overwhelming, but it also carried an air of mystery, like a story waiting to unfold.
"Are you alright?" Marius inquired, his voice carrying a hint of concern as he likely picked up on the weight of the heavy sigh I had just released.
It was a loaded question, one that I couldn't easily answer. Admitting to him that I wasn't okay would mean unraveling the complicated emotions swirling inside me. A mix of longing, confusion, and sorrow that threatened to spill over in tears. But I couldn't afford to break down in front of him now, not when I was still grappling with my feelings.
Forcing a smile, I nodded. "Yeah, I just missed this place," I replied, my words a half-truth. While it was true that I missed being here, there was a deeper ache within me that I couldn't fully articulate yet.
Marius fell silent after receiving my brief response, his eyes carrying a mixture of concern and understanding. There was a quiet intensity to his gaze as if he was trying to interpret the unspoken words hanging around between us. The atmosphere inside the car felt heavy with unspoken emotions, a silent symphony of thoughts and feelings dancing around us.
As we approached the gate, the sound of Marius honking the horn echoed through the air, breaking the tense silence momentarily. The gate slowly swung open, revealing a picturesque view of a well-manicured garden bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun. It was a serene sight, one that usually brought me comfort, but today, my mind was elsewhere.
Through the open gate, I caught a glimpse of Donovan, the young man Marius had mentioned before. He stood there, a striking figure against the backdrop of the tranquil surroundings. His presence added another layer of complexity to the already charged atmosphere, his aura exuding a youthful charm and undeniable appeal.
As Marius expertly navigated the SUV into the expansive yard, the crunch of gravel under the tires added a subtle rhythm to the scene. The vehicle came to a smooth stop, and for a moment, everything seemed frozen in time, suspended in a delicate balance between anticipation and apprehension.
Nothing had changed. The house stood as a testament to time, its pristine condition a reflection of the meticulous care it received despite my absence of over a year. As I gazed upon it, a rush of emotions threatened to overwhelm me. The vibrant memories that once filled these walls now mingled with a tinge of sorrow and longing, creating a bittersweet symphony in my heart. It was as if the house itself held echoes of laughter, whispered secrets, and moments of shared intimacy that I could no longer deny.
In that poignant moment, tears welled up in my eyes, betraying the composed facade I had tried to maintain. Each corner of the house seemed to whisper tales of the past, reminding me of the joy and pain intertwined in my journey.
I was lost in my thoughts when I felt Marius's warm palm tenderly enveloping mine. His touch was a comforting anchor amidst the swirling emotions within me. With a gentle squeeze, he conveyed understanding and empathy, silently acknowledging the complexity of my feelings. And in that unspoken exchange, I found solace in his presence, knowing that he was there to weather the storm with me.
I felt a sense of intimacy enveloping us as Marius leaned closer, his warm breath brushing against my skin before his lips met mine in a gentle yet meaningful kiss. It was a moment suspended in time, where the world around us seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of us in our private bubble.
As our lips parted, Marius gazed into my eyes, his expression filled with warmth and affection. His touch lingered on my cheek, tracing a gentle path along my jawline before his hand found mine, intertwining our fingers in a silent promise.
"Welcome home, Sam," Marius whispered, his voice carrying a depth of emotion that resonated within me.
A soft smile played on my lips, mirroring the happiness that bloomed in my heart. "Yes, this is home," I replied, my voice filled with contentment and love as I embraced the familiar comfort of being with him.
I saw the sparkle in Marius's eyes in response to my answer, and it brought me joy. And my heart swelled even more with happiness as he gently wiped away my tears.
"I-Is that Donovan?" I asked, breaking the silence.
Marius nodded. "I'm sure he'll be a good younger brother to you," he said.
"I think so too," I agreed with his words.
The glimmer in Marius's eyes spoke volumes, reflecting his genuine happiness at my response. It was a moment that held a sense of warmth and reassurance as if we had finally reached a place of understanding and acceptance.
As he tenderly wiped away my tears, his touch felt like a soothing balm to my soul, calming the storm of emotions that had been brewing within me. It was a silent gesture of comfort and support, silently conveying that he was there for me, ready to listen and share in both joy and sorrow.
When I asked about Donovan, there was a softness in Marius's gaze, a glimpse of paternal pride mixed with genuine affection. His nod spoke volumes, affirming his belief in Donovan's potential to bring happiness and positivity into our lives.
In that moment of quiet affirmation, I felt a sense of hope and anticipation for the future, knowing that whatever challenges lay ahead, we would face them together.
