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Kabanata 7: Gael's POV

I’m not drunk. Yes, I drank alcohol, but I’m definitely not drunk.

I lied when I said I needed rest. The truth is, I want to know more about her past. If she doesn’t want to answer my questions about our past, then I’ll find a way to learn about what happened back then.

When I met her again at the engagement party, I didn’t know how to feel. I wanted to be angry. I wanted to show her that I am happy now, that I was able to live happily even though she left me. I wanted to show that I am already more successful than her. But I couldn’t. It felt like the seven years I spent trying to forget her were wasted because the moment I saw her again, what I felt was relief knowing she’s doing so well and that fate allowed our paths to cross again.

I couldn't sleep that night because my mind was filled with unanswered questions. I know it’s not right, especially since I’m about to marry Maxine, but I still find myself wanting to understand why Michaela left me.

As soon as I entered her room, I was amazed with how neat her room is. Makikita ko kaya ang sagot sa mga tanong ko dito sa mismong kwarto niya? If yes, then where should I start looking? I know that I am already invading her privacy, but this is the first option that I can make to find out the truth. Dahil kung talagang may tinatago siya, then I should be the first one to find it out, not from someone. Stil, she has an image to protect and I don’t wanna destroy it.

While looking, my phone suddenly rang and on screen came out Lucas’ name.

“What?”

“Where are you? Nandito kami sa kila Axel. Are you–”

“I’ll be there in a couple of minutes.” Then I immediately hung up the call.

I was about to search for something on her vanity table when I noticed some photos on one side of her room. I think this is her study area or mini office. I looked at the pictures hanging on the wall. Then I saw a picture that really caught my attention… If I’m not mistaken, it’s an ultrasound picture. I took it to look at it closely when suddenly the door opened. Kahit hindi pa ako lumingon, I knew it was Michaela.

As soon as I realized that it was a picture of an ultrasound baby, I couldn’t help myself but to ask her directly, “You had a baby?”

She froze for a second, and when she came to her senses, she quickly grabbed the photo that I’m holding.

“G-Gael–”

I immediately cut her off.

“Is that the reason why you left me?”

She shocked her head. “No–”

“You left me because you cheated and you got pregnant?”

She slapped me.

After all these years, I was hoping to hear a valid reason from her because regardless of what she did, I still want to find a spot to understand her. Umasa ako na sana hindi totoo ang sinabi ni Mom na mas pinili niya ang pera over me. Turns out my mom was right all the time.

“Sino ka para husgahan ako, Gael?” I could feel the anger in every word she spoke.

I looked at her, emotionless. “If you’re trying to explain yourself, save it. It’s too late.”

She sarcastically laughed. “Binigyan mo lang ako ng rason para mas ipamukha sa sarili ko na tama ang desisyon kong iwan ka noon at itago sa’yo ang katotohanan.”

“Yes, Michaela. That’s the best decision you’ve made. You just saved me from making the biggest mistake of my life— at ‘yun ay ang mahalin ka.”

I left that condo and went straight to Axel's place.

“‘What’s up!” Lucas greeted me as soon as he saw me.

I just nodded at Lucas and sat down. Padabog ang pagkakaupo ko, and it caught everyone’s attention. All eyes were on me, like I had done something wrong.

“Mukhang wala ka na naman sa mood. Nag-away ba kayo ni Maxine?” Lucas asked.

“Before you answer, have a shot first.” Axel raised his glass and offered it to me. Mabilis ko namang tinanggap ‘yon at walang pag-aalinlangan na tinungga ang alak which led to even more questions from them.

“Bro, that’s insane! What’s the problem?” natatawang tanong ni Axel.

I hissed. “I don’t wanna get married anymore.” At pabagsak na ibinalik ang baso sa lamesa. Hanggang ngayon ay hindi maalis sa isip ko ang tungkol sa naging pagbubuntis ni Michaela non. How could she do that to me? I want revenge at ayokong madamay si Maxine doon, that’s why I want to cancel our wedding.

“What?! Why all of a sudden?” nagtatakang tanong ni Lucas.

Noah couldn’t help himself but interfere, “Bro, baka naman mapag-usapan niyo pa ni Maxine ‘yan.”

I clenched my fist in anger. “Damn that Michaela. I’m gonna let her pay for what she did. Sisiguraduhin ko na pagsisishan niyang nagtagpo pa ang landas namin ulit.”

“Ohhhh!” Naghiyawan sila.

“So, it’s your ex-girlfriend, huh.” Lucas laughed and gave me a meaningful look. “Are you still in love with her, Gael?”

Alex suddenly faked a cough. “It’s his first love, bro.”

I glared at them. “I am not in love with her anymore.”

“If the problem is Michaela, then huwag mong idamay ang relasyon niyo ni Maxine,” Noah said.

They all nodded in agreement with Noah’s words.

“Ano ba kasi ang nangyari at bigla kang galit na galit kay Michaela? Parang nung nakaraan lang ay atat na atat kang makausap siya?” tanong ni Lucas.

“She got pregnant,” I said straightforwardly. Before they could react, I added, “And I’m not the father. That’s why she left me.”

They were all shocked by what I said. Si Axel ay napahampas pa sa lamesa dahil sa narinig.

“Inamin niya sa’yo?” Noah asked.

“She denied it, but she can never outsmart me.”

“What’s your plan right now?” Lucas curiously asked.

“I’ll make her suffer. Just like what she did to me before. She’ll suffer and get hurt more than I did.”

“Is that really necessary? That’s too much—”

I immediately cut him off. “I didn’t ask for your opinion, Noah.”

They all became silent.

“So what’s your plan? Bro, I don’t agree with this. It sounds immature. Kahit saang angulo mo tignan, mali pa rin, e.”

I stood up. “You will never understand. You’ll only get it if you’ve experienced being hurt deeply by a woman you loved so much.”

Umalis na ako ro’n and went straight to my house. This is our old house. Mom sold it years ago, but I bought it back secretly, even Maxine doesn’t know about it. Now, I already own it. I bought it ‘cause it’s the only place where Michaela could find me. I wanna keep it hoping she will come back. Hindi ako napagod na maghintay. Even though years have already passed, I was still hoping to see her again. I told myself that no matter what her reasons are, I’ll accept it and I’m also ready to accept her as well.

Maxine, I really don't love her. Everything is just a show off and she is also aware about it. Maxine is nice, she’s beautiful, smart, a woman with class, and she really has a beautiful heart. That’s the reason why I agreed to have an arranged marriage with her. I also allow myself na subukan siyang mahalin, even when I know who owns my heart since I was twenty. But things have already changed now. I waited for nothing. Loving her is one of the biggest regrets I’ve had. Waiting for her is such a waste of time. Kung naniwala lang sana ako sa sinabi ni Mom dati, I could’ve live a different life now.

I’ll make the table turn this time, and I’ll start it by making her fall in love with me again.