Becoming Mrs. Martin

The Dance

Iza's POV...

He didn't answer when I said sorry. He just stared at me for a long time.

"I'm sorry, Austin." I repeated. My voice broke as I continued, "I-I am very…very...sorry. I've wronged you...and hurt...you...-"

"ENOUGH!" he growled interrupting me. "I want you to leave! NOW!"

"NO! NOT UNTIL YOU HEAR ME OUT, OKAY?!!" I yelled crying. I am desperate.

"I don't give a DAMN on what you will say! I don't care!" he growled at me angrily.

He stood up and grabbed my hands to bring me out of his office. But I suddenly knelt down and hold unto his lap. I sobbed. "I AM VERY SORRY, AUSTIN. I am begging you to please forgive me...letting you go 10 years ago was the greatest mistake and regret of my entire 28 years of existence…please..."

"Regret? Really? This is unbelievable! You are unbelievable!" he yelled trying to get away from my grip on his lap. But I hugged it more tightly. "Do you honestly think that when you say that or do that I will believe you?! I am no longer that i***t guy who always crazily follows you around and does everything you want, Iza. I have moved on."

"Please believe me...let me explain what really happened-" I said as I still held on his lap.

"SHUT UP!" he growled more angrily. His face is so red with anger and his eyes met mine. "Let me go!"

"Just please listen to me, Austin. Let me explain." I pleaded with tears running like a waterfall as he forcefully removed my hands off him and move away from me. "Please."

"No! You listen to me, lady! I don't want you to bring this topic back. EVER!" he yelled as he looked at me with eyes sending daggers to my core.

"Let me prove to you that I really regret what I did, Austin. Please. Give me a chance." I cried and pleaded.

"Ha-ha" he laughed bitterly. "Give up, Iza. You and me will NEVER be the same as before. And I am getting married tomorrow."

"No! I won't give you up this time, Austin! I am here now because I don’t want to regret any further. I already made a mistake by giving you up 10 years ago and I will NEVER EVER make the same mistake again!" I yelled firmly. "I will NEVER give up on us! Is that too late now?"

"Suit yourself." he said coldly and went out of his office slamming the door behind him.

Why does it have to be so hard? Now, I have no chance of fighting for you. But, I still love you with all my heart, Austin. Whenever I close my eyes, my mind is just filled with beautiful and painful memories of you.

"What happened?" Pop asked as he inspected me thoroughly. "Are you hurt?"

"No, Pop." I answered and rolled my eyes on him as he continued his inspection.

"Don't you roll your eyes on me, Young lady." he warned with a serious tone. "I freaked out when you called me. I was worried."

"Sorry, Pop." I said and hugged him. "I am okay."

Then I told him about what happened in the market. I told him about the bad guys beating Austin's father and even hurting Austin in the process. I relayed to him everything that I saw and remembered on that horrible situation.

"Pop, please...I want you to help them." I pleaded. "If you help them, I promise...I will be a good girl and I will always listen to you."

"You silly girl." Pop chuckled as he brushed my hair. "Baby darling, I'm glad you grew up to have such a good heart."

"Pop, I'm 10 years old now. I'm not a baby anymore." I exclaimed and laughed more.

Few days after the incident, I heard that Austin's dad is finally okay and is now going out of the hospital. I prepared myself early and asked Hector to accompany me. I was about to go when Pop stopped me.

"Maybe you can just wait here, darling." he suggested.

"What do you mean, Pop?" I asked curiously.

"Well, it's because I offered Lucio Martin a job and he accepted. Now, he is my personal driver and his family will be living in the cottage near the swamp." he explained casually like it's not a big deal.

"REALLY??!!" I jumped excitedly and run to my grandfather and filled his cheeks with my kisses. I hugged him tightly. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you so much, Pop!"

He just chuckled at my reaction and brushed my hair before going back to his office. A few hours later, I was pacing back and forth near the fountain waiting for the Martin's to come. I have been visiting them in the hospital every day and I feel like I belong. They’re the warmest people you’d ever know and you’ll never feel out of place in their company. Then I saw the car pulling in and saw Mr. & Mrs. Martin walking out of the car. Followed by Austin who holds Alyssa. I ran towards them and hugged each one of them excitedly. I am so happy.

"Welcome!" I exclaimed.

They smiled at me and thanked me. Pop and my Mom also went out to welcome them. We had a great lunch together and them I accompanied them to their cottage.

"Wow! Are we really living here from now on?" Austin asked with big eyes.

"Yes, Austin. This cottage is all yours." I answered excitedly.

"Thank you sooo much, princess." he said and hugged me tightly.

Same with Elena & Lucio, they thanked and hugged me. I went inside with them and helped them fix their things inside. The cottage has 3 bedrooms and is 3x wider than their previous apartment as Austin claimed. And the cottage is complete with all things like furniture, TV, fridge, oven and all other things. They also don't have a lot of things to move in so we finished in no time. Then I helped Austin unpack his clothes in his own room.

"I still can't believe that I have my own room now." he said. "Well, we used to live in a tiny apartment so technically, I can't have my own room there."

"Your family deserves the best. You deserve the best, Austin." I commented.

He smiled widely and thanked me again. "Your family is really a blessing to us."

"Likewise, Austin. And I will definitely be your best friend." I said proudly.

"Oh, yeah?" he asked as he brushed the top of my head.

"Hey!" I exclaimed pouting at him for ruining my braid.

He chuckled and look at me deeply. "Yes, Iza. I will definitely be your best friend."

I smiled at him. Yes, he became my best friend. And we grew up together.

I shook my head as I stood up and looked outside the building. People are busy, the streets are busy. But out of millions, I met him. I smiled bitterly. Even with just a thought, his effect on me was so strong that it always took my breath away. I needed to prepare now, the kids are waiting for me.

***

AE's POV...

I am standing at the terrace looking at the bright sunrise. I breathe in and breathe out. I enjoyed smelling the fresh air. I smiled. Then, I open my arms widely and breathe in again.

"Good morning!" I said to myself.

After a while, I went to the bathroom and brushed my teeth. I fixed myself and smiled at the mirror. I feel that I look okay now so I hurriedly went downstairs.

"Good morning, Ma'am." Lyn greeted. She takes care of all the house chores and other errands needed for this mansion. I'm still not used to just having her around compared to having a lot more, but she's good. I like her. I kinda miss Butler Jo but I guess it’s fine. He’s been taking care of me since I was born and it’s time for him to take life easy now that I don’t cause troubles for him in the mansion. 

"Good morning, Lyn." I answered smiling warmly. "Is he awake?"

"No, ma'am. I don't think so. I haven't seen him out yet." she said.

"Good." I said and went to the kitchen. "Well, technically…I don't know how to cook…so I need you to assist me."

Then, I started to prepare for breakfast. Today, I am making a ham and cheese omelet partnered with Vienna sausage and basil rice.  I quickly prepared the ingredients and cooked with utmost difficulty. I am not so used of this kitchen or any kitchen of any type. It is not like I have cooked before but I just wanted to return the favor and please him a bit. Though this kitchen is very complete with all the equipment and ingredients I need, I've almost burnt everything. Good thing, Lyn is attentive and she saved me from ruining all the food. I smiled after I see everything placed nicely in the dining table.

Well, the food is burnt!

But at least they're edible!

"I hope he likes it." I said with great excitement.

"I am sure he will appreciate the effort." Lyn said with a warm smile.

"You think so?" I asked and she nodded. "Okay, let me just go get him."

I immediately went upstairs and stopped in front of his room. Yes, his room. Ever since we were married, we never slept on the same room. It's part of our deal, unless both of us agreed to finally sleep together. I knocked on the door twice and entered without waiting for his response.

"Aah!!" both of us screamed.

I saw him standing n***d in front of the mirror. I immediately covered my eyes and turned my back on him. In the same manner, he immediately covered his waist with his towel.

"What are you doing here?!" he asked, yelling at me.

He is really a sight to behold. He is the most handsome man in planet earth. His hair is dark. His bright gray eyes are perfect with long eye lashes. His nose is high and his lips is kissable. Don't forget to mention, his seductive cleft chin. And his body. I shivered at the thought of his body. I gulped.

"What do you want?!" he asked again as I snapped back to my senses.

"Breakfast is ready." I said rushly and I run out of his room, slamming the door behind me.

I paused for a while to calm myself. What was that?

I saw him n***d!

Did I just become a p*****t?

Technically, NO!

He's my husband anyway!

I shook my head. This is bad! But then, it's good. Then I giggled.

Gosh, I'm falling in love!

I just jumped my way back to the dining room.

***

He sat on his chair and quietly ate his breakfast. I also sat beside him and looked at him every now and then.

"Did you like it?" I asked.

He didn't answer. He just continued eating silently just concentrating on his food.

"I know you like it." I say again and continued eating.

"It's burnt." he said with all honesty, glaring at me.

"Well, it's still edible." I reasoned and met his gaze. "Besides, it's the first time I was able to cook something...edible... Foods I've cooked before are unimaginable."

"Yeah. I can barely imagine." he says with a smirk.

"Will you be going out today?" I asked, changing the subject.

"Yes. You're coming with me." he replied. "I'll give you an hour."

"Where are we going?" I asked.

"It's a secret." he said, pouting.

"I need to know so I can know what to wear." I reasoned out.

"Just wear something comfortable, little bee." he said and smirked.

Little bee?

Bee?

I noticed that he is already done eating. So, I immediately poured him a glass of water. After drinking, he quickly got up and said thanks before he went back straight to his room.

Arrogant jerk!

***

We are currently sitting at the stage now. I didn't know that this man is a philanthropist. He is now doing some speech about poverty and success. We're now attending the anniversary of one of his foundations. This one is dedicated for the orphans.

Well, I married such a good guy!

After some time, the party began and everyone was singing and dancing. I have attended anniversaries of orphanages and other foundations before but not like this. This event seems genuine unlike the other.

"Now, let us all ask for a sweet couple dance from Mr. & Mrs. Martin!" the MC announced and we were both caught off guard.

"DANCE! DANCE! DANCE!" everyone chanted.

So, Austin held his hand out and I accepted. And we danced.

***

Iza's POV...

I am now inside the hall of Little Children Foundation. I have been volunteering here for quite some time now. I felt that this is one of the foundations who are genuine in helping children and orphans.

"Iza, you made it." Lily said and greeted me with a hug. Lily is the president of this foundation. "Come, I'll finally introduce you to the founder of this organization."

"He's here?" I asked.

"Yes. I need you to meet him. He's a wonderful man." Lily said as she dragged me into the hall. "He's with his wife, dancing. There they are."

My eyes widen as I saw the couple that she's pointing. Austin and his wife, they were dancing in front of everyone. Austin, he was staring at her the whole time. I know that look. My heart ached. How can he easily move on? I feel so hurt looking at them. I excused myself and ran outside the hall. I can barely breathe now.

"Why are you not talking to me, Austin?!" I asked not able to restrain myself anymore.

It was our junior's prom and we were about to go home. He just ignored my question and continued walking outside. I followed him closely and grabbed his hand and that's when he stopped.

"Austin, talk to me...please?" I begged as I faced him.

He had been acting weird ever since that night when he promised me that he will never ignore me nor forget me. It seems like he has been avoiding me ever since and I don't have any clue why he's doing it. I was desperate.

"You promised." I whispered. I was on the verge of crying. "You said you will never ignore me nor forget me."

He suddenly cupped my face and wiped the tears that slowly poured down from my eyes. He tilted my chin so he can look at my face.

"Please don't cry, Princess. I'm sorry…" he said softly looking at me. Then he clenched his teeth and looked away turning his back from me. "I was…I was just…I was just so angry!"

"You're mad at me?!" I asked looking shocked. Why is he mad? "What did I do? Why are you mad at me?"

"No. Not you, princess. Just forget it, Iza! Let’s go home! Our curfew is almost up!" he said angrily walking away from me.

"NO! I WON'T COME UNLESS YOU TELL ME!" I snapped and he turned around to face me. "WHY ARE YOU SO ANGRY? TELL ME!!"

It's true. This is the first time he has treated me this way and I don't understand why.

"IT’S BECAUSE YOU ALMOST KISSED HIM!" he growled and I was shocked. "OR MAYBE I SHOULD SAY THAT YOU KISSED EACH OTHER AFTER!! HAPPY NOW??"

Oh, he saw it! Yeah, Iñigo became my date for our prom. I didn't have a choice because he scared all of the boys away. Well, I didn't want to but the guy I was waiting for to ask me went and asked someone else. Yeah, I was waiting for Austin to ask me only to hear that he asked Henna. That lucky girl! So I finally accepted Iñigo's invitation. Earlier, Iñigo lead me to the gazebo and danced with me. Just the two of us, he then confessed his love for me and I was astounded. I saw the sincerity in his eyes and I was completely flattered. He took advantage of my frozen state and tried to kiss me. Good thing I recovered quickly before it happened. I told him that I already have someone else in my heart. I hate to break his heart but I had to. He looked so hurt when I said that and cried and begged me to give him a chance. He even knelt down saying that he is willing to wait for me to love him back. But I just can't. I told him that I can't lie to him and to myself. And then I left him there in the gazebo.

"I KISSED NOBODY, AUSTIN!" I defended myself, now, I'm also shouting. "And for your information, he TRIED to kiss me! Not the other way around!!"

"So, you DIDN'T…DIDN'T KISS?" he stuttered.

"OF COURSE NOT!" I immediately answered. Now I feel so annoyed by the fact that he was acting this way. "AND WHY DO YOU CARE?? YOU DIDN'T EVEN BOTHER TO ASK ME TO BE YOUR PARTNER AND WENT TO ASK HENNA INSTEAD-"

My mouth immediately shut up when I felt his lips on mine. I didn't even notice how he reached me and kissed me. I closed my eyes and hoped that I was not dreaming. Then he parted his lips from me, our forehead touching each other. He cupped my face and looked at me in the eyes.

"I was jealous. So jealous." he said softly as possible. "That's why I was angry. Not to you. But to myself. I was angry because I can't even ask you out, I can't even be your partner…I am nothing compared to you…I felt so insecure…So I thought that you would be better off with someone else...I felt like I am not good enough for you…But the moment I saw him dancing with you at the gazebo and that he almost kissed you…I want to strangle him...I realized that I can't give you up and let you go…I realized that I can't imagine my life without you. I can't imagine you marrying another man…I just can't...that is because...I...I…I love you...I love you so much, princess. I have secretly loved you for 8 years now and now I want to love you more and more each day for the rest of my life."

He was crying when his saying this. I also can't help myself and tears poured down like waterfalls.

"I love you too, Austin." I answered with my sweetest smile.

"You do?" he asked hesitantly as he wiped my tears away.

"Yes, I absolutely do." I said. "I'm not dreaming, am I?"

"No, princess." he said and hugged me tightly. He whispered to my ear. "This is real. You and me. It is real."

How I missed those days. I hugged myself with that thought and smiled bitterly. What we had is real. He said himself, right? It is real. Then I made up my mind. I'll fight for him. Maybe it’s not too late. I rushed myself out. I will visit him at his office.

***