The Cold Billionaire's Wife

CHAPTER 3

Chapter 3

Callista's Point of View

"So, how's your honeymoon with your husband?" Tanong ni Alliah sa akin sa kabilang linya. Hindi ko naman mapigilan mapangiti habang inaalala ko ang mga nangyari sa amin ni Ice noong nasa honeymoon vacation kaming dalawa.

"It's actually one of the best days of my life, Ali!" I responded, my voice filled with giddiness and a hint of blush. Totoo naman! It's one of the best days of my life. Like I can't even imagine those things we did on our honeymoon vacation. It's like a dream come true. The truth was, our honeymoon was an experience that surpassed all my expectations. The memories we created were like fragments from a dream, a dream that had become a breathtaking reality.

"Mukhang sulit na sulit ah! So, may nangyari ba?" Alliah's mischievous tone hinted at something more, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of embarrassment and amusement at her question. I know what she means!

"Ali!" I exclaimed, unable to contain my blush and the butterflies that fluttered in my stomach. She always had a way of pushing the boundaries of our conversations. Tanungin ba naman ang tungkol sa bagay na iyon.

Narinig ko naman ang mapang-asar na tawa ni Ali sa kabilang linya. Parang tuwang-tuwa pa siya dahil alam niyang nahihiya ako sa tanong niya.

"What? I'm just curious!" she managed to say between her infectious laughs. I playfully rolled my eyes, even though she couldn't see me, knowing that her teasing nature would always be a part of our friendship.

"And you're asking a very personal private thing!" I said as a matter of fact. Muling tumawa si Ali kaya naman napailing na lang ako. She really loves teasing me.

Anyway, Alliah Montecarlo is my best friend. We've been friends since ages ago. And we treat each other like sisters. Friend ni mom 'yong mom ni Ali kaya naman close na kaming dalawa ever since we were kids.

"So, spill the beans, Cali. How did it go?" Alliah's voice drew me back to the present moment. I lay on my bed, phone pressed to my ear, staring up at the ceiling of my room, relishing in the lingering magic of our honeymoon.

It's been two days since our honeymoon vacation and I feel like I'm still stuck in that magical moment.

FLASHBACK

Nagkatitigan lang kaming dalawa ni Ice pagkatapos niyang sabihin ang mga katagang iyon. The weight of his confession hung heavy in the air, leaving me breathless. I couldn't comprehend the rush of emotions flooding through me, but my heart pounded relentlessly against my chest. It felt like a wild beast, desperate to break free from its confines.

Paulit-ulit na nagre-replay sa utak ko ang mga sinabi niya. Marrying me is not a bad thing. So, hindi siya nagsisisi na pinakasalan niya ako?

"What?" he asked, his eyebrows furrowing with confusion. I averted my gaze, unable to hold his intense stare. It was as if his eyes held the power to unravel every secret I possessed.

Ang bigat ng mga titig niya at pakiramdam ko nalulunod ako.

A soft breeze whispered through the room, causing strands of my hair to dance in its gentle caress. I used the opportunity to compose myself, to gather the fragments of my scattered thoughts.

"Nothing. I'm just glad that you thought it that way," I murmured, my voice barely a whisper.

"Why? Are you thinking the same thing? Is marrying me also not a bad thing for you?" Ice's voice broke through the haze, drawing my attention back to him. His hazel eyes bore into mine, and I felt my heart skip a beat.

At that moment, I wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. His question seemed absurd, almost comical. Was there any doubt about how I felt? Wasn't it obvious that I was head over heels for this man? Marrying him was not just "not a bad thing" for me—it was a dream come true, the culmination of years of longing and unspoken desires.

"Of course," I replied, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

"It's good then. We both feel the same way," Ice said, running his fingers through his disheveled hair. He looked breathtakingly handsome, his features chiseled and his gaze piercing. In that moment, he resembled a god, an ethereal being sent to captivate my heart.

Ngunit sa kabilang banda ay hinihiling ko na sana ang sinabi niyang we both feel the same way ay tumutukoy sa kung anong nararamdaman ko para sa kaniya. I just wish we were both in love with each other.

Pagkatapos naming mag-ihaw ay doon na rin kami kumain ng hapunan sa dalampasigan. Naglatag lang kami ni Ice ng picnic mat at nagsimula na rin kaming kumain.

Our dinner was nothing short of extraordinary. Juicy fruits, succulent pork and chicken barbecue, fragrant java rice, and a delectable cake we stumbled upon at a charming cake store along our journey. And to complement the flavors dancing on our taste buds, we uncorked a bottle of rich, velvety red wine. Tahimik lang kaming kumakain ni Ice habang ninamnam namin ang malamig na simoy ng hangin at ang maingay ngunit ang nakaka-relax na pagaspas ng tubig-dagat sa dalampasigan habang ang nagsisilbi naming ilaw ay ang mga bituin at ang maliwanag na buwan sa kalangitan. The atmosphere was pure bliss as we savored each morsel, the gentle breeze carrying the symphony of crashing waves and the captivating scent of the ocean.

Natigil lang ako sa pagkain nang bigla akong tawagin ni Ice.

"Cali." Agad akong napatingin kay Ice at laking gulat ko na lamang nang ilapit niya ang mukha niya sa akin habang pinapahiran ng kaniyang hinlalaki ang aking ibabang labi.

Sa gulat ko ay hindi ako nakapag-react agad. Talagang na-estatwa ako sa aking kinauupuan habang nakatitig lang ako kay Ice at ganoon din siya sa akin. Magkatitigan lang kaming dalawa at hindi gumagalaw sa aming pwesto.

Time seemed to halt as we locked eyes, both frozen in a mesmerizing tableau. In that electrifying moment, a kaleidoscope of emotions swirled in Ice's eyes, leaving me longing for the key to unlock their mystery. My heart pounded thunderously, echoing like a primal drumbeat in my ears, threatening to betray the calm façade I so desperately tried to maintain.

The cool zephyr embraced us, teasingly tousling my hair as if to amplify the intensity of the moment. A surge of anticipation coursed through me as Ice, his hand now freed from my lip, gently brushed aside a stray wisp of hair, tucking it behind my ear. His voice, hushed and saturated with sincerity, pierced the silence.

"You're breathtakingly beautiful up close," he uttered, his gaze unwavering and penetrating. My cheeks ignited in a fiery blush, and I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat mirroring the sudden vulnerability that engulfed me.

I was taken aback. Ice's unexpected declaration left me grappling with an amalgamation of emotions. Excitement danced in my veins, happiness overflowed from the depths of my being, and shyness enveloped me like a delicate lace shawl. He just literally moved me out of my sanity! Hindi ko maintindihan ang nararamdaman. Halu-halo 'yong pakiramdam ko. Andoon 'yong kilig, saya, at hiya. I feel shy! Hindi ko alam kung bakit pero nahihiya ako sa paraan ng pagtitig niya sa akin at biglaang pagpuri niya sa kagandahan ko.

Not trying to be humble, but I know to myself that I am not pretty. There are a lot of women out there that are prettier than me. But! Hearing those words from Ice really makes me feel like I'm the most beautiful woman on Earth!

"M-My... thank you," I stammered, my words barely escaping my lips as I struggled to articulate my gratitude. Nagkibit-balikat naman si Ice at muling bumalik sa pagkain habang ako naman ay nanatiling nakatitig lamang sa kaniya. Parang walang nangyari. Parang hindi siya affected samantalang ako rito, parang mas-stroke na sa bilis ng t***k ng puso ko.

Kung alam lang niya kung ano ang mga epekto ng mga ginawa niya sa akin ngayong gabi. Kung alam lang niya kung gaano ako kinikilig ngayon. Kung gaano ako kasaya ngayon. At kung gaano ko siya mas lalong minamahal pa ngayon.

Kung alam mo lang Ice na gusto kong pahintuin sa mga oras na ito ang pag-ikot ng mundo just to stay like this with you. Just to be stuck here in this magical moment forever with you.

A smile, bright and unrestrained, crept across my face, a testament to the overwhelming euphoria that coursed through me. The stars and the moon, silent observers of our enchanting interlude, bore witness to the weight of emotions that transpired beneath their watchful gaze.

Ice is a cold person, no doubt about that, but I know deep inside him is a caring, sweet, and loving man, hiding in his cold facade. And my heart yearned to unravel the depths of his being, to navigate the intricate labyrinth of his emotions, and to bask in the warmth of his true self.

So far, I can say that this is truly a great honeymoon for us. The best indeed.

END OF FLASHBACK

"Ay kaya naman pala kilig na kilig nasabihan ng maganda ng kaniyang Prince Charming!" Ali jested, her laughter filling the air and mingling with mine.

Isang araw at kalahati lang naman kami nagtagal sa La Union at lumuwas rin kami ng Maynila pabalik. May biglaan kasing kailangan asikasuhin si Ice sa trabaho kaya gano'n.

Amidst our shared mirth, I couldn't help but acknowledge the stark contrast of emotions that bubbled within me. It was more than a simple compliment. Ice's words ignited a spark within me, a flame that danced with newfound intensity. "Silly," I replied, the sound of our laughter intertwining with the whispers of the wind. "It's just... different, you know? It's different when you hear someone you love say those words. It's like a symphony of joy and excitement."

Indeed, who could remain unaffected when their beloved bestowed such heartfelt praise? The impact of Ice's words resonated within me, and I found myself swept away in a cascade of elation

"So, walang nangyaring "alam niyo na" sa first night niyo?" Ali asked again, a mischievous glint in her eyes. My face flushed, and I couldn't believe she was bringing up such a private matter.

"Ali, please," I pleaded, using her full name to convey my seriousness. She usually gets the hint and stops teasing me. My face flushed, and I couldn't believe she was bringing up such a private matter.

"Just answer me, Callista Buenavista," she persisted, refusing to let it go. I sighed in defeat.

"Okay, fine! Nothing happened, alright?" I replied, feeling a mix of embarrassment and annoyance. Ramdam ko ang pag-iinit ng aking mga pisngi. I never thought of that thing. Like honestly! Gusto ko lang talaga ng honeymoon getaway with Ice just to celebrate our first day of being husband and wife, not to do that kind of thing! Atsaka we're not even a normal couple who normally do those kinds of things!

Iniisip ko pa lang nananayo na ang balahibo ko.

Ali shook her head, clearly not satisfied with my response. "What's wrong with you, Callista? You had the perfect opportunity, and you didn't seize it," she scolded, shaking her head disapprovingly. "Such a waste of the gift I gave you. Hmph!" I could almost hear the pout in her voice.

Gumuhit naman ang pagtataka sa akin. Regalo? Ano ba ang regalo niya sa akin? Oo nga pala't hindi pa ako nagbubukas ng mga natanggap kong wedding gifts. Tinatamad pa kasi ako eh.

"What gift?" I inquired, curiosity piqued.

Ali chuckled mischievously. "See for yourself. Anyway, I've got to go, Calli. Andrew's already here to pick me up for our anniversary dinner," she said, her voice filled with excitement. Andrew is her long-time boyfriend. If I'm not mistaken, they're already on their seventh anniversary.

"Alright, take care, Ali. Say hi to Andrew for me," I replied, bidding her farewell. We exchanged a few more pleasantries before hanging up.

Pagkababa ko sa aking cellphone ay agad kong hinanap ang regalong tinutukoy ni Ali upang buksan iyon. Opening the cabinet, I rummaged through the stack of unopened presents until my eyes fell upon a small box that caught my attention. My eyes widened in disbelief. With anticipation, I carefully unwrapped it, revealing a delicate lingerie set that was as sheer as it was daring. Alliah Montecarlo, you're a true troublemaker! I can't even imagine myself wearing this kind of lingerie!

Hindi ko na kinaya pang titigan ang lingerie na regalo ni Ali kaya naman agad ko na itong ibinalik sa box at itinago sa kasuluksulukan ng aking cabinet. Baka makita pa ni Ice sobrang nakakahiya. The last thing I needed was for Ice to stumble upon it.

Speaking of Ice, nasa work pa ito and if I'm not mistaken he will be at home at 6pm. Tinignan ko ang orasan at nanglaki ang mga mata ko nang makita kong 5:30 na ng hapon. Napatagal ata ang usapan namin ni Ali at hindi ko namalayan ang oras.

Agad akong lumabas ng kwarto at bumaba sa kusina upang maghanda ng aming hapunan. Ice wanted to get a housemaid pero ako ang tumanggi. I wanted to be hands-on when it came to household chores and learn to be the best wife I could be for Ice—ideal, if not perfect.

I wasted no time, even though I felt a tad overwhelmed. I had watched countless YouTube tutorials to guide me through the culinary endeavor I was about to undertake.

Nagluluto ako ngayon ng Sinigang na Baboy. This is my first time and sana magawa ko siya ng maayos. Nakakahiya kapag pumalpak ako pero part naman 'yon 'di ba? Habang nagpapalambot ako ng baboy ay nagsaing na rin ako sa rice cooker. At first hindi ako marunong gumamit pero buti na lang at naghanap-hanap ako sa google kung paano ba ito gamitin.

Ilang minuto lang rin at natapos na ako sa lahat. Saktong pagtapos kong ayusin ang hapagkainan ay dumating si Ice. Agad ko naman itong sinalubong. Putting on my warmest smile, I greeted him.

"Hey, welcome back home," I said, my voice filled with warmth. Ice regarded me with a puzzled expression, almost as if he couldn't fathom my unusually cheerful demeanor.

"Yeah, hi," he replied curtly, brushing past me. I followed him, feeling a slight pang of discomfort. Was I being too overly attentive? I just wanted to take care of him, but maybe it was coming across as strange. Doubts began to creep in.

"Are you hungry? I already cooked our dinner," I offered, assisting him in removing his coat. I sensed Ice's uneasiness, but he allowed me to continue. I wanted nothing more than to provide for him, yet his awkwardness made me question my actions. Was I crossing some invisible line? Was I being weird?

"Kinda," Ice replied, his response brief. Napangiti naman ako. Buti na lang talaga at nakapagluto na ako. Feeling ko naka-score ako ng one point para sa pagiging ideal wife.

"Let's eat, then," I suggested with a smile, guiding him toward the dining area. Ice sat in silence, attentively observing the food I placed before him.

"What's this?" Tukoy niya sa Sinigang na niluto ko. Ngiting-ngiti naman ako na sumagot. "Sinigang na Baboy."

Kumunot ang noo ni Ice at kumuha ng kutsara upang humigop ng sabaw. Hindi ko naman mapigilang hindi makaramdam ng kaba habang hinihintay ko ang magiging reaction niya. Pakiramdam ko nasa isang cooking show ako kung saan huhusgahan na ng judge ang niluto ko.

Nagulat naman ako ng biglaang inubo si Ice pagkatapos niyang lunukin ang hinigop niyang sabaw. Para siyang nasamid na ewan.

"Ice, are you okay?" I asked, concern evident in my voice as I handed him a glass of water. Agad naman niya itong kinuha sa akin at ininom.

"Are you sure this is Sinigang?" Ice inquired, his frown deepening. Tinuro niya ang niluto ko kaya napatingin ako roon.

Sure naman akong Sinigang na Baboy ang niluto ko. Medyo maputla at parang may pagka-maitim lang ang sabaw nito kumpara sa sabaw na napanood ko sa video.

"Oo, bakit? Hindi ba masarap?" I asked, my confusion mounting as I dared to take a sip of the broth myself.

Halos masuka naman ako sa lasa ng matikman ko ang sarili kong luto. The taste assaulted my senses, causing me to recoil. Hindi ito ang Sinigang na kilala ko! I mean, hindi ito ang lasa ng Sinigang na alam ko. Nagluluto nito si mommy kaya alam ko ang dapat na lasa nito. Dapat maasim pero bakit mapakla at maalat ang akin?

Kaya pala napaubo si Ice dahil hindi maintindihan ang lasa ng niluto ko.

"You said you knew how to cook," Ice stated, a hint of annoyance coloring his voice. I nodded sheepishly, feeling the weight of embarrassment settling upon me. I followed the video tutorial diligently, and yet, I failed to recreate the dish correctly.

"Apparently not," I muttered, disappointment washing over me. The silence between us grew, leaving me at a loss for words.

Sobrang nahihiya ako ngayon! I have never felt ashamed before. Parang gusto ko na lang magpalamon sa lupa. This was not how I envisioned our first dinner together in our new home. I had hoped it would be a joyful occasion, a celebration of our new chapter as husband and wife.

Maya-maya lang ay narinig kong tumayo na si Ice mula sa kaniyang kinauupuan. Parang nawalan na ito ng gana kumain.

"I'll just order our food. I'll call you when the food is ready," he said before leaving the dining area, leaving me there with a heavy heart.

Tinitigan ko ang niluto kong Sinigang at hindi ko maiwasang makaramdam ng lungkot at panghihinayang. Akala ko pa naman magiging masaya ang first dinner namin dito sa bahay. First dinner pa naman namin ito dito sa bahay namin tapos ganito pa ang nangyari.

Napaupo na lang ako at napaubob sa lamesa. As I stared at the Sinigang, I cooked, trying to shake off the feeling of despair, a sudden realization dawned on me. If I was going to be the perfect wife, I needed to do more. Kung kahapon ay nagdadalawang isip ako, ngayon ay buo na ang desisyon ko.

I'm going to enroll myself in a class where I can learn how to be an ideal wife. Yes, you heard me right. Lahat gagawin ko, lahat pag-aaralan ko maging ideal wife lang ako para kay Ice.

Fingers trembling with determination, I reached into my pocket, retrieving my trusty companion, my phone. With each digit dialed, my heart pounded in anticipation, knowing that the person on the other end held the key to unlocking the secrets I sought.

"Mom," I began, excitement lacing my voice, "I've made a decision. I'm enrolling in a program to become the ideal wife."

Silence ensued as if the very air between us held its breath. And then, like a bubbling eruption of laughter, my mother's response echoed through the receiver. Laughter is not born out of malice, but rather from a place of knowing and shared experiences.

"You, my dear daughter, never cease to surprise me," she managed to utter between fits of giggles.

Though her laughter echoed in my ears, it didn't dampen my spirit. No, it only fueled the fire within me. Determination burned brighter, and a mischievous smile curved upon my lips.

Agad ko nang ibinaba ang tawag pagkatapos naming mag-usap ni mommy. Hindi dapat ako panghinaan ng loob. Sisiguraduhin ko na sa mga susunod na araw, unti-unti ay magiging ideal wife ako para kay Ice.

"Just wait and see, Ice Buenavista," I whispered to myself, the words escaping with a blend of determination and mischief. "I'll be the ideal wife you never saw coming, the wife you'll be proud to call your own."

And with that, I knew what I had to do. The journey to becoming the perfect wife may not be easy, but I was ready to take on the challenge. As for Ice, he had no idea what was coming.