I walk through the hallway of the hospital. Holding a bag full of foods I made at my condo. I make sure I bring these here as soon as possible so that it is still hot when they eat it.

As I entered the elevator, I pull out my phone and dialed Jiro's number. Just few rings and he pick up.

"Hello? Asan kana? Papunta na ako sa floor ng clinic ni Ali and Gwen, sabi mo magakasama tayo na magsasabi sa kanila." I said and I hear him chuckle from the other line.

[Oo nga, tutupad naman ako sa usapan. Sinabi ko ba na hindi? Papunta na rin ako, dont worry, baka mauna pa ako sayo.] He said and I hum before ending the call. A minute more and the door of the elevator opened. I walk towards Ali's clinic and knock. It opened and I'm surprised it's Jiro who opened it.

"Hoy Laura, ahm.. Doc back to normal muna tayo ha? Walang sumbungan kay director." Ali said and Jiro chuckled before nodding.

"Sige lang, I won't." Jiro replied and Ali nod.

Ali looked back at me, "Hoy, ano 'tong sasabihin niyo? Pinapakaba niyo ako ha!" Ali said that made me chuckle before putting down the bag.

"Oo nga, nagulat nalang ako nang ipatawag ako ni Jiro, akala ko naman tungkol sa pasyente. Yun pala, may ichi-chika kayo sa akin." Gwen said who's sitting on the patient chair.

"Ano ba kasing sasabihin niyo? Pinapakaba niyo ako eh." Ali said as she watch me prepare the foods. Jiro helping me with it.

I just gave her a smile and wait for me to finish preparing our food. Jiro pull the small chair towards Ali's table. I distributed the foods to them and I would recieve weird stares from Ali and Gwen which made me chuckle.

"Sis.." Gwen called and I look at her with my eyes widened bit and my jaw hang low. As if I'm asking her "What?" with my expression.

"Makakapaghintay yung pagkain, pero hindi ako makakapaghintay sa chika." Gwen said that made me laugh. I slowly nod and sat across Gwen, Jiro between us, facing Ali.

"Okay okay, we are going to say it na." I said and look at Jiro, our eyes met and he shyly smiled before looking away. I look back at Gwen I saw her looking at me with confused expression, lips parted a bit.

"Sis.. ano? Mag ngingitian lang ba kayong dalawa dyan?" Gwen asked and I giggled before shaking my head.

"I honestly don't know how to say it." I said and the two squinted their eyes.

"Laura, ibuka mo 'yang bibig mo, magsalita ka." Gwen said and I chuckled before shaking my head.

"Fine, grabe naman kayo, try guessing." I said and the two look at each other before shrugging.

"Ahm.. ano.. nanalo kayo sa lotto." Gwen said and i shake my head.

She flicked her tongue and held her chin, "Well, nakakita kayo ng genie?" She ask and I rolled my eyes but playful one.

"Ali ikaw? Anong guess mo?" I asked, looking at her, she look at me and squints her eyes. Looking at me from up and down.

"You guys met again months ago. Around.. 5-6 months na, so.. ahm.. usually people find out about their pregnancy around 1-2... so ahm.. masyado pang maliit ang tiyan mo para mag show, pero.. maybe?" She explained and my jaw dropped. I hear Jiro chocked on his saliva while Gwen burst out laughing.

"Ali naman! Hindi 'yon! Para kang media! Ganiyan na ganiyan din ang kumalat sa news!" I said and she burst burst laughing.

"Bakit ba? Eh sa 'yon ang guess ko eh." She replied and I shake my head.

"Fine, sasabihin na nga namin." I said and she giggled.

"Well.. here." I gave Ali my hand where the ring is, and I hear her gasp which I suppose she immediately get it.

"Oh my God! Congrats! Oh my! Jiro congrats!" She exclaimed as she held my hand, Gwen lean forward my hand too and she gasp, but an exaggerated one.

"Oh my God! Jiro ha! Akala talaga namin noon hindi mag-aasawa si Laura! Iba ka Jiro!" Gwen said that made me chuckle.

"Alam na ng netizens?" Ali asked and I slowly shake my head.

"Not yet, gusto ko kasi kayo munang 5 ang maka-alam, then after malaman nila Lory, Jax and Tobi, that's when I'll post a picture sa Instagram." I said and Ali nods.

"Big talk yan, baka umabot ka pa ng overseas, yung mga kaibigan mo." Ali said and I shyly giggled.

"Oo nga 'no, ang tahimik ng media sayo ngayon. Maliban sa fashion line mo na malapit na mag open, wala ng ibang balita tungkol sayo." Gwen said and I slowly nod.

"Jiro..." Ali called that catch all of our attentions.

"Ready ka na ba sa media? Kasi I'm sure na once na mag post si Laura tungkol sayo ay mahahalungkat pati buong pagkabuhay mo." Ali said and I look a Jiro. He dont have a certain emotion but he does have a slight smile on his face.

"Of course i am. Handa ako, handa ako sa lahat ng kakaharapin ko basta siya ang mapapangasawa ko." Jiro said that made the three of us look at him with amused expression.

"Wait lang Jiro, di ko alam kung kikiligin ako don or what." Ali said that made Jiro chuckled.

"Masyaod bang formal?" Jiro ask and Gwen nods.

"Oo sis, super." Gwen said and Jiro burst out laughing.

"Sorry sis." Jiro said that surprised the three of us once again.

"Jiro oh my God!" I exclaimed before burst out laughing. I didn't imagine he would say that kind of thing or he would match the energy that Gwen give. Gwen's energy can be hard to to since it can be offensive sometimes if you don't know her personally and if you don't know that it's really her personality and it's normal for her to say those kind of things.

"Sis ha! Ikaw ha!" Gwen said hand gestures, playfully hitting Jiro's shoulder. Jiro shyly chuckled and hang his head low.

"Ang cheesy mo don pare." Ali said,

"Salamat pare." Jiro replied that made us burst out laughing once again.

Ali and Gwen started eating and I hand Jiro the food that I prepared for him. The two kept silent for few minutes while eating. Pagkain pala talaga ang makakapagpatahimik sa kanila.

"Laura.." Ali called and I look at her, raising both of my brows. She wipe the side of lips and put down her utensil down.

"Alam na ng parents mo?" She ask and lips parted. I look at Jiro before putting down my food on her table.

"Well.. sila ang huling makaka-alam." I said and I saw Ali squint her eyes.

"Why naman?" she ask and I pursed my lips.

"Kasi.. kasi.. wala, ano naman kung sila ang huling makaka-alam, may magagawa pa ba sila? Kahit ayaw nila, wala silang magagawa." I said and the two look at me with worried eyes before nodding.

"Okay okay, we understand, ahm.. siguro hindi naman ay hindi naman sila hahadlang, diba?" Gwen said and I slowly nod.

"Sana nga." I said and the the two nods. We continue eating until they finished their foods. Gwen is the first one to excuse herself because she have works to do. And by that, I decided to leave as well.

As me and Jiro exits Ali's clinic, Jiro held my hand.

"Hey.. can we talk about your parents?" He ask, I sigh and slwoly nod before hanging my head low.

"Sure.." I said and he nod before leading me to the elevator. I stayed silent to the whole elevator ride. When we reach his clinic, I silently sit down across him, still my head hang low.

"Hey.." he softly called that made me slowly lift my head up.

When our eyes met, he gave me a smile that made me feel a bit relaxed.

"Can you.. tell me kung anong meron tungkol sa magulang mo? Bukod sa dad mo ang dahilan kung bakit ka.. nakipaghiwalay noon, ano pa ba ang dapat kong malaman Laura?" he ask as he reach for my hand.

"Alam mo lahat ng tungkol sa akin, hindi ba dapat ay alam ko ang lahat tungkol sayo hun? Magiging mag-asawa na tayo, dapat ay wala na tayong sikreto sa isa't isa." He softly said and I slowly nod.

I take a deep breath, "Kasi.. ganito kasi yan, mom and dad.. wants me to marry someone who's.. into business. Who's family is also a big name in the business industry. Noon pa ipinipilit sa akin 'yan ni dad. Kahit papunta palang ako ng New York, gusto niya sana na ipakilala ako sa anak ng kaibigan niya, kaya mas nabuo ang desisyon ko na pumunta ng New York." I started before avoiding his gaze.

"Tapos.. ngayon na bumalik ako, matagal na nilang tinatanong sa akin kung bakit hanggang ngayon ay wala pa rin akong ipinapakilala sa kanila. Kaya muling binalak ni dad na i-arrange ako sa lalaking sinasabi niya noon pa. Pero ayaw ko Jiro, ayaw ko sa lalaking hindi ko kilala. Ikaw ang gusto ko." I said and I hear him sigh, I look at him as I hear him stand up from his swivel chair, he transfered to the chair across me. He wrap my hand with both of his as he cares sit carefully.

"Dont worry Laura, hindi ka mapupunta sa iba, okay? Hindi ko hahayaan na mapunta ka sa iba. Hindi ako naghintay ng pitong taon para pakawalan ka ulit." he said before pulling me for a tight hug with his right hand as he still caress my hand that has the ring with his left.

"Sabay tayong magsasabi sa kanila, okay? Kasama mo ako, kasama mo ako sa lahat Laura, okay? Hindi na ulit tayo maghihiwalay. Wala na at walang sino ang makakapaghiwalay sa atin." he softly said behind my ears that immediately made me tear up a bit. We stayed in that position for few minutes before I pull away.

"Wala ka pa bang trabaho? I already took much of your time. Baka may pasyente ka pa." I said and he giggled before reaching for my cheeks and caressing it with his thumb.

"Okay, do you want to stay here for now? Or aalis ka ba?" he ask and i pursed my lips.

"I need to go, may aayusin pa akong mga papeles ng boutique." I said and he slowly nod.

"Okay, take care okay? Let's meet after after shift." he said and I nod.

"Yes, dahil magsasabi na tayo sa iba ko pang kaibigan." I said and he nod. I gave him a quick peck on the lips that made him chuckle before I bid a goodbye and exit his clinic.

When I left the hospital, I'm surprised to see group of people waiting outside. Holding banners and posters of me from the last magazine I worked on.

"Laura we miss you! AHHH! Laura I love you! Laura!" one guy said, or squealed which made me chuckle. I'm surprised on how they didn't run towards me or crowded me.

Meron pa pala akong supporter? I mean, I know I still have, but not this kinds of supporters. Akala ko kapag nasa tuktok ka lang ng career mo saka may susuporta at sisigaw ng pangalan ko. When I decided to retire I prepared myself for new beginning. Iyon pala ay hindi rin ako ganon kadaling kalimutan.

"I love you too! Take care!" I said as i give them a flying kiss. I hear them squeal before i enter my van where Lester Nad Ara is inside.

"Fans mo maam? Iba ka talaga maam! Di kumukupas!" Lester said as we drove off to the city government to fix more license and permits for the boutique. It was a bit hassle since there's other people inside who knows me and ask for too much picture.

Kahit naka-upo nalang ako ay may nga kumukuha pa rin. Natapos siguoro ako doon ng mga bandang 3:50 PM kahit pumasok ako ng 2 PM. I know things like this can really take time pero hindi ko naman alam na ganoon katagal. Gladly my patience is long.

I went home to my condo first, working on other things such as the other things that the boutique needs. It's already decorated, we also have staffs that will work for us once the boutique opens. We have paper bags too, we are just waiting for the other permits.

After working on our websites and other social medias, I took a quick nap and woke up at 6 PM. I take another shower and slip on a sleevless white dress and heels. Since i got a short haircut the other day, i can't put it on a bun anymore, so I just let be. When the clock strikes 6:45 PM i texted Jiro if saan kami magkikita, he said he will pick me up.

So I just texted Tobi and Jax to go to Lory's place since Lory's work ends at 6 PM. Gladly the two are free. Sometimes Tobi is the only problem when it comes on hang outs because Jax don't really have something to be busy of.

When the clock pass 7 PM, I prepared my things in my small nag and waited for Jiro. When someone ring the bell of my condo, I peak through the peakhole and when i see Jiro, a smile immediately formed on my lips and opened the door before welcoming me with a hug.

"Hello." I greeted that made him chuckle.

"Are we on touchy stage again?" he ask as he put his chin on my head, I pull away from the hug and shrug.

"Dont know, lets go? Lory said she prepared dinner for us!" I said and he nod, I lock the door of my unit and went to the parking lot to see some suspicious people that made me tensed up.

"Jiro..." I called while he's driving, he hun and take a quick glance at me before looking back on the road.

"There's.. there's media kanina sa parking lot, they were taking pictures! Baka makita yung mukha mo!" I said, panicking, he started taking glances to me, then to the road.

"Laura.. I have no problem with that. Is the media really gonna be our problem now?" He asked and I pouted.

"I was just... worried, media is not my problem, I don't care about them anymore. I don't care if they hate me for something. I don't care if they take pictures of me, wala naman silang magagawa, buhay ko na 'to, I completely ended my relationship sa media months ago." I said and he hum, slowly nodding.

"Edi... hintayin nalang natin na magkagulo ang netizens kapag lumabas na yung pictures, diba?" he said and I slowly nod before looking by the window.

They're just medias, I won't let them affect me. Hindi kami magagaya sa mga napapanood ko, they're just media. He love me, I love him, hindi na kami maghihiwalay. Hindi na.

We arrived at Lory's place, I immediately saw Tobi carrying the little girl, waving her cute hands at me. Jiro opened the door for me and when i came out, I hear the little kid call me.

"Hello!" I said as I give her a kiss on the forehead, nagulat kaming lahat nang pag manuhin ni Jiro ang bata.

"Hoy, hindi ka ninong nito." Tobi jokingly said before entering the house.

"Hi, I baked cookies din for dessert, mukhang mahalaga ang sasabihin ng dalawa." she said as she place down a bowl of calderata on the table. Rice, chicken and shanghai on the table too.

"Lory oh." Tobi handed the kid to Lory,

"Hoy Tobi, para namang gamit yung bata!" Jax said as she slap Tobi's shoulder. Jiro shyly sat beside me as i put rice on his plate.

"So ano na nga? Anong meron sa inyong dalawa?" Lory said as she look at me and Jiro.

"Pwede ba kumain muna tayo?" Jax sudden said and we all look at her.

"Mukha ka talagang pagkain!" Tobi said and Jax pouted.

Lory nods, "Sige sige, kain muna tayo." she said and i nod. We peacefully eat while the little kid makes cute noises which entertains us.

"Ang cute niya..." Jiro mumbled as he lean closer to my ear.

I look at him with confused eyes, "Jiro.." I exclaimed, slightly slapping his legs.

We continue eating until it's time for the dessert. The kid is the first one who gets cookie, hindi na rin napigilan ni Lory ang bata.

"So.. ano na nga?" the three look at the both of us.

I put down the cookie was eating and showed them the ring. Jax and Tobi gasp while Lory look at me with wide eyes.

"Oh my God! Finally! I'm so happy for you!" she said before running at my side and hugging me.

"I'm so happy for you! Congrats!" She said behind my ears, she stayed for the hug for few seconds before I hear her sobs.

My eyes widened and I pull her away from the hug, and cupping her cheeks. There I saw her crying.

"Oh my God! Lory why!? Bakit ka umiiyak?!" I exclaimed as tears continue flowing down her cheeks.

She wipe her tears, "Kasi.. you're getting married, I'm so happy for you!" she cried out, that made me chuckle and pull her for another hug.

"Oh my God Lory, pati ako maiiyak, look at her oh, she's looking at you confusedly!" I said as I give at the little girl who's looking at the crying lady on my arms.

Lory pull away and wipe her tears and faced Jiro.

"Huwag mo siyang sasaktan ha!? 'Wag kang mangangaliwa! Yari ka sa'kin!" Lory said and Jiro nod like an obedient kid.

We stayed there for few more hours, having a drink as usual, Jax is the one who made our drink. I'm surprised how Jiro can drink well, while I can barely finish the glass Jax gave me.

I woke up with a bombing headache. I sat up on my bed and reach put for the aching head. A hiss escaped my lips as pain strikes. Few seconds and the pain went away. I look around my room and noticed that the sun is highly up. I look at my clock and saw that it's 9 AM already.

I slowly leave the bed and leave the room soon. Still half asleep, I walk towards the kitchen to at least prepare a breakfast. When I hear a plate hitting another one. My eyes shot open and there I saw Jiro looking at me. It looks like we are both surprised to see each other there.

"Hi.." he greeted and my lips parted.

"What are you doing here? Hindi ko naman day off diba? Kaka day-off mo lang noong isang araw." I said and he giggled while shaking his head.

"Oo nga, pero paano kita iiwan kung hindi ka halos makalakad papunta ng sasakyan." he said as he place down a plate with sausages.

My brows furrowed, "I really got drunk last night?" I ask and walk towards the table and sit on my chair.

He hum, "Oo, wala e, napasarap ang kwento namin ng kaibigan mo na si Tobi diba? Iba din pala 'yon, naging wild yung usapan namin noong malasing siya." Jiro said while chuckling and place down the bowl of rice.

"I'm sure matinik 'yon sa babae." Jiro said and sit down across me.

I look at him, "Tobi is gay." I said and his eyes snap up at me.

"Hindi halata, he looks manly last night." he said and I slowly nod while putting rice on my plate.

"Oo nga, we've been noticing changes in him. We just hope na it's his decision at hindi dahil napipilitan lang siya." I said and he hum. We silently eating, and I'm also not in the mood to talk dahil masakit pa rin ang ulo ko. Nang matapos kaming kumain ay si Jiro na daw ang mag hubugas ng pinagkainan kaya ako nalang ang naglinis ng lamesa.

"Laura.." I hum as he call.

"Tuloy ba tayo sa magulang mo manaya?" I froze on my spot with his question. I remember I told him yesterday that we will tell my parents about our engagement today. Then we can proceed on planning the wedding.

"Sure.. lets eat lunch there, I'll tell mom." I said and he slowly nod. After I clean the table I immediately went to my bedroom to call mom.

[Laura, anak, napatawag ka!] I can hear the excitement in her voice. I realized that we've lost connection these past months.

"Mommy.. pupunta ako dyan later lunch." I said and I hear mom gasp.

[Thats great! Ipagluluto kita lahat ng paborito mo! May request ka ba anak?] she ask and i bit my lower lip.

"Can you please reserve an extra seat for someone, may kasama ako mamaya." I said, feeling the nervousness already.

[Sure anak, friend ba? Ito ba 'yong Ali or Gwen na sinasabi ng lola mo noon?] she ask,

"No mom, someone else, we will be there before 11 AM." I said,

[Sure anak, see you!]

"See you mom." I said and end the call, I lay down on my bed and sigh. This is it, I won't let them stop us. Kung ayaw nila, edi 'wag nalang silang pumunta sa kasal. I won't do the traditional walking with parents anyway.

I told Jiro that we will be going at our house around 11 AM. He said he will just work on few things while waiting for time to come. And i do just decided to check the websites and social medias too of the boutique. When the clock pass 10 AM, I take a shower followed by Jiro.

I didn't put much make up, I just wore a simple jeans and light pink polo on top. Jiro wore a simple white polo and a trouser, a bit matching matching outfit.

"Lets go? Are you ready?" he ask, I pick up my bag and nod. We exit my unit and ride his car. I told him the address which is a bit far bit we were able to make it around 11:24.

Hindi pa ako nakakababa ng sasakyan ay nakita ko na agad si mommy na naghihintay sa pinto kasama si dad kaya mas lalo akong kinabahan. Before me and Jiro leave his car, he reach for my hands.

"Kaya natin 'to, okay? Hindi na mau-ulit ang dati." he said and i nod, he first leave the car and open my door. I clung my hands to his arms as we walk towards my parents.

"Mom.." I kissed her heeks. I saw the both of them looking at Jiro's direction.

"Mano po, tita, tito." Jiro said, mom gave him her hands with a smile, dad still gave him his hands but looking at him with piercing eyes.

"Tara na sa loob? Baka lumalig na ang mga niluto ko." mom said and we nod and enter the house.

"Kamusta naman ang business mo Laura?" mom ask while eating, I look at her and smiled.

"Malapit na po akong magbukas, I already have the permits at aayusin nalang namin ang mga ibang bagay and we are good to open." I said and mom nods.

"Eh itong kasama mo? Assistant mo?" we are all taken aback with dad's question. I let go of my utensils and reach for Jiro's hand which is on the table.

"Dad, mom.. this is Jiro, my fiancé." Mom look ay me with wide eyes while dad stopped on his track. I feel like a cold water got splashed all over me as I didn't see them make any movements in the past seconds.

"Mom? Dad?" I called, hoping this time they'll say something. Mom is the the one to look at me and smiled.

"Congratulations anak, I'm so happy for you!" She said with an assuring smile, clapping both of her hands. I can't tell if it's real or not, but I hope it is.

"Dad?" I called and he look at me.

"Isn't he the same boy I told you to-

"I did, we did break up, but that was years ago dad. Nagkabalikan na kami." I cut him off and i felt Jiro's grip on my hands tighter.

"Laura-

"Dad, pumunta lang kami dito para ipaalam sa inyo na engaged na kami. But i am not asking for you permission nor suggestions. Kung ayaw niyo, then don't come and ruin our wedding! Kasal namin 'yon ay kami mismong dalawa ang gagastos sa lahat-lahat! Kaya don't act as if may magagawa pa kayo. Kung ayaw niyo, edi 'wag! Hindi ko naman kayo pinipilit eh! Hindi mo 'ko katulad dad-

"Laura calm down..." Jiro softly said, I look at him and take a deep breath. Tears threatening to fall.

"Bakit ba sa tuwing pupunta tayo dito ganiyan ka dad!? Parang wala na akong ginawang maganda sa mata mo! Am I really not the good enough!? Wala ka ba talagang tiwala sa akin kaya lagi mo nalang ako diniktahan. Buhay ko 'to dad, I understand noong bata pa ako na kailangan ko ng gabay but now that i am old enough, I can make decisions for myself at masama na doon kung sino ang papakasalan ko." I said as tears stream down my cheeks. I felt Jiro's hand on my back. Dad look at me with teart eyes as well. Wow, may emotion pa pala siya bukod sa galit?

"Laura.." dad called but with a calm voice.

"I want to say sorry for everything. Kung ganoon ako naging malupit sayo. Kung ganoon ako naging ka manipulative. But now, I want you to know that I am so proud of what you became. You truly grow well. Hindi dahil sa akin dahil lumaki ka ng maayos kahit sarili mo lang lagi ang kasama mo." He paused and look down at his hands.

"Dont worry, this time, i won't tell you what to do. You're right, you're an adult now, making decisions of your own. At kung siya talaga ang gusto mo, wala na akong magagawa don." He said and my jaw dropped. His eyes traveled at Jiro.

"Sorry for causing trouble to you too, isa lang ang hihingin ko sayo. Alagaan mo siya dahil hindi ko 'yan nagawa sa kaniya noong bata siya. Nagpakalunod ako sa trabaho at business. Kaya kung ano man ang trabaho mo bata, sana huwag mo ibuhos lahat ng oras mo sa trabaho at bigyan mo ng sobra-sobra ba pagmamahal ang anak ko." dad said that made me cry harder. He look back at me and smiled.

"I'm happy for you Laura, and I am so proud of you."

Finally, finally those words came out of his mouth. Buong buhay ko akala ko hindi ko maririnig iyon mula sa kaniya. But now, he finally did, and for me, sapat na 'yon para patawarin ko siya sa lahat ng kasalanan niya sa kin, sa amin.

I'm the daughter he's proud to have.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~•3•

Epilogue next, Jiro's POV?