Guarded (Alpha Sigma Omicron #5)

EPILOGUE

Gotham Wolfgang ‘Single Dad’  Arkinson

Great.

She’s gone. Good riddance.

Money solves the problem that easy, I just have to introduce them to coins and they are gone the next day.

No more bitches nagging like a wife.

I’m not into marriage. I’m not going to be trapped into that suffocating situation. I’m still enjoying the bachelor life left and right, getting with anyone I want.

“Panther, someone’s trying to steal your vintage Mustang.” One of my men informed me.

We are in the parking lot to discuss terms and conditions for another underground business in a quite literal sense. It’s easily dismissive and just let my men handle such case, but I’m intrigued that someone has the audacity to steal a car in broad daylight.

She already broke the window of my car, unaware of the possible danger coming her way. I used the gun to alert her senses, the woman faced me with confidence. She didn’t seem to be intimidated with the weapon aiming for her head.

Morena.

She has a good skin color, I know women who would kill for that color.

“Hindi sa’yo bagay ang ganyang sasakyan, masyadong makaluma…” I raised a brow. “Mas bagay tayo.”

I kept my emotions to myself.

She was cute when trying to flirt, it wasn’t her forte I could tell. She was awkward.

Her hand started to trace my abdomen until it reached my pocket. She has no fear in her bone. If I weren’t as aware as normal people, I wouldn’t notice that my wallet was gone.

I went with her flow.

“Lower your gun. Sa’yo na ‘yang kotse mong bulok.” She rolled her eyes while lighting a cigarette.

I didn’t lower my gun like she told me. She can’t just boss me in my own territory.

“You can’t kill me…”

“I can,” I was taunting her, but not with the toy gun I was holding. “I can kill you, sweetheart.”

She did the unthinkable that made me more interested about her.

I was smirking as she caught the gun midway after she caught me off-guard. She pointed it closely in my head.

“Impressive. Where did you learn that?”

She smirked.

“Enough with small talk. Give me the keys.” She demanded and looked at my men with firm expression. “Ibaba niyo ang baril ninyo o pasasabugin ko ang bungo ng amo ninyo.”

Damn, woman. You’re intriguing me.

I chuckled.

“Hm, you’re cute.”

She removed the mask covering my face. My smirk widened even more seeing her stunned reaction. My face card never declined, huh. Even the lady in front of me could never deny it.

“‘Wag mo akong landiin, iyong susi ang hinihingi ko.” She was glaring hard. “‘Wag ka ring magsusumbong sa pulis, babalikan kita at ang buong pamilya mo.”

It made me chuckle inside.

If she only knew me, we were also a police enemy just like her… Not at all. Some of them are event part of underground businesses, they protect us, even the government officials.

It’s the good thing about having an underground business here in the Philippines, the law is bendable for the people with money and power. We are the gods, and everyone’s worshiping us.

As long as the government allows us, it’s a thriving community for businessman like myself. As long as the people vote for corrupt officials, there would be no progress in the country.

It’s people’s choice to elect such politicians with malpractices, then suffer the consequences as we enjoy our privilege in the underground.

I got the keys that she was asking. She grabbed it without any hesitation, I just let her.

She earned it, anyways.

She was gutsy… she made me intrigued… she gave me a nice show.

No one dared to be that feisty around me. I was sure she had no idea who I was. Would it change if she knew me? Probably. I would’ve been treated differently, maybe, she would lick my ass for favors just like everyone else.

To my surprise, she pushed me toward the vintage car and went to the driver seat pointing her gun at my men. I gestured my men to lower their guns. They don’t need to shoot, I’ll deal with her.

Once she got inside the car, we drove off.

So, this is what it feels… I’m in my passenger princess era.

“Hustler, huh? Where did you learn that?” I asked her.

“Bawal kang magsalita.”

“Make me stop, then.”

Her lips look tasty, that would suffice my talkative nature with her.

Just one kiss and I’ll do everything she wants me to do.

“Bumaba ka na, hanggang dito ka na lang.”

My forehead creased.

We were in the middle of nowhere. There were no buildings, but it was surrounded by tallgrasses. Her face was serious, I was met with the fucking gun.

“Heartless…” I commented, smirking.

I like that. I like when I’m being intrigued. I like when she’s not even trying to get my attention.

She kicked me out of my fucking car in the middle of nowhere.

One… two… three…

Her mind would be changed, she’ll come back for me. I smirked when I saw it happened. She was coming back for me.

You miss me, huh?

The car stopped directly in front of me and the window opened revealing a beautiful woman. I grabbed the door handle, it was locked. I looked at her with a frown, why wasn’t the door opened?

She searched for something, I waited for her to finally open the door of the car. A coin was thrown in the air, I easily snatched it.

“Oh, mag-jeep ka na lang.”

“Really? Fuck it.” My smirk faded in a second.

I was left alone.

The car drove off without me, I kept staring at it as if it would come back to get me. She had no remorse doing leaving me.

Fuck, I was hysterically laughing with amusement with what happened.

Good game.

Now, you’re making me drawn more to you. I’ll make sure it wouldn’t be the last time we see each other.

I walked and tried to navigate the roads until I saw a tricycle. I asked the driver to go to my company offering the ten-peso coin that woman gave me. The driver was fucking mad.

***

Filantropi Agnes Masimsim.

I read everything about her. She was a former gang member and a part of a big syndicate lead by a man named Bernabe, but she decided to cut ties with them and go on her own.

She was on their watchlist for a long time, none of the syndicate found her.

Good girl.

Then, another page was dedicated to her brother named Francisco Russle with medical terminologies. The kid has a heart problem and he requires medical attention, that’s probably the reason why she does carnapping and other crimes.

Her weakness was already detected.

It wasn’t healthy she was in my mind for a long time. I visited another fuck buddy on the list, she’s a cardiologist. And she wanted me to do her while working inside the hospital. That was her kink.

We were interrupted by a mad woman.

Our meetings are getting interesting. Filantropi, or Fili was cursing me to death. The doctor already left with only her doctor’s robe covering her body. She was mistaken me for the doctor.

For the first time, someone’s nagging became music to my ears. It was like a rap song I was enjoying. I didn’t dare to look away.

I was wrong for thinking that she would try to be kinder on the second meeting.

She even kidnapped me and threatened to kill me. That was hot and sexy.

Filantropi still believed I was the doctor supposed to do the checkup for her brother. We went to a restaurant where the kid was eating. He looked so thin, and fragile. Even myself felt the need to protect the little man.

“Siya iyong doctor, Russle…”

Russle looked at his sister, then, his eyes went back to my direction. “Nagpa-opera ba ‘yong doctor para maging lalaki?”

A chuckle escaped my lips.

“Silly, woman. Gotham Wolfgang Arkinson, gentleman.” I took her brother’s hand.

I could see how much she loves this little man. She maybe heartless on other people, but she will do anything for him.

“Boyfriend ka ba ng ate ko?” He asked me. The question gave me an idea. “Kailangan niya ng boyfriend para hindi siya malungkot kapag wala ako.”

Russle seemed to like me and even requested for me to stay. Her eyes were watching my every move like an eagle looking for prey.

I was never the prey… but I would gladly take the role and let her be my predator.

We went to the mall nearby.

“Do you own this place?” she asked in a hushed voice.

“Why? Do you plan stealing it?” I looked at her with intensity.

“I might, don’t get too comfortable.” She rolled her eyes at me.

I made it my life mission to annoy her.

She looked cute with those frowning expression. She was always angry. It entertained me so much like it was an accomplishment seeing her irritated and about to pounce on me.

“Gutsy…” I smirked. “It’s nice to see you again, Filantropi Agnes Masimsim.”

Of course, I did my background check. I already knew everything about her. Every encounter would be on purpose. I will always be around annoying her.

“I have connections, sweetheart. I know who you are.”

“Then, why didn’t you kill me?” she asked boldly.

“I have other plans for you,”

Other plans… like marrying you.

It was a requirement from my deceased father, I needed a bride. I needed a wife to get all the inheritance of his empire. And she perfectly fits as my wife. She’s not high maintenance when it comes to my attention.

I wouldn’t catch any feelings for her. She intrigues me, that’s all. She wouldn’t fall for me as well. The marriage would only be for convenience. I wouldn’t need to explain the bad things I do, we’re just the same.

We’re match-made in hell.

I watched her in the monitor, a hidden camera was planted in her brother’s toy. I wanted to know her brother more… the things that he liked and enjoyed. She figured it out and called me to curse me.

Chuckling, I ended the call.

She called me once again, more of her death threats were uttered on the other line.

Damn, her anger is my happy pill.

Fuck.

Someone was on their apartment.

It wasn’t just someone. It was a group of men. I knew she was a part of a big syndicate before, they traced her after long years of trying to find her. She really got a good skill of hiding in plain sight.

I clenched my fist seeing her being punched and kicked by the men. She was bargaining with the syndicate leader.

That was when I exposed myself and killed the men holding her. It surprised the leader, his expression was full of fear. She sighed in relief seeing me.

“Bad girl.”

“You were late.” She rolled her eyes.

Hm, I knew she didn’t need my saving.

“Knew you could handle them, I’m impressed. I’m impressed that I would offer myself to get beaten up in exchange for a kiss.” I would offer myself to be her punching bag just for her to kiss me after the session.

“Really?” She was grinning.

“What do you want to do with this fucking cunt? Your call, bad girl.”

“I’ve already seen enough murder for the day. Do you have a cigarette?”

I frowned, but I handed her a pack.

She lit the cigarette while looking around the whole place. That was attractive, my eyes were staring at her every move.

Damn, this woman knew how to seduce a man without doing anything but being dangerously cool.

How can she smoke sexily? She was doing something to me.

“Russle’s on the next apartment… get him for me,” she commanded.

“I figured… he’s with me.” I sat beside her.

I went to get her brother first, Russle was with my men at the moment.

Her face was bruised badly with swollen lips and a black eye, she shouldn’t look this beautiful and cool in my eyes. Something was immensely wrong with me. She continued smoking before she stood and packed their things.

She threw the duffle bag at me in style.

“Let’s go.”

“What about the man?”

“If he escapes, then he’s supposed to live his life. Siya na ang bahala kung paano siya makakatakas sa apoy.”

“You’re really something, huh. Heartless.” I smirked.

We heard pleas from the man begging to be saved but we were already walking out of the house together. She was walking with her head high and didn’t even look back. The old woman helping her was killed by the syndicate’s men.

I brought her to my car and drove around the block. When I saw a small store, I bought a pack of ice to soothe her wounds. I was pressing the ice on her wounded face.

A beauty even with cuts.

“I’ll take you to the hospital. Your injuries need to be examined,” I told her.

Her forehead creased.

“Why are you even doing this?”

“Doing what?”

“Edi ba gago ka?”

Those banters were making me laugh. It rang as a compliment to my ears.

I drove again to Lincoln’s house for her wounds to be examined, I didn’t want complications for my future wife. I waited until she was patched up, and we drove to my mansion where her brother was peacefully resting.

“What now?” She stopped me.

“Hm, you’re going to stay with me. I’ll provide the best healthcare for your brother. You can’t go back on the streets, you know that.”

“In return?” Her brow rose.

“I need a bride.”

Our eyes met for a second, mine was amused. She was angry and ready to punch my face.

“Fuck you, Gotham Wolfgang Arkinson!” Filantropi screamed loudly on my face.

“I’ll fuck you, too, Filantropi Agnes Masimsim.”

In every position known to mankind.

We wouldn’t be going to heaven in the afterlife, but I’ll make sure to give her a taste of heaven if she lets me.

I took her into my house… into my own bedroom… I didn’t really like sharing my things and my own space, but it was different for her.

I liked her closeness to me. I liked sharing the bed with her, at times, I would get punches whenever she woke up and had forgotten we were sleeping in the same room… in the same bed.

Fuck, her punches and kicks were strong.

I wasn’t fond of her fast reflexes without kisses in return. I was still waiting for her answer to my proposal.

One time I was washing the car I owned, Russle asked me to play with him, but he tried to help me first with my task at hand. He was frail, his small physique made him look younger than his age.

I didn’t want him to be exhausted, but he still insisted to help me in minimal ways. The kid was lively, he was always all-smiles as if he wasn’t suffering to his illness. He converses with such articulation.

“Gusto kita para sa ate ko…” he said with a gentle smile on his face.

“Why? You just met me.”

“Mabait ka kasi sa kanya… Feeling ko, gusto ka rin niya.” Napakamot siya sa ulo.

“May sakit po ako, kahit hindi sabihin ni ate, alam kong nahihirapan siya sa pampagamot sa akin tapos wala namang kasiguruhan kung gagaling ako. Kailangan niya ng mag-aalaga para hindi siya malungkot kapag nawala ako.” He was out of breath after finishing that long sentence.

I shook my head. “I know a good doctor that can help you and specializes in your condition, big boy. I’ll help you and your ate. Don’t lose hope, Russle.” I said messing with his hair.

“Ayos lang naman po kung hindi ako gumaling, sabi ni nanay Cynthia, ganoon daw po ang buhay… kaya lang po, naaawa ako kay ate. Malulungkot siya.” He looked so worried about his sister.

He was right.

He’s his sister’s weakness. Her world would crumble if something bad happens to him, that’s why I’m trying to prevent it for my personal reasons by marrying her and make her my wife.

Russle doesn’t need to have that burden early in his days, he should be enjoying life… playing with other kids and eating anything he likes.

***

She finally accepted my offer after all the bickering.

It’s marriage for convenience.

I’m helping her for Russle’s operation, she’s helping me with the generational wealth my father left me. It’s a win-win situation for the both of us. I won more having a cool wife who’s obsessed to punch me.

She’s only giving that treatment to me… I feel really special.

I watched her as she stole the man’s wallet. Unfortunately, they don’t accept cards and we needed cash. It was such an easy task for her, I hated how she touched the man like that.

I didn’t complain with our first date.

It wasn’t in a fancy restaurant. She made me eat streetfood on the sidewalk. I didn’t quite expect it would turn out good, and she was happy that I liked the food.

We got married not long after in the presence of the judge with some of my friends as guests, and of course, her brother.

I claimed her lips as mine… in the presence of everyone.

She’s my wife. She’s mine.

But the next day wasn’t in favor of a honeymoon, Russle was confined and my wife was a mess. She was horrified seeing her brother in a worsening condition.

As the man in the family, I was the one orchestrated everything for his operation while I took care of my wife and made sure she was eating right. I knew how hard it was for her, but she shouldn’t be neglecting her health.

Russle wouldn’t like that. And I promised the kid to take care of his sister when he’s in the operation room.

It was too late for him to go to the U.S. But I paid the doctor to fly here for his operation.

“I took that for you. I’d like to see you mad than see you worrying about your brother. Russle’s going to be fine, sweetheart. He’s a fighter. And he doesn’t want to see you starving yourself because you’re worried about him.” Fili can punch me anytime she wants. “Let’s eat.”

It was a lot of bickering and punching until I convinced her to eat her food.

My face fucking hurt, but it was worth to see her eating the food.

We spent the day after the wedding in the hallway waiting for a good news from the operating room. We were the only ones chaotic outside, some of the staffs were looking at us.

I could feel her tension arising every second, I diverted it by teasing her. Her annoyance made her occupied. She squeezed my hand as the doctor arrived after hours of operation bearing a good news.

Russle’s operation was a success.

She hugged me intensely. We both sighed in relief. Her heart was bursting in happiness.

Something in me was feeling the same emotion, I was happy she was happy… I was happy that the operation was successful and the kid wouldn’t suffer anymore from the illness he had been carrying as a child.

We could play more often. We could do fun activities. We could laugh together and watch horror movies without repercussions.

I got to be close with that little man, somehow, he looked up to me as his big brother. He doesn’t deserve less of my care, he doesn’t deserve to die early. He’s a pure soul that needs to be protected.

I’m relieved he was fine and ready to recover.

I ordered toys for him to play once we got home. We were happy to take him back home, and I flew them to Hong Kong after his recovery to take them into the famous scenery and destinations.

Honeymoon took place abroad.

“Are you jealous? Are you jealous I’m spending more time with your brother?” I was smirking. “I’m trying to drain his energy… there wouldn’t be any hindrance when we… destroy the fucking bed. Get ready, I’ll fuck you until sunrise.”

“‘Wag puro salita kung kulang naman sa gawa.”

Fuck, she was driving me insane.

Those lips… they tasted so heavenly, it was addicting.

I wasn’t religious, but I would easily worship her. She wanted to dominate me in bed by being on top of me, little did she know, I loved seeing her expressions while getting railed.

“Damn it, sweetheart. What are you doing to me?”

I couldn’t stop staring at her sleeping face, she resembled like an angel when her eyes were closed. A chuckle escaped my lips remembering how baddass she was whenever she was awake.

That night, I kept thinking about her… as she laid beside me.

My arms enveloped her for a hug, her head was resting on my shoulder, we were both naked under the sheets. I kissed her on top of her forehead. Fili was so good in everything she does.

She’s good in committing crimes… carnapping… stealing precious things… stealing my heart.

She should be put in jail… jail in my arms.

This was only supposed to be marriage for convenience, yet something changed inside me. I chose her because I wouldn’t fall… but the words were eaten too early. Damn.

Eh, ang ganda. Anong magagawa ko?

***

My world revolves around businesses before, but right now, my top priority is my family. I wanted to stay more at home to play with Russle and Fili.

“I found twenty of these small toys,” I told Russle, he just giggled.

Whenever I thought I found everything he hid, I would always see more.

“Do you think your ate would like these?” I showed the gifts I bought for my wife.

Russle has toy gifts and other things he liked.

He shook his head. “Hindi mahilig si ate sa mamahaling bagay saka sa mga shoes at bag, kuya bayaw.”

I knew that, but I still couldn’t stop myself anything beautiful that I think would suit her taste. One thing that she really likes doing is spending time with Russle, and playing games.

When she told me she wanted to go to school, I didn’t hesitate to support her. I would go to her school to try making her at ease for quite some time. She was a bit shy not having a proper education at her age.

I wanted those thoughts to be dismissed in her brain.

Fili didn’t go to school as circumstances in life didn’t favor her. There was nothing wrong to start fresh. I was so proud of her for the dedication and efforts she put into wanting to learn.

We created a new bond together with his brother. Russle was also going to school, and he was excited about it.

Sometimes, I would read her books to review her on her classes. I would tutor my wife on the lessons she didn’t understand much. I would wait for her to finish all her activities before going to bed.

The tides are turning into my favor. She was getting less aggressive with me and she was getting used to me as her companion. We would talk more often, some serious talks, others are just joking around.

I can hold her without getting punched in the face. I can hug her without getting kicked in my balls.

Lovemaking has always been great, I couldn’t ask for more.

“Kuya bayaw, hayaan mo na po si ate magluto! Maglaro na po tayo, kanina ka pa sumisilip!” I chuckled hearing Russle’s complains. I couldn’t help it that I want to see her.

I passed the ball to him, he was trying to practice his basketball skills.

We were in the backyard playing the ball, but my eyes kept looking at the woman preparing something in the kitchen. It’s a good thing that I could see her in the glass window.

I clapped my hands when Russle shoot the ball into the basket, but he was pouting his lips. He pulled me to sit on the ground. We both watched his sister.

“May crush na po ako, kuya bayaw.” He told me.

I messed with his hair. “You can’t court her yet, it’s just crush muna? Your sister will be mad. But if you want tips to look pogi, just ask me.”

He just giggled and nodded.

“Simula po noong pumasok ako ng school, marami na akong pangarap…”

I laid in the grassy backyard, he made my arm as his pillow and hugged me.

“Hm, what are your dreams? I’m here and your ate to make sure it’s going to happen.” I smiled at him.

“Dati pangarap ko lang gumaling… pangarap ko rin na makahanap si ate ko ng mag-aalaga po sa kanya… ngayon pangarap ko na maging doctor, tapos teacher, tapos engineer…” My smile widened even more hearing Russle’s dreams.

I was proud of him. He bravely fought his illness, subjected into the operation and recovered, now dreaming like other kids. Russle is a fighter.

His body was also recovering and gained weight.

“Bunso, Gotham, meryenda!” My sweetheart yelled from the kitchen.

Russle got up first and offered his little hand to me.

I shook my head, smiling. He helped me get up by accepting his hand. I carried him toward the kitchen and picked a flower on one of the vases outside to put it behind my wife’s ear.

My arms encircled her waist, and I rested on her shoulder. Even her smell was addicting, I never wanted to be away from her.

She’s the epitome of what contentment feels like.

But threats were everywhere including Bernabe, that one syndicate leader.

He was trying to intimidate my woman, as if she would be afraid in mere threats. Tension arose in the Alphas, we had to go out of the country to settle things with the other underground organizations.

I talked with Russle over the phone, it was supposed to be us three, asking each other’s day.

“Umalis na po iyong babae?” Russle wasn’t talking to me, it was probably my wife.

“You have a visitor?” I asked them.

“Oo, babae mo.” I heard my wife’s irritated tone.

“Russle, who’s the visitor?” He shook his head, not recognizing the woman.

Yes, I had fair shares of women before her.

That was before… before I met my wife. When I pursued her, there was no one else I entertained. I cut all my ties to those women I met before her.

I called several times, maybe it was time difference, but I couldn’t contact my wife at all.

“We’re not finished yet. You’re going home?” Jianyu asked me. I didn’t respond to his question, my plane was already readied for me to go back home. “Whipped, man. Say hi to Russle for me.”

The flight took long, I almost wanted to complain with the pilot. It was already dawn when we arrived, my men were already there and I revved the engine until I reached the mansion.

I watched the two most important people in my life peacefully sleeping on the bed. Russle was the first one to wake up, his eyes widened seeing me. He ran to my direction and hugged me tightly.

“Is your ate mad at me?” I asked him.

“Nag-away po ba kayo ni ate? Hindi naman po yata siya galit.”

I went with him in the kitchen and ask the chef to make him breakfast. I fed him the pancakes with strawberries as toppings before we went back to his room to get his toys.

Sometimes, Russle play with the men guarding the house. He’s friends with everyone around.

It was already late when my wife woke up from her sleep. She seemed surprised seeing me early, I was supposed to arrive later in the day. I wanted to talk to her in person.

I couldn’t reach her yesterday. Worry assimilated in my whole being.

“Does Celeste Allegra ring a bell to you?” She asked me.

“Yeah, I remember. What did she do?” I gritted my teeth.

Flashbacks came rushing back into my system. I knew that woman. She used to be one of the women who warmed my bed before I met my sweetheart. She almost tried to trap me into marriage by getting pregnant without my consent.

That’s the reason why I wanted a marriage for convenience in the first place, not to have the headache of having an obsessed woman. I’m more than happy how my marriage turned out to be.

Fuck, I already love my wife.

My mind couldn’t understand why she wanted me to be the father of the child I didn’t consent to be born. It was a trap I already dodge a long time ago. One thing about Celeste, she would extort to get more money from me.

“I don’t know, Fili. Let me think about it,” I paused. “That was part of my past, I didn’t tell it with a purpose of hurting you. I just wanted to come clean. I had choices I regretted in the past, it was one of them because I didn’t know I would be meeting you.”

I walked out of the room to clear my mind and think. I’m not mad at her. I understood her point clearly… but it wasn’t just sitting right with me. I’m still courting my wife, what if it becomes a hindrance?

It’s a responsibility I didn’t take before for the reason I couldn’t commit… I wouldn’t be a good father and I don’t want to do anything with that gold-digging woman who tried to trap me into marriage.

The child wasn’t in my priority list.

But it makes my wife happy… it makes her at peace.

I knew she was seeing Russle in the child’s place. Even her or his name, I don’t have any idea.

How can I even be a good father to the child?

“Why aren’t you eating?” I asked, she wasn’t getting the pansit she cooked for us.

I put some on a plate and gave it to her. The tension was still high, but I didn’t want her starving. I wasn’t even mad at her.

Celeste showed up at the mansion once again. Fili smiled at me urging me to talk to the woman.

“I’m with you… whatever decision you make. Let’s talk later, okay?” She even kissed my cheek.

The woman was waiting outside the mansion, she was summoned by the guards. Her face lit seeing me and even ran to give me a kiss on the face. I easily dodged her attempts.

She was lucky enough my brother-in-law was watching us, I would’ve strangled her to death.

“Where’s the child?” I gritted my teeth.

“He’s in the apartment… waiting for you. Voight really looks like his father, no doubt about that. It’s time for us to be together again and build our family, Gotham. Our son’s waiting for you.” Celeste continued talking.

Her bullshits were testing my patience.

I looked around to locate Russle to calm my nerves down, he was still watching us intently.

“Conducting the test will still push through. I just need the child. Just give me the custody and name your price.”

She was gone for a long time, I gave her enough to last a lifetime. I let her pass with her extortion with the promise of getting rid of the child she was using to trap me into marriage.

I didn’t hear anything until now.

Celeste had a gambling addiction.

Surely, all the money I gave her was gone in an instant, that’s why she was crawling back into me using the child. She continued the pregnancy without my knowledge, the same child was used again to extort more money.

She shook her head. “I’m not giving you the custody of Voight until you annul your wife and be with me. Let’s be a happy family together. We should be the one living here with you.”

I stared at her for a long time, she was smirking.

“No.” I said in a dangerous tone. “You don’t go here threatening me, Celeste. You know, I can kill you in a snap. You’re just lucky that someone’s watching us, I couldn’t let him see any atrocity in our home.”

“Do you want to live? Don’t test my fucking patience, Celeste.”

“Gotham…” Her eyes started to moist.

Of course, the crocodile tears would come handy for her.

The only tears I was afraid to see is my wife’s tears. I didn’t want her to be hurt in any way. I would remove anything that could possibly cause her pain.

“Please, piliin mo naman kami ng anak mo…” She knelt down.

“My son is the only thing I want from you. Nothing else. If you want to be around him, know your place, Celeste. If you cause any disruption, that might be your last. I’m only keeping you for Voight.” I told her dismissively.

Glancing at Russle’s direction, his eyes widened when our eyes met. He ran toward the kitchen where Fili was. He was probably scared knowing I saw him, but I wasn’t even mad.

I went back to our room after talking to that woman. I alerted my men to locate them and to keep an eye closely. I already decided to keep the baby even if I was against in his existence the very first place.

We would still go through DNA test, but the pictures that were sent to me were already a confirmation he was my son.

I wasn’t in a good mood, but my sweetheart can lift my spirits up. I’m already okay with the kisses I received. She was giving me different perspective in the whole situation I appreciated greatly.

Fili is the mature one, on the other hand, I’m the one who’s not grasping things yet. I’m more confident to be a father knowing I have a support system.

The test results came back, it was positive.

We bought a house nearby for Celeste and Voight. Russle was the most excited meeting my son, he already readied toys for the toddler. I didn’t even know what to feel seeing my son for the first time.

What am I even going to do with this tiny life in my arms? He was trying to reach my face, then he cried.

“Kuya bayaw, amoy tae si Boyt!” Russle covered his nose using his hand.

Fuck.

“How am I going to change diapers? Where the fuck is Celeste?” I was panicking.

“Shh! Bad word!” My brother-in-law’s eyes widened. “Pahigain mo muna si bebe tapos tanggalin mo ‘yong diaper, kuya bayaw! Tapos linisan mo ‘yong tae sa p’wet niya bago mo lagyan ng bago!” He instructed me.

Russle was getting frustrated with me, I kept messing up in changing diapers.

“Hay, nako. Dapat magtuto ka po n’yan kuya bayaw ko! Magkaka-anak din kayo ni ate, dapat marunong ka po mag-alaga ng bebe!”

Maybe, that was my motivation to learn and be a good father to Voight.

My own son was a stranger to me the first time I saw him, but deep in my heart, there was a connection between us.

But Celeste was being difficult, she was trying to keep my brother-in-law from playing with my son when Russle was the most helpful in baby-sitting. If I didn’t threaten her, she wouldn’t budge.

She was lucky to be my son’s mother, at some point, I’m respecting her role in my son’s life. If she pulled another stunt, I wouldn’t hesitate to put her in place.

“Your wife allowed you to be a father to the son you had with someone?” Sioux asked, the resident playboy.

“She was the one who encouraged me to be in my son’s life…” I told them.

“You found yourself a good woman, Gotham.” Jianyu commented.

“What do you know about finding a good woman?” I smirked.

He tried to throw the knife at me, but I caught it in the air

My phone rang. I stood and answered the call.

My heart almost jumped in excitement, but I was enveloped with disappointment seeing one of my men’s name in the call.

“Panther,” he uttered my name, I sensed worry in the tone. “The pantheress left with her brother.”

“What do you mean my wife left?” My forehead creased.

“Only the cub is here,” he said referring to my son.

What? What the fuck does that mean?

I went home that same day.

Preparations for her birthday wasn’t done yet, I was supposed to ask her to marry me again for real, not just for convenience. My family wasn’t there when I arrived. Most of the things were still there, but they weren’t.

“What happened?! Where did they go?!”

“An altercation happened between her and Celeste. The woman was caught hitting your son and brother-in-law, and she was in a bad condition.”

I asked them to review all the footage that could lead to my wife’s whereabouts. My knees were shaking. Fili is good at hiding, she can make her tracks untraceable just like she did with Bernabe.

Years passed before the syndicate leader could find her.

Voight was looking at me clapping his little hands. How am I supposed to raise this child without her? How can we survive without them? My tears started falling as I enveloped my son into a hug.

Something fell from my son. It was a written letter.

Gotham,

It was good doing business with you. I’m forever grateful for the help you’ve given me in terms of Russle’s operation and medications, he wouldn’t survive and live a happy life if it wasn’t for you.

I hope you understand how much my brother means to me… I would take everything just to keep him safe even if it means going away from you. I don’t want you to choose between us and your son, we wouldn’t want to snatch you away from him.

Be happy. Live healthy.

I’m sorry.

Your wife,

Filantropi Agnes

I couldn’t stop my tears from falling.

She left me. They left us.

I wanted to be angry at the toddler in front of me, but I couldn’t. He was trying to wipe the tears falling into my cheeks.

“Da…” he was cooing softly. “Da…”

There was no news in weeks after they disappeared, my men were tracking a ghost. They weren’t found, I was getting more hopeless.

After Celeste recovered, I gave her tons of money for her to go and never come back in our lives for good with threats of killing her if I saw her again near me or my child.

I was trying my best to be good to Voight and learn how to be a good father to him. It wasn’t an easy task, none of my friends even knew how to change a fucking diaper, they kept teaching him to say bad words.

I tried to attend seminars to help me with my toddler.

I wanted to be mad at my wife to lesser the pain I was enduring every fucking second, but it wasn’t what my heart wanted. I was still head over heels in love with her despite distance and uncertainty.

Her name popped up in a precinct’s record months later with a case of robbery.

That was odd. She wouldn’t be going to jail for that matter.

Where’s Russle? My first thought.

My men dug deeper in her case and found out the horrifying and scarring truth.

Russle, the sweetest brother-in-law, died in a shootout. It was Bernabe and his men who killed my brother, I prepared my men for war against them, I wanted the head myself only to find out my wife already did what I’m going to do.

She couldn’t bear the sadness to be dealt alone, that’s the reason why she threw herself on the jail.

I was denying the truth for months until I found the grave…

Francisco Russle Masimsim.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

Why does it always have to be the sweetest soul to leave this world first?

That’s why we kill competitors… the other devils for this matter.

“Russle, kuya bayaw is here…” My eyes were cloudy of tears. “You’re young. You have dreams you haven’t achieved yet. You’re not supposed to be caged in this small room of yours. It’s okay if you and Fili left us to another town, but it’s not acceptable to see you here. Little man, you’re making a grown man cry.”

I fixed the small hut Fili built for him and watered all the plants everyday for them to grow. Voight and I always visited the place while Fili wasn’t around. She was sentenced to 2-3 years in prison.

For the mean time, it was us accompanying Russle to his grave.

“D-daddy…” I smiled hearing my son. “F-fuck!”

My smile initially disappeared.

That Chinese man must fucking die for influencing my son with his first words.

“No, that’s a bad word. You can’t say that.” I was shaking my head. He was laughing at me. “You’re enjoying daddy’s misery, huh? Ruselle, help kuya bayaw, oh! Jianyu’s ruining our bebe’s vocabulary.”

“Say daddy is pogi…” I focused on him as I waited for anticipation.

“D-daddy…”

“Pogi…” I urged him.

“T-tae!” He was clapping his little hands.

This little man…

My patience with Jianyu is getting thinner each passing second. I asked him to babysit Voight to shop for his needs in the supermarket near the condo building. I didn’t even know what he did in the hours I wasn’t home to be able to teach my son those words.

We were staying in the penthouse for the mean time, I just couldn’t go home to an empty house… without Fili and Russle.

Sometimes, I go alone whenever I miss them and I couldn’t contain my emotions.

I’m not planning to visit her in jail, she’s there for a reason. I’m focusing on caring about my child for now, trying to be a better father, but I’m really lacking without guidance from the two important people in my life.

My wife would be mad hearing Voight’s first words are fuck and tae associated with the word daddy.

I tried to learn things in the kitchen, but I was hopeless. Good thing, my son loves eating fruits and scrambled eggs which I could easily cook in the kitchen. The owner of El Toro would send food for my son most of the time.

It wasn’t getting easier for me as year passed by. I’m still irrevocably in love with only one woman. My mind would always be occupied by her.

“D-daddy…” Voight pointed at the woman holding her child. “M-mommy?”

I sighed.

I had no idea what to tell him… his biological mother only birthed him to have a way of getting money from me. He couldn’t talk that much, but he knew how to communicate and ask questions already.

“You need to find a woman for your daddy to be your mommy…” Jianyu smirked.

I glared at him. I got Voight’s attention with new toys we bought. The only mother I could give him is my wife. She’s still in jail for the remaining sentence. We kept visiting my brother-in-law for her.

Voight’s birthday celebrations were only simple. We love to celebrate it with his ninongs. When Voight turned four, some of my friends were already finding the love of their lives.

“Easy answer to that question, just give her a good sex…” I chuckled.

I realized my son was watching me while holding his toy. He didn’t ask questions and proceeded to play as I ended the call.

We played together.

“Daddy, don’t t-tickle me!” He was chuckling.

After tickling, I gave him lots of kisses. He had grown so much. We both survived somehow having each other. Fili’s going to be released this year, it’s the only time I’m going to interfere, I want her to be with me now.

I visited Russle alone.

As Voight grew, I didn’t take him with me during my visits. Voight’s with his friend, Freedom and the girls to play. He loved spending time with my friends’ girlfriends, they were the closest mother representation for him.

“I wouldn’t be around for quite some time, big boy. Your ate’s going to be outside, I’m sure she’s going to visit you more often. We can’t tell our secret that I knew… I’m going to court her again, this time, I’ll make sure she’ll fall in love with me. I’m going to try making her happy. I’ll be there when she needs me most. I missed you so much, big boy. Rest easy.” I put the flowers near his grave.

I stayed with him for a short time. Aside from his sister, I loved every bit of the kindest soul I met. I kept telling stories about Voight and his new toys until the sun was setting, I still had to go to Priam and Justise to get my son.

“Make an explosion, then tell her I’m the one trying to get her out.” I told my men.

It was the last chance to make it up to her. I just knew she wouldn’t want to do anything with me, but I was desperate to see her and be with her. She’s been away for years, I want to see her now.

Even with playful aura, sadness was still evident on her eyes.

“Welcome home, wife.”

Indeed, welcome back to my life.

***

Seeing her sad eyes everyday wasn’t easy knowing I couldn’t do anything but just be there for her and let her grieve.

I was being eaten in guilt with my incapability of removing the pain she was feeling, I wish I could. It doesn’t work that way.

“Voight…” I sighed. “Son, please don’t scare people like that. Death or dying shouldn’t be a prank. It’s a grievous burden. Some people have traumas with the death of their loved ones… apologize to Fili.”

He wasn’t saying anything to me as he went to the room.

I spoiled him so much to compensate for the things I couldn’t give… especially a mother. He was always giving me attitude. It was hard to be a single dad. As we were waiting for them, I played with the girls with their make up and decorative face paints.

Our pain of losing Russle bonded.

I could see the progress of our relationship by allowing me to see her through. She was letting herself being vulnerable around me, even her relationship with Voight started to blossom.

From the penthouse, we went back to the mansion. The penthouse was getting smaller with the amount of toys my son have. It was a mountain of toys. Every time we clean it, a few hours later it will go back to its previous state.

My arms encircled around her, her tears were wetting my shoulders. I may not do something to make her feel better, but I make sure to be the shoulder she could lean on.

One thing that I wanted her to learn is to stop blaming herself for what happened to Russle, it wasn’t her fault that there were people like Bernabe. She only did what she thought was best for the situation even if it meant leaving me.

Whether Voight admits it or not, he loves Fili’s presence into our lives. He’s always with her. I always find them sleeping at the same time hugging each other. My son’s at ease in her presence.

“Daddy, is Fili g-going to l-leave us again?” Voight asked me one morning.

“Why did you ask?”

“I don’t want her to l-leave. Daddy, please. I’ll be a good boy.”

“You’re already a good boy.” I smiled, messing with his hair.

“Daddy, we should ask Fili to m-marry you, please! I want her to be my mommy!” He pouted.

“It will be your assignment, son. How should we ask Fili to marry daddy again?”

My son only listens to his mother and only sometimes to me. He only had her back a couple of months and they were the ones inseparable. I’m trying my hardest to be the best husband and father for them.

I’m holding onto the progress we made and the things we shared, hoping for her to consider to grieve and share her pain with me and doesn’t need to go through the misery all alone.

“I lost Russle… I’m sorry, Gotham. I failed to protect him… I failed you.”

Her cheeks were filled with tears. I was shaking my head. It wasn’t true. She failed no one.

For the first time, she was telling me the version of her story.

“We were about to go home… Pauwi na dapat kami sa inyo ni Voight kinaumagahan ng gabing iyon… Hihingi ako ng tawad sa’yo sa biglaan naming pag-alis. It happened on my birthday, Gotham.”

It pained me more knowing the truth from her. They were about to go home to me. They were supposed to be with us… if only weren’t for Bernabe. Even in death, he shouldn’t feel any peace at all.

I wanted to burn that piece of shit once again.

“Sweetheart, none of it was your fault. Trust me, I understood every move you made. I understood your love for Russle. I let you be. You were too good in hide and seek, I wasn’t able to trace you. Naniniwala naman akong babalik din kayong dalawa sa akin.”

I sighed.

“I only had the idea of your whereabouts when you got into jail… Yes, I knew where you were. You used your name, sweetheart. I dug deeper and I found out what happened to you and Russle… I found his grave. It was painful to see him caged in his grave.” I told her truthfully.

We cried. We kissed. We made love that night until morning.

We couldn’t get enough of each other as always.

The truths were told, as well as the love we have for each other. She confessed to me… she confessed how she loved me even before. Although, we’re still in the process of brainstorming, I asked her to marry me again at that moment.

My wife said yes for the second time.

She made me the happiest with lots of orgasm that night.

***

We visited Russle as a family. We told him about the plans. I was sure as hell, he would loved to be part of our wedding ceremony… that led me into thinking an idea to marry Fili in front of him first.

But plans for marriage were put on-hold, Celeste came back to try getting more pennies from me by kidnapping my son. It infuriated me more when Fili got shot, I almost lost my mind and shot the remaining bullets to her.

She was killed on the spot. I should’ve killed her a long time ago, if it weren’t for my son. That privilege of her was taken away when she tried to harm him, and even shot my wife. I no longer respect it.

“I know how much you want to be with Russle, but I want to be selfish. Please, stay with us.” I was begging for her to stay with us. “Please, sweetheart…”

It was the longest hours of my life. Voight was sleeping in my arms as I waited for the door in the operating room to open with a good news.

Jianyu and Priam were with me in the hospital. They were supposed to take Voight to rest, but he was crying and kicking everyone.

After such a long time, the doctor went out with a good news.

“Voight, eat your food…”

He shook his head. I heaved a deep breath to calm my nerves.

“Voight…” I called his name with a dangerous tone.

Tears streamed down his face as he started picking up the utensils. I just couldn’t let him win this time, he should be eating. He didn’t even eat last night.

“Daddy, you should eat, too…”

“Daddy’s alright. Don’t worry about me. Just finish your food.”

There was a lump of worry in my throat preventing me to eat. My wife wasn’t awake yet. I was waiting for her to open her eyes, maybe, that would calm me a bit. I tried to take a nap after my son finished his food.

I was awakened when Voight started crying. Worry enveloped my system.

Fili was awake.

She scolded me for not eating anything. I went outside to call the doctor and ask for a meal delivery not to upset my wife.

I was relieved.

My wife stayed in the hospital more weeks to recover and heal. Voight was refusing to leave his mommy.

Mostly, I was the one going home to get their needs and toys. I also orchestrated a plan to surprise my wife with a small celebration at home, the three girls helped me with the decorations.

Fili recovered instantly and was transferred at home.

After being confined in the hospital, I was notified with changes in her. She was always dizzy. Sometimes, I would wake up early to see her throwing up in the bathroom.

I was getting worried, was it the effect from the shot?

“You tell me she was dizzy and puking every morning,” Lincoln repeated what I said. “With those symptoms, it’s more of a morning sickness to me.”

“Morning sickness? You mean…” I bit my lower lip. “She’s pregnant?”

Oh, fuck. I’m dead.

We never really talked about pregnancy. Last time, she didn’t want to have a child with me.

That was years ago…

When it comes to my wife, I’m scared. She’s the only one that could make my knees tremble.

Is that the reason why she wanted our wedding to be postponed to next year?

“Chicken and ice cream…” She had been craving it for a month now.

“Gusto ko iyong right legs ng chicken lang ang kakainin ko… tapos tunaw na iyong ice cream para mayroon akong sabaw,” I kept my poker face.

Right legs? Chicken right legs? What the hell? Is that even possible to get?

Of course, I didn’t say anything. I didn’t want to upset the pregnant lady.

After I brought out the ice cream tub in the kitchen counter, I went to the nearest fast food branch where she loved the fried chicken and specifically asked for the right legs of the chicken and paid them more for my request.

The lady who accepted my order was weirded out.

“Sir, buntis po ba ang kakain? Ang lakas ng tama, eh.”

It made me chuckle… my wife’s really pregnant, huh? I’m just waiting for her confirmation.

“Yes, I think she is.” I simply answered.

“Congrats po. Nako, mukhang magiging mas weird pa ang cravings niyan sa susunod.”

“It’s okay. Anything for my wife.” I said and paid the amount.

I gave a huge sum of tip to the workers that night. They deserved it for meticulously frying the right chicken legs as a request of my beloved wife. Both my son and my wife were awake when I went home.

They were waiting for the chicken. Voight only ate a few bites of the chicken and he slept into my arms. Fili fed me fried chicken, she was dipping it into the melted ice cream.

“Buntis ako, Gotham.”

It was music to my ears. My heart was beating so fast inside my chest. I’m going to be a father of two… two wonderful kids. Pregnancy is a first time experience, I never knew about Voight’s existence at all until later.

Gracielle…

That will be her name as we both agreed. My heart was bursting with happiness and fear… what if I wouldn’t be a great father at all?

“You’re already a good father to Voight. You’ll be fine, sweetheart.” My wife smiled at me.

I automatically smiled at her.

Voight came running back to the kitchen, he was a bit stressed thinking a name of his baby sister.

“Careful…”

“Mommy, daddy, let’s her name Gracielle Dahlia…” My son told us. “Dahlia is a beautiful flower, I’m sure she’s beautiful, too. She will blossom like a flower!”

I looked at my sweetheart, she also glanced at my direction.

Fili is such a strong woman for birthing our daughter, she was delivered safe. I almost fainted. Relief flooded all over me as the doctor declared they were both safe and my wife just needed rest.

“Is mommy okay?” Voight was about to cry.

“Yes, son. Mommy’s alright. You can rest for a bit. Tomorrow you’ll see mommy and the baby.”

He did rest…

Voight rested on my shoulder. We were allowed in the room where my wife was already resting. I was awake for the night to watch my two favorite people.

When I held Dahlia in my arms, I felt the same familiarity I had with Voight the first time I saw him. She was so tiny… so fragile in my arms. I want to give her the world. If there’s one thing I’m going to do, I’ll spoil my children with love and material things.

Dahlia’s daddy’s little princess. He’s my son’s favorite. She’s the sweetest little one.

We introduced her to Russle.

Russle loved being with kids, he would have loved having two kids to play with. His mansion was already built. I planned using it for the quick wedding in front of his grave.

The continuation of the wedding was planned months after our baby Dahlia came.

My wife didn’t want anything fancy, she just wanted to get wed to me again. I made sure even if it was going to be held in our backyard, it was still going to be memorable for her.

I brought her to Russle’s grave late at night, my wife didn’t even question me and just went to the flow. Her tears flowed when she learned what I was going to do in front of her brother.

Russle’s a big part to my wife. He was her lifeline before. She loved him more than me, but it wasn’t a competition. I wanted him to be part of our special day in ways I could think. I wanted him to see how much I love her Ate Fili, and how serious I was with my promises to him.

“Russle, kuya bayaw’s big boy, I will always love your Ate Fili. I will take care of her and make sure she’s happy. I will be with her no matter what happens when times are tough and when she misses you so much. Also, I will take care of Voight and Gracielle.”

Hr tears were unstoppable. She kissed me without the officiant’s blessing. I felt her love in every move of her lips.

Damn, I so love this woman.

***

“Hey, princess…” Dahlia clapped her hand wanting to be carried by me.

“Da-da!”

My lips would be torn apart with how big my smile is. Her first word was mama, then Botbot, now it was my turn. I felt like crying hearing her say dada for the first time. She called me dada.

“It’s dada, princess.” My wife kissed my cheeks, and our daughter copied her.

“Mama! Dada! Botbot!”

“Very good, anak.”

I kissed them both in the forehead. She was smiling at me, caressing my jaw. “Mahal na mahal ko kayo. I love you, my sweetheart. I love you, my princess.”

“We love you, too, sweetheart,” Fili replied. “But we have to go to Voight, okay? Magtatampo si Kuya Botbot kapag na-late tayo sa pagsundo sa kanya. Miss na miss pa naman tayo noon sa half day niyang pasok.”

I nodded and guided them toward the car.

Finally, he fulfilled his promise of going to school with several requests. It should be us three going to pick him up from school and we couldn’t be late. Our baby Dahlia has a modified seat in the backseat, as well as, Voight.

I opened the car door for my wife before I went in to the driver seat.

With caution, I drove to Voight’s school near the subdivision. We’re thirty minutes early than their dismissal time. We went to the school’s playground. My wife sat on the swing, and I did, too, holding our baby with me.

Dahlia was looking around, she was jumping up and down, clearly enjoying the sways.

We already saw our son standing near the window while his classmates were still inside. I chuckled. For sure, he wanted to go home already. Fili waved at him and he waved back.

When the time came for dismissal, he sprinted toward us.

“Mommy! Daddy! Baby!” His eyes were moist.

My wife hugged our son who was crying.

He really didn’t like school, but he didn’t want to back out on his promise. After ranting about school to his mommy, he went to climb on me to see his baby sister. He gave me a hug, Dahlia got a kiss on the forehead.

Dahlia extended her arms, she always wanted to be carried by Voight. They are inseparable. I put down Voight to the swing, Dahlia went up to him while I provided support for the both of my children.

“Botbot!” She kept chanting.

“Smile, babies!”

Fili clicked on Voight’s camera. He always brings that even to school as one of the items he could bring. He always takes interesting photos, and his classmates as his subject, but most photos are his sister and mother.

“Daddy, take a picture with us!” Voight invited me and I happily obliged.

I offered my skills for them to take a picture together with my wife.

After my son’s half day schooling, we take them to the mall or an amusement park to unwind. Of course, we have to eat first in a restaurant. Most of the time, Voight just wanted to head home and play with baby Dahlia.

I would help him with assignments at times, but mostly, he would finish his tasks at school to have more play time at home.

We don’t pressure him to study hard, what we wanted for him to learn is the social skills with kids his age. I’m glad to hear his stories that he made friends with his classmates at school.

“Daddy, I’m so tired of school! Good thing, it’s the last school day of the week!” I chuckled.

He was cleaning the face of her sister. We were done eating at El Toro.

“How about we have some fun in the yacht?”

Voight’s eyes widened. He looked at me, and his mommy. We both nodded.

“Did you hear that baby Dahlia! We’re going to the yacht! Yehey!” My son radiated happiness.

He deserved it as a reward for being a good brother and doing good in socializing at school. Our daughter was smiling at his Kuya Botbot. We talked about it last night as a surprise for our son.

It was a well-deserved surprise seeing how happy he was.

I smiled and messed with his hair.

We went to Seantauri’s port, a big yacht was waiting for us. Our son couldn’t wait, he was jumping with joy seeing everyone on the yacht. I opened the door for him. My friends were there, their wives and their kids.

It wasn’t even a yacht. It was a cruise ship instead of a yacht.

Voight looked back at me. “Thank you, daddy!”

“I’m happy you like it, son.”

I opened the door for my wife, and went back to get our daughter.

“Thank you, mommy!” It warmed my heart.

“Da-da!”

“Yes, dada’s here to get you, my princess.” Fili and Voight already went ahead of us.

We followed them. The kids were already waiting for us in the entrance. They were screaming so loudly and hugged my family one by one.

“Daldal!” The girls hugged us.

They mobbed the cuteness on the entrance. Our baby girl didn’t mind being touched and kissed by these three angels. In fact, she was happy to go with them.

“Bebang, please be careful…” The kids did a salute on me.

My wife’s already having tea time with my friends’ wives. I went to the side deck to meet with the bunch of asshole friends. I easily caught a soda in can threw by Priam, it almost exploded when I opened it.

“How’s daddy’s life treating you, dear friend?” Jianyu asked.

“Great,” I smirked. “It’s great to be a father of two and a husband to my loving wife. You should try finding someone to dedicate your life.”

“Meh.”

I laughed and consumed the rest of the soda.

Years ago, I wouldn’t have imagined to be settling with someone… or even have kids of my own. But I happily eaten the things for the shot of happiness in this lifetime. This is what contentment feels like.

I watched my kids have fun, they were attentive with the little ones. Priam and I went to get our daughters from the kids for them to enjoy fully with their play.

My wife went with the others to pamper themselves in the spa. We’re assigned to look after the kids while having sodas. Gracielle Dahlia was already sleeping on my arms as I caressed her gently.

The big kids ran to us for some snacks. I wiped my son’s sweaty face with a clean towel, and also cleaned Bebang’s face. Jianyu brought a tray of snacks for the kids and the grown ups to feast.

“Was it fun?” I asked my son.

He nodded. “Yes, daddy! I love it here! I don’t want to go to school.” I shook my head, laughing.

They just ate and rested for a bit before going back to play. Their energy already ran out after dinner. My son was already sleeping on the bed. I was still playing with our little one, while my wife was taking shower in the bathroom.

“Hindi pa rin antok ang baby natin?”

“She took a nap earlier,” I told her. “Can I do your hair, sweetheart?”

“Of course, sweetheart.” She removed the towel covering her hair as I turned on the blow dryer.

Oh, how I doing the simplest things for her.

I combed her hair softly.

“It’s done.” I announced and pulled out the blow dryer.

She looked at me, and aimed for a kiss. I deepened the kisses we shared, there was no cure with my addiction to her lips. We could only do quickie in some days having two kids needing our attention most of the day, but it drawn me more to her.

Attraction and love deepened.

We only stopped eating each other’s lips when our daughter forced to break us up. I just chuckled and we kissed her both in the face. It woken up our son, he sat on the bed and went to hug his mommy.

“I love you…” My wife whispered pertaining to me. “I love you, mga anak ko.”

“Mahal na mahal ko kayong tatlo… pati ang kapatid mo. You guys are my life.”

Usually, it’s often suggested to never leave anything unsecured… but my guarded heart was caught off guard the moment she stole my vintage car, I didn’t realize that she had also taken my heart…

Until I kept coming back to see and annoy her.

That was the best decision of my life.

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