Contract And Marriage

Three Months Later

Sarina

“Where are we, Maximus?” I asked, confused. My eyes were covered with a blindfold that my husband put on me an hour after our car started moving away from the house.

I felt the car stop, and my husband helped me out, holding my hand as we walked somewhere I couldn’t guess. But I was sure we were inside a building because of the cold breeze that I knew came from the conditioner.

“Just wait, my wife, we’re almost there.” Even though he couldn’t see my eyes because of the blindfold, I still rolled them at him. I don’t know what came to his mind that he’s doing this.

“Why do you have to do this? You’re so dramatic,” I complained. “It’s hurting my eyes, you know!”

“Sorry, my wife. Do you want me to loosen it a bit?” he asked, and then I heard the sound of an elevator. We walked a bit more before stopping and standing still.

“Why don’t you just take it off?” I asked, feeling his hand on my waist gently caressing my sides.

“Just a little more; we’re almost there.” He insisted, so I took a deep breath and leaned against him, making me feel his lips on my temple. I smiled internally; he’s so sweet and very protective.

“Fine, I’ll wait for your surprise. But it better be something I’ll really like, okay?” I pointed my finger at him, knowing he was on my right, but he grabbed it.

“You’re so demanding, wifey. Just because you know how much I love you, huh?” I smiled at what he said. “See? I knew it! You’re taking advantage of my feelings for you.”

I laughed at his words, imagining how he must look. Every time he complained about his love for me, the way he pouted reminded me of a little kid.

“You’re laughing at me again,” he said, and I could imagine his sulking face.

“Okay, fine, I won’t anymore.” He brought the hand he was holding to his lips and softly kissed it. I always felt giddy when he did that, along with the simple kisses he gave to my forehead or head, which filled me with joy and excitement. I could truly feel how much I meant to him.

“But where are we?” I asked again. I wouldn’t stop until we got to wherever we were supposed to go.

Ding! It was the sound of the elevator stopping. Then we started walking again. He still held my hand while his other hand rested on my waist. He’s so possessive.

“We’re here, wifey.” Then, he finally took off the blindfold. My vision was blurry momentarily, so I blinked a few times until my eyes adjusted.

“Where exactly-” I couldn’t finish my sentence as I looked around. We were in a grand hall. I don’t know what it’s called exactly, but it looked like an event hall in a hotel. The designs were so beautiful as if a special occasion was happening.

I looked at Maximus, who was smiling back at me. He took my hand and led me to the middle, where there was a red carpet. On both sides were tables and chairs, all elegantly set up, and people sitting and looking at us.

Maximus gently wiped my cheek, and I realized I was already crying. We continued walking until we reached the front. I still didn’t know what was happening, but I felt special. I was incredibly happy and couldn’t understand why.

I turned and saw my parents at a table with my older brother and his family, who I had just met two weeks ago. Maximus and I had gone to Catanduanes with Chase, and our son was so happy to meet his cousins, too.

Grandma Sol, Chase, Lisa, and her family were at another table.

Next to their table, sitting was Mariano, and I couldn’t help but frown because Eunice was with him. There shouldn’t be any other reason since Aunt Marga and Aunt Amor were also there, but why did they seem so close?

Not far away were Maximus’s friends from Las Vegas. I met them just the other night, and they said we had known each other for over three years. I didn’t ask further because that was also the time when fate tested Maximus’s and my relationship.

“What’s going on, my husband?” I couldn’t stop myself from asking, feeling completely overwhelmed. I had a little idea but still wanted to hear it from his lips.

Suddenly, Aries came forward and handed him a microphone before stepping aside. “My dear wife, I know this has been long overdue. So much has happened, and we’ve been through a lot together. I thank God that we made it through all of that.”

We looked into each other’s eyes, and I was certain anyone could see our love.

“In front of your parents and family, as well as my grandma, my brother, relatives, friends, and acquaintances-and most especially in front of our son-I want to formally ask for your hand in marriage, for real this time. No more one-year contract or expiration date because I no longer know how to live without you. Sarina Marcelo, will you marry me? Again?”

Tears flowed freely from my eyes, overwhelmed with joy. I couldn’t even speak, so I quickly nodded repeatedly. Then Chase came over and handed something to his Daddy, which Maximus took.

It was a ring. He slipped it onto my finger before kissing me deeply. Yes, I was more than willing to marry this man who did everything to make me love him. Who was I to say no to such a blessing from God? It felt like I had saved the whole world in my past life. Now God had given me the most wonderful man in the universe who had saved me from the misery that every woman couldn’t possibly go through alone.

“I love you, my wife.”

“I love you too, Maximus Lardizabal,” I replied emotionally before he kissed me again, and the guests started clapping.