13.

The warmth of Jarred's soft kiss and the gentle rumble of his husky voice slowly pulled me out of my deep sleep. I snuggled deeper into the pillow, burying my face in his cheek, trying to cling to the remnants of slumber.

"Time to wake up, baby," Jarred whispered again, his breath tickling my ear.

I groggily opened my eyes, feeling the cozy warmth of our bed and the comfort of Jarred's presence. "5 more minutes," I pleaded, my voice barely above a whisper.

Jarred chuckled and whispered again, "C'mon love, you'll be late."

I slowly turned to face him, taking in the handsome features of his face. His eyes sparkled with amusement, and his lips curved into a gentle smile. I couldn't resist giving him a soft kiss on the cheek before throwing off the covers and standing up.

"I'll wait for you downstairs; I've already prepared our breakfast," Jarred said, his voice filled with thoughtfulness.

"Thank you, babe," I replied, smiling at him before heading to the bathroom to start my morning routine.

I slipped on my simple yet elegant outfit, consisting of lavender trousers, a crisp white top, and a matching lavender blazer. I tucked my hair behind my ears and secured it with a elegant hairpin, feeling confident and polished.

As I walked downstairs, Jarred's eyes lit up with admiration. "Ganda mo," he said, pulling me into a warm hug. He gave me a quick kiss on the lips, sending a flutter through my heart.

"Thank you, pogi," I replied, grinning at him.

I glanced at the breakfast spread before us, and my eyes widened with delight. "Ano niluto mo?" I asked, spotting the fluffy pancakes smothered in rich chocolate syrup.

"Your favorite breakfast," Jarred said, smiling knowingly.

We sat down to enjoy our meal together, savoring the sweet and savory flavors. As we ate, Jarred dropped a surprise announcement. "I'll pick you up later, we'll go on a date."

I raised an eyebrow, teasing him. "Date? We're already married."

Jarred chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Being married doesn't mean we can't go on a date," he said, his voice filled with conviction.

I couldn't help but smile, feeling my heart swell with love for this thoughtful and romantic man. The idea of a date with my husband was unexpectedly thrilling, and I found myself looking forward to it with excitement.

As I walked into our office, Kiraz greeted me with a smile. "Nawa'y lahat blooming," she said, eyeing me with a hint of envy.

I teased her, "Ganiyan talaga pag naalagaan ng tama,"

Kiraz pouted, her expression turning dramatic. "Kaya pala ang haggard ko ngayon," she said, still pouting.

I chuckled and asked, "Away kayo?" sensing that there might be some tension between her and Clint.

Kiraz's pout deepened, and she revealed, "Nakailang parinig na 'ko, there is still no ring," hinting that Clint had been dropping hints about proposing, but still hadn't popped the question.

I burst out laughing, remembering the conversation I overheard last night between Jarred and Clint. It seemed that Clint had been planning something special, and I couldn't wait to see what it was.

Kiraz declared, "Pag talaga wala parin, ako na mag-propose sa kaniya," her determination and love for Clint evident in her voice.

I was thrilled to see them rekindle their romance and couldn't resist teasing her a bit. "He rejected your proposal thrice," I said, trying to stifle a grin.

Kiraz shot me an intense look, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I'll blackmail him so he would agree on the fourth time," she said, her voice laced with a hint of playfulness.

I burst out laughing at her audacity, and we both ended up giggling. Finally, we composed ourselves and began tackling our work for the day.

I looked up from my work to see our Ceo, Clint Monteverde, standing in the doorway. His eyes were fixed intently on Kiraz, who was deliberately ignoring him.

"Mr. Monteverde," I acknowledged, wondering what was going on.

"Ms. Villanueva, my office. Now," Clint said firmly, his voice commanding attention.

Kiraz, however, refused to back down. "I am currently on work, sir," she replied, her teeth gritted in a forced grin.

Clint's eyes narrowed, his expression stern. "Kiraz," he warned.

But Kiraz was having none of it. She suddenly burst out, her voice rising in indignation. "Mr. Monteverde, I don't know how lacking you are of being professional and knowledge of separating job and personal matters. But with all due respect, I am working."

I was taken aback by Kiraz's outburst, as it was very unlike her to speak to our superior in such a manner. Clint looked at me, seemingly asking for help or intervention, but I just shrugged and signaled him to let it go and give Kiraz some space.

After Clint left, Kiraz continued to focus on her work, and I didn't pry into her personal matters, knowing she would share if she wanted to. We spent the rest of the day working, taking a break only for lunch in the cafeteria.

As the workday drew to a close, I packed up my things and checked my phone, noticing a message from Jarred that I hadn't seen earlier. "I'll be waiting in the parking," it read.

I made my way to the parking lot, and my heart skipped a beat as I saw Jarred leaning against our car, looking handsome as ever. He was holding a beautiful bouquet of lavender hyacinths, and his eyes sparkled as he smiled at me.

He was dressed in black pants and a fitted white polo that accentuated his biceps. His hair was styled in its usual sleek manner, and he wore his eyeglasses, which added to his dashing look.

"Hi there, beautiful," he said, opening his arms for a hug. He kissed the tip of my hair, and I felt a rush of affection for him.

He handed me the bouquet, and I breathed in the sweet fragrance, feeling grateful for the thoughtful gesture. I kissed him on the lips, and he smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Thank you for this," I said, feeling happy and loved.

Jarred smiled and opened the car door for me. "Let's go," he said, and I nodded, eager to spend the rest of the evening with him.

"Sa'n tayo?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

"Steakhouse," Jarred replied, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

I couldn't help but get even more excited at the prospect of a delicious steak dinner. As we drove to the steakhouse, Jarred and I were completely absorbed in the music, singing along to the romantic lyrics. Our voices blended together in perfect harmony, and we were both lost in the moment.

"I don't mind spending every day..." Jarred crooned, his voice smooth and soulful.

"Out on your corner in the pouring rain..." I joined in, my voice soaring alongside his.

As we reached the chorus, Jarred dramatically threw his hands up in the air, nearly hitting the car's ceiling. "Look for the girl with the broken smile!" he belted out, his eyes closed in rapture.

I giggled at his antics, feeling carefree and joyful. "Ask her if she wants to stay a while..." I sang, my voice blending with Jarred's in perfect harmony.

As we reached the final chorus, Jarred grasped my hand, his eyes locking onto mine. "And she will be loved..." we sang together, our voices filled with emotion.

"And she will be loved," we repeated, our voices fading away as the song came to an end.

Jarred smiled at me, his eyes shining with happiness. "I love singing with you," he said, his voice filled with affection.

I smiled back at him, feeling grateful for this special moment we shared. "I love singing with you too," I replied, my heart full of joy and love.

When we arrived at the steakhouse, the waiter assisted us to the table Jarred's reserved for us. It was a romantic place, a perfect place for date.

As we sat down at our table, Jarred assisted me into my chair, and I thanked him with a smile. We began to peruse the menu, and I was immediately overwhelmed by the numerous delicious options.

"Gosh, I can't choose," I said, feeling like a kid in a candy store. "It all tastes delicious."

Jarred chuckled and encouraged me to order whatever I wanted. "Order all you want, babe," he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

He then turned to the waiter and ordered a medium-rare steak for himself. I, on the other hand, opted for a well-done steak, and also ordered their carbonara and a selection of decadent desserts.

The waiter repeated our order to ensure everything was correct before he left to place our order. As we waited for our food to arrive, I took a moment to appreciate the elegant atmosphere of the restaurant. The décor was sophisticated, and the soft music playing in the background added to the refined ambiance. It was clear that this was a five-star establishment.

Jarred's question caught me off guard, and my smile faltered for a moment. "Love, if you had a chance, would you pursue your real dream job?" he asked, his eyes locked onto mine with genuine interest.

I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. "I don't know," I said finally, feeling a pang of uncertainty.

Jarred's expression turned encouraging. "You know, if you want to pursue your dream, I'll support you," he said, his voice filled with conviction.

His words struck a chord within me. I hadn't really thought about pursuing my real dream job, but now that Jarred mentioned it, I felt a spark of interest ignite within me. "I'll try to think of it," I said, feeling a sense of possibility.

Jarred's face lit up with a warm smile, and he caressed my hand reassuringly. I felt grateful for his unwavering support.

I turned the tables on him, curious about his own dreams. "How about you? You always dreamed of being a director," I said, remembering his passion for filmmaking.

Jarred's expression turned contemplative, and he fell into deep thought. After a moment, he responded, "I don't know. I am content with what I have right now." His words were laced with a sense of satisfaction, and I could tell that he was genuinely happy with his current path in life.

I asked Jarred, curiosity getting the better of me, "Why did you suddenly ask, ba?"

He smiled at me, his eyes sparkling with insight. "I don't know, I just feel that in the deepest part of your heart, there is still 'what if.'" He paused, his voice taking on a gentle tone. "What if you didn't stop writing."

His words struck a chord within me. Being a writer was always my dream, my passion. I had always envisioned myself holding a pen, crafting stories from my imagination.

Jarred's words brought back memories, and I felt a pang of nostalgia. I looked at him, my voice barely above a whisper. "Maybe you are right. But right now, I didn't think of writing again."

Jarred's face lit up with an assurance smile. "Whatever you do, I will always support you," he said, his voice filled with conviction.

I smiled back at him, feeling grateful for his unwavering support. I was so full of love for him, and in that moment, I couldn't think of anything more.

Our conversation was interrupted by the arrival of our food. I was excited to start eating, and the delicious aromas wafting from the dishes only added to my anticipation.

We prayed before starting our meal, and then I dug in, savoring the flavors. The steak was cooked to perfection, and the carbonara was rich and creamy. The matcha ice cream was a delightful surprise, its subtle bitterness balancing out the sweetness of the other dishes.

I patted my tummy, feeling satisfied. "Busog na," I said, smiling at Jarred.

He chuckled and gently wiped the side of my lips with his thumb. "I have another surprise for you," he said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

My heart skipped a beat as I wondered what it could be. He placed two pieces of paper on the table, and I quickly grabbed them. My eyes widened in shock and happiness as I realized they were plane tickets to Japan.

"Jarred..." I whispered, feeling speechless.

He smiled, his eyes shining with love. "Our first wedding anniversary is next week, and I remember that you've always wanted to visit Japan," he said.

I felt a lump form in my throat as I became overwhelmed with emotion. I had always dreamed of visiting Japan, especially during the Hanami festival, where people admire the beauty of cherry blossoms.

"We got married in April and in Japan, they were currently celebrating the Hanami festival, where they admire the beauty of cherry blossoms," Jarred said, a romantic smile spreading across his face.

I was just thinking of that, and yet there he was, looking like he could read my mind. He really knows me.

I stood up from my chair, my heart overflowing with emotion, and hugged Jarred tightly, holding him close as tears of joy pricked at the corners of my eyes.

"I love you, babe," I whispered, my voice trembling with joy.

"I love you so much," I added, feeling grateful for this thoughtful and romantic surprise.

I couldn't wipe the smile off my face, even after we got home. I was still beaming with joy, feeling utterly happy and content. Jarred had a way of doing that - making me laugh, bringing out the best in me, and filling my heart with gratitude.

I felt thankful for him, not just for the big gestures, but for the little things he did every day to make me feel loved and cherished. He had shielded me from heartbreak and pain, never trying to control or cage me. Instead, he let me shine on my own, supporting me every step of the way.

He encouraged me to explore my passions and interests, always having my back and cheering me on. He loved me for who I was, flaws and imperfections included. His kisses and hugs made me feel like I was home, like I was exactly where I was meant to be.

Jarred never made me feel insecure or inadequate. On the contrary, he made me feel like I was more than enough, like I was the most beautiful woman in the world. His love was unwavering, but not blind. He saw me for who I truly was, and he loved me all the more for it.

My deep thoughts were interrupted by Jarred's voice, calling out to me from his office room. I was lounging in our bedroom, enjoying some quiet time. "Babe, Ashley called," he said, his voice gentle.

I sat up, confusion etched on my face. "He's been trying to call you, but you didn't answer, so he called me instead," Jarred explained.

I nodded, taking the phone from him. "Here, it must be important," I said, my curiosity piqued.

As I answered the call, I was met with an unsettling silence. "Ashley," I called out, checking to see if the call had dropped.

But then, I heard her voice, trembling and tearful. "Clyde..." she whispered, and my heart sank.

I immediately went into concern mode. "Sa'n ka ngayon?" I asked, trying to keep my tone calm.

Ashley replied, her voice cracking, "Condo."

I knew I had to go to her. "I'm on my way," I said, already mentally preparing myself to leave.

But Ashley protested, "No, no need. I am fine. I just called because I miss you."

I wasn't convinced. "You're damn crying, I won't let you alone. I'll be there," I said firmly, and hung up the call.

I quickly changed into comfortable clothes and headed to Jarred's office room. He looked up at me, his eyebrow furrowed in concern. "Aalis ka? Gabi na ah?" he asked.

I smiled shyly. "Ashley needs me," I said, and Jarred nodded understandingly.

He knew that when it came to my loved ones, especially Ashley and Kiraz, I would drop everything to be there for them.

"Do you want me to drive you?" Jarred asked, but I shook my head. "No need, uuwi din agad ako," I said, reassuring him that I would be back soon.

Jarred stood up and walked over to me, planting a gentle kiss on my lips. "Take care, okay?" he said, his eyes filled with concern.

I nodded, and he added, "Text me."

I gave him another kiss before leaving, feeling grateful for his understanding and support.

As I drove to Ashley's condo, my mind was focused on my friend, wondering what was troubling her and how I could be there for her.

As I arrived at Ashley's condo, I quickly parked my car and headed inside. I made my way to the elevator, but as I waited, I was surprised to see Danie, Ashley's boyfriend, standing in front of me. He greeted me with a smile, but I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease as he licked his lips while looking at mine.

"Uh, si Ash?" I asked, trying to sound casual despite the growing discomfort.

Danie chuckled and walked closer to me, putting his hands on my shoulders and caressing them. "Haha, nasa unit niya. Nag-iinarte," he said, giving me a weird look.

I quickly removed his hands from my shoulders and took a step back, feeling a sense of relief when the elevator doors finally opened. I didn't bother saying goodbye to Danie as I hastily stepped inside, grateful to be away from his unsettling presence.

As the doors closed, I let out a sigh of relief, still feeling uneasy from the encounter. I couldn't help but think that Danie was not a good person, and I worried about Ashley's well-being.

When I arrived at Ashley's unit, I called out to her, and she responded with a sob. I rushed to her side, finding her sitting on the floor, tears streaming down her face.

"Clyde," she whispered, pulling me into a tight hug. "Bakit ang daya ng mundo sa 'kin."

I held her close, trying to comfort her as she sobbed uncontrollably. "Tell me, I'll listen," I said softly.

Ashley looked up at me, her eyes red and puffy. "Clyde, if you were a boy, would you judge me because I'm no longer a virgin?" she asked, her voice trembling.

I shook my head firmly. "No, I would never," I said, meaning every word. "Being a virgin or not won't make you any less of a woman. You are still the same person, deserving of love and respect."

Ashley's tears continued to flow as she shared her painful story. "Luke said he only dated me for sex," she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion. "He left me because he finally got what he wanted."

My anger simmered beneath the surface as I listened to Ashley's words. I couldn't believe that Danie had treated her so callously.

"Ash, you deserve so much better," I said, my voice filled with conviction. "Don't settle for a guy who only feels lust for you. You are beautiful and deserving of a guy who will treat you like a queen."

Ashley smiled weakly, her eyes still shining with tears. "You know, there is one guy who treats me like a queen," she said, a hint of wistfulness in her voice.

I nodded, knowing exactly who she was referring to. "But destiny hated me," she added, her voice barely above a whisper.

I held her close, feeling a deep sense of empathy for my dear friend. I knew that she deserved so much better, and I hoped that someday she would find the love and happiness she deserved.

Ashley's voice cut through the evening air, her words laced with humor. "Pwede bang ipa-photocopy asawa mo?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Nag-iisa lang 'yun," I replied, smiling. I was happy to see Ashley in a lighter mood, especially after our earlier conversation about her troubles with Luke.

Ashley's expression softened, her voice filled with sincerity. "I'm happy that you found him," she said, her eyes shining with genuine happiness. "You two are perfect for each other."

I smiled, feeling grateful for my relationship with Jarred. "Gosh, I still remember those times when you were being cringe," Ashley said, her face scrunched up in amusement. "Dreaming of a fairytale and acting like you were a princess."

I laughed, remembering those moments. "And it all came true," I said, feeling happy.

It was surreal to think about how far I'd come, from dreaming of a fairytale romance to actually living it with Jarred.

Ashley's eyes sparkled with humor. "Siguro ikaw si Melchora Aquino sa past life mo," she joked. "Salong-salo lahat ng biyaya."

I laughed, shaking my head. "Makakahanap ka rin ng iyo," I said, smiling. I had no doubt that Ashley would find her own happiness, despite the setbacks she'd faced.

We continued to chat until midnight, laughing and joking together. As we said our goodbyes, Ashley thanked me for being there for her. "You're a true friend, Clyde," she said, her voice filled with emotion.

I hugged her tightly. "I'll always be here for you, Ash," I promised.

I texted Jarred to let him know I was on my way home, but he didn't respond. I assumed he was already asleep.

The drive home was smooth, with no traffic to speak of. When I arrived, I went straight to our room, where I found Jarred fast asleep.

I changed into my pajamas and lay down beside him, kissing his cheek to wake him up. "Naka-uwi ka na," he said, his voice groggy with sleep.

I smiled and touched his cheek. He immediately wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close. "How's Ashley?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

"She's okay na," I replied. "We just talked and laughed together."

Jarred's voice was filled with appreciation. "You're a good friend," he whispered.

I chuckled and hugged him. "I love you," I whispered.

"I love you more," he replied, before we drifted off to sleep.

As I lay there, wrapped in Jarred's arms, I felt grateful for our relationship. We'd found each other in a world full of people, and we'd made each other happy. It was a feeling I never wanted to let go of.

--

Guys, alam niyo ba 'yung feeling na may naisip kang magandang plot, pero bigla mong nalimutan????