Chapter 3

[ENGAGEMENT PARTY!]

The luxurious hotel ballroom was abuzz with excitement as friends and family gathered to celebrate Gabriel's birthday. The room was elegantly decorated with balloons, flowers, and a stunning cake that read "Happy Birthday Gabriel" in bold letters.

Andrea, Gabriel's girlfriend, looked stunning in a red dress, mingling with the guests and laughing as they sang "Happy Birthday" to Gabriel. She had no idea what Gabriel had planned for the evening.

As the music died down, Gabriel took the microphone and cleared his throat. "Ladies and gentlemen, family, and friends, I want to thank you all for being here tonight to celebrate my birthday. But tonight isn't just about me; it's about the love of my life, Andrea."

Andrea's eyes sparkled with curiosity as Gabriel began to speak from his heart. "From the moment I met Andrea, I knew she was someone special. Her kindness, her beauty, and her infectious smile captured my heart. Tonight, I want to ask her to spend the rest of her life with me."

The room fell silent as Gabriel got down on one knee and pulled out a small box. Andrea's eyes widened in shock as Gabriel opened the box, revealing a stunning diamond ring.

"Andrea, will you marry me?" Gabriel asked, his voice trembling with emotion.

Tears of joy streaming down her face, Andrea nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes, a million times yes!" she exclaimed, as the room erupted in cheers and applause.

As Gabriel slid the ring onto Andrea's finger, the two shared a tender kiss, basking in the love and happiness that filled the room.

Andrea then took the microphone, a smile on her face. "Gabriel, from the moment we became childhood friends, I knew that you were someone special. Four years ago, we took a chance on love, and it's been an incredible journey. You're my rock, my partner, and my best friend."

She paused, her voice filled with emotion. "Happy birthday, Gabriel. I love you more than words can express. Here's to many more adventures together!"

The room erupted in applause once more, as Gabriel and Andrea shared another kiss, surrounded by their loved ones.

The rest of the evening was a blur of celebration, with friends and family congratulating the newly engaged couple. Andrea couldn't stop staring at the ring on her finger, still in shock from the surprise proposal.

Gabriel smiled, knowing he had made the right decision. "I'm so glad I could make this night special for you," he whispered to Andrea, as they danced under the sparkling lights.

Andrea smiled back, her eyes shining with happiness. "This is just the beginning of our forever," she said, snuggling closer to Gabriel.

"Gabriel.." tawag nu Dustin. Isa ito sa mga kaibigan ni Gabriel.

"Sige na, it's your birthday now kaya naman enjoy mo muna ang sarili mo." saad ni Andrea.

Naiitindihan nya naman kasi ang binata na kailangan asikasuhin din nito ang mga kaibigan. Lalo na ay hindi lang naman nila engagement ang party na ito kundi ay kaarawan ni Gabriel.

Lumapit na sa kanyang mga kaibigan si Gabriel habang pinagmamasdan lang ni Andrea ang kanyang nobyo.

"Andrea, congratulation." napangiti naman si Andrea ng dumating ang kanyang ama at ang kanyang tita Lea.

"I can't believe it na ikakasal kana parang kailan lang ang liit nyo pa ni Zhanea."

"Congrats, Anak."

Yumakap siya sa kanyang ama at naging emeotional. Hindi nya alam kong bakit siya naging emotional. Feeling nya kasi ay mapapalayo na siya sa kanyang ama.

"Thank you, papa."

Sa di kalayuan naman ay si Zhanea masama ang loob at hindi nasasayahan sa mga nangyayare. Kumuha ito ng alak at nilagyan ng kakaibang powder at may sumilay na ngiti sa kanyang mga labi.

Marahan itong naglakad palapit sa kanyang pamilya.

"Andrea my dear sister, congratulations." Inabot nito ang baso na may alak.

"Thank you, Zhanea."

"Cheers?" pagtaas nito ng baso.

"Cheers." sagot ni Andrea.

Palihim na napangiti si Zhanea ng tuluyan ng ininom ni Andrea ang alak na ibinigay nya dito.

"Let's go, dahil ikakasal ka na dapat ay magsaya tayo."

Hinila ni Zhanea si Andrea at nilagyan pa nito ng panibagong alak ang baso.

"Hindi ako gaanong sanay uminom ng alak Zhanea, alam mo yan 'di ba?"

"Alam ko, pero iba ngayon. Dapat nating i-celebrate ang engagement mo. Minsan ka lang din naman iinom kaya lubusin muna. Ano ka ba naman 'wag ka ngang killjoy dyan."

"Sige na nga."

Napilitan si Andrea na inumin ang mga alak na isinalin ni Zhanea sa kanyang baso.

Hindi na namalayan ni Andrea kong naka ilang baso na siya ng alak. Umiikot na ang paningin nya at para bang nawawala siya sa sarili nya.

"Mukhang nalalasing kana tara ihatid na lang kita sa room mo."

Naramdaman nya pa ang paghila sa kanya ni Zhanea palayo sa party. Unti-unti na rin humihina ang music na nanggagaling sa function hall kong saan ginanap ang engagement and birthday party ni Gabriel.