Love Survival

When I was young, my nanny used to ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, and I always told her that I wanted to get married in a church in front of God to the man I loved.As a kid, that might be the weirdest dream to hear instead of being a teacher, police officer, actor, or doctor. But not me. I had my sights set on the church’s aisle.“Bata ka pa kaya dapat hindi mo pa iniisip ang ganiyang bagay, Ma’am Sloan. Ayaw mo bang maging doctor o kaya negosyante kagaya ng Daddy mo?” Nanny Basya asked again.The seven-year-old me pouted. “No po. That’s really my dream, Yaya. I wanted to get married in the church because I wanted to promise Papa God that I could be a good wife to my future husband just like my mommy to my dad,” I said and smiled sweetly.Yaya Basya massaged her temple because of what I said. “Diyos ko kang bata ka.” I just chuckled and continued playing.I had a perfect and ideal family back then. Masaya at kumpleto. Masaya ako sa magulang ko kahit na wala akong kapatid.

SLOAN“I-Ikaw?” bulong ko habang hindi makapaniwalang nakatingin sa kaniya. I don’t know what to say. I can’t believe that the person I just met a week ago is my fiance!“You know each other?” Daddy asked confusedly while looking at Dominic and me.Hindi ako sumagot. I couldn’t tear my gaze away from him. His expression was a perfect blend of seriousness and intensity, as if he were trying to unravel the mysteries of the universe just by looking at me. “We met a week ago, Mr. De Falco,” tugon niya pero ang mata niya ay nakatingin sa ‘kin. “So, she’s your daughter?” Bumaling siya kay daddy.He used to be all smiles and friendly, but now he’s all serious and cold when talking to my dad. Parang ibang tao siya habang kinakausap ang daddy ko.Daddy smiled. “Yes, Mr. Velasco, and she’s willing to marry you, right, dear?” Daddy turned to me. Hindi nakatakas sa paningin ko ang pagbabata sa mata niya.Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko dahil sa takot. Ganito ang palagi kong nararamdaman kapag nasa

SLOANThe smell of something new hits my nostrils, making me wonder where I am. I’m still half asleep, trying to piece together the events of last night.Inadjust ko muna ang mata ko bago ko ito unti-unting binuksan. Kulay gray na kisame kaagad ang bumungad sa akin pagkatapos ang panlalaking amoy ng kama. The room is dark because the large glass wall near the bed is covered by thick gray curtains.I blinked when I remembered what happened yesterday.I am married… again.Bumangon ako habang kinukusot ko ang mata ko. Mag-isa lang ako sa kama. Walang bakas ng may tumabi sa akin kaya sigurado akong mag-isa lang ako ditong natulog kagabi.Where’s Dominic? I bet this is his condo.Nilibot ko ang paningin ko sa kwarto kung nasaan ako ngayon. It is a modern room designed with a color scheme of gray and white. The walls are painted a cool shade of gray, while the furniture and décor follow a minimalist aesthetic. Sobrang simple lang pero elegante.I remove the duvet blanket that covers my body

SLOANTwo weeks had passed, and during that time, the days flowed seamlessly. I fulfill my responsibilities as a wife diligently. This includes waking up early in the morning to prepare breakfast for Dominic, ensuring the house is clean, and taking care of the laundry.Minsan ay sinasama ulit ako ni Dominic sa opisina niya pero madalas ay nagpapaiwan na lang ako dito sa condo para may maglilinis. Ayaw ko rin kasi mag-hire ng maid dahil kaya ko naman gawin ang mga gawaing bahay.Ayaw ko ring masayang ang mga tinuro sa akin ni Yaya Basya dati.Sa pagitan naman namin ni Dominic, we’re okay. We are talking, and I am slowly becoming comfortable in his presence. He’s a gentleman. Palagi niyang sinisigurado na nalalaman niya ang opinion ko sa isang bagay. He always tells me to immediately let him know whenever something bothers me so that it can be addressed or resolved.“What are you going to do after breakfast?” Dominic asked while chewing the food in his mouth.Linggo ngayon at wala siyan

SLOAN“I have something to tell you,” Dominic said while we were in the middle of having our breakfast.I looked at him. “A-Ano ‘yon?” utal na tanong ko.Binaba niya ang hawak na kubyertos at saka ituon ang atensiyon sa akin. “I’ll be gone for a week.”Kumurap ako. Aalis siya? “S-Saan ka pupunta?” I couldn’t help but ask.“I have an important business trip abroad. I’m leaving tomorrow. I was thinking, maybe you could take care of my company while I’m away?”My eyes widened. “W-What?!” gulat na bulalas ko.“Hey, chill. You just need to attend my important conference meetings and sign some documents. Besides, Ronna will take care of you.”Naguguluhan akong tumingin sa kaniya. I did graduate with a business-related degree, but I’ve never actually tried managing a business, and VMC is a huge company! I haven’t even managed our own company yet; how much more, VMC!At saka ‘yong secretary niya ay ayaw sa ‘kin!“I c-can’t do it,” pagsasabi ko ng totoo.“You’re afraid.” It’s not a question, it