Chapter 3

"It's a wonderful thing to live, especially if you fill it with fun. But that doesn't mean that life is just for fun; we won't learn anything if there aren't any challenges to make us tough. We will be hurt at some point in our lives, no matter what we do to make ourselves happy and avoid things that will hurt us." As I watch my favorite motivational speaker, I smile.

When I was done mixing, I dipped the spoon into the cup. Despite his warning, I brewed Auden black coffee. I drank my chocolate and then shut down the computer. I want to get the right combination to approve of him, so I'm still practicing. I couldn't wait to see how he'd react.

I'm still upset about what happened last night, but I'm getting over it. I remove and avoid all negativity from my mind for as long as I can. I dislike stress, but it is sometimes unavoidable. Most importantly, I don't want to harbor resentment any longer.

"Oh, you're awake," I said, trying not to sound like I'd been expecting him.

When I caught a glimpse of his chest beneath the thin polo, I almost spit out the coffee in my mouth. His hair is still messy and wet. He was also wearing a towel around his neck. I'm completely captivated by how he appears.

"So?" he asked, his voice husky. He isn't looking at me. He came up to where I was standing, took a glass, and drank some water. It was as if there was a stench when he approached.

"I made you coffee. I just made it so it's still hot," I replied when I came to my senses. I handed him the coffee and then smiled at him. I act as if nothing happened last night. I don't have it anymore whether he meant it or not. It doesn't matter.

He first looked at my hand for a few seconds while raising his right eyebrow. He shook his head then spoke.

"Stop smiling. It's annoying," he said weakly and took the glass in my hand. I pouted. He can't complain anymore because the coffee was already brewed. He thought maybe it would be a pity if he didn't accept.

He went to the living area so I grabbed my hot chocolate and then followed him. What's his problem with my smile. Seriously!

"Are you serious about what you told your mother the other day?" I inquired. I sat across from him on the couch.

He cocked his brow and looked at me. "Why? Got a problem with that?" He sat with his legs crossed, leaning his back. His lips curved into a smirk. "No, but why do you have to lie when we haven't discussed anything like that?" I kept complaining.

"Look, you're now my wife. Isn't that what you want? And as your husband, I expect you to do the housework. Do you have a problem with that?" he remarked sarcastically as he sipped to his coffee.

When his accusation that I had married him on purpose came up again, my brow furrowed. I was about to explain further when he began speaking again.

"You know what, if you can't do it, just go tell my mother to have someone do it for us. As easy as that." He stood up and walked away. It's not that I'm disagreeing with him. It's just that he's clearly doing it on purpose. I was just curious as to why.

I sighed as I took his half-empty cup and carried it into the kitchen. After I finished my chocolate, I took my medications and vitamins and drank them.

I look around the house and it appears that I must begin cleaning.

The first thing I cleaned was the living area. I vacuumed and fixed a few things. I also organized things that I hadn't finished arranging in the past. Most of these are mine.

When I finished I followed the kitchen. I can’t help but jam with the music I’m playing. It’s really fun to clean up while there’s music.

I didn’t notice the time. I was too busy cleaning. I forgot to cook for lunch. Huhu! "I'm sorry ... I didn't noticed the time." I scratched my head as I explained to Auden.

I'm used to someone calling me to eat. I think I really enjoyed cleaning that I forgot that I need to cook for lunch. Annoying!

He doesn't answer because he's busy typing something on his phone. I heard it ringing and he's calling someone. While waiting for someone to answer, he turned to me. "Tss," he murmured while his eyes are rolled. He looks really disappointed. I didn't say anything to him but his face was disappointed. Maybe he's hungry. I just pouted while playing my hair. I left first to put away the mop I was holding and the ones I had used. I'm not even sure how to use other cleaning tool. But I'll get used to it.

"I would like to order ..."

I didn’t hear much of what Auden was saying because I was in the back of the house to return the mop and some other belongings. After an hour, his order came.

I disappointedly look at the foods on the table. I couldn’t help but bite my lower lip. What was served at the table was appetizing. Yes, it is for two person, but most of it are suggested to avoid by a person with heart failure like me. They are almost greasy and salty.

I'm still very hungry. I'm was so excited to wait for it. After all, now I can't even have a bitr of it. I nodded and bent down to stand up and head to the fridge.

I look for something that I can eat. My situation is really hard, you can only eat a limited kind of food. I want to disobey but I also want to prolong my life. I'm sure Daddy will scold me when I disobey again.

Inside the refrigerator, I found some bananas and eggs that I had bought in the past.

"What's going on?" Auden asked from the back. "You don't eat these? Wow," he concluded. I stared at it while boiling the water. I decided to boil the eggs. I shook my head. "If it's possible, I will. I'm really not allowed to have those. I forgot to tell you what I want to order and you didn't even bother to ask me," I replied. I took a big bite of the banana I was holding.

He just grinned and starts eating. "Then it's your fault," he babbled.

I didn’t quite understand it so I just continued eating. No one spoke afterwards. He returned to the room when he had finished eating. I'm not very full from what I ate but I'm used to this food.

I was still a little annoyed with the way he looked earlier while eating. It was as if he's teasing me while eating. Thank goodness he's handsome! I'll let that slide.

Then I rested for a while in the room because later our room will be the next one I will clean. It was afternoon when I woke up. I took a shower before leaving the room.

As I confessed to Auden's room I noticed that the door was ajar. I will also clean his room so I get a vaccum and a swab before entering the room. When I entered, I did not see Auden but I heard someone in the bathroom. He's probably in there.

I close my eyes when I inhale the masculine scent. I wonder what perfume he use. I want it too. I was shaken by what I thought.

It was as if I was stigmatized when he came out. It was just shorts while the towel rested on his nape. His hair are all wet. He cussed when he saw me in the corner of his room. Wait, he took a bath earlier, didn't he? Did he take a bath again today? This man is very hygienic.

"W-what are you doing here !?" he's face were shocked when he saw me.

"Next time learn to knock, you're invading someone's privacy." He rolled his eyes at me before going back to bed. He reached his book and began to read.

"You left the door open so I went in. It's your room that I will clean next. Just like what you said," I explained. I was refering to what we talked about this morning. I even showed what I was carrying. He just smiled so I started cleaning up.

I picked up his clothes from every corner and continent of his room. When it is undressed, I think he just thrown where the clothes are. I shooked my head. Where are his underwears?

I'm wondering because he’s physically clean but when it comes to the room, he's messy? Hmm ... I doubt that. As I was about to pick up a sweater that was on the bed next to him, I stopped when he grabbed my arm and pulled me, approaching him. That was quick!

"I know you enter here with another motive," he whispered to my ear. I can't move because I'm on top of him. My heart keeps beating so fast. I frowned at what he said.

"W-what do you mean? Let me go." I could feel his hot breath on my neck. He laughed.

"Is this how you ask for a honeymoon?" he whispered again. I get nervous at this time. I was confused by what he was trying to do.

"What!?" I exclaimed. I used all my strength to pull myself away. This is so unbelievable.

"Not because I like you I intent to do such thing!" I explained. It was as if sweat was dripping down my forehead. My fast heartbeat doesn't stop either. I raised an eyebrow as it laughed.

"I'm just kidding! You're just as serious about cleaning," he said and then went back to lying down properly.

"Th-that's not funny!"

I shooked my head and took my belongings. I was about to come out when he spoke. I'm a little annoyed because... Wait?

Why am I so upset?

Is it because he stopped and I hoped? No!

"As if I wanted to do that thing with you," Auden said coldly to himself. I'm in deep thought while walking.

I'm on my way home from the supermarket to buy groceries and other things. Auden ordered me to do that but he did not accompany me. There were no taxis passing by yet so I decided to take a walk first.

Instead of thrilling me earlier I was hurt by what Auden said. He seems to be slowly consuming my hopes that he will like me too. It turned out that he was just me false hope.

I was on the side of the bridge when I observed the various lights on the path. They are like dancing lights. Different colors that seems like there will be a festival about to celebrate. But someone caught my attention. He stood and peered out from below the bridge.

As I approached he would jump. I know what he's trying to do. I didn't hesitate to run and hug him to stop him. I no longer cared if I dropped my purchases.

"Wait, what the f*ck!?"

"'Please don't go ahead with what you're planning; that's not the solution!" I yelled.

"So, what now? My life is so messed up that there's no reason for me to keep going! Please, therefore, leave me alone," As he yells, I close my eyes. I gradually let go of his hand and let him go. I took a deep breath and relaxed.

"Do you think so?" I asked him.

I walked beside him and looked away. Although it was a bit dark, I could see out of the corner of my eyes that he was looking at me.

"Should I end my life too?" I turned to him and smiled. I make sure that my tone is serious.

"What are you trying to do? You can't change my mind with that," he said arrogantly. He prepared to jump again.

"You jump, then I'll jump," I simply said. I also looked down at the bridge. My heart almost jumped in fear. It is now almost rock solid and has no water. I was just thinking about what would happen to my body and I was scared. He frowned at me.

"Fuck off!"

"Do it now!" I insisted on him.

"Miss, don't interfere. It's my own decision. Don't get yourself involved," he said seriously.

My chest was pounding so hard because I was afraid he might jump.

"It's my own decision, too," I said firmly. "I know, it's hard you're going through. I won't tell you that everything is alright. But one thing I'm sure, I'll be here to listen. Killing yourself isn't the way to escape from what you're going through."

Five minutes passed as he just stared into space. We were both quiet and windy and only a few cars could be heard. He sat down and bowed. I tap his shoulder to tell him that I'm here. I think he only needs someone to talk to. Someone who's willing to listen.

"It's better to tell a stranger do you know that? Stranger won't judge you, because we don't know each other. Feel free to tell me what is in your heart that make it feel heavy." At first, I could only hear crying and sobbing but finally, he spoke. First time in my life that I encounter such a man. He's brave for crying it.

"My sister ... Is in comatose for a month now I think, and my mom, she left us for another man." He cried again after those words came out of his mouth.

"What about your father? Is he with you're sister?" I asked. He shrugged his head. "He's dead a couple of years ago. I-I don't what to do, I'm so pressured." He wiped his face. I can feel the frustration he is feeling right now.

"It's okay not to be okay for now, but please ... Don't try to end your life again. You still have your sister, she's fighting because she wanna be with you. So you do, too," I said as I look into his eyes.

"I understand your situation. There are also many people who are going through it. Some people fight for their lives, some are fulfilling their lives for they don't know until when they are breathing. We are going through different things but I only know one thing, we can overcome this," I sincerely said. I nodded as he smiled.

"If you can speak, you seem to relate huh," he joked, as if he hadn't been on the brink of death before. I breathed a little loosely.

"Of course, I do," I replied and laughed.

"But I don't care too much about it. It won't help if I overthink." I gave him my sweetest smile.

"You're brave, this is embarrassing," he said and then he shook his head while covering his face with his palm. I stood up and helped him.

"The only difference is our gender but we are humans. Every people can feel down and depressed sometimes no matter what their sexuality is."

"You're incredible. I promise, I won't do it again." His eyes are full of admiration. His face was also clear. I just hope he doesn't do that again. I smiled at him.

"Promise!?" I said. He was about to speak when my phone rang.

"Where are you? I'm hungry," said the man on the other line after I answered. My eyes widened when I saw the time. I almost forgot what I came here for.

"I'm sorry I have to go," I said goodbye to the man. I won't forget that satisfying smile that he gave me. I waved at him and headed to where I left my purchases.

Suddenly I just let it go earlier. But the good thing is no one took it because there's only few people passing through here.

"Okay, I'm on my way home. I just can't find a cab," I replied to Auden. It was as if I could see the eyebrow of this salubong always.

"Waaah!" I almost had a heart attack and I threw away my phone when someone touched me and my face was very filthy.

"Miss, can you give us some coins. We haven't eaten yet,"

It was as if my heart was pounding at the look of the woman and her child hanging from the back with the cloth. I just gave her some food from my groceries to make sure they could eat. They also left immediately, I picked up my phone and when I looked at it it was broken.

It no longer opens how hard I tried. I walked around but still no taxi was passing by. I'm still carrying a bit heavy. Auden doesn't want to go with me, he's doing something.

After walking for about three minutes, a car stopped at my left. I stopped when I recognized the vehicle. When the rider got off, I was stunned.

He came to me with his furrowed eyebrows. He stopped in front of me and sighed. "I thought something happened to you, you look fine. Tss," he said and then frowned and crossed his arms.

"If I only knew, I wouldn't have gone to you," he whispered but enough for me to hear it. I was so bitten on my lip.

"Did you hurry to come to me because you thought something had happened to me?" I asked. I avoid the thrill but I can’t help it. I really want to jump out of joy.

"Tsk." He stared at me and then turned around and got in the car.