HE HADN’T GONE FAR when he looked back at his wife.D4mn! She’s really enjoying that bath! How could he not get restless?!But he froze when he remembered they were far from help. If he left her alone, something might happen. She’s pregnant, too. He’ll just have to swallow all this.His gaze dropped to his friend as the latter moved.“Calm down, friend. She’s still off-limits,” he told himself.Head held high, he returned and walked back to where his wife was.“Why’d you come back? Did it hit you? Used to seeing watermelons?” He almost burst into laughter at what she said. Where did she even get that term from?“Just took a walk to cool down,” he said, sitting on a rock.“Sure? Then why do you sound like you’re lying? I hate liars, BK. I’m warning you. I might send you back to your mama.”“Baby, come on.” He scratched his head. “Fine, I’m in a horny mood, okay? Happy?” His wife just laughed.“What? Didn’t you score with Amber?”“Daph,”“Like I said, forget it. Just use your hand. I’m
“B-BK,” she said when she faced her husband.What she saw on his face was sadness, and she couldn’t help but frown.BK gently pulled both her hands and brought them to his lips. He was now looking at her tenderly.“Forgive me for only confirming it now. It’s been on my mind, waiting for you to say it’s mine. But when I saw my name in the report, it stated you were married to me. Obviously, I’m the baby’s father. It’s me, right?” he asked gently, and she nodded. She gasped when he suddenly hugged her tightly.“Oh my, BK!” she said when she felt their baby move inside. BK was beside her, so the baby started kicking again.“Aww! Sorry, baby! Did that hurt?” he asked, checking on her.“Not really, just tickles sometimes. Baby’s really active when you’re around.”“Really?” he asked happily, then bent down to kiss her bump. “Can I talk to the baby now?” She nodded, and he knelt down.She found herself smiling. The baby wouldn’t stop moving, as if understanding BK’s words. She didn’t expect
IRRITATED, BK slammed his plate onto the small table and peeked out the window. He couldn’t spot Daphne or Max. Maybe they were in the kitchen. He hoped they were eating. Just eating! Otherwise, he might start something unplanned.The truth was, he was still hungry. He looked at the food left behind. That wouldn’t fill him. Max ruined the moment!He sat down heavily on the bamboo chair. It creaked loudly, making him frown and grimace. He planned to replace it soon. He had already bought a wooden one.He closed his eyes for a moment to calm himself. But it made him feel like regretting it. Too many thoughts rushed in while his eyes were shut.“What are they even doing?” he muttered under his breath.He stood and peered out again. They still weren’t in the living room. His irritation flared. He paced back and forth.What the hell was that guy doing here?He tried to sleep but couldn’t. His mind kept returning to Daphne and Max. So he got up and left the house. But before that, he turned
DAPHNE woke only when her mother knocked.“Anak, I’m going to the next village. We’re going to attend a wake,” her mother said as she opened the door for her, still half-asleep.“What time will you be home, Ma?”“Maybe around dawn. Keep the door locked. Don’t open it right away. Got it? Even if your husband’s outside, it’s still not safe.”“Ma…”“Why haven’t you two made up yet? He seems like a good man. You’re both making things harder than they need to be—especially him, standing guard like some night watchman. Don’t you feel sorry for him?”“Let him wear himself out first, Ma. If it’s meant to happen, it will.”“I get it. But what if someone else comes along in the next few days? Would you be okay with that?”“Then he doesn’t love me. That’s it.”Her mom nodded at her again.“Alright, I’m leaving. Just eat something. I cooked chicken soup.”“Okay, take care.”She walked her mom outside. She’d still close the gate after.She glanced at the makeshift shelter across the street. Her h
“WHAT?!” he snapped as his friends burst into laughter.He was already hurting, and now they were mocking him. Some supportive friends they were.They had just arrived in Manila and were now at the Spotlight helipad.“You actually know how to kneel, and you still have Amber? Damn! How’s your wife gonna take that?” Kevin laughed.“You fool! He loves his wife, so let him be. Soon my island will be mine. For real!” Rixi chimed in, grinning widely.“Knock it off! You don’t know how I feel, so shut up!” he said, standing and grabbing the leather jacket he’d left on Paul’s couch earlier.“Legit?” he heard Paul ask the others. It was the first time he’d ever walked out.So that was it. They came along just to tease him. They said they’d support him. Turns out, they had a secret bet going on.He remembered his wife’s words. He wasn’t giving up. Never. He’d win her back, bring her home. She’d return to him, whether she wanted to or not.He sped out of the parking lot, needing to clear his head
“WHAT ARE YOU doing here?” she asked as she and BK came face-to-face.She glanced at her husband’s friends who were also approaching their gate. Only Max stood blocking BK. Her mother kept shifting her gaze between her and BK.“I came to pick you up, baby.”“Baby your ass!” she heard Max snap, eyes fixed on BK. BK gave Max a brief glance before turning back to her.“Can you move out of my way? I came here for my wife, not for you. And I have no plans to argue with anyone.”“I’m not moving unless Daphne says otherwise,” Max replied firmly.“Sorry, hijo. Who’s your wife here, anyway?” Her mom had her hands on her hips now, which made her swallow.BK’s tongue got caught in his throat at her mom’s question.“‘Ma,” she said quietly.Her mom only glanced at her, as if telling her to let it be because she’d handle BK.“D-Daphne,” BK replied.“Huh? You’re my daughter’s husband? You sure about that? Then why is Max always by her side? Don’t treat me like I’m dumb, kid! You all better go back w