"Nathan? Is something wrong?" Nadia asked, noticing he was once again lost in his thoughts.
He looked at her. "I'm sorry, hon." He let out a deep sigh.
"What happened? Tell me." She was genuinely concerned.
"I don't know how to explain it, but… something's going on between the two of them," he said, glancing at her.
She processed what Nathan just told her, staring off as if confirming whether what she was thinking was right.
"Those two, again?" she asked.
He nodded, confirming her thoughts. She gasped softly. "Are you really okay with this?" she asked quietly.
"You told me once, remember? Besides, it's hard to fight the heart when that's what you're up against," he said with resignation.
She slowly nodded. "You're going to let it bloom again?" Nadia sighed. "We've failed to protect Mariely again," she murmured.
"I know. But we can't stop Mariely from what she's feeling for that man. The fact is—they're getting back together. I don't know what will happen, but I already see it: my little sister will cry again," he said, shaking his head.
"Does Ely even remember that she had a relationship with Frank?" she asked.
"I'm not sure. But my sister is still confused about what she's feeling. What I do know is that Ely never forgot how to love that man," he replied softly.
She sighed again. She gently patted Nathan, who was at her condo now. He hadn't gone home yet, as they were finalizing the details for their wedding.
"Whatever happens, she's still Faith. She needs a support system right now. Don't stress too much," she reassured him.
He nodded. "Thank you." He pulled her into a hug.
"You're always welcome, my hubby." She smiled at him.
Nathan chuckled and then gently kissed her lips, and she kissed him back.
"I hope Ely becomes successful."
"Of course," she said. "So? Are you going to give her a niece or nephew soon?" she teased him.
"Of course, we're building a family, Nadia."
She smiled at the man in front of her.
"Hon, are you really okay with having a simple wedding?" he asked.
"Of course, I'm okay with it. What matters is that we get married. That's what's important to both of us," she replied.
He smiled warmly. "That's why I always choose you, Nadia. And I'll keep choosing you."
She hugged the man beside her. Her heart was full of joy—and peace—in their relationship.
Their love story may not be perfect, but when two people love each other, there's always a way… and destiny takes care of the rest.
They shared another passionate kiss. Soon, the kiss deepened, and his hands began to explore her body.
"Nadia, are you really okay with this? We're not married yet."
"Nathan, I'm ready to give you everything. Besides, our hearts and minds are one now," she whispered.
"Nadia…"
He kissed her tenderly, and she felt how careful and loving he was. She allowed his hands and kisses to roam freely.
Soon, he removed her clothes and kissed her again. She felt the fullness of him pressing against her thigh. She swallowed nervously, but she accepted him anyway.
They kept the fire burning in their bed until their bodies became one. Her breathing grew heavy with each union of their bodies.
Easily and steadily, they moved in rhythm, syncing naturally in their intimate moment.
"Nadia, you're so tight," he whispered.
She didn't speak—she tried to suppress her voice, but she failed.
"Nathan," she whispered. She allowed herself to moan, giving in to the passion between them. It was their first time, and she didn't expect him to be like this in bed.
"Kiss me more, Nathan," she whispered.
He followed, and they kissed passionately as their bodies moved in harmony. She felt the mattress begin to shake beneath them as their desire heightened.
She was breathing heavily now.
"I'm coming—let's come together—I'm close," he whispered.
She was beneath Nathan, holding on to him tightly. She felt the warm liquid release inside her—she accepted it, shuddered, and climaxed too.
Nathan kissed her again, and they could hear each other's heartbeats. They were both naked, but there was no shame between them. Nathan gently kissed and fondled her breasts, her body still sensitive from their union.
"Nathan," she said, looking at him.
"Yes?" he replied, hugging her bare body.
"You're really going to get me pregnant. You didn't hold back," she said.
"Why not? A little souvenir before the wedding." He smirked mischievously and kissed her with deep passion. "You're mine, Nadia."
"I'm always yours," she replied.
"This is going to happen again, right?" he asked.
"Why? You don't want it to?" she teased.
"Of course, I do." He looked at her. "Damn, you're so hot when you're naked," he whispered.
She looked down and touched him. "You too, hon. You're pretty good at this, huh?" She smirked.
"You love it, right?"
"Yeah," she smiled at him.
He kissed her. "After this, we really need to sleep," he whispered.
She smiled again, loving how considerate he always was.
✦ ✦ ✦
"Hey, you keep looking at your phone," Veron pointed out to Mariely.
"Huh? No, I don't," she denied.
"You're really bad at lying. Who is it? I've noticed you've been smiling more lately. Is that your boyfriend?" she teased, grinning.
Mariely blushed. "N—No!"
"Liar." Veron nudged her and laughed.
"Tell me the story when you're ready to share," she whispered.
"You're such a clown," Mariely said.
"I heard you were out late last week?" Veron asked.
"Oh, yeah, I stayed late to finish the kids' certificates," Mariely explained.
"Well, your kids were all smiles during recognition—just like you when you're looking at your phone."
"You're too much. I was just happy to talk to the kids' parents," she deflected.
But Veron wasn't going to let her off the hook—not until she got the truth about the guy who was making Mariely smile.
"So? Who picked you up?" she asked.
"Uh—" Mariely paused, thinking of an excuse. Veron waited for another weak alibi.
"I just took public transport," she said.
"Liar. Who is it? Don't tell me it's Frank." Veron asked, narrowing her eyes at her friend.
Mariely went quiet. "I'm heading back to the room," she said, avoiding the question.
Wait a second—did I just guess who it is? Frank?! Veron thought to herself.
"Hey, wait a minute—so it is Frank?" she asked, hands on her hips.
"We're not in a relationship, okay? Let's just say… we're friends," Mariely replied with a smile.
"Faith, your face doesn't scream 'friendship.'"
"I'm telling the truth. We're not in that kind of relationship," she said again.
Veron raised an eyebrow. "So? He's the one picking you up? And you're saying you're just friends? Come on, fool someone else, not me, Faith."
Mariely gave her a sweet smile. "I'll go ahead now."
She's totally in love! Veron thought to herself, shaking her head.
"Hey!" she called, grabbing her things. She shook her head as she followed.
"I told you before—he's trouble," she muttered under her breath, sighing.
"He's actually kind, in some ways. Don't worry, we're not in a relationship," Mariely replied.
"I won't be surprised if next week or next month you two are official. Ugh, Ely, I'll prepare the San Migs if you get your heart broken again," she teased.
"Let's talk later—I'm going in," Mariely said.
Veron watched her friend's bright smile. She shook her head again and finally headed into her own classroom.