"Oh? Is something bothering you, Nathan?" Nadia asked, noticing her fiancé's distracted demeanor.
He shook his head silently and just pulled her into a hug.
"You're worried about Ely, aren't you?" she guessed gently.
"I just want to ask you something… Should we invite him to our wedding?" he finally asked.
Nadia chuckled softly. "Is that what you're thinking about? Whether or not to invite him?"
"Yeah… What do you think? Should we?" he repeated, watching her reaction.
"Of course. And you? Whatever decision you make, you know I'll respect it," she replied sincerely.
"There's nothing wrong with it. Let's just invite him," Nathan concluded.
She nodded. "We should introduce him to our guests."
"Okay, we'll include him," he agreed.
Nadia smiled at him, feeling warm and lighthearted. She leaned into his embrace, loving how affectionate he could be. He hugged her tightly in return, kissed her forehead, and playfully tousled her hair.
****
Veron was deep in thought. Should I tell Faith what I saw? she asked herself, torn with unease.
That guy… Will he ever really change? she thought bitterly.
I need to calm down. I can't just hurt Faith because of something I saw, she told herself.
Back at the faculty area, she noticed Faith stretching after class—clearly it had just ended.
"Faith," she called.
Faith turned to her, stretching her arms. "How's your relationship with Frank lately?" Veron asked casually.
Faith frowned slightly, thinking. "It's okay. He's just really busy lately. He said he's trying to make up for the days he missed," she answered.
"You mentioned when we went to the mall that he wasn't feeling well, right?" Veron pressed.
"Yeah. He told me he stayed home to rest," Faith said, now looking confused.
Maybe I was just seeing things. Maybe it wasn't Frank, Veron thought anxiously.
"Is something wrong, Veron?" Faith asked, puzzled by her friend's demeanor.
Veron shook her head quickly. "Nothing, Ely. Come on, let's go to recess," she said, trying to shift the mood.
Faith nodded and walked ahead while Veron lingered behind, lost in thought.
You need proof. If I accuse him without anything solid, it might cause a fight between us, she reminded herself.
She sighed deeply.
"Are you really okay, Veron?" Faith asked again with concern.
"Y-Yeah… Don't mind me," she replied.
"I've got some medicine if you have a headache," Faith offered.
Veron laughed softly. "It'll pass, Faith," she said, lightly tapping her on the shoulder.
****
"Are you not busy with work anymore?" Mariely asked as she got into Frank's car.
"Yeah," he answered shortly, starting the car immediately.
"I brought medicine in case you still feel unwell or have a fever," she said gently.
"No need. I'm okay now," he replied, not even looking at her.
She sighed quietly. She understood he was busy—but still...
"Frank—"
"What now?" He snapped, his tone clearly annoyed.
"Are you mad at me?" she asked calmly, though she was caught off guard by his tone.
"I've got so much on my plate, Faith. Please, don't add to it," he muttered, slamming his hands against the wheel in frustration.
"That's why I was asking—if you're really okay," she said, her voice trembling. His behavior was starting to wear on her.
But she held back her emotions. As they neared her house, she spoke again.
"Just drop me off here," she said calmly.
He stopped the car. She quickly got out, leaving money and medicine on the front seat. He was about to say something, but she shut the door before he could.
She didn't say goodbye. She just walked away quickly.
When she got home, she greeted her parents and then went straight to her room.
She locked herself in. She didn't want to talk to anyone. It wasn't the first time she felt this way—but even though she tried to be patient and understanding, she couldn't help but feel hurt.
She turned off her phone, lay down on the bed, and hugged her pillow. Soon, she drifted off to sleep.
A while later, someone woke her up.
"Ely? Why are you crying?" Her brother asked, startled to see her tear-streaked cheeks.
She was surprised too—her face was wet with tears. She quickly wiped them away.
"It's nothing, brother. I just had a sad dream," she replied.
He frowned but didn't press further.
"Come on, let's eat. Change into your house clothes too," he said gently.
She nodded. "I'll follow."
"Okay. Don't take too long."
Once he left, she changed quickly and went downstairs to eat. She didn't open her phone at all.
If he's tired of me, I'll understand. He just needs to say it, she thought, trying to stay strong.
A pang tightened in her chest. She had been brushing everything off, letting it slide again and again. But how much longer could she ignore the pain?
She wasn't ready to face him, so she started commuting home with Veron whenever she could. She ignored all of Frank's texts and calls, not wanting to disturb him—or be hurt again.
But today, Veron had something to do, so she had to commute alone.
As she stepped out the gate, she saw Frank's car parked nearby. She pretended not to see it, even as her phone vibrated constantly in her bag.
Don't be weak, Mariely. You're always too soft when it comes to him, she told herself.
She ignored his calls and texts.
She had pride too—and it hurt when the person you loved treated you like that.
She heard a car honk but didn't turn around.
Come on, jeep. "Hurry up," she muttered in her head.
Frank's car pulled up beside her. He didn't say anything, just looked at her, clearly irritated.
She was afraid he'd raise his voice again. She avoided eye contact and saw a jeep approaching. She walked quickly toward it.
But just a few steps away, someone grabbed her arm. Frank had gotten out of the car and pulled her back inside, shutting the door before she could resist.
She wanted to get out—but he just sat there, looking at her.
She didn't say a word, afraid she'd cry in front of him.