Pamamanhikan
The mansion had never felt this heavy.
Not during business wars.
Not during losses.
Not even during the nights Keifer sat alone, staring at memories he couldn't undo.
This weight was different.
It was the weight of family he didn't have—and the family he was about to ask for.
Keifer stood near the window, suit untouched, hands clenched so tightly his knuckles ached. Voices echoed from different corners of the house—Section E arguing about who should stand where, his brothers trying to restore order that never really existed—but none of it reached him properly.
He was thinking of his mother.
Of the way she used to adjust his collar.
Of the way she smiled when he pretended not to care.
Of the way she should have been here.
That was when Tita Gemma entered his room.
She didn't knock. She never needed to.
She looked at him once and knew. She always did.
"Sit," she said gently.
Keifer obeyed, like the child he once was in front of her.
She sat across from him, hands folded, posture calm but eyes full of something deeper.
"Tomorrow," she began, "we go to the Fernandes house."
Keifer nodded.
"It's called Pamamanhikan," she continued. "It's not just tradition. It's the groom's family humbling themselves before the bride's family. Asking—not demanding."
Her voice softened.
"You don't have parents to do that for you."
His jaw tightened.
"So I will," she said.
He looked up sharply.
"I will take the role of your mother," she continued, steady but emotional. "I will stand for you. I will ask for Jay's hand."
The silence shattered him.
"I miss my mother," he said, voice cracking without permission. "She should've been the one. She loved weddings. She used to say she wanted to see me happy like this."
Tita Gemma reached for his hand instantly.
"She does see you," she whispered. "And she would've loved Jay."
Tears slid down Keifer's face before he could stop them.
"I loved her too much," he admitted. "And sometimes… sometimes I'm scared I'll turn into my father."
The words hung between them like something poisonous.
Tita Gemma froze.
Once—years ago, in anger and grief—she had said those words to him. You're just like your father. She had never meant it the way it scarred him.
Her breath trembled.
"I was wrong," she said quietly. "And I have been ashamed of that sentence ever since."
She stood up slowly, walked in front of him, and bowed her head.
"I am sorry, Keifer. Truly. You are not him. You are kinder. You choose differently. You stayed soft even when life tried to harden you."
Keifer broke completely then.
"I needed you to say that," he whispered.
She cupped his face the way his mother once did.
"Then let me be your mother tomorrow," she said. "Let me do this right."
The next morning, the mansion moved like a storm.
Suits. Flowers. Arguments. Laughing nerves.
Section E lined up, trying to look respectful and failing gloriously.
"Why do I feel like we're being evaluated too?" Cin whispered.
"Because we're emotionally attached," Felix replied. "This is our mutya's future."
Keifer's brothers adjusted their cuffs, teasing him relentlessly.
"You ready to be grilled?" one asked.
Percy clapped Keifer's shoulder. "Relax. If you mess up, we'll distract them."
Aries smirked. "Or make it worse."
They arrived at the Fernandes house together.
Inside, Jay sat between her parents, heart pounding so loudly she was sure everyone could hear it. She looked calm on the outside, but her fingers twisted nervously in her lap.
Angelo stood behind her chair, arms crossed, unreadable.
When the door opened, Tita Gemma stepped forward first.
"We come with respect," she said clearly. "And with sincere intentions. I stand here as Keifer's family."
Keifer bowed his head deeply.
Jay's father studied him carefully.
"Do you understand the responsibility you're asking for?"
"Yes," Keifer answered without hesitation. "And I won't take it lightly."
Jay's mother leaned forward.
"When she's tired and doesn't say it, what will you do?"
"I'll notice," he said. "And I'll stay."
Angelo's voice cut through the room.
"When the world breaks her the way it already has—what then?"
Keifer met his eyes steadily.
"Then I won't let her face it alone. Ever."
Silence.
Then—inevitably—Section E ruined it.
"So you swear not to make her cry?" Felix asked loudly.
Cin added, "Because we're emotionally fragile."
Aries smirked. "And protective."
Percy nodded. "Very."
Keifer's brothers laughed.
"You're surrounded, man."
Keifer smiled, nervous but honest.
"I accept all consequences."
Jay finally stood up.
Her eyes were shining.
Her parents exchanged a look—the kind that carried years of worry and love.
Jay's father stood.
"Then we give our blessing."
The room erupted.
Laughter. Relief. Tears. Applause.
Keifer looked at Jay like the world had finally chosen him back.
And for the first time in his life, he didn't feel like a boy who lost everything.
He felt like a man who had been claimed by love.
The house had finally settled.
Laughter still echoed faintly from the living room, but the sharp edge of the Pamamanhikan was over. Blessings had been given. Promises spoken. Relief hung in the air like something fragile.
Keifer stepped outside to the back veranda, loosening his tie, breathing for the first time since morning.
"Keifer."
He turned.
Angelo stood there, hands in his pockets, expression unreadable as always.
"Walk with me," Angelo said.
They moved a little away from the house, into the quiet where the noise couldn't follow. The night was calm—too calm for what was about to be said.
Angelo stopped first.
"You did well in there," he said.
Keifer nodded. "Thank you."
Silence stretched.
Then Angelo spoke again, slower this time.
"You know I've never been soft with you."
Keifer didn't argue. "I know."
Angelo exhaled. "That's not because I hated you. It's because I saw how much power you'd have over her."
That landed.
"When Jay was younger," Angelo continued, "I couldn't protect her from everything. And that guilt doesn't leave you. Ever."
Keifer's voice was quiet. "I understand."
Angelo looked at him then—really looked.
"Do you?"
Keifer swallowed.
"I lost my parents. I grew up learning that love can disappear without warning. So if I ever hurt her… it won't be because I didn't know what it felt like to lose someone."
Angelo studied him for a long moment.
"You know," Angelo said finally, "I scared every man who came near her. They liked her—but they never stayed."
Keifer didn't interrupt.
"But you stayed," Angelo continued. "Through her silence. Her anger. Her fear."
His voice hardened slightly.
"So hear me clearly."
Keifer straightened instinctively.
"If you ever raise your voice at her out of pride—
If you ever make her feel small—
If you ever make her question her worth—"
He stepped closer.
"I won't ask questions. I won't wait for explanations."
Keifer met his gaze, steady.
"You won't need to. I'd deserve it."
That answer surprised Angelo.
He looked away briefly, then nodded once.
"You're not fearless," Angelo said. "You're careful. That's better."
The wind brushed past them.
Angelo spoke again, softer now.
"She won't always say when she's hurting."
Keifer nodded. "I know."
"Then notice."
"I will."
Angelo was quiet for a long moment.
Then, almost reluctantly, he extended his hand.
"Take care of her," he said. "Not like a possession. Like a responsibility you're grateful for."
Keifer took his hand firmly.
"I will. With my life."
Angelo let go.
As he turned back toward the house, he paused.
"She chose you," he said over his shoulder. "Don't ever forget that."
Keifer stood there seeing Angelo leave ,chest tight, heart full, realizing something profound:
This wasn't a warning.
It was acceptance.
Angelo had taken only a few steps toward the house when Keifer spoke again.
"Angelo."
He stopped, turning slowly.
Keifer hesitated—not out of fear, but out of respect. This wasn't business. This wasn't confidence. This was asking.
"I want to see Jay," he said honestly. "Just for a while. Alone. I won't keep her long. I just… I want to talk to her."
Angelo studied him carefully, like he had been doing all evening—but this time, there was something different in his eyes. Less suspicion. More weighing.
"You're asking me," Angelo said.
"Yes," Keifer replied. "Not assuming."
That mattered.
Angelo exhaled, rubbing his jaw. "You know," he said, "most men ask after they take."
Keifer didn't flinch.
"I don't want to take anything that isn't given."
Silence stretched between them.
Inside the house, laughter rose and fell. Jay's laughter—clear, familiar—floated out for just a second before the door closed again.
Angelo glanced toward the sound.
"She's emotional today," he said. "Happy. But overwhelmed."
"I know," Keifer answered softly. "That's why I won't push. I just want her to know I'm here."
Angelo looked back at him.
Then, finally, he nodded once.
"Go," he said. "Talk to her."
Keifer's breath left him slowly, like he'd been holding it without realizing.
"But Keifer," Angelo added, his voice firm again.
Keifer turned back.
"If she asks you to stay longer—
You still bring her back on time."
Keifer gave a small, genuine smile.
"I will. You have my word."
Angelo stepped aside, clearing the path.
As Keifer walked toward the house, Angelo spoke one last time—quiet, almost to himself.
"Take care of her heart tonight. It's been through enough."
Keifer paused at the door, hand on the handle.
"I will," he said. "Always."
And for the first time since Jay was born, Angelo watched someone walk toward her without the instinct to stop them.
Because this time—
He trusted the man knocking on her door.
Jay was standing near the window when the knock came.
She knew it was him even before the door opened.
Keifer stepped in quietly, like he didn't want to disturb the moment—or her. For a second, they just looked at each other. No crowd. No expectations. No noise.
Just them.
"You look tired," he said gently.
Jay smiled. "You look like you survived a battle."
He chuckled softly, then grew serious. "I asked Angelo if I could see you."
That surprised her. Her smile softened into something deeper.
"You didn't have to."
"I wanted to," he replied. "I wanted to do everything right."
That did it.
Jay walked toward him, stopping just a step away. Not touching. Just close enough to feel him.
"Today felt unreal," she whispered. "Like my life finally caught up to my heart."
Keifer swallowed.
"I was scared," he admitted. "Not of your family. Of failing you."
Jay looked up at him.
"You didn't."
He lifted his hand slowly, giving her time—always giving her time. When she nodded, he brushed his thumb gently against her knuckles.
"That meant more to me than the blessing," he said quietly. "Choosing me… every day."
Jay's eyes shimmered.
"I choose you because you stay. Even when I don't know how to ask you to."
Keifer stepped closer, resting his forehead lightly against hers. No rush. No hunger. Just presence.
"I'll keep choosing you," he promised. "Even on days when love feels heavy."
Jay closed her eyes.
"Then stay like this for a while."
He wrapped his arms around her slowly, carefully, like she was something precious—and she rested her head against his chest. His heartbeat was steady. Familiar. Safe.
They didn't speak for a long time.
They didn't need to.
When Jay finally pulled back, she smiled—soft, certain.
"This is my favorite part," she said. "When the world disappears."
Keifer smiled back.
"Mine too."
And in that quiet space—no chaos, no past, no fear—
they didn't just feel in love.
They felt home.
Keifer didn't pull away.
That was the difference.
When Jay leaned into him this time, it wasn't careful—it was instinct. Her fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt, like she needed proof he was real.
Keifer's breath hitched.
"Jay…" he murmured, warning and want tangled together.
She looked up at him, eyes dark, honest, unafraid.
"I'm here," she said. "With you."
That was all the permission he needed.
He kissed her—slow at first, like he was reminding himself to breathe. Not rushed, not gentle in a fragile way, but deep, deliberate. The kind of kiss that carried everything he'd held back all day.
Jay answered immediately.
Her hands slid up to his shoulders, grounding him, pulling him closer. The world narrowed to warmth and breath and the quiet sound she made when he kissed her again—longer this time.
Keifer rested his forehead against hers, struggling for control.
"You have no idea," he whispered, voice rough, "how hard it is to stop."
Jay's lips curved slightly.
"Then don't disappear," she replied. "Just… stay."
He wrapped his arms around her fully now, holding her close, protective, almost fierce. Not possession—devotion. Like losing her was his deepest fear and keeping her safe was his instinct.
"I'd burn the world before letting it hurt you again," he said quietly.
Jay's breath caught.
She kissed him again—soft this time, reassuring—like she was anchoring him back from the edge.
"I don't need you to burn anything," she said. "Just don't let go."
He didn't.
They stayed like that—kisses slowing, foreheads touching, hands resting where they felt safest—until the intensity softened into something steady and real.
Love that knew restraint.
Love that chose control.
When Keifer finally pulled back, his thumb brushed her cheek gently.
"Soon," he said, meaning forever, not tonight.
Jay smiled, eyes glowing.
"I'll wait," she whispered. "As long as it's you."
And in that quiet room, with hearts still racing, they proved something important:
Some love doesn't need to cross the line to feel dangerously deep.
Jay was still close to him when Keifer spoke again, his voice softer now, thoughtful.
"Jay," he said quietly.
She hummed, eyes half-closed, still wrapped in the calm he gave her. "Hmm?"
He hesitated just enough for her to notice. She pulled back slightly, searching his face.
"What is it?"
He smiled—the kind of smile that meant plans.
"We were engaged once," he said. "But that wasn't how it should've been."
Jay blinked. "What do you mean?"
"I mean," he continued gently, "you deserved something proper. Something intentional. Something where you're not just agreeing—but being celebrated."
Her heart skipped. "Keifer…"
"So," he added, carefully, "I want to do it again. Formally."
Jay stared at him.
"Again?" she repeated. "Like… engagement engagement?"
"Yes."
Her brain stopped working.
"Tomorrow."
That was when panic hit.
"Tomorrow?" she squeaked, pulling away completely now. "Keifer, tomorrow is too soon— I don't have a dress, I didn't plan anything, I don't even know who's coming, what if I look ridiculous, what if—"
He caught her hands gently, steadying her before she spiraled any further.
"Jay," he said calmly. "Breathe."
She tried. Failed. Tried again.
"I'm not ready," she said, voice shaking. "I want it to be perfect."
He smiled softly, thumbs brushing over her knuckles.
"It already is," he said. "Because it's you."
"That's not helping," she muttered, overwhelmed.
He leaned in slightly, resting his forehead against hers again.
"You don't have to prepare anything," he said. "Everything is ready."
She froze.
"What do you mean everything?"
"The dress. The place. The people," he said gently. "All you have to do is wake up… and let yourself be taken care of."
Jay looked at him like he'd lost his mind.
"You planned all this without telling me?"
"I wanted to," he admitted. "Just this once. I wanted to surprise you."
Her eyes filled—not with fear now, but emotion.
"You're not taking away my choice, are you?" she asked quietly.
Keifer shook his head immediately.
"Never. If you say no, I stop everything. I just wanted you to feel… safe. Wanted."
Jay swallowed hard.
"You really thought of everything," she whispered.
"I thought of you," he corrected.
She stepped closer again, resting her head against his chest.
"I'm scared," she admitted.
He wrapped his arms around her instantly.
"I know. That's why I'm here."
They stayed like that for a moment—her heartbeat slowly matching his.
"Okay," she said finally, voice small but steady. "I'll trust you."
His chest lifted with a quiet breath of relief.
"That's all I need."
She tilted her head up, smiling now—nervous but glowing.
"If I faint tomorrow, it's your fault."
He chuckled softly and kissed her forehead.
"I'll catch you."
And as the night wrapped around them, Jay realized something:
This wasn't about being ready.
It was about being held while she wasn't.
The dining table was crowded, loud, and warm.
Keifer's brothers sat on one side, Jay's parents on the other.
Tita Gemma watched quietly, smiling with a softness that only appeared when she was truly happy.
Jay sat beside Keifer, her fingers lightly touching his under the table like a secret.
Everyone had already been told.
Everyone except Section E.
Because, of course, that was how the universe worked.
They had been told because Keifer didn't want the house to become a circus the next morning.
He wanted it to be calm. He wanted Jay to feel safe.
But Section E was Section E.
They were sitting at the far end of the table, pretending to be calm and normal while clearly waiting for something to happen. They were already suspicious. They were already excited. They were already… chaotic.
Cin kept fidgeting with his fork like it was a nervous habit.
Felix was trying to act cool but his eyes kept darting around the room.
Rory kept whispering to Blaster like he was about to confess a secret.
Eman sat quietly, but his eyes were sharp—too sharp.
Aries and Percy were calm, which meant they were not calm at all.
Keifer cleared his throat.
The room quieted instantly. Everyone looked up.
Even Section E.
Keifer's voice was calm, steady, like he'd been doing this his whole life.
"Tomorrow," he said, "I will formally re-engage Jay."
A moment of silence.
Then Section E's eyes widened.
Felix's fork clattered loudly on the plate.
Cin gasped so loudly it sounded like a scream.
Rory's mouth opened, and he looked like he'd just been slapped by reality.
Blaster blinked rapidly, trying to process the sentence.
Eman finally spoke, dead serious.
"Wait. What did you just say?"
Keifer didn't flinch.
"I said—tomorrow is the engagement."
Section E froze.
Then, as if someone had triggered a domino effect, they exploded.
Felix shouted, "WHAT?!!"
Cin stood up, hands in the air. "NO WAY! NO WAY! NO WAY!"
Rory began pacing in circles. "This is too much. This is too much. I'm not ready for this. I'm not ready!"
Blaster leaned forward, eyes wide. "Is this… a real engagement?"
Eman's voice turned sharp. "Keifer, did you ask her properly?"
Keifer nodded.
"Yes."
Aries smirked, leaning back. "Finally. About time."
Percy suddenly spoke, voice low. "I need to prepare myself emotionally."
Felix turned to Keifer, still yelling.
"Bro, you didn't tell us! You didn't tell anyone! We're your best friends, man!"
Keifer's expression softened slightly.
"I wanted it to be a surprise."
Cin shook his head violently. "A surprise? You don't surprise a girl with a life-changing thing without warning!"
Jay's face turned pale.
She hadn't expected this kind of reaction. She had expected happy, not this.
Keifer looked at her and squeezed her hand gently.
"I'm sorry," he whispered. "I didn't mean to scare you."
Jay tried to smile.
"It's okay," she said quietly. "It's just… a lot."
Section E continued.
Felix pointed at Jay. "So she's okay with it?"
Keifer nodded again. "She is."
Cin stared at Jay, eyes wide. "You're okay with being engaged tomorrow?"
Jay swallowed. "I… I didn't know."
The room went silent again.
Then Rory suddenly shouted, "WHAT?! SHE DIDN'T KNOW?!"
Blaster slammed his hand on the table. "Keifer, you're insane!"
Eman stood up. "This is a big deal."
Aries laughed. "It's a great deal."
Percy shook his head, eyes shining. "I'm not ready to cry yet."
Tita Gemma's voice cut through the chaos, calm and firm.
"Everyone," she said, "please. This is a happy moment."
Section E froze for half a second.
Then, because they were Section E, they couldn't help it.
Felix leaned forward, eyes shining with emotion. "I'm happy for you, Keifer. I really am. But you're going to be in trouble if you mess this up."
Cin nodded rapidly. "We will personally make sure you don't mess it up."
Rory wiped his eyes. "I'm happy but also… scared."
Blaster sighed dramatically. "Why am I emotional?"
Eman shook his head. "Because you love her."
Keifer looked at Jay, smiling gently despite the chaos.
"I promise," he said, "tomorrow will be simple. Just you and me. Nothing complicated. Just us."
Jay nodded, tears forming in her eyes.
"Okay," she whispered.
Section E, still chaotic, began to calm down a little.
Because even though they were loud, and wild, and dramatic—
They loved her.
And they knew this moment mattered.
The house had quieted.
Not completely—Section E was still loud in the background, but the noise had changed. It wasn't chaos anymore. It was excitement. It was preparation. It was the kind of energy that comes right before something big happens.
Jay stood in her room, staring at the dress laid out on the bed.
It was beautiful.
More beautiful than she felt she deserved.
Her hands trembled slightly as she touched the fabric.
She heard a soft knock.
"Come in," she called.
The door opened.
Keifer stepped in, his face calm, but his eyes were heavy with emotion.
He stood in front of her, not moving too close. Not yet.
He looked at her for a long moment, as if he was trying to memorize her.
"You look…" he started.
Jay smiled nervously. "I don't know if I look ready."
Keifer took a step closer, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from her face. His fingers hovered there for a moment, like he was afraid to touch her too hard.
"You look like you're about to be mine again," he said softly.
Jay's eyes widened.
"I'm already yours," she whispered.
Keifer's expression softened. "I know."
He stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her slowly. She leaned into him, resting her head against his chest. She could feel his heart beating—steady, strong.
"I'm scared," she admitted, voice muffled against his shirt.
Keifer tightened his arms gently. "I know."
"Do you ever get scared?" she asked, looking up at him.
Keifer smiled faintly. "Every day. But I'm scared of losing you, not of being with you."
Jay's eyes filled.
"I feel like I'm not ready," she said. "I don't know how to be the kind of wife you deserve."
Keifer's voice turned firm, but still gentle.
"Jay, you don't have to be perfect. You just have to be you."
She shook her head, tears spilling.
"I don't want to disappoint you."
Keifer held her face in his hands, looking at her like she was the only thing in the world that mattered.
"You could never disappoint me," he said. "Even when you're scared. Even when you're weak. Even when you feel like you're not enough."
Jay's lips trembled.
Keifer leaned in and kissed her softly—just once, but full of promise.
When he pulled back, his eyes were glossy.
"I want you to remember one thing," he said quietly.
"What?"
"I chose you," he said. "And I'll choose you again tomorrow. And the day after. And every day after that."
Jay smiled through her tears.
"Okay," she whispered. "I'll try to be brave."
Keifer kissed her forehead gently.
"You already are."
They stayed like that for a long moment, holding each other, letting the world wait.
Then Keifer whispered, just barely audible,
"Sleep now. Tomorrow is going to be the best day of our lives."
Jay nodded, leaning into him.
As he left the room, Jay realized that she wasn't afraid anymore.
Not because the future was easy.
But because he was with her.
And that was enough.
______________________________
Target 20.
And as you love me more so I want to extend the chapters some more, and I don't know how many 😀
Thank you 🌸
That's all I needed, your small gestures make me feel like, I should keep writing ✨