Maingat kong isinara ang pinto ng silid ni Ricos upang hindi iyon makagawa ng ingay na maaaring ikagising niya. He's all tired that after the shower, he fell right into slumber. Which is also a good thing, hindi na siya nakapag-tanong pa tungkol sa daddy niya.

Speaking of Aidan, he's still not home, and it's been over an hour since we parted. I thought I'd made myself clear with my words. Didn't he tell me that I wanted him home immediately? If I'm just so selfish, I'll make him call a cab for his friend and go with us instead. But I tried to keep my thinking straight. She went there with Aidan, and then, I'll let him drive her back to where she caved.

I went to our room and took a quick shower. Still, he's not home. May plano pa ba siyang umuwi? I'm in the middle of calling him or just waiting for him. But nah, I don't wanna look like a crazy nagging wife.

With the robe above my satin nightclothes, I got a glass of wine downstairs. I need to do something to keep myself from thinking things I shouldn't be thinking.

I stood before the counter and poured a red wine on the glass.

What's taking him so long? He does know that someone is waiting for him at home. In my years of living with my parents, I can't remember a time when Mom stayed up all night long waiting for Dad. Dad never makes my mother wait, not even once. Mas na ito pa nga nag-aantay madalas kay mommy, especially when mom went out with her friends or with my aunts. Well, who am I kidding? Dad loves Mom to the extreme.

My chest squeezed in relief when I heard Aidan's car outside. Good God, finally! I almost lose my head thinking about whether he's coming home or not.

I stood still on my stand and continued taking sips on my glass. The lights were off, but through the illuminated light of the lamppost outside, I could see Aidan heading to the stairs.

He stopped when he noticed my presence, sa halip na tumuloy ay lumiko siya patungo sa direksyon ko. I kept my eyes on him, our eyes linked even if I could barely see his face because of some lack of lighting, and I bet if he could see me clearly, I'd be standing against the light.

"Sorry, I was late again. Viel's dad was at her place when we got there. He invited me in for a little talk," he explained.

"No is just a two-letter word, Aidan. Is it that hard to say?" I twitched my lips, trying to control my emotions. He was about to speak when I did. "Doesn't matter,"

"Actually it does, I know it does." His eyes went down to the glass of wine in my hand. "I didn't mean to upset you, I'm sorry about yesterday and about what happened earlier."

"I'm okay, Aidan. Technically, we're married, though we're still separated. I understand. I won't stick my nose into your business again." I tried to keep my voice steady, brushing off its bitterness. "But our son needs to hear that apology. I hope you'll give him one."

What I said was the truth. Whatever is going on between Viel and Aidan, it's all up to him. Since the last time I checked, we didn't get back together. We haven't fixed our issues yet. So, he's free to do whatever he wants to do. We're good for as long as it won't affect Ricos.

"What the hell are you saying, Paris?" He said, almost growling. "The fuck with that, you won't stick your nose into my business. Well, baby, I am your husband. I am your business! I sure want you sticking your nose in everything that has to do with me. Don't shit with me, Paris. If you're still pushing your annulment helluva thing, no, honey, sorry, but that will never happen."

Through the aggressive clenching of his jaw and just how his arm moved in the pocket of his jeans, I know Aidan is on it. He's mad. I made him mad. And when Aidan is angry, he lashes out.

He walked towards me, stopping at the other end of the counter. Padarang niyang tinapon sa ibabaw ng counter ang kinuha niya mula sakanyang bulsa.

"You taking that?" he asked dangerously.

I composed myself. I can feel my cheeks flush for a moment. Thank God for the lack of light, don't think he'll ever notice.

"Answer me, Amanda," he demanded.

Inirapan ko siya bago iniangat ang baso ng wine na aking hawak, sandali akong uminom bago mag-salita. "Kanina ko pa iyan hinahanap, bakit nasa iyo yan? It's not good that you're going through my things, Aidan Zeus"

"And that doesn't answer my question," mas agresibo niyang ulit. "You're taking birth control pills? Seriously, Paris? We haven't had sex for a long while, no contact at all. There's no use for pills, unless-"

"Oh, ano?!" I snapped and threw him a death glare. "Unless nanlalaki ako? Pag-bibintangan mo na naman ako. Well, for your information, Aidan. Kahapon ko lang iyan hiningi sa ob sa ospital before I went home, kasi 'di ba? Mag-uusap tayo. I was thinking of getting myself on birth control pills because, who knows? We might have a good talk that we'll end up fucking each other. I don't want another baby to hello while we're both unstable." A frustrated groan released on my lips when I got him staring at me blankly. "Why the hell am I even explaining myself? Forget it, dammit!"

That's true. I'm really worried that we might end up in bed having unprotected sex last night, but nada, nothing happened. An emergency took him. Psh, I can just count the flying fuck I give. Hinanap ko iyon kaninang umaga, but it went missing from the drawer of our bathroom where I put it.

"Well," it took him a while to utter something. He bent a little and placed his elbows apart above the counter. Looking at me intently, and I'm dang sure there's an amusement in his eyes. "wife, I still don't see the need for these. Unprotected loving in our love nest, isn't a problem."

"Maybe for you, it isn't!" I snarled.

Problema sa mga lalaki, they think of pregnancy as easy as one two three. Well fuck them, it's not. It's fulfilling and fun, but it's not something you should take as a hobby. Isa pa, it's not like we're sailing a smooth sea right now.

Aidan sighed defeated, he's giving me this argument again like always. Tumayo siyang tuwid bago ihiwalay ang tingin sakin, tinalikuran niya ako upang tunguhin ang ref. He took a can of beer and went back in front of me.

I watched him took a swig on it, even the movement of his Adam's apple as he swallow, bothers me. Mabilis kong iniwas ang aking mga mata nang sulyapan niya ako sa nanliliit na mga mata, his brows even ceased and his smile behind the can of beer can't go unnoticed. After another nip, he placed the can down, clearing his throat.

"I'm sorry, Paris." His eyes matched mine. "For everything that I have said and done. I know I can't put up some goddamn excuses and I won't, I'm sorry. I'm owning up my mistakes, I have paid it bigtime. When you left me, that's when I was punished. Maybe, I deserve it."

Suddenly, I'm confused. What is he saying? What is he sorry about? Sorry that I made that decision years ago. I should apologize if it's all about what happened back then. I disturbed him, not just his mind and emotions but everything. I shagged his world, leaving him empty.

"It's hard to fight jealousy, so hard, especially that you weren't on my side. Shit happens, I lost it." He admitted. "I was so damn jealous when I saw you with him, laughing. Dammit, Paris, I know jealousy is bad but I can't help it. Gusto ko sakin ka lang masaya. Call me selfish, more like greedy, but damn, woman, I don't want anyone else making you comfortable like I do."

"Aidan..."

"But yeah, its true that selfish people ended up having nothing but themselves." He paused and took another swig of beer. "I was so clouded back then, Paris Amanda. My chest were tight with emotions I could barely handle. I was more than devastated and I need you, I need nothing but you. Couldn't imagine how I died right on my stand when I saw you comforting your friend, I stood there for hours until my legs almost gave up. I was weak, I needed that comfort. I needed your comfort."

Guilt sat not just on my head but more on my chest. What I had done can't be undone. Aidan was there when I was there for Wendell. The guilt was like gasoline in my guts. My insides died slowly in the toxicity, needing no more than a spark to set it ablaze.

"After that night, I can't bring myself to you, not because I'm mad, but because I don't wanna bother you. I know you're having a rough time at school, I get that. But what I don't seem to understand is that fucking bastard's presence," baring teeth and squinting his eyes with both anger and annoyance he got for Wendell. "I watched you with him. What am I called for it? A martyr? But I have to watch you, I need to keep you. Not until that night at the pub, you lied over and over and it hit my nerves. I could no longer watch you having fun with him. I've had enough. I feel the need to get out before I throw a fit on him and make a scene. I couldn't embarrass you."

Hindi parin ako nag-salita, I don't think I could ever speak one word with the lump of pain in my throat.

"Certain Karen Hanover emailed me the photos of you and Wendell at the pub," he said.

"Karen Hanover?" I repeated, and he answered me with a nod. "She's Wendell's former girlfriend, said he broke up with her because he has things for me-"

"He should've told the stethoscopes they might care," an angry snarl cut me off.

"We did not kiss that night. I swear, Aidan. You're the only person I got my tongue into-" I groaned, unable to think straight. I dropped the glass above the counter and walked away. "wait up. Dammit. Damn bitch!"

"Paris we're talking!" Humabol siya sakin nang pumunta ako sa sala.

I took the cordless phone sitting above the table and dialed Romee's number without even thinking if she was still awake or what. Whatever, hindi na ako makapag-antay ng bukas.

"Paris-"

"Fucking shut up, Aidan. I'm trying to get something done," I was hissing when Romee finally took the other line.

"Woah, woah, are you inviting an audience? Sorry, Paris, I might pass. Don't wanna hear you both all screaming and lashing." Tumatawang sabi nito na siyang nagpa-ikot ng aking mga mata.

"I need you to do something for me, listen. The bitch's name is Karen Hanover, do everything you want with that woman, tell Lance to supply her hell. She can't fucking get away with this unscratched!"

"Chill, will you?" Romee said. "Anong meron sa babae na 'to?"

"I'll call you tomorrow and tell you an uncut story, basta just fucking make her suffer."

"Okay, just give me a ring if you ever need a gun, bye."

Tamang naibaba ko ang telepono nang kunin iyon ni Aidan sakin, he then took my hand and pulled me in his arms. He's looking down at me, and I see his gaze.

"Sorry if I screwed up," I said.

"I didn't trust you enough. I was so blinded then." His chest moved in a deep inhale. "I realized my mistakes when you called it over. I didn't stop looking after you, Paris. For every chance I get, I was near you. Unnoticed. But I was watching you. I thought I have learned the hard way and that I was ready to win you back when you came here..."

I stayed silent, waiting for his words to come fluently in his mouth.

"But the bastard showed up messing my head again. I'm sorry, Paris."

I stared at Aidan. I haven't explained myself to him, but he seemed to understand everything. Is there some magic inside his head that makes him seem to understand everything about me?

"Hindi ko lalaki si Wendell, Aidan. In that photo, we aren't kissing. I swear he didn't get a chance to land his lips on me. I have kicked his balls. I swear, Aidan. I never cheated on you, not in any form. My lies weren't intentional. I was actually true to my words. Siguro ang naging mali ko doon ay ang hindi pagsasabi sayo ng kung ano ang nangyari matapos mo akong tanungin. The only lie that I admit is the one at the pub. I thought you were Icen, Icen never approved Wendell, and I don't want him getting all pissed knowing that I was with Wendell at the pub. But didn't do that for some worse intention, Aidan. I should've told you that Wendell's mom died, and he's in grief. I'm the one who's always around him. I look at him as a friend, nothing more and nothing less. Heaven knows how devoted and in love I am with you, Aidan, then and now..."

I do love Aidan so much that I can't breathe. Who wouldn't love him when he epitomizes an ideal lover?

"Aidan..." I bit my lower lip when I got no reaction from him. He's just all eyes on me.

"You are the finest, loveliest, and most beautiful person I have ever known and even that is an understatement. God, Paris, you're rendering me speechless..." he whispered before giving me a mesmerizing smile. He tilted my chin and angled my face just so he could watch me perfectly. "I love you, too, no, so much, so much more. I've long been in love with you, Paris Amanda."

My heartbeat is steady like a drummer's, keeping rhythm and beat. It is no more fancy than a ticking clock or an acorn falling from a mighty oak. It is just my heart. His hand drifted to my hip and settled there. He pulled me closer, making me inhale sharply. I'm against his warm chest, chiseled to perfection.

"I love you," he whispered once more. Lovingly this time.

"Hmm," I tried to hide my smile, but I just couldn't.

"I love you," ulit niya.

Tumango ako bago itikom ang aking bibig.

"I love you nga..." tunog reklamo na iyon kasabay pa ng pagsasalubong ng kaniyang kilay.

Napahagikgik ako bago siya tuluyang yakapin. "Mahal kita, Aidan."

He groaned triumphantly and began nuzzling my neck with delicate kisses. So faint, they were whispers. My limp body began to tremble uncontrollably. His head was angled to the side until his lips moved closer and closer to me, capturing my anticipating lips in a gentle kiss.

"I miss this, baby... I miss you."

I did, too.

"Miss mo ba?" He chuckled. Damn, it sounds so sexy!

Bago pa ako makasagot, sinalakay na ako ng kaniyang mga labi. Aidan is so good at this, I should know.

"You taste like heaven, Paris."

Our breaths mingled. He kissed me, my brain lit fire, and the warmth spread throughout my body. I know what's next.