"I think okay 'to, 'di ba, babe?" 

Nilibot ko ang paningin ko sa unit. It had a veranda, and it was spacious, maybe because it was still empty. The owner of the building was my mom's friend, so I managed to get a discount. Mataas din ang nakuha naming floor so kita ang city lights sa glass wall. 

"Three bedrooms. Not so bad, right?" I looked at Sevi. "It's so hard to find a unit here in our place." 

"Maganda." Sevi nodded after looking at the rooms and its space. "Pwede naman 'tong hulog-hulugan, 'di ba?" 

"Yes," I smiled. "I'll take care of it. I told you I know the owner. Let's buy this na?" 

Sevi's nod made me jump out of joy. I immediately went outside to meet the woman offering the unit to us. I asked her to call me kapag na-process na niya ang papers and kapag need niya ng sign ko or other documents. 

It was so surreal. Us, picking a unit after going through six buildings! Ito na ang pinakamatino at pinakamura naming nakuha. We were in a business city, so it was really hard to find an empty unit. Sevi wanted it empty, so we could pick the furniture ourselves, and he also wanted to fix it a bit. 

"Lumipat ka na pala sa Operations Management?" Austin suddenly talked to me while I was getting coffee. 

"Yes. I want to try working in every department," I said while waiting. 

"I remember the woman you were always with. What a miracle na hindi mo siya kasama ngayon, huh?" He was asking nonsense questions. "Mag-isa ka na lang palagi." 

"Yeah, Ida's working in their company sa U.S." I got my cup of coffee and walked away. 

How chismoso! Palagi na lang niya 'kong kinakausap kapag nakikita niya 'ko. Wala ba siyang friends or what? 

I walked out of the building and started walking towards our nearest hotel. Pinapapunta ako roon ng head namin so I could check some files. It was so hot I had to bring an umbrella and wear shades. Unti-unti na 'kong nasasanay sa heels ko. I could walk a distance with them.

"Hello," I greeted the receptionist and went through the desk to check the computers. They just let me do that. 

I was browsing on it when Sevi suddenly called. Sinagot ko 'yon at inipit ang phone between my ear and my shoulder. My hands were too busy scrolling and typing. 

"Yes, baby?" I answered. 

[Lunch. Nag-lunch ka na?] He kept on reminding me that. 

"No, but I'm drinking coffee. I'll eat after this." I stopped typing to hold my phone. "How about you? Nasa unit ka na?" 

[Oo, naglagay ako ng tiles at inayos ko 'yong ceiling. Kasama ko si Luna tsaka Ke. Nagpatulong lang ako.] He explained. 

"Okay, then." I nodded. "Don't forget to eat." 

[Yes, babe. I love you.]

"I love you," I answered back before ending the call. 

I stood up and went to the restaurant to check if everything was in place. I also met the managers and checked the kitchen. I went to the gym and to the poolside before going back to the company. I had to report back. 

Weeks after polishing our unit, Sevi and I went to the mall to look for furniture. I really felt like an adult. There were so many things that we had to consider like money, size, importance, hindi lang basta pipili like how I chose my bags. It was relaxing. Picking furniture for us was relaxing except kapag ayaw niya at nag-aaway kami. 

"I want a bigger bed." I crossed my arms over my chest. 

Sevi was too busy getting the size of the white wooden bed. He really brought his notebook, pen, and a tape measure like an engineer. He drew the whole unit in his notebook together with the sizes. He also sketched the positions of the furniture we will buy para sigurado. I agreed on that one. 

"Hindi mo naman kailangan ng malaking kama. Sisiksikin mo lang din naman ako," reklamo ni Sevi. 

I was like that in Bohol. He couldn't get over that because he fell on the bed at midnight. I didn't know! Nagising na lang ako sa kalampag niya sa sahig. I really should work on my sleeping position. 

"You have a point." I nodded. Okay, then! I should consider that one. "How about a bathtub, babe? I want a bathtub."

"May built-in shower na roon at okay naman kaya bakit magba-bathtub pa?" reklamo niya na naman.

"Bathtub na may shower." I gave him a cute smile.

"Anong-" He stopped talking when his phone rang. Sinagot niya kaagad at tumalikod sa 'kin saglit. "Sir, opo. Napuntahan ko na kahapon." 

Work again! Day off niya ngayon pero tinatawagan pa rin siya ng head nila! So annoying! Ang sungit pa naman noon! He would always yell at Sevi through the phone. Sevi would always apologize. Palagi na lang! I can't wait for that old man to retire. 

Heater na lang ang hinanap ko since ayaw niya ng bathtub. Eh di huwag! I looked for cute bathroom mirrors too hanggang sa akbayan na ulit ako ni Sevi, tapos nang makipag-usap sa boss nila. 

Since may tatlong bedrooms at isa lang naman ang kailangan namin, I convinced him to make one room as our closet since marami akong gamit and 'yong other room naman ay office, where we could work. 

After buying our furniture, we went to our unit again so he could fix the lights. Tinulungan ko siya sa mga box kahit mabigat. I was struggling with them! I told him to just hire men and pay them, but he wanted to save money. Besides, sabi niya kaya naman daw niyang gawin. 

"I'm going to die from this." I placed the box on the floor and wiped my sweat. 

Sevi was standing on that ladder, fixing the lights. I sat on the floor while waiting for him to finish. Wala pa kaming couch so sa sahig muna ako nakaupo. Next week, dadating na 'yong furniture namin. Last month, naghanap na rin kami online at padating na rin 'yon.

"Babe," I called. 

"Hmm?" He went down the ladder and moved it towards the kitchen. 

"Wala na 'kong pera..." I laughed. 

"Ako rin." He laughed too. 

It was fine. I was about to get my salary na for this month so babalik din 'yon. Hindi rin naman nakakapanghinayang since we used our money for important things like this unit. At least kami rin ang makikinabang. 

I had to sell my old bags for money. Hindi ko naman na masyadong ginagamit kaya pwede na. Besides, mas importante pang gumastos ng pera para sa comfort namin ni Sevi kaysa sa bags na 'yon. 

"How are things working around, Elyse?" my dad asked while we were eating dinner. 

"We're fixing our unit na, Dad," I answered. "I might move out next month." 

"Oh, baby..." My mom made a sad face. "I heard you sold some of your bags. If you need financial help, just don't hesitate to-"

"It's fine, Mommy," I assured her. "I need to sacrifice for greater things. Sevi and I will work on it together." 

"You're growing already." My dad nodded. 

"He contributes to my growth, Dad." I gave him a sincere smile. 

"You'll get promoted as the Operations head tomorrow. You need to start managing our hotels and resort and go hands-on," my dad told me. 

"Okay, Dad. Thank you." I nodded. 

Higher salary! Hindi ko alam kung ginawa niya 'yon dahil alam niyang kaya ko or dahil gusto niyang makatulong financially but he wanted to be lowkey about it. Whatever it was, I was still glad to climb my way to the top. 

Sunday was our time to fix the unit. This time, Sevi really hired men to help us with the furniture. I mean, hindi naman namin kayang buhatin lahat 'yon! I was wearing a pair of sweatpants and a white racerback. I knew I would sweat today. 

"Hindi, usog n'yo pa." Sevi pointed at the bed. "May marka na diyan. Isagad n'yo roon." He was so precise with it. 

After placing the furniture, I started sweeping the floor. I even used a vacuum so it would be cleaner. Sevi took his shirt off to move some furniture again, not satisfied with the position. After that, he helped me mop the floor. 

"Basa na nga 'yong sahig, binabasa mo pa lalo." Sevi laughed. "Taas ng floor natin pero binabaha pa rin tayo? Amp!" 

"Okay, smarty pants! Teach me how!" I rolled my eyes and made him hold the mop. 

"Oh, heto sa 'yo. Magpunas ka ng alikabok sa shelves." He gave me a wet cloth. 

The next week, I started packing my things. It was on Saturday night. My mom was helping me pack, which made me emotional, especially when she started tearing up. I bit my lower lip and looked at her, not knowing what to do. 

"For so many years, you were beside me." She wiped the tears in her eyes. 

"Mom, I'm just leaving the house. I'm not going to marry yet." I sighed and held her hand. "If you're worried about your health, nandiyan 'yong personal nurse mo. You can also call me if anything happens." 

"No, I'm just... I'm happy for you, Eli." She gave me a smile. "I could tell how much you love him." 

"I love you more, Mom. I will always love you more," I assured her. 

"Eat well, okay?" Hinaplos niya ang buhok ko at ngumiti sa 'kin. "Learn how to cook and clean the house. Learn how to buy groceries. Learn how to save money. You still have a long way to go, but I want to tell you how proud I am because you're starting to be independent." 

"Mommy..." I bit my lower lip when my tears started to fall. 

"I'm not going to live forever, love." She hugged me. 

"Mom, stop saying that." I started crying on her chest. 

"But I will always be here," she whispered. "Because I'm a mother." 

"Thank you, Mommy," I sobbed. "For... everything." 

She hugged me tighter. I could feel her trying to stifle her sobs so I wouldn't hear them. Maybe it was not because of me leaving... Maybe because it was about... her leaving.

"I want you to stay healthy, anak," she kept on reminding me. "Work hard but don't forget to eat well. Do it for your mommy."

I nodded. She gave my forehead a soft kiss and whispered how much she loved me before letting me go. Pinunasan ko ang luha ko at sinara ang maleta ko, handa nang umalis. I gave her a hug again before leaving. 

Kuya Roel helped me with my luggage. Tahimik lang ako habang nasa byahe. Sevi texted na naroon na siya, and he already cleaned the unit. When the car stopped in front of the lobby, I got out of the car and got my luggage. 

"Thank you, Kuya Roel." I gave him a smile. 

"Ingat po kayo palagi, Ma'am." He bowed. 

Tumalikod na 'ko at hinatak ang maleta ko papasok ng lobby. When I reached the unit, Sevi opened the door and helped me with my bags. Medyo magulo pa dahil nag-aayos pa siya ng mga gamit niya. 

"Ito, side ko 'to..." He pointed at one shelf sa loob ng walk-in closet namin. "Tapos... Sa 'yo na 'yan lahat."

"Hey, kaunti lang kaya 'yong akin!" I defended myself. 

"Oh sige nga! Ilagay mo muna mga damit mo para magkaalaman tayo rito!" 

"Whatever! Pangit mo!" I made a face. 

"Talaga? Pangit ako?" He raised a brow. 

"Yes!" Of course not! 

"Bakit nakikipag-sex ka sa pangit?" he asked and smirked. 

Kinuha ko ang bag ko at hinampas sa kaniya. He just laughed while I was glaring at him. Nawala rin ang sama ng tingin ko nang hawakan niya ang mukha ko para halikan. I leaned on the wall while he was kissing me deeper. My brows furrowed when he suddenly stopped. 

"Mag-ayos ka na ng gamit mo oy." He laughed. "Puro harot." 

I rolled my eyes and opened my luggage to transfer my clothes to the shelves. Pati hangers galing sa cabinet ko, dinala ko na. Kung marami akong damit, si Sevi naman, maraming sapatos! He was taking care of them like his own child. Todo punas pa siya kapag may kaunting dumi. 

"Babe, magkasundo tayo..." He held my arm. 

I raised a brow and looked at him. I wasn't done placing my bags yet. 

"Kapag nag-away tayo, walang gagalaw ng sapatos ah." He made that clear. "Ibato mo na 'yong cellphone ko, huwag lang 'yong sapatos ko." 

"Okay, then. Don't you ever touch my bags or my makeup." I glared at him. "Or else you will sleep outside." 

"Paano pag gusto kita i-prank? Pwede ba 'yon?" He gave me an evil smile. 

"Prank?" I gave him a sweet smile before pushing him lightly. "Prank mo mukha mo! Puro ka kalokohan!" 

"Hala, nagiging katunog mo na si Mama." He scratched his head a little. "Tsk. Ano ba 'yan! Lumipat nga 'ko rito para hindi ako masermunan eh." 

"Then go back to your place!" 

"Ito naman, hindi mabiro." 

Umirap lang ako at bumalik na sa ginagawa ko. After placing my things on the shelves, I realized that he was right. Marami nga akong gamit. Kasya naman 'yong sa kaniya sa space niya so hindi na siya nagreklamo. 

I went out of the room and visited the bathroom to place my essentials. I laughed when I realized how many it was compared to Sevi's. 

"Bebe, magluluto ba 'ko o order muna tayo?" Sumilip siya sa bathroom, holding his phone. 

"Are you stupid? Wala pa tayong groceries." I laughed. 

"Luh, oo nga 'no." He laughed too. 

I went to the bedroom to place some of my small pillows while he was busy ordering Chinese food. Our bedroom was in the color brown, white, and black. I sat on the bed and placed two picture frames on the side table. It was a picture of us during his graduation and during mine. 

"Bebe, nakapag-order na 'ko." Sevi entered the room. 

"We should add a painting there," I pointed at the empty wall. 

Sevi sat beside me and held my hand. He looked at the wall and nodded, realizing that it really looked empty. I placed my head on his shoulder and let out a heavy sigh.

"Bakit?" he asked. "May problema ba?"

"No, everything feels so surreal." I smiled at myself. "I just can't believe that... starting today, I'll be living with the man I love." 

"Ito na ang tunay na laban." He smiled. "Basta, kapag may problema tayo, sabihin mo kaagad para maayos natin ah? Walang matutulog nang magkaaway." 

"Okay, then. Toilet seat down." looked at him and smirked. "Don't leave it up."

"Kapag ako nagluto, ikaw maghuhugas," he negotiated too. 

"Okay. Let's pay for the bills half-half, or if you want, one of us will pay per month." I raised a brow. 

"Sige, half-half tayo sa groceries. Sa bill, ako muna ngayong buwan tapos ikaw sa next. Salitan para hindi magulo."

"Okay, deal." I nodded.

"Dahil diyan, walang mage-aircon ngayong buwan!" 

"Hey!" reklamo ko at hinampas siya.

He laughed and held my hand to pull me closer to him. He held my face and gave me a kiss. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him back. I giggled when he pushed me down the bed and started kissing my neck. 

We made love for the first time in this bed. I hugged Sevi and cuddled with him while panting. We were both naked, so when we heard the doorbell, we looked at each other to see who will get up to get the food. 

"You." I pointed at his face. "Get the food. You ordered it." 

"Ako na nga nag-order. Ikaw na kumuha. Pagod na 'ko. Mamamatay na ata ako," he exaggerated. 

"Okay, then. I'll go there naked." Bumaba ako sa kama, dala-dala ang kumot. 

"Ako na! Ako na!" Sevi sighed and stood up. 

Nagbihis siya ng boxers at shirt bago lumabas para kuhain ang takeout. I put my panties on and wore my shirt again before going out of the bedroom. Sevi was already fixing the food on the table. 

"Libre ko na 'to. Kawawa ka naman at wala ka yatang pera," pagyayabang ni Sevi sa 'kin.

"Excuse me! I got promoted! Yayaman din ako!" I rolled my eyes and sat in front of him. 

"Sana all." He laughed.

The next day, both of us had to go to work. Nagising ako sa alarm niya around four in the morning. Hinampas ko tuloy siya ng unan. It was too early! Ang lapit lang ng company! Pwedeng lakarin! We don't need to wake up that early. 

"Too early, babe," reklamo ko. "You made me sleep late last night and then maga-alarm ka nang maaga." 

"Magdyi-gym kasi ako," he explained. "Sumama ka para naman mabanat buto mo diyan." 

I rolled my eyes and changed my clothes. I tied my hair in a ponytail before leaving the unit with him. 

I was forced to work out because of him. It was a good thing, actually. We adapted to each other's lifestyles. Also, it was fun because I could watch him working out. He was hot. 

We went back to our unit around six and took a shower. Good thing our unit had two bathrooms so we wouldn't be late waiting for each other to finish. Around six-thirty, we were both picking out clothes to wear. I just wore a simple pencil skirt and cream blouse. Siya naman navy blue polo shirt and pants. 

I heated our leftovers last night so we could eat something for breakfast. 

"Slow down. Why are you eating so fast? Eight pa ang pasok." I looked at my watch. 

"Breakfast nga eh. Kailangan mabilis." He laughed. 

"Oh god..." I massaged my head. "How am I going to live with these tito jokes?" 

Sabay na kaming bumaba ni Sevi around seven twenty-five. Magkaiba 'yong way namin, so he kissed me on my cheek before walking away. I arrived at work around seven fifty. I had my own office now since I got promoted. 

Austin went inside my office. "Yes?" I raised a brow while typing on my laptop. 

"Do you have plans tonight?" He looked hopeful.

"What plan?" My brows furrowed. "Yes, I'm going to buy groceries." 

"Really? Can I come? I can help-" 

"With my boyfriend," I cut him off. 

"Oh..." He slowly nodded. He looked disappointed. "I... heard you moved out of your house? Saan ka na ngayon? Baka pareho tayo ng condo." 

"Yeah, I'm now living with my boyfriend." I made that clear.

"Oh, wow." He nodded again. "Okay. See you around." 

Like I said, after work, Sevi and I decided to go grocery shopping. It was our first grocery shopping together, so it was important to me. He was a little late because he had a problem sa site nila, but it was fixed na raw by Bianca. 

He had more knowledge about meat and vegetables so I let him choose. Tinuruan niya rin ako kung paano pumili para magawa ko mag-isa sa susunod. We paid for the groceries half-half. Medyo mahal nga lang dahil kakalipat lang kaya marami pa kaming kailangan. My mom gave us boxes of kitchen essentials so bawas na sa gastos. 

Sevi and I carried our groceries to our unit. Napahinto kami nang makita si Daddy na nakatayo roon sa tapat ng pintuan namin, kumakatok. His bodyguard was holding a box, nakabalot pa at may ribbon. 

"Dad!" gulat na sabi ko. 

"Oh, Elyse. I was wondering why no one was answering." He smiled.

"Good evening, Sir," Sevi greeted while holding our groceries. 

"Good evening, Engineer Camero. I was around the corner, so I wanted to see your place. Is that okay?" My dad gave us a smile. "I also bought a gift." 

"Come in, Dad." I opened the door and placed our groceries on the countertop. "I'm sorry. We were kind of rushing earlier this morning. It's a little messy." 

"It's okay. I just wanted to see if you're doing okay." My dad looked around the living room. 

His bodyguard gave me the box, so I placed it on the table and opened it. My eyes widened when I saw a brand new iMac. I jumped in joy and gave my dad a hug. I blinked twice when I realized that his smell was different. I set that aside and just focused on the gift. Finally! May computer na kami!

"Thank you, Dad!" I let him go and gave him a smile. 

"Anyway, it seems like Engineer Camero is taking good care of you. I'll head out now." My dad offered his hand to Sevi.

Nakipag-shake hands naman si Sevi at yumuko nang kaunti to pay respect to my dad. I waved at him before closing the door again. 

"Shit, may computer na tayo!" tuwang-tuwang sabi ni Sevi at nauna pang buksan ang box. 

Sevi and I were still busy with work, but at least at the end of the day, we would sleep next to each other. I was just a little sad because a day before our fourth anniversary, I had to go to Boracay to check our hotel. Kinabukasan, gabi na 'ko makakauwi. 

"Nagmamadali ka yatang bumalik?" Austin asked while we were waiting for our flight back to Manila. He had to come with me for some reason. 

"Yes," maikling sagot ko. 

"May susundo ba sa 'yo sa airport? I can drop you off," he insisted.

"No, thanks. I asked my dad's driver to pick me up," I said while texting on my phone. 

"Are you texting your boyfriend?" He was so nosy. Tumango lang ako. "What's his job?" He raised a brow.

"He's an engineer," I proudly said. 

"Oh..." He nodded. "Did you know? We were supposed to be married, but your dad declined my dad's offer." 

"Uhm, so?" My brows furrowed. 

"Just saying." He shrugged. "The thing about romantic relationships is that... they are so unpredictable, you know? One day, you're in love with him, and then the next day, you will feel empty. No more feelings."

"Why the hell are you being so weird, dude? What the fuck." I rolled my eyes and stood up. 

Nauna na 'kong sumakay sa eroplano. Gosh, he was so annoying. Mabuti na lang at hindi kami tabi sa airplane. I didn't want to hear his voice anymore. He sounded like a spoiled son! 

How ironic. I was once like him. Did I sound that annoying? 

Ten na nang gabi nang makarating kami sa Manila. Kuya Roel picked me up and dropped me off in front of the lobby around eleven in the evening. I still had an hour before the end of our anniversary. Dali-dali akong sumakay ng elevator at umakyat sa condo. 

When I opened the door, the lights were out. I placed my bag on the table. I was about to switch the lights on when Sevi suddenly came out of the room, holding a damn cake with candles on! 

"What the hell, you scared me!" I held on to my chest.

He laughed and placed the cake on the table before giving me a hug from behind. He kissed my cheek and looked at the candles. 

"Wish tayo bago natin hipan." Pumunta siya sa kabilang side ng table. 

I closed my eyes and whispered a wish. Sabay naming hinipan ang kandila. Then, he opened the lights and gave me a soft kiss. 

"Happy fourth anniversary," he whispered. "Umabot ka pa, ah."

"You waited for me, huh?" I raised a brow. "Kahit sabi ko bukas pa 'ko makakauwi?" 

"Kilala na kitang scammer ka." Ngumisi siya. "Akala mo maiisahan mo pa 'ko ah. Advanced ako mag-isip." 

We also spent our Christmas together. Nakakatuwa palang mamili ng decorations para sa condo. We had a hard time picking out a Christmas tree. Ang dami niyang arte! I wanted it white, but he preferred the traditional green. 

"Wala naman tayo sa ibang bansa. Walang White Christmas," he reasoned out. 

"Okay, then! Eh di green na!" 

After that, we bought gifts for our families. He also bought a gift for Avi. Matagal ko nang hindi nakikita 'yong batang 'yon. She would be turning four years old a month from now. Madalas pa rin silang nagkikita ni Sevi. Sometimes, Yanna would bring the kid to Valeria Group. I had not seen them in ages. Pare-pareho na kaming busy. 

My mom got hospitalized for two weeks when she fainted due to a minor problem with her health. Good thing she was doing better now. 

"Pumayag si Luna na ipagamit sa 'kin 'yong luma niyang BMW," Sevi said while we were eating our dinner. 

I tried cooking sweet and sour pork. Sevi taught me how to cook, pero hindi pa 'ko magaling. Tinitiis niya naman, though. Kahit hindi masarap, kinakain niya pa rin. 

"Really? You should pay her." My brows furrowed. 

"Huwag na raw." He shrugged. 

"What? Nakakahiya naman. Why would she offer something like that?"

"Hindi, May bago kasing sasakyan 'yon. Hindi naman daw niya kailangan ng dalawa. Hangga't hindi pa raw ako nakakabili ng sariling sasakyan, pwede ko raw gamitin." 

"Hmm, okay, then." I shrugged. 

He was looking for a car pala. Sana sinabi niya sa akin. We had an extra car. Papayag pa si Daddy ibigay 'yon, hindi hiram... but whatever. It was his choice.

"May major project ka ba ngayon?" I asked him. 

"Wala pa. Hindi pa 'ko professional, 'di ba? Malapit na, huwag kang mag-alala." He smiled. 

"Hmm, kapag naging C.E.O. na 'ko, I'll hire your company to build one of our hotels or resorts." I shrugged. "Tapos ikaw ang head engineer. Major project, right?!" 

"Favoritism ka naman no'n." He shook his head. 

"I'm just excited. I really want us to work together on a project or something." 

"Hintay ka ng ilang years. Hindi pa 'ko magaling." He laughed. 

"Hintay ka rin. Hindi pa 'ko pwede mag-C.E.O." Both of us laughed.

It was New Year's Eve. We were drinking wine on the balcony, watching the fireworks from different directions. The city was so alive. He was hugging me from behind, and I was leaning on his chest, holding my wine glass. I was only wearing my silk bathrobe. We just finished making love. 

"So beautiful..." I pointed at the city lights. "And this life... with you. It's beautiful." 

Humigpit ang yakap niya sa 'kin kaya napatingin ako sa kaniya. Kinuha niya ang isang kamay ko at hinawakan 'yon. I looked back at him and gave him a kiss on the chin. 

"May ibibigay ako," he whispered. 

I placed the wine glass on the table and turned around to look at him. My eyes widened when he showed me a knot ring. 

"What..." I whispered. 

"Hindi pa kita pwedeng alukin ng kasal ngayon." He gave me a small smile. "Kaya pangako lang muna ang kaya kong ibigay sa 'yo." 

A tear fell from my eye when he slipped the promise ring on my finger. He stared at it and touched it lovingly. 

"I love you." He gave me a hug. "I'll become more successful... and then I'll marry you." 

________________________________________________________________________________

:)