MAXWELL CROISX SILVESTRE
POINT OF VIEW II

Rank    Name    School   Rating (%)

 1 Maxwell Croisx Armstrong Silvestre
         De La Salle University Manila
                                                  97.95%

"Congratulations, bunso! I'm so proud of you, anak." My Mom hugged me after seeing the result of the Civil Engineers Licensure Examination.

I forced a smile. "Thank you, Mom."

"Congratulations, Engineer Silvestre!" Dad greeted me with a big, proud, tearful smile on his face. "You did so well." He gently tapped my back.

"Thanks, Dad," I answered in a neutral voice.

I topped the boards with a rating of 97.95%. I wasn't expecting it anymore since I was out of focus for the whole preparation for the board exam, but then, I guess I was really a genius, I even topped the boards.

I don't know how to feel. I should be happy, right? However, I don't know how to explain my feelings. I I feel nothing.

I received a lot of praise and congratulatory messages. I was even interviewed on television for leading the topnotcher's list, but still, I wasn't happy. I'm still expecting that one person to congratulate me, but then, who am I kidding? Hindi na nga niya ako kilala.

Suddenly, my mind flew to America. Khrizanta has been there for several months now for a better treatment.

Khrizanta woke up after being in a coma for three months. . . I thought I'd be at peace after hearing the news that she was awake, but then, I found out that she was suffering from amnesia.

The memories we had shared were blocked out of her brain. Khrizanta and I were together for almost a year— From the moment we met until the day we parted ways, those memories are buried inside her brain.

Sa lahat ng pwede niyang hindi maalala, 'yong mga alaala pa naming dalawa.

The moment I heard that from her mother, I fell down from my knees. Nanghina ako bigla habang sunod-sunod ang pagpatak ng luha sa mga mata ko. I shamelessly broke down in front of her parents.

Akala ko wala nang isasakit pa noong malaman kong comatose siya, meron pa pala. It breaks my heart knowing that the person who knows me so well suddenly doesn't know me.

Ilang buwan akong halos hindi na kumakain, natutulog at naliligo. I feel like a dead person for months. Kahit anong gawin ko, nothing seems helping me.

Binalak ko pa na sumunod kaagad nang nalaman kong dadalhin siya sa ibang bansa. But Mom begged me not to. She was crying and begging me not to go and waste everything I had worked for. I was so close to answering no, but when she got sick, I surrendered. Sinisi ko ang sarili dahil pati siya ay nagkasakit na.

I don't cry anymore. I've realized that crying isn't the solution to my problems. But it doesn't mean that I already moved on. Si Khrizanta pa rin talaga, noon at hanggang ngayon.

Everything was not easy for me, but I didn't have a choice but to keep going.

I stayed in the country for another year. Inabala ko na lang ang sarili sa trabaho at sa pagtaggap ng mga projects. Together with Kier, sa ZDS firm kami nagtatrabahong dalawa. My brother owns the company but I told him not to give me special treatment and don't play favoritism towards me because I don't want the other employees to feel that the CEO is being unfair.

During the groundbreaking for the first project I was part of, which is the 'Hotel De Valdez', katabi ko si Kier habang pinapakinggan ang speech ni Engineer Salcedo dahil siya ang lead Engineer sa project na 'to habang si kuya ang lead Architect. Kanina, sabay kaming kumain ng lunch ni kuya Zachariah. It was just the two of us inside the private dining of Zuriel lés arómes.

"Hello, Engineer Silvestre, Engineer Uytingco!" Architect Spencer approaches us. She's one of the newest architects under the supervision of Architect Montesilva.

"Yes, architect?" Kier immediately smiled at the lady.

"Well, I'm going to invite you both to my birthday party later. Sa condo ko gaganapin," she stated, smiling.

"Happy birthday, Architect! Sino ba mga kasama?" Kier asked. Silang dalawa ang nag-uusap at nakikinig lang ako.

"Well, I invited some Architects and Engineers. Inimbitahan ko rin sina Architect Fhaine saka Architect Hunter. Punta kayo, ha? Engineer Silvestre, kahit walang regalo," aniya, natatawa pa.

I shrugged. "I'll try."

"Sumama kana, Engineer! Sige na," she nudged my arm.

Kier chuckled. "Sasama 'yan basta kasama ako!" I wanted to snort from what he said, but I controlled myself.

"Okay! See you later! Sa Makati nga pala 'yong condo ko, ha!" she said before leaving to join her colleagues.

"Grabe ka, Silvestre! Tayong dalawa ang kausap ni Architect Spencer pero ako lang ang sumasagot. Don't tell me, loyal ka pa rin sa kanya?" Kier asked and put his arm around my shoulders. "Ano? Sagot."

I looked at him and removed his arms from my shoulder.

"Pass kapag hindi Khrizanta pangalan," nakangising sagot ko.

I stayed in the Philippines for a year to gather work experience and then flew to the USA to enter Harvard Law School. Luckily, I have a GPA of 4.0. and I got the highest score on the LSAT tests as part of my application requirements. I got accepted and my class schedule begins every fall semester.

I have a winter break from school, so I decided to visit New York. I was wearing a black trench coat, and underneath the coat was my Gucci sweater, black slacks, and a scarf from Versace. May bitbit akong maliit na hand carry dahil magstay ako dito ng mga ilang araw.

I remember the days when Tita Katarina still updating me about Khrizanta. She was sending a picture of Khrizanta to me. Iba't-ibang pictures yon sa iba't-ibang lugar. For the whole year, I endured only seeing her in the pictures.

I miss everything about her.

Waiting for someone you love isn't easy, but if waiting means being able to be with her again, I'll keep waiting for as long as forever for us to be together again.

Hanggang ngayon, hindi ko pa rin napapatawad ang lalaking 'yon kahit pumanaw na siya. He was the one to blame for why all this happened. The only thing he did right was when Khrizanta made me her boyfriend to lure him out.

That day of the accident, a ravaging ten-wheeler truck hit his car. It was the reason why it exploded, and he got trapped inside. He suffered from fourth-degree burns, and half of his body became paralyzed. Hindi na kinaya ng katawan niya ang nangyari kaya kusa na 'tong sumuko.

He didn't even apologise for what he did to us. But at least he had his karma.

I bit my lip and smiled when I saw a familiar face on the digital billboard. The woman in the billboard was wearing a sparkling silver tube gown while riding a white horse and holding a bottle of a famous liquor. Ang buhok niya ay umaalon sa tuwing hahakbang ang kabayo. She looks like an equine expert.

I feel like a proud dad while staring at the billboard. I'm so proud of what she became.

Khrizanta. . . You did so well, mi vida.

I was in Buvette. According to the articles I read about her, she always eats here because the apartment where she stays is just a few blocks away.

My heart quickened when I saw a familiar face entering the restaurant. She changed a lot. Her hair was reaching her elbow, and the last time I saw her picture, she had blonde hair, but now she's back to brunette. Wala na rin siyang bangs, hindi tulad noon. She became more fit, huh?

Marami ang mga napatingin sa kanya, naglabas ng camera at kinuhanan siya ng litrato. I want to stand up and cover her from the flashes, but who am I to do such a thing? Everything wasn't the same anymore.

It's been three years since the end of our relationship, and seeing her now, makes me remember every sigh, every smile, every moan, every goddamn thing about her.

Three years without Khrizanta is like a hollow sphere in the galaxy, empty and dark.

I can't live without her anymore. I want my life back, my rainbow. I need to do something rather than watching her from afar.

Khrizanta Altamirano and basketball player David Coleslaw were spotted in a restaurant in Los Angeles.

Is it true that they're dating?

Ano ba namang klaseng issue 'to! Malamang hindi 'to totoo! Tita Katarina would for sure inform me if these rumours are true.

My eyes almost formed a straight line as my mood turned sour when I saw a comment shipping them together. "She doesn't like moreno! She prefers mestizo. I'm mestizo," I whispered, assuring myself while scrolling through my feed. "Hah. She doesn't like basketball players. She likes engineers! I'm an Engineer!"

There's a lot of rumors about her targeting basketball players for the past years, yet she ignored all of the rumors slamming at her. Why is she ignoring every rumor? Hindi ba siya pwedeng magsalita? May pumipigil ba sa kanya? Bigla akong nakaramdam ng takot. She's too beautiful, too sexy, and she has this attractive personality. Men would line up over and beg to have her attention.

I was in my apartment, reviewing the proposal plan of my new client for her townhouse in Philadelphia. My eyes laid down on my phone when it flashed. A notification dashes on the upper part of the phone's screen.

Khriz.saint: smoking up in the new cover of Swimsuit Sports Illustrated. 

My lips parted upon seeing the post. Khrizanta posted a seductive photo of her on Instagram! She was only wearing a crimson skimpy two-piece bikini while posing on the yacht. Her chest was barely hiding on her tiny triangle bikini, and her bum cheeks were literally exposed because of her skimpy bottoms. She really knows how to draw attention, huh?

I tried reading the comments under her post, and my blood instantly boiled upon seeing that it was mainly boys. My jaw kept clenching every comment my eyes passed. I couldn't help but utter a side comment in every malicious Comment on her post.

JoGlows: Marry me

Marry you?! I'm the only one who can mary her! Not anyone, just me!

JamiesHotSauce: Your beauty is irresistible

That's my pretty girl

Alwaysaugst: Babe, this look is everything

Babe?! I'm the only one who can call her babe! Ako lang!

LebronJayne: Damn, what a hot body. Be mine, please!

I know she's hot, but she's mine, not yours, but mine. Khrizanta is mine. Mine only.

Every time I had free time from law school, I would always find myself going to New York. Watching her runway show and also attending the launching of the clothing line she was endorsing. Sometimes, I would also go to Los Angeles whenever she has a gig there. Kung na saan siya, nandoon ako.

If I just have a huge spare time from law school, I would apply as her bodyguard. Kahit walang sahod basta makasama lang siya, ayos na sa akin.

I guess the heavens heard my prayers. I met one of the top designers in the fashion industry, Donatella. I was hired as one of the Engineers in her townhouse in Beverly Hills. She was my key to entering the industry— to get close and see Khrizanta at a closer distance.

One time, I was watching a video of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show to see Khrizanta's debut on the runway. Ang tagal ko siyang hinintay na maglakad doon sa mahabang stage at noong lumabas na siya, I found myself crying in happiness.

God, she looked so amazing.

That time, I was caught by Donatella watching the show. I felt my cheeks seared up when she gave me a teasing look.

"You're a fan of runways, Engineer?" she asked.

I licked my lips before nodding. "Yeah. I was watching the new model's ramp, though."

"Hmm. Which model are you watching, huh?"

I bit my lips, hesitant to answer.

She chuckled. "Oh, come on! Tell me, maybe I can help you to enter the shows." she playfully winked at me.

Is this the answer to my prayers?

I swallowed. "K-Khrizanta Altamirano."

She looked stunned. "I knew her! You know what?! I can give you a pass in every show she goes! Let's start with the upcoming New York Fashion Week. What do you think?"

From then, nagkaroon na ako ng access sa fashion shows. Whenever I had the chance to travel, I would watch Khrizanta on the runway or watch her do whatever she do for the day, like eating, going to the gym, hanging out with her friends, and many more.

I learn how to love watching her from afar. Dahil alam kong hindi pa 'to ang tamang oras para magpakilala sa kanya.

She looks amazing on the screen but looks more wonderful in person. She looked so confident, so elegant and happy. She did a hair flip and a slow-mo twirl— her signature walk. I bit my lip when she did a flying kiss and a wink at the camera.

Khrizanta is no doubt a walking temptation.

I smiled bitterly as I took photos and videos of her until she reached the end of the stage. It was a short time, but that was enough for me— for now.

After the show, I went straight to the after party. Thanks to my backer, I got the passed to be at this party. I still want to see Khrizanta even only from afar.

Sometimes, I get this urge to approach her and speak with her, but then I remember that she's a different person now.

I miss Khrizanta so much. I miss her every day.

My heart went frenzied when Khrizanta suddenly approached me. I don't curse but fuck! My heart skipped a beat when she started a conversation. 

"What's your name?" she innocently asked.

My heart shattered upon hearing her question. Inaasahan ko na 'to, pero ang sakit pa rin pala. I swallowed before forcing a smile.

"Croisx. . . Maxwell Croisx Silvestre."

I've been a stranger to many, but being one to the woman I love hurts the most. We became strangers who knew each other too well.

She doesn't have any idea how much I miss her every second of the day we're not together.

"Nice to meet you, Croisx."

I felt a sudden sting in my chest when she mentioned my name for the second time. My eyes remained on her, memorizing every detail of her face. I gently squeeze her hand, cherishing the familiar warm coming from her hands.

We are so close, yet so far.

"Pleasure to meet you, always. . ." I let out a smile to hide the strain inside my heart as my eyes never left her orbs. "Mi vida."

Destiny was on my side because I found out that Ate Ariella, my brother's fiance and the love of my life were best friends! Umuwi ako sa Pilipinas at doon, nagkita ulit kaming dalawa. I act as if I didn't know she was here, where in fact, I already know.

Her lips parted when our eyes locked into each other. I wanted to smile because of her sudden expression, but I managed not to. She looks so damn pretty! I bit the inside of my cheeks to stifle a smile when an image of her wearing a wedding gown flashed in my mind.

Ah, I can't wait to marry her.

"Y-You. . ." she pointed a finger at me. "What are you doing here?" she asked in confusion.

I sighed, pretending to be offended. I licked my bottom lips before pressing my lips together, keeping my demeanour.

"I'm the best man," I answered sarcastically, making her lips part. I'm the best man— the best man for you.

Hindi ko mapigilan na lumingon sa direksyon ni Khrizanta. She was crying while watching my brother and her best friend's nuptials. My expression agonized when I saw her wipe her cheeks. She's really crying, damn. If I can only stand up and move beside her just to brush her tears away, I'll do it.

I was caught off guard when she suddenly glanced in my direction. My heart skipped a beat when her face twisted in confusion and curiosity. I gave her a wolfish grin, pretending that she didn't have any effect on me.

I miss the way she looked at me.

I almost stood up from the chair when I saw who got the bouquet of flowers. Khrizanta got it! Damn it! I need to get the wedding garter, or else another guy would get it and put it on her!

"Let's proceed to the tossing of the wedding garter!" The host announced, and adrenaline immediately rushed through my veins. I need to get the garter no matter what happened!

I got alert when three men immediately jumped to get the garter the moment my brother tossed it in the air. Before they could even touch it, I jumped so high, blocking their view, causing those men to almost tumble on the floor. On the other side, I almost fell to the floor because of the stature of my jump, but I luckily balanced myself.

"Whoa! This is interesting! The brother of the groom and the best friend of the bride!" The host announced. A smile of triumph appeared on my lips as I breathed shakily.

Asa pang hahayaan kong may luluhod na iba sa kanya bukod sa'kin!

"The lie is you're studying in Harvard Law School. . ." she answered with confidence. "You're already a License Engineer. I doubt mag-aaral ka pa ulit,"

I felt a pang in my chest but I hide it by smiling bitterly. Mabilis kong binuksan ang bote ng alak at nagsalin sa takip bago inabot sa kanya.

"I-I was wrong?!" she exclaimed.

I nodded. "Yes, you're wrong," I wanted to smile despite the strain I was feeling because her expression really looked adorable.

"So ano 'yong lie?" she asked in curiosity.

I leaned closer to her, making her eyes widen. Then I seized her waist and pulled her closer to me. I saw her swallowing hard, looking so nervous about my next move. Tumitig ako sa mga mata niya.

"The I already moved on with my ex. Because I am not. . . I'm still in love with her. I won't love again if it's not her."

If she just knew how much I love her, she'd be surprised. I bought the Japanese restaurant where we always eat before. Nabalitaan ko kasi na for sale na 'yon. The owner was migrating to Japan for good, and they needed the money to start a new life in their native country.

We made a lot of precious memories in that restaurant, so I bought it with my first paycheck as an Engineer. Then, I renovated it slightly with the help of my brother. He's the Architect while I am the Engineer. Wala naman ako masyadong binago, kaunti lang.

"What are you doing here in my room?!" she snarled as she point a finger at me.

I had just come out of the shower when I saw her on the bed, wide awake. Her eyes fluttered wide, looking so confused, frightened and curious.

I arched a brow at her. "That's what I should be asking you. Why are you in my room?"

I bit my inner cheeks upon seeing her reaction. I need to conceal my real emotions to avoid interpersonal conflict. I want to maintain our relationship this way— As much as I want to tell her who I am in her life, I want to take everything slow. Ayoko siyang biglain.

I'm letting her live her new life without me yet because I know, in the end, all my sacrifices will be worth it. Because Khrizanta's worth it.

"Did we. . . Did we sleep together?"

It feels like deja vu. Khrizanta's reaction was my reaction when I woke up in her bed three years ago. Now, the tables had turned.

"Yes," I answered in a neutral voice.

She gasped. "What?! We had sex?!"

How I wish. I miss making love with you, mi vida.

From: Tita Katarina

Khrizanta will stay in the Philippines for a few weeks. She has a photoshoot on an Island in Palawan. Do your job nicely, my future son-in-law. Hihi.

A wide smile appeared on my lips when I saw a message from my future mother-in-law. She's really very supportive about me loving her daughter.

For the rest of the week, I've been observing Khrizanta from afar. Luckily, she was having a photoshoot in Palawan— In the exact hotel resort where we celebrated our monthsary three years ago.

I swore to myself, like what I told her three years ago when she broke up with me, I would never let her go. Not today, Not in this lifetime. Never.

If two hearts are meant for each other, fate will bring them together, no matter how far they are or how impossible it seems.

I'll make sure that before she goes back to New York, makukuha ko na ulit ang loob niya. I'll do everything for her to remember me. 

God loves me because I had the chance to watch her on the photoshoot up close. I met the photographer and the crew as the owner of the island resort. They were having a shoot on the exclusive beachside that was part of my resort. I gave them complimentary drinks and snacks while they were waiting for Khrizanta to finish preparing.

"Sir, saan po ilalagay 'tong table?" one of the crew asked me.

"Just place it under the coconut tree. Then make sure that no one will come here until the shoot is done, alright?" I command.

The crew nodded. "Okay po, sir."

I got alerted when Khrizanta entered the place. She can't see me, not this early, though.

I swallowed hard when the pink robe slipped down on her body, revealing the white triangle bikini she was wearing. The bikini has a string wrapped perfectly on her flat abdomen. The ruched bikini bottom was super skimpy, revealing her thick, round ass.

I swallowed hard as I felt my back straighten like an iron when I felt something stirred up! I suddenly felt desirous of the bikini she was wearing. That bikini was so lucky to be on her body!

I roamed my eyes, and my jaw clenched when I saw the crews gawking at her. If I can just pull out their eyes, I gladly will.

My heart skipped a beat when our gazes locked each other. I held her eyes hostage until the end of shoot. I was focusing on her the whole time, glaring at each man who was looking at her like they wanted to eat her. 

"So, you're now watching my shoots, huh? You're the luckiest fan," she teased me.

My lips rose, grinning. "I'll be the luckiest if I marry my idol," may laman na sagot ko. You'll marry me soon, Khrizanta.

Palawan is a magical place. Given the fact that Khrizanta doesn't remember me, still being with her makes everything okay. We have only been together for a few days, yet my heart is so happy. I feel like we're getting there.

"So, tell me about your ideal girl. . ."

I bit my bottom lip, suppressing a smile when she asked me that question out of nowhere. Why are you curious, mi vida? Are you applying?

"Why are you asking?" I asked teasingly as I raised an eyebrow.

Her face crumpled in embarrassment. "Can't I ask? I'm just curious, you know!" she retorts, and I laugh.

"If you are interested in my ideal girl, why don't you look in the mirror and see it for yourself?" I muttered with a goofy smirk as my brows wiggled.

Even without memories, it's obvious that she was longing for me. Her eyes screamed with so much longing and confusion. Her love for me was inevitable. Kahit hindi niya sinasadya iparamdam sa'kin, lumalabas 'yon ng kusa.

"Tumawag ang babae mo!" she suddenly snapped out of nowhere.

I thought I had already seen all of Khrizanta's versions— Happy Khrizanta, sad Khrizanta, hungry Khrizanta, grumpy khrizanta and now, jealous Khrizanta.

She doesn't know me yet she was feeling jealous every time there was a woman linking at me. Lumabas ang pagiging selosa niya ngayong may amnesia siya. Noon naman ay hindi ko siya nakikitang nagseselos, ako pa nga ang palaging nagseselos noon. But now, the table had turned.

"I like that you were jealous even though you don't remember me," I muttered, still amused by her sudden outburst.

"Don't make excuse anymore, Croisx! Ayos lang naman, 'eh! Wala naman tayong relasyon! I am just your sister-in-law's bestfriend and your idol. That's it—"

I cut her off by pulling her waist closer to me. Her eyes widened, and her cheeks flushed. My lips curved for a bright smile as my eyes twinkled in amusement.

"Don't be jealous, mi vida," I whispered huskily. "I'm all yours."

I'll never get tired of giving her the assurance she needs until the room full of doubts in her head is gone— Never.

Filipino-American highest-paid supermodel Khrizanta Louisse Altamirano was seen yesterday on a private island in Palawan, Philipines, with a mysterious man sharing a kiss in front of the seaside.

See Khrizanta Altamirano dating history. . .

I massaged my temples upon seeing the articles about Khrizanta that were published last night. I didn't know that someone took a picture of us! It was my fault that she was having another rumour about her. I am not worried about myself. Instead, I'm more worried sick about her. I know she is already used to her field of work, but I don't want to add another problem to her plate.

The Versace runway show arrived, and I did everything to attend the event so I could see Khrizanta. Donatella informed me that Khrizanta will walk for her brand, so I did everything to look good so that when she sees me, she'll fall for more like I do.

I wore a black Versace jacket and a blue printed stencil silk necktie that I partnered with black slacks. The jacket was open, revealing the white button-down shirt dress. My hairstyle was a little messy and undone. I don't know what to do with my hair, so I just let it this way.

When the show ended, I couldn't be more amazed at Khrizanta. Of course, siya lang naman talaga ang pinakahihintay kong maglakad doon sa stage. The actress beside me and I were talking. I told her that I was an Engineer, and she was impressed.

I felt someone looking at me, so I look around. My eyes fluttered wide when I saw Khrizanta glaring at me. Para akong nawalan ng dugo nang magtama ang mga mata namin. I pressed my lips together before immediately looking away.

Jesus, another misunderstanding again!

 "Please, Croisx, tell me. . . Who are you in my life?"

I was in a very of crying when I saw her tears cascading down. I licked my lips before rubbing a hand over my face and looking at her again. Suminghap ako kasabay nang paglunok upang pigilan ang pagtulo ng luha.

"I. . . I am your boyfriend, Khrizanta."

Her eyes widened as they sliced with overflowing emotions. I want to punch myself for hurting her unintentionally.

"No. . . I don't believe you." Her words stabbed my heart, causing it to bleed.

Ito na nga ba ang kinakatakot ko, ang hindi niya paniwalaan.

I was so scared when Khrizanta lost consciousness. Gladly, I was on time before she could even fall on the floor. Wala rin masyadong tao ang nakapwesto kung saan siya bago mawalan ng malay. I was feeling frantic and scared. I don't know what to do.

I called her manager using her phone. Denver immediately answered the call and told me she was on the way. Nang dumating siya, dinala namin si Khrizanta sa apartment niya. Her manager managed to open the door and then asked me to bring her to her bedroom while contacting the private doctor of Khrizanta.

I carried her and placed her on the mattress. Then I stared at her. Khrizanta had been through a lot. If I can only dodge her problems like how I dodged the bullets before, then I will.

I brush her cheeks, not removing my eyes from her. Then, slowly, I leaned closer and kissed her forehead. I whispered 'I love you' before I stood up because I heard footsteps. When her manager arrives in front of the door, she looks at me apologetically.

"Hi, I'm really sorry for the inconvenience. Sana hindi 'to makalabas sa kahit sino, especially sa media."

I nodded. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone about this," I assured, then glanced at Khrizanta, who was sleeping on the bed peacefully. "Can you update me about Khrizanta? I'm really worried about her."

She looked at me meaningfully before she nodded. "Sure. Thank you talaga, Engineer."

Khrizanta crying was my major weakness. But when she told me she would find another man who could fulfil her needs, I was scared to death. I literally became frantic.

I didn't mean to reject her every time— in fact, I also want to take her, to make love with her, but I don't want her to think that I am taking advantage of her situation. I can wait until we get married, but the last string of my patience broke.

Hindi ko na rin nakontrol ang sarili ko noong nasa loob na niya ako. It feels as good as ever. It was my first time after three years, and I feel complete. She might not remember how many times we did it, but I remember it— more than four times I came inside her before we stopped.

We're in the bed, cuddling as the thick comforter covers our naked bodies. I was brushing her hair with my fingers as her head rested on my arm and her face on my chest.

"We didn't use protection," I muttered, looking at her.

She looked up at me with her doe eyes. I sighed. "It's fine. I'm taking pills."

I pulled her closer to me and kissed her on the forehead. "Next time, we will use a protection, okay?"

She pouted, which made me smile. "We don't have to. I like it raw," she muttered, giggling.

My eyes narrowed. "Then, I will pull out every time I am about to come. Is that fine?" I asked gently.

"Don't pull out either!" she hissed at me.

My mouth opened before I chuckled lightly. "If that's what you want. Let's sleep, mi vida. Good night, babe." I whispered and kissed her lightly on the lips.

I went home to Massachusetts and the media were already waiting for me in front of the University. How come they knew I was studying here? After Khrizanta announced that we were dating, I was bombarded with questions and follow requests from her fans. 

Moreover, a lot of fans were taking screenshots of our old pictures, and posting them on the app called twitter. We are also trending on the app for a whole week. My classmates don't care about me dating the highest-paid model, but I know deep inside they want to ask me too. They were just hesitant because of my stern expression.

I tried calling her, but she won't pick up my calls. Maybe she's busy? I don't know. I'm really worried about Khrizanta. I hope she's okay, or else I will book a flight and ditch my exam to make sure she's doing okay.

Her bravely announcing our relationship made my heart swell. I was already expecting her to hide our relationship, so when she announced it in front of dozens of media, I was totally shocked.

Our relationship has already publicized, so we don't have to hide it, and I think it's for the best. I'm just not used to it because every time we go on a date, I always spot cameras secretly taking pictures of us. Hindi naman lumalapit pero minsan, may mga lumalapit pa rin at iniinterview kami na hindi namin parehong sinasagot.

Later that day, I was in the library when Mom facetime me. I accepted the call. Nabigla pa ako dahil magkatabi sila ni Tita Katarina, mi vida's mother. They're both wearing doctor's coats.

"How are you managing up, bunso?" Mom started by asking that question.

I sighed. "I am fine, Mom." my voice was low because I was in the library.

"Hindi ka ba ginugulo ng media, Engineer?" Tita Katarina asked.

I shake my head. "Hindi naman po. . . masyado." I bit my bottom lip when I remembered the media earlier. "They were asking me about our relationship. Wala naman po akong sinabi. Khrizanta told me not to answer any," I explained.

"Correct! Once you answer, sunod-sunod na ang mga magiging tanong nila," Tita Katarina muttered.

I think this is the time to make everything right. We are already inseparable. No one could ever break us apart. I already have her parent's approval, even with her cousins, and so do her best friend and my family. Everyone's supportive of our relationship. I can't wait to live with her in the same house and build a family with her. I already got everything, siya na lang ang kulang.

I have laid out all my plans in my hands. I rented one of the digital billboards in Times Squares and then sent them a video of me that they will display on the billboard. It only cost me a thousand bucks, not really that pricey for an almost thirty-minute video.

I'll ask Khrizanta to marry me before this year's end.  The wedding can be held after I graduate from law school or whenever she's ready. I just really want to make sure that she agrees to marry me.

Because it's always been her. . . The woman I would spend the rest of my life with.

"Khrizanta, I fell in love with you, not knowing what love really was. I stayed in love with you because there's no one or nothing I've ever wanted more than you. I will forever be in love with you because I can't imagine even a second of my life without you."

I've always been sure of her— kung hindi siya, huwag na lang. I can't imagine my future without Khrizanta.

My eyes pooled with tears as I slowly bent my knees on the floor, in front of everyone, under the crystal rain. I took a red velvet box from the back of my pocket and slowly opened it, revealing a beautiful red ruby diamond ring I bought for her three years ago.

"C-Croisx. . ." she emotionally called my name.

My lips trembled, so I cleared my throat and flashed a smile despite the nervousness I was feeling. Tumitig ako sa mga mata niya at inangat ang maliit na kahon na naglalaman ng singsing.

"Khrizanta Altamirano, will you marry me?" my weak voice broke.

She cried even more while looking back at me. My heartbeat was pounding against my chest, waiting for her answer. Everything went slow to me when she nodded repeatedly.

"Yes! I'll marry you, Croisx!" she answered, and her tears fell like waterfalls.

My eyes widened as tears cascaded more on my cheeks. My hands are shaking, but I still put the ring on her ring finger. The crowd went wild. They were clapping and cheering for us. Parang sasabog ang puso 'ko sa sobrang kaligayahan nang marinig ang sagot niya.

"I'm in love with you," her voice became soft and weak.

My lips parted as I cried my heart out. I covered a hand over my face and broke down. Oh, god! My heart was beating so fast because of what she said.

Khrizanta is in love with me. After three years, this is the third time I heard her say she loves me. My shoulders were quivering from crying in bliss. 

"Oh, God. I love you so much," I muttered between my sobs. "I love you, Khrizanta. . ."

I love her so much that my heart is going to burst at any moment. I cupped her face and stared at her light brown orbs with so much love. Slowly, I leaned closer and captured her lips in a passionate kiss.

"I'm so in love with you, Croisx. Even though I don't have my memories for three years, my heart only beats for you." She smiled and cupped my face.

Just by looking at her eyes, I could see and feel the longing in her eyes. A droplet of tears fell from my eyes, and she immediately brushed it away.

"I'm sorry. . . I'm sorry for everything. I'm sorry for hurting you. Sorry for all the bad attitude. I'm really and deeply sorry for making you wait for me. But I'm here now, so please, forgive me." she cried so hard. "I miss you a lot, babe."

Napakurap-kurap ako, hindi kaagad nakapagsalita. I swallowed hard to remove the lump forming on my throat. My vision suddenly went blurry because of the tears pooling in my eyes.

"Y-You. . . You do remember me now?" I whispered, biting my lips.

She closed her eyes tightly, biting her lips before she slowly open her eyes and looked at me with tears. Napaawang ang labi ko nang makita ang dating kislap ng mga mata niya. I couldn't help but cry and pull her again for an embrace. We hold each other firmly, comforting each other.

"Thank you for coming home to me," I muttered weakly before kissing her forehead multiple times.

She giggled and held my hand to rest on her cheeks. Her eyes glisten in happiness.

"Thank you for the love that doesn't hurt. . ." She sincerely muttered before she caged my cheeks with her palm and sealed my lips with hers.

Until the end, after all the suffering, sorrow, resentment, and distance, she's still the one and only girl I want.

I'm still so damn in love with her. Walang makakapantay sa nararamdam ko sa kanya. Mas lalong hindi ako mapapagod mahalin siya.

She's the greatest gift I ever received.

No one and nothing can change my mind. I want Krizanta's love for the rest of my life. She was worth the pain and worth the wait.

My love for her is like the ocean. It has vast and unpredictable force. It can be soothing and turbulent, like the waves crashing against the shore. It was endless.

Right now, I can finally say that I have successfully crossed the wild waves, my own wild waves, Khrizanta.

No challenges or obstacles could stop us anymore. This is the right time for both of us. Finally, the person giving colour to my colourless world is home— in my arms.

END OF ENGINEER MAXWELL CROISX SILVESTRE POV.