SPECIAL CHAPTER: THE PROPOSAL

All my life I have never been so sure. All my life, I found nothing in everyday, not knowing the up above was planning to give me everything today. Inaamin ko man, gago ako, pero tangina napatino ako ng dahil lang sa isang lalaki. It might be so cliché but I instantly turn into this lovesick bastard when I'm with Ace. He changed my view in this world. He made me see the things that I know I was lacking.

And I now know. It was him all this time. Siya lang pala at ang anak ko ang kailangan ko para maging kompleto ang buhay ko. He made me resist women's touched; he made me resist anyone's attention unless it was him. At kaya rin niya akong baliwin sa mga halik niya.

Nakakabaliw ang pag-ibig ng isang bratinela. I didn't even know that I was falling really hard for him.

Kung noon ay gumagawa ako ng mga bagay na ikakasaya sa puso ko, ngayon iba na dahil sa lahat ng mga ginagawa ni Ace, kahit simpleng mga bagay pa 'yan, he would turn me into this messy fool. And I know I'm in love. And every day I am falling more and more with his smiles. Love, and affection. Binigyan niya pa ako ng isang pamilya na kailanman ay hindi ko ipagpapalit sa anumang bagay sa mundo.

"Brat, I love you." He turned around to face me at nahihiwagaan sa akin. Kalaunan ay malalaking ngiti niya ang sumilaw sa mga mata ko.

"Bakit ka ganiyan? Alam na alam mo talaga ang kiliti ko no?" I hugged him closer to me. These days could never be better. Oo, sumasakit ang ulo ko lalo pa sa mga unwanted attention he got every time we are in public but it only made me more possessive with this little beauty.

Dahil ngayon handa akong makipagpatayan para sa taong 'to at sa mga anak namin. He tried once to escape from me, but that was it. Once is enough to straighten me and my principles. Tangina mababaliw ako kapag iniwan ako ng taong 'to.

What would I do without him and our little angels!

I hugged him closer as I felt the urge to dominate this beauty. I may not like how other boys want this fidget in my hands, but they should know better.

"Lance ang kambal. Baka gising na sila." He tried standing up from the bed but my hold on him was strong enough to lay him in the bed again.

"Don't worry, I already tale care of them. As for you, you should take a rest first; have some quality time with your friends. I will take care of the boys today." I kissed his lips.

He was gaping from my kiss.

"Are you for real? Baka hanapin ako ng mga bata, especially Eludes." There was a hint of worry in his voice but I reassured him.

"Eludes is a good boy, he will listen to me." I said confidently.

Naririnig ko ang mga bungisngis kaya natatawa rin ako.

"Hey, stop laughing at me, brat." Hinahagod ko ang maliliit niyang beywang habang yakap-yakap siya.

"Hmm. I love you, Lance and please don't mess the whole penthouse while I'm gone. Malilintikan ka sa'kin." I removed my arms from his waist. Napapalunok akong tumango. Damn, this brat can instantly scare me with his words.

I know better not to listen from his words. The last time he was gone for an hour, the boys were persistent on letting them play on the rain so we played outside the house. And the moment Ace found out, I was damn scolded. Hindi ko naman kasalanan yun eh. So I ended up sleeping in the couch for two nights, plus his silent treatments. Damn, that memory was enough to give me blue balls.

"I promise, babe." I gave him the salute kaya tinaasan niya ako ng kilay bago naghubad ng damit sa harapan ko.

Oh boy...

"Rei invited me to be his model for this new clothing line. Pwede ba akong mag-model? At tsaka I missed modeling na rin eh." I know he was using this trick again to let him with what he wants and boy, mukhang alam na alam na niya kung paano gawin 'to.

"No revealing shits, Ace." I reminded him and he was fast to pout.

"Promise, parang street style shoot lang talaga siya, hon." Fuck ang sarap niyang tingnan na walang damit.

Those alluring eyes, red lips, white complexion and overall physique. God, ang swerte ko para tawaging ina ng mga anak ang taong 'to.

"On one condition." I paused kaya nakita ko kaagada ang kislap sa mga mata niya. I know this brat can be conniving but damn, mahal ko eh.

Tumayo ako sa pagkakahiga and with only on my boxer briefs I approached him. I saw how lust overtook his eyes as he watches me from head to toe.

"W-What condition?" He bit his lips and a smirk made way with mine.

"We'll talk about it inside the shower... naked, brat." I kissed him and he was quick to kiss me again. That's it babe, and the next thing was him moaning with my tantalizing ways.

-

V I L L A M A Y O R

I swear to God kapag nahuli ko talaga ang lalaking 'yun na nambabae malilintikan sa'kin 'yon! My head is throbbing and in anger habang papalabas ako ng private jet. The night is still young in New York but I can't even take the moment to feel the vibes lalo pa't nagising ang kambal.

"Miles, please hold Acades for me." I kissed Acades head bago binigay kay Miles ang bata. Acades was still heavily sleeping, quiet and peaceful kahit na bumyahe kami ng ilang oras papunta dito.

Unlike Acades, Eludes demands more time and hand carrying. Madaling umiyak ang isa kong kambal at masungit din sa ibang tao. Even with Lance, masungit ito. Gamit ang isang kamay ay inabot ko ang jacket ni Joxiah at ipinasuot sa kaniya. Joxiah was intelligent and cute enough to wear it on himself.

"Mama, why do you look like you were about to kill daddy?" Ang tanong ni Joxiah habang hawak-hawak ni Yaya Diborah ang kamay nito.

I look around at tiningnan si Yaya Diborah na pinapa-alalahanan si Joxiah na hindi makialam sa mga ganitong bagay.

"Its okay, Yaya. As for you young man, stop messaging your dad dahil galit ako sa kaniya. I know you and your secret conversations with your dad." Nagsimula kaming maglakad and I do not like how the weather is so cold!

"But mama, dad said na nandito siya for business naman diba? Do we really need to come here para lang sundan siya?" Joxiah reasoned out.

"Yes and no, babe, I did not come here just because I want to check what your dad is up to. I also need to check something with Mama's career."

I saw Marken in the entrance of the airport kasama si Rei na may ngiting sinalubonmg kami. Joxiah was quick to latch on his Tito Marken while Rei hugged me as a welcoming.

"Makakapatay talaga ako ng isang lalaking nagngangalang Lance kapag hindi 'yon nagpakita sa akin this night mismo. How dare he ignore my calls for two days? Ano 'yon trip niya? May anak na ang gago at may oras pa para kalimutan ako!" Rei smiled nervously at me habang napapatingin kay Marken na napapalunok sa talim ng tingin ko.

"I-I'm sure the asshole have some good excuses, Ace. Please calm do- ouch hon!" Marken's words were cut off when Rei smacked his husband's shoulder.

"'Yang bibig mo Marken sinasabi ko sa'yo! May mga bata!"

There were guards and men in black surrounding the whole airport the moment our jet landed. At ngayon ay mas dumami pa sila ng nandito na kami sa labas. I know this is Lance's doings. But I'm still mad.

Buti nga at mukhang hindi niya pa nakalimutan ang seguridad namin ng mga bata. But I don't want his guards, I want him! Gusto ko siyang makita dahil sa dalawang araw siyang out of reach! Of course, nag-aalala ako. Pero mas nag-iinit ang ulo ko sa lalaking 'yon!

Range Rovers parked in front of the airport at nagmamadali kaming pinapasok ng mga bodyguards sa mga sasakyan lalo pa't nakatunog ang media na nandidito kami.

Hawak-hawak ni Marken ang natutulog na si Joxiah habang hawak-hawak rin ni Rei ang isa sa mga kambal na si Acades. Dumating kami sa isa sa mga penthouse ni Lance dito sa New York at ang loko mukhang wala talagang plano na magpakita!

Nasaan ka ba kasi Lance Cliton Milonel Zapanta!"

"You better be inside or else you'll be facing me and my fist asshole." Ang bulong ko.

I know something was up. Kanina pa hindi mapakali si Marken at kanina ko pa ito tinataasan ng kilay. Dahil dalawa silang masasapak ko kapag nagloko iyong kaibigan niya.

Naabot na namin ang penthouse pero tangina wala pa ring Lance! I'm about to cry out of frustration! Kanina pa nakaalis si Rei at Marken still assuring me that Lance is may be on a meeting but I know he wasn't! Dahil na-check ko na ang schedule niya! All the time na lumipad siya dito ay wala namang schedule 'yon eh! Sinasabi ko sa inyo, may kabit 'yon eh!

I stripped off my clothes at pumasok sa loob ng bathtub. It's field with rose petals and soft scented candles and bubbles. Kanina ko pa pinatulog ang mga bata, inutusan ko na lang si Yaya at ang mga assistant baby sitters dito. Alam kong nag-aalala si Yaya sa akin dahil hindi ako kumain pero ginawa ko talaga 'yon para lang umuwi si Lance but look! It's almost ten in the evening pero walang Lance na nagpapakita sa akin!

What if tama ang iniisip ko? What if may kabit nga siya? But I know he can't do that to me! Hindi pa nga siya nakapagpakasal sa akin may kabit agad? Ang bilis naman! But no! I refused to believe in it! Ang sakit kasing isipin na baka totoo.

The warm bath didn't even helped a little with my frustrations. Nag shower ako pagkatapos at nagsuot ng pantulog na damit when my phone rang. I checked the caller and instantly tear up when I saw Lance's name as the caller.

Ang rupok ko para sagutin ang tawag niya!

"You asshole! Saan mo tinatago ang kabit mo ha? Huwag ka lang magpakita sa akin dahil babalatan ko kayo ng kabit mo gamit ang bagong kuko ko! Tangina ka Lance I hate you!" I ended the call.

Not even a second passed when the phone rang again.

"What the actual fuck? Really, Ace? Why would you even think that I have a mistress? Tangina ikaw pa lang sobra-sobra na!" Alam kong sa tono niya ay pagalit na ito. But so what?

"Sinisigawan mo ba ako lalaki? And why did you stop calling me 'brat' 'babe' or 'love' huh? Siguro may kabit ka talaga eh! Humanda ka talaga sa akin dahil hinding-hindi mo na makikita ang mga anak mo!" I shouted while crying. Damn these hormones.

I know this is not me pero kasalanan ko ba kong nabuntis ulit ako? Si Lance dapat ang sisihin sa hormones ko eh! Ang gago wala pang dalawang taon ang kambal binuntis ulit ako!

"Brat, please... come on. I don't know what has gotten into you to think na may tinatago akong kabit pero wala. Tangina wala, brat. Ikaw lang. Alam mo 'yan." His voice was now calmed while talking over the phone.

"I don't believe you and where are you ba kasi? Like, I need your cards kasi bibili ako ng bagong designers eh!" My mood suddenly turned bright when I remembered na tatlong araw na pala ang nakalipas bago ako nakapag shopping and it was also the same day that I found out na buntis ako sa pang-apat namin na baby.

Ang loko sharp shooter. I heard him chuckle. Those manly chuckles I missed those! His kisses and hugs. I missed Lance.

"Lance, I missed you..." Ang mahinang sabi ko.

I missed him. Alam kong dapat galit ako pero na-miss ko eh.

"I know and I love you too. So much than you could ever think of. I want you to know that I'm willing to give you all of me just to see those precious smiles of yours. Ganiyan ang epekto mo sa akin brat at hindi na ako makapaghintay pa para opsiyal kang tawagin ng Mrs. Zapanta ko." I smiled while tears after tears poured out from the brim of my eyes.

Hindi ko man naranasan na ikasal sa harap ng mga tao. O ang makitang lumuhod si Lance sa harapan ko to ask for my hand but he gave me four beautiful angels. He fulfilled our wishes like no one could do. He's my man.

"You sound like you're proposing to me on the phone, jerk." I laughed. I know it's crazy.

"What if I am, babe? Will you say yes?" Tila tumigil ang hininga ko. I know Lance wasn't joking because there was no evident humor in his voice.

"S-Stop joking, Lance." Napatingin ako sa daliri ko. Wala akong suot na singsing kahit pa kasal na kami ni Lance. It's odd pero wala naman akong lakas ng loob na tanungin siya ukol dito.

Our marriage is not the usual one. There was no ring in it. There were no wedding bells, kisses, honeymoon, or some sort. No, hindi namin naranasan 'yon dahil kinasal kami out of convenience.

"Brat, I want you to go out of the penthouse, walk the distance to the rooftop and there you will see me. I'll be waiting, love." And the call was ended.

I hurriedly ran out of the room and out of the penthouse wearing only my night outfit but I don't care. I was in tears when the rooftop's door was opened on its own.

Naiiyak akong tiningnan ang gwapong-gwapo kong asawa habang nakatayo bitbit ang dalawang kambal at hawak-hwaak si Joxiah. The four of them was smiling at me and it was perfect. Tinakbo ko ang distansiya namin at niyakap siya. Isinubsob ko ang mukha sa leeg niya at dito umiyak.

Naramdaman ko ang mainit na hagod niya sa likuran ko at ang isang patak ng halik sa sentido ko. God, this man is everything!

"Would you mind going with me for a night view, Mrs. Ace Zapanta?" Tiningala ko siya at dito ko napansin na wala na sa mga bisig niya ang mga bata.

Nag-aalala kong pinalibot an paningin sa lugar but a firm yet soothing hand pulled my face for a kiss. A soft, enticing, hungry, and longing kiss. It was all in the kiss. The emotions were felt from the kisses that we shared.

Play the song: Love Me Like You Do - Ellie Goulding

You're the light, you're the night
You're the color of my blood
You're the cure, you're the pain
You're the only thing I wanna touch
Never knew that it could mean so much, so much

Giniya niya ako sa chopper. Pumasok kami dito at siya mismo ang nagpalipad nito. I was watching him in awe. Naiiyak ako na hindi ko alam. Ang saya-saya ko!

"I am not perfect and we have our own share of imperfections, but let me be the perfect man for this special night, brat. I want you to feel special. Like no one else's in this entire universe."

"Ikaw ang magpapalipad, hon?" I asked excited kahit na alam na namin pareho ang kasagutan dito.

Instead of an answer, I felt his lips on mine. He kissed me and after a while he separate his domineering tower on me at isinuot ang seatbelt sa akin. Napasinghap pa ako ng pasadahan niya ng isang daliri ang loob ng mga hita ko. Ugh, this man!

"Golden Jaguar 401 ready to depart." I watched Lance maneuver the chopper with his big hands.

"Good evening Golden Jaguar 401 you're clear to fly New York Time Square." Napangiti ako dahil sa nartinig.

"New York Time Square?" Ang tanong ko pero isang napapakagwapong ngiti lang ang isinukli niya sa tanong ko. Damn, ngayon ko lang napansin ang suot niya.

He was wearing a black suit with a white long sleeved shirt inside that was opened down till the third button. He screams hot and sex to me!

"No escaping now, brat." He said at pinalipad na ang chopper. Napahawak ako sa seatbelt at natatawa dahil sa saya. I watched with wide eyes as buildings from buildings ang nakikita ko. The night is still young and busy at ang ganda nitong tingnan.

You're the fear, I don't care
'Cause I've never been so high
Follow me through the dark
Let me take you past our satellites
You can see the world you brought to life, to life

Para akong bata sa tuwa na nararamdaman ko. Tiningnan ko si Lance and he was staring at me. Love and adoration was evident in his eyes.

"Were you preparing this all along?" I asked teary.

He reached out to wipe the tears in my eyes.

"Lahat ng mga ginagawa ko para sa'yo. Ganiyan kita kamahal, Ace. So please trust on me. Dahil ikaw lang."

"Kahit anong mangayri?"

"Kahit anong mangyari." He confirmed at tuluyan ng kumawala ang hikbi ko. He kissed me on my hands at paulit-ulit niya itong ginawa.

"As much as I want to make you happy, I'm afraid crying won't do well to our baby." Minulat ko ang mga mata at gulat na tiningnan siya.

There was a proud smirk on his lips.

"Alam mo?" Alam kong hindi imposible na alam na ni Lance pero gusto ko sana siyang sorpresahin dito.

"Lahat ng tungkol sa'yo ay alam ko. I know everything kapag ikaw at ang mga anak na natin ang pinag-uusapan, brat."

I pout at him, "I was planning to surprise you pa naman sana."

"Don't worry we'll make one more after you give birth para ma-sorpresa mo na ako." Pareho kaming natawa sa sinabi niya. Loko!

Hindi ko namalayan na nasa ibabaw na pala kami ng New York Time Square, at nalipat lang ang atensiyon ko ng makita ko ang isang larawan ko sa LED board screen.

And Oh my God!

So love me like you do, lo-lo-love me like you do
Love me like you do, lo-lo-love me like you do
Touch me like you do, to-to-touch me like you do
What are you waiting for?

Nababalisa at malalaking mata kong tiningnan at sinipat ang mga screen at puro mukha ko ang nandodoon! Walang ni isang advertisement o ano pa 'yan, lahat ay mga mukha ko! Some are kasama ko ang mga kambal at si Joxiah. Some are even stolen shots of me! Hindi ako mapakali dahil sa gulat! I am shook to see my face all over New York!

"Surprise, brat." Napatingin ako sa nag-iisang salarin! Oh My God!

Wala akong masabi! Ibinalik ko ang tingin sa labas ng bintana. I felt the chopper lowering. Hindi ko alam kong matutuwa ba ako, o maiiyak na naman ako, o mahihiya ako, ewan ko! My mind was still processing Lance's surprise.

Fading in, fading out
On the edge of paradise
Every inch of your skin, is a Holy Grail I've gotta find
Only you can set my heart on fire, on fire

Lumapag ang chopper sa isang rooftop with me still shocked from his surprises! Bumukas ang pintuan ng chopper sa gilid ko. I saw Lance's hand held for me and I took it. With his help ay ibninaba niya ako.

Walang pasabi-sabing dinunggab ko siya ng isang mainit na yakap.

"I want the world to know that you belong to me. And no one can give me a smile like you can give me. Kung hindi pa ito sapat para ipagsigawan ka sa mundo, then I'll do more. For you, brat. Only for you and our angels."

I chose to stay quiet with my relationship with Lance. I want media out of our lives but it was inevitable. Dahil din sa media ay madalas kaming nag-away ni Lance. Hindi ko kasi mapigilan ang sarili na magselos sa iba't-ibang babae na nail-link sa kaniya. I am grateful to have Stephanie on my side para i-asssure ako pero minsan ay hindi ko talaga mapigilan ang magselos.

But with this... Lance just proved me wrong. That he was way more proud than I thought he was.

"This is not the end yet, brat. There's one more thing that I need your answer with." Iginiya niya ako sa daan kung saaan may nakalatag na mga rose petals at mga lit candles. Pumasok kami sa elevator at awtomatiko itong dinala kami sa baba. When the elevator door opened, some more white and red petals are scattered all around the building. Pero wala ni isang tao. It was like the whole building was made for the surprise.

Yeah, I'll let you set the pace
'Cause I'm not thinking straight
My head's spinning around, I can't see clear no more
Oh, what are you waiting for?

A familiar song was playing, "You made this for me?" I turned around and asked Lance. He did not answer pero sa ngiti niya ay alam kong oo. Wala namang silbi ang katanungan ko dahil sa simula pa lang ay alam ko ang kasagutan.

Love me like you do, lo-lo-love me like you do
Love me like you do, lo-lo-love me like you do
Touch me like you do, to-to-touch me like you do, oh
What are you, what are you waiting for?
What are you waiting for?

We go outside the building to see many people. Lahat sila ay nakatingin sa amin pero ni-isa sa kanila ay walang nagtangkang lumapit. A big hand engulfed the side of my wait at nakita kong pinalibot ni Lance ang mga kamay niya sa beywang ko. He kissed me on the lips and the moment he let go, I saw in his eyes the desire to fulfill my happiness.

How can he be so selfless when it comes to me and our sons?

Tinuro niya ang mga naglalakihang screen at tila ba mas pumula pa ang mukha ko dahil sa hiya at saya. Puro mukha at pangalang ko ang nakalagay dito! Lance let go of my hands just in time for the screen to turn black. And then one by one, napalitan ito ng mga salita na nagpatulo ng mga luha ko.

"WILL YOU MARRY ME AGAIN, ANGEL CRAM EASTON HEARTILY-VILLAMAYOR-ZAPANTA?"

Napatakip ako sa bibig ko. The tears were blinding me, the shout of the people was deafening but it was all silenced when my man started saying the words that made my heart swoon.

"Years ago, I thought I have it all. But then God gave me someone unexpected. You barged in my life unannounced. Ginulat mo'ko at ang mundo ko. Pero mas nagulat ako dahil sa kakayahan mong bigyan ng saysay at ngiti ang bawat araw ko.

I thought that life was perfect back then when I finally have you but damn I was a fool to let you escape from me. Ang gago ko 'dun at alam mo kung gaano ako naging gago para sayangin ang nag-iisang Ace sa buhay ko. But look at me now, finally given the life that we both deserve. You and our kids are the people who motivate me to be the best version of myself as a husband and as a father.

Life can never be perfect and so am I, brat. Alam kong pwede akong magkulang pero hangga't makakaya ko ibibigay ko ang lahat. You and our sons deserve the world. Kayo ang buhay ko. So I'm asking my life, my world and love, will you marry me again?"

I was crying the whole time he was talking! I watched him opened a black box with the biggest tear-drop pink diamond engagement ring I have ever seen.

"You are perfect, Lance just the way you are. And you don't even need to ask for my hand dahil matagal na akong sa'yo. Yes, I will marry you again and again and again!" Tinakbo ko ang distansiya namin at hinalikan siya. His kisses were happy and smiles.

Isinuot niya ang singsing sa daliri ko at pinatakan ito ng halik.

I heard cheers, saw the flashes of camera, the drop of petals from the air, and the fireworks exploding above. This is perfect. Lumapit sina Miles, Yaya, at ang mga kaibigan namin dala ang mga anak namin. Joxiah hugged us while I and Lance hold the twins side by side.

Oh, I'll let you set the pace
Oh, 'cause I'm not thinking straight
Though my head's spinning around, I can't see clear no more
What are you waiting for?

Who would've thought that finally I don't need to say a word that I am the husband of a Zapanta. Siya na mismo ang nagsabi sa buong mundo nito. He does it like no one can.

Love me like you do, lo-lo-love me like you do (Like you do)
Lo-lo-love me like you do
Touch me like you do, to-to-touch me like you do, oh
What are you, what are you waiting for?

I am his, I am the lover of this demon. And this demon broke the barrier that surrounded me. True, a demon's love is worth to write and share. I am Ace Heartily-Villamayor-Zapanta, the one and only brat of my personal demon, Lance Milonel Cliton Zapanta, my life and my world.

This is my story; the story of how this bratinela fall for the Devil's Luscious Temptation...

- END OF SPECIAL CHAPTER -