Una sa lahat. Maraming salamat sa mga tumangkilik, magbasa, ng comment, nakipagkulitan, naging kaibigan at tinuring kong pamilya. Hindi pa po ito ang huli nating pagsasama. Sana po ay nandiyan pa rin kayo hanggang sa huli.

Sana po ah magustuhan nito ang kabanatang ito.

Uulitin ko po, maraming, maraming, maraming salamat sa inyo.

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(U N E D I T E D)

Here it is at last, she silently thanked God. The day that they have been waiting for, it is here now. Alden is inside the church so as everyone else except for Maine and her. It wasn’t hard to do the things they needed to do for this missing impossible. Well, aside from the fact that they called for a doctor to sedate her for Alden’s ridiculous surprise for her, Ivy wanted to make sure that she will be fine so as the baby. Yes, Ivy found that she is pregnant when she texted Nikki to let her know that she is going to sedate her. Nikki had mentioned the pregnancy on her text reply. Good thing that she have Monique’s number and she had helped her to get a hold of her friend, Dr. Marienell, an OB to help them out.

She doesn’t know why Alden wanted to do it this way when he can just say; Hey, I moved our wedding here in Bacolod instead of Manila. She just pulled a deep sigh. Enough for her thoughts. What she need to do right now is to wake her up. It is nor 3:03 pm and she’s three minutes late for her own wedding. It was a good thing that Alden’s mother is one of the biggest sponsor of the church. They were able to get accommodated without hurting anybody’s wedding schedule. Luckily, there was a priest that is available to the wedding rights. Everyone went through the eye of the needle for this wedding to take place.

Alden loves Maine so much but he never, not in his wildest, will settle for a court wedding only. Don’t get him wrong, there’s nothing bad about a court wedding, it is not what he wanted for her. He wanted all the best for Maine and court is not it. It wasn’t it. A church wedding is what’s best for her and that’s what he’s giving to her or beach wedding as the sun sets on the horizon and he is kissing his bride. He was actually targeting for a beach wedding which is not far from impossible and it is to close to his house, if things won’t for a church work out then that was one easy fix just in case, but he remembered the story he told Maine about his mother wanting to have a wedding here but didn't happen for her. It became Alden’s dream and Maine had somewhat mentioned to him before that it would be nice to get married there. If he could only thought of it before as they were preparing for it, he could have had it here from the start.

He was so thankful of Maine’s impulsive character, her spontaneity had pulled him with her. He was able to get his dream and hers at the nick of time. He looked at his watch and look at Tony. He smiled and understood what he was wanting to do. Tony nodded at him and excused himself to see where is his bestfriend’s bride to be and where is his wife. Tony was told by Allyn that Ivy and Maine are together and should be here any minute now….. That was half an hour ago.

He stepped outside the church and looked around hoping to see them right away. A bridal car was parked in front but more on the side of the church by the street. He saw his waving at him. He jogged towards the car and peeked through the slightly opened window.

“Hon, what’s going on?” Tony asked. There was a frantic tone in his voice.

“She’s still out. I am having a hard time waking her up.” Tony went in through the other of the car.

“Maine? Maine? Maine.” Tony tapping her cheek lightly. She moaned but didn’t open her eyes. Ivy thought of something. She winced at the thought but she knows it will wake her up definitely. She’ll just face Maine’s wrath later.

“Maine!” She slapped her slightly harder than the tap that they did a while ago. She moaned again. Ivy did it again, this time it harder than first. Maine moaned and her eyes flickered, wanting to open or forcing it to open, I may say.

“Hmmm…. “ She moaned again. “W-what is g-going on?” She asked stuttering, then opened her eyes a little. “H-hi.” She greeted him.

“Hey you. Wake up.” He said in a sweet voice. She blinked a few more time and realized that she wasn’t dreaming at all. She saw Tony’s smiling face too close to hers.

“W-where are we? W-where’s Alden?” She asked. Confused as to what is going on, she looked around her. Ivy is all dressed up in a pale yellow dress. Tony is in barong tagalog top and black trouser. And…. “Wait. Where are we?” she asked again. She sat up straight.

“We are at the church. You are getting married today, remember?” Ivy said. She heard Tony chuckled. She look towards him. He’s dazzling smile woke her more.

“Ewww! Stop smiling at me like that. You are married for God’s sakes Tony and she’s sitting right next to me.” She herd Ivy laughed next to her which made her laugh too. “Ugh! You looked stupid.” Tony and Ivy laughed heartily at her side comment.

“Maine, it’s time. You are actually late for about twenty minutes now to your own wedding. And if you don't get out of this car, someone will come out of that door and will fly into a fit of rage.” Ivy said with a giggled. She smiled at the thought of Alden coming out of the church raising hell.

She looked around to see where she really at. Her eyes are agreeing with them saying they are ate church but her mind is not. What about a wedding? Who's wedding? What wedding? Then it clicked.

“Am I really getting married?” She wasn’t sure what is really going on. “Wait, are we back in Manila?” She then asked and look up ahead. But before Ivy or Tony could answer, they heard a tap on the window. Maine turn to side just to see her mom and her dad standing outside. Tony opened the door and helped her out. He then turn to the other side and helped his wife to get out from that side away from the traffic.

Maine stood next to her mom. Tears falling down her cheeks, she really did miss her. Good thing she was wearing a waterproof type makeup. She smiled at that thought.

“Nay…” She wasn’t able to say what she wanted to say as felt so choked up, she just hugged her. Maine felt another hug from behind her. She knew it was her Tatay. He's wearing his same old cologne.

“I’m sorry Maine. I was stupid and so angry that things had gone the way it did.” That’s all he wanted to hear from him. His sorry. Him swallowing his pride and say sorry. That’s all. All the pain that she have in heart was gone with just one sorry from her father everything will back to where it was.

“You’re forgiven, Tay. That’s all I’ve been waiting for you to say.” She hugged her dad and cried and cried. “I love you, Tay.” She added giving him a weak smile

“I love you, too. Meng. I am very sorry. I wanted him so bad for you because I know that he can give you all the love, then the whole thing about an ex-girlfriend just did it. It wasn’t because of the business. We have no partnership. The only partnership I want from him is for you. Meng, can you forgive your foolish Tatay?” Ted wiped the tears that is running down her cheeks. “Yung makeup mo, pangit na.” He added on. Maine laughed at his dad’s words.

“Tay, mahal ko naman kayo eh. I was just hurt because of what you said against Alden. I can’t let you talk to him that way.” Ted just smiled at he and hugged her again. It was just a quick hug but enough for her to feel that her tatay loves her deeply.

“I know. I only did it to know how far you’ll go for him. How deep is your love for him. I know you do, but how far? Are going to be same girl that you used to be? That you’ll run away because you can’t handle how things are turning out to be. I am not getting any younger. You Kuya Nikko is already married. He can’t always be there for any given time. I need someone to take care of you, to protect you, like Alden. I need someone to take care of you when the time comes that I couldn’t be there for you anymore. I hope you understand, my princess.” Is that what is this all about? Her father making sure that she will be taken cared for? That she won’t be running away anymore. Another realization for her. She may have grown up already but Ted is Ted, he will always be her worry-wart of a father. All that he wanted is to make sure that she stays this time. That she will fight for Alden. That she will choose him when thing go wrong. When things turn out unexpectedly. She may have run away for the last time, she hoped, but Alden's with her and she made sure of it. Now she understand. She wasn’t a pawn, she's a precious jewel that needed to be taken care of by a man just like her dad and that is…..

“Oh my God! Tay, where’s Alden?” She looked at the churches closed door.

“He’s inside waiting for you.” She gazed at her father lovingly and hugged him again.

Ivy cut in to the drama and guide them towards the door. Tony held out a hand to her dad and Ted took it and gave Tony a hug instead. She smiled, so as Ivy and her mom. She's thankful that the animosity between the two are now gone. It's a start.

“Thank you, Tony for standing by her even for just a friend. I’m sorry for being a total fool towards you and your family.” Her dad’s eye shimmered with tears. Tony tapped Ted’s back lightly and let go. Two points for her dad. She cheered on her dad in her mind.

“No problem, sir. Anything for Maine and Alden.” They both gave each other a nod and firm hand shake.

“Call me Tito Ted.” Tony nodded and smiled. Three points for her Tatay. Way to go, Tay.

“Thank you po, Tito Ted." He smiled and bowed her head to show respect to Maine's parents.

"Come on now, hon. Let’s go. Alden is about to blow his gasket. The dragon will soon rise and will spit fire at us if his soon-to-be wife is not inside in a give time.” Maine giggled at what Ivy had said.

“Ives, just tell him to relax. I am not going anywhere. I am staying right where he’s at.” Maine’s eyes is shimmering with so much joy and love. Ivy gave her a thumbs up.

“I'll go, hon. Maine, Tito, Tita, mauna na po ako sa loob. I have to let jim kniw that you guys are her before he calls for rescue team and Bacolod City upside down.” He smiled and bowed at the elders and kissed Maine on the forehead and Ivy on the lips. He then left.

The church usher guided them to their spot and gave them instructions. She held onto her father’s hand and her mom’s arm as they waited for the usher’s signal. She could hear the music playing softly, then all of a sudden she heard A Thousand Years playing little louder now. She tear up. She knew that Alden chose it for her.

The usher open up the door to reveal her and her parent. Alden is looking at her straight in the eye. He is choked up and she is, too. Two hearts that has been longing to get tied as one for the longest time is now getting their dreams to reality.

She looked around and was amazed at the sight in front of her. Yellow dancing ladies are freely waving surrounded by tiny white baby’s breath with yellow pansies scattered on each of the vases that lines up the aisle.a mix of white and pale yellow and white soft tulles. The almost 200 year old church which was originally built in 1825 and was rebuilt in 1876, gave her the feeling of being proud to be married in one of the oldest church in the Philippines. How historic is that? Her tears continue to fall down her cheeks.

Everyone's eyes on her including the only man she gave herself to and the same man she will live and love for the rest of her life. He was crying too but with a smile on his lips. Maine was so captivated by this handsome angel that God sent to save her broken heart. Alden’s gaze is boring holes into her soul but it was pleasant to the feeling. She lives those gaze from him. It shows lounging, love and wanting, needing, as if she's the most beautiful woman in the whole world.

As for Alden,she was the most beautiful girl that he ever laid his eyes on and she will always be the only one. Alden was brought back to the first time he bumped into her, literally. The lips, the eyes, the bare shoulder as the top part of her fall freely off her shoulder which revealed her flawless skin, at that moment, he wants to kiss it. Her soft body against him, even it was just a split second contact, it never left his mind. It resided there till they met again. Her feisty mood. Her fiery eyes that shows to much sadness, but is so mesmerizing, it bewitched him, is now going to be his forever. Her hot lips that says kiss me, which he always wanted to and can’t get enough of it.

Same thing is going on her mind. That dimpled, fair skinned, brown eyed guy that she bump into years ago is now going to be all hers. That soft sweet lips that captivated her, is hers till the end. She owns it. It’s hers. Maine felt the heat coming up and it resided on her cheeks for a little bit, then it went down to her stomach and shoot down to her V-line. For God’s sakes, Maisie Daine Mendoza! You are church and all you could think of is pervertness. What’s wrong with you?! She screamed at herself in her mind. She was so absorb checking out and lustfully desiring her future husband, she didn’t realized that she was standing right in front of her. She’s smiling at him but her mind is in bed already. She stripping Alden in her mind.

He smiled. He is so happy that Maine and her Tatay made up just in time for his harsh vengeance for her. The live that was in Ted’s eyes resembles her nanay's. Alden glanced at his brother and smiled while heartedly. Alric gave out a smile that only them two knew what it meant.

Maine stood up in front of him with her parents in both side of her. Alden held Ann's hand for a bless and hug her.

“Please take care and love her more than you love yourself.” Ann said with tears rolling down her face. She is so happy for the both of them. Alden moved the wedding in Bacolod in a matter of four days, she knew, he will cross the vast wide sea, break all barriers and move mountains for her.

“I will, Nanay. I won't promise that she won't cry but I can assure you, it will only tears of joy from now on.” He said it with so much love and conviction. Ann ft the honesty in every word he uttered.

“Alden, I'm sorry. Please forgive an old fool that made his princess cried too much tears.” Ann had already said what he wanting to say. Alden stared at him, trying to weigh the sincerity on his voice, and as soon as he saw the honesty in his eyes, Alden smiled at him.

“No problem, Tay. You will always be forgiven.” Ted pulled Alden for a bear hug. Maine just stared and cried a happy tears. The twin man that he ever loved truly are now in good terms. How he love Alden more in forgiving her father in an instant.

Alden took Maine's hand from the father and led her to the chair in front that was meant for them. He gazed at her one more time and pulled her hand to his lips and kissed it. She smiled as the electricity runs from his lips to her whole being. She stiffened a bit as felt the sensation surgery down her groins.

“Are you okay, Love?” His voice in her ears and the warm breath on her neck didn’t help her at all to get her mind out of the gutter, instead it buried her more there and now all she could think of is his long finger running through her body down to where it always play.

“Y-yeah. I’m… I’m fine.” She said it almost groaning and heave a deep sigh to calm her nerve. Alden sensed that from her and that’s it… everything went downhill from there. He couldn’t think straight with his head because it was being occupied by the other throbbing head.

“Your vows?” The priest asked them and looked at them like the priest was talking gibberish. He smiled at them and realized that something is going on. He may be a priest but he is also human he understands his sweats on both of their forehead and somewhat disoriented. He was once their age and experience love before he got his calling. He had seen and officiated so many weddings before and this is not the first couple who got lost in their own little world and that made him happy. He knew that these two are truly and divinely blessed because they can only see each other and no one and nothing else. He let them get lost mire in it. He continued to blessed them.

“Aldemar Denreich Richards, do you take Maisie Daine Mendoza to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part, according to God's holy law, in the presence of God you make this vow?” The priest continued. “Alden!” He called him a little louder. Alden was just staring, mesmerized and captivated by Maine.

“Y-yes, father?” He shuttered. He blinked and looked at the priest.

“Do you take Maine to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part, according to God's holy law, in the presence of God you make this vow?”

“Yes. I mean… I do.” Looking at Maine’s lovely eyes. The crowd giggled a little. His face turned red all the way to his ears. Maine giggled but did not drench the heat they're feeling for each other. The priest just smiled.

“Maisie Daine Mendoza, do you take Aldemar Denreich Richards, to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part, according to God's holy law, in the presence of God you make this vow?” The priest went on facing Maine.

“I do post, father.” Well, there’s nothing in this whole wide world that could tear those stares from each other. The priest shook his head and everyone sniggered and the two was oblivious to what is happening around them.

“Alden, you may now kiss the bride.” They didn’t move. They stayed staring at each other’s eyes and get lost in it. The priest reached over to tap Alden’s shoulder to take him out of the trance he’s in. “Alden!”

“Y-yes po, father?” He asked. Their family and friends laughed at his reaction.

“Tulog ka pa yata eh. Uhm… you may kiss your bride na.” He looked around. He then realized that the wedding is almost over and they didn’t even realized it. He laughed at it and pulled Maine gently and gave her a long lingerie sweet kiss which was a wrong move for both of them. The priest cleared his throat to get their attention.

“I love you, my wife.” He claimed her lips again for the second time around.

“Hoy, Alden. Pwede sa bahay na yan!” Sam loudly yelled from behind them which made everyone laughed so hard.

“Shut up, fool! Mind your own business!” He yelled back as everyone continued laughing.

He dazed back at Maine. She's glowing with that smile. It was different from the ones that have seen before. She's radiant.

“I love you so much, Maine.” He claimed her lips one more time.

“I love you, too, daddy.” Maine whispered as she smiled widely at him. And since they have the mic in front of them everyone heard what she said and everyone gasped except for the few ones that knew about it, her family and Manang Josie.

“Wait. What did you say?” Alden, of course as we know is somewhat dense. Smart, fearless businessman but dense when it comes to things like these.

“I said, I love you too, daddy.” She pulled his hand and put it in her flat belly. His surprised face turned into a big grin and tears started welling down his cheeks. He is crying the tears of joy. He forgot everything that he was planning to do. The trip that he was planning to take her. Maine is happy. He is happy. What more he wants. He glanced at his parents and smiled.

“Mom! Dad! I'm going to be a daddy!” Yes, they are in church but he doesn't care. He is happy that he is going to be a father now. He glanced at the Mendoza family, they were all smiling. They are not pretending to be happy for them because they all are. Their eyes says it all.

Things are turning out the way everyone had expected it to be. A perfect couple who started off in a not so perfect way, but they are sure that it will end way more than perfect.

The reception was held in the front yard of his residence, their residence. Monique had hired her favorite caterer. Everything was done in a matter ninety-six hours. Four to be exact. Allyn and Ivy was working on and off the clock, but more on Allyn.

The party ended a little later than expected but they left to spend the night at a hotel close by the airport. They spent a night in Richmond Inn, it’s a lot closer for them. They are scheduled to leave for their honeymoon that is to be in Tahiti. Alden was able to pull a last minute booking for one week with just a slight problem…. The plane. He tried all corners of his knowledge and connection but all of it failed but one. Courtesy if husband new found friends, the Richardsons. He was happy about it. At least he can take her to somewhere peaceful and nice.

They have to leave and be at the airport by 10:30 am. She was still a little groggy. Didn’t have enough sleep. She gave Alden a dagger look which he just chuckled.

It was a long trip to get to their destination. Just like their journey to get to where they at now. Sure they have bumps and potholes on the road but they got through it. From accidentally bumping into each other to the ups and down and they are now content to be as one. They will part no more. But for now, they'll part from their love ones to be alone…. Together.

“I love you, Mr. Richards.” He kissed her on the forehead just as the plane took off.

“I love you, too, Mr. Richards.” She closed her eyes as his lips landed on her forehead.

Up there, in the plane, they built their dreams. New dreams which includes children and being together, not leaving each other, no matter what happens. They'll stick together and never to part.

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~ The End ~
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MARAMING SALAMAT. MAHAL NA MAHAL KO KAYO

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End of Chapter 24-2: Parting Time

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1.02.18
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Parting Time
©️Arrange Marriage: Destined? 2
First Published: October 9, 2016