CHAPTER 1

THORN kept glancing at his wife while they were both moving her things from her car to his house in Bachelor's Village. Every time he sees her calm expression and movement, Thorn couldn't help but remember what happened at their wedding night. Instead of a hot steamy night like he was hoping for, he was mistaken as gay by his own wife.

It was so fucked up, but he didn't correct her because of the relief and happiness on Cassia's face. It was like, him, being gay was a blessing to his wife—like it was a good thing.

Nang gabing 'yon, parang pinapili siya sa pagitan ng dignidad niya o kasiyahan ng asawa niya.

And because Cassia was his wife, he felt responsible for her happiness so he kept her sexual orientation to himself. Kasalanan 'to ng kung sino man ang nagsabi ng happy wife is happy life. He thinks it was Tyron who said it. Damn you, Zapanta. Now I'm stuck! Now he felt like his wife's happiness was more important than anything because that was what he learned from his friends.

Thorn was new to this marriage thing. Months ago, he didn't even consider getting married and he used to tease his married friends for being sappy, but now, he was like an infant trying to crawl and walk in this marriage thing.

Nangangapa siya sa kung anong dapat at hindi dapat niyang gawin. I should've stayed single. Now I have to be responsible for my wife since I accepted this set-up in the first place.

Thorn wanted to blame his parents for this and of course, blame himself for just deciding out of the blue to settle down just because he thought it was a good thing to get married and have a family like his friends. But it was he who signed the marriage contract. No one forced him, so he had to be responsible for his decisions and actions.

But I'm still confused as fuck!

"Saan ko ilalagay itong box na may lamang damit ko?"

Boses iyon ng asawa na pumukaw sa pag-iisip ni Thorn. Kaagad siyang sumagot habang buhat-buhat ang isang karton papasok sa bahay niya, "Just put it on the living room. Ako na ang mag-aakyat niyan sa kuwarto natin."

Napatigil sa pagpasok sa kabahayan si Cassia sa narinig saka nilingon si Thorn. "K-kuwarto natin?"

Thorn stilled too. "Yeah. I still have to clear half of my closet for your clothes."

Cassia pressed her lips together. "We're ... sharing the same room?"

Thorn frowned. "Well, we're husband and wife, aren't we? And it's not like I'm going to touch you inappropriately," Thorn said that to appease Cassia's mind that he was not a perverted husband.

But Cassia interpreted it differently. What she thought was Thorn would never touch her inappropriately because he didn't like women and that made Cassia smile and relax. "Okay. Thank you!"

Nang makitang pumasok si Cassia sa loob ng bahay na may ngiti sa labi, napa-face palm si Thorn ng ma-realize kung anong posibleng rason ng ngiting 'yon ni Cassia. "Baka ano na naman ang pagkakaintindi n'on sa sinabi ko." Napabuntonghininga na lang si Thorn nang maisip na malaking posibilidad nga na iba ang pagkakaintindi nito sa sinabi niya.

Now he realized, they were not only on the same page, there were not even on the same book!

Sighing, Thorn carried the boxes to his house and then he found Cassia looking around the living room and checking the pictures and furnitures. Nang mapansin nito ang presensiya niya, kaagad itong umikot paharap sa kaniya at ngumiti.

"Your house is nice," komento ni Cassia. Narinig ni Cassia mula sa ina na mayaman si Thorn pero hindi niya inaasahan na ganito kagara ang bahay nito.

"Our house you mean," pagtatama ni Thorn kay Cassia.

"Oo nga pala." Cassia clasped her hands behind her back while facing Thorn. "Siya nga pala"—nag-iisip si Cassia ng kung anong tamang sasabihin at salita na gagamitin bago magpatuloy sa pagsasalita—"anong gagawin ko bilang asawa mo?" Napangiwi si Cassia sa sariling tanong. "I mean, hindi ko kasi alam ang dapat kong gawin bilang asawa mo, e. I have an idea, but I'm not sure?"

Thorn couldn't help chuckling because they were thinking the same thing—they were both not sure how this marriage thing worked. They were just strangers few days ago and now, they're living in the same house.

"I'm not sure too," pag-amin ni Thorn. "Few months ago, I don't really want to get married and then one thing lead to another and here we are."

Cassia let out a strained laugh. "Ano ba 'yan, ang weird ng relasyon natin."

Thorn chuckled. "You and me both, Cinnamon."

Umupo si Cassia sa gilid ng mahabang sofa habang nakatingin pa rin kay Thorn. "How about we set some rules and stuff?" suhestiyon ni Cassia sa asawa. "I mean, pareho tayong nangangapa kasi hindi natin kilala ang isa't isa tapos bago sa 'tin pareho 'tong pinasok natin. But I think we're matured enough to handle this right, right?"

Cassia was hoping for a favorable response. Mukha naman kasing maayos kausap si Thorn. She really wanted this marriage to work. Wala na kasi siyang pupuntahan pang iba kung pati ito ay hindi magiging maayos.

But Thorn didn't answer immediately. He sat on the single sofa first, his elbows resting on his knees and facing Cassia before he spoke, "How about we start with getting to know each other? No pressure."

Cassia nodded. That could work. "Okay. Ahm... what do you want to know about me?"

"Food," kaagad na sagot ni Thron. "As a chef, I want to know your favorite food."

"Kahit ano. Hindi naman ako mapili."

"Sweet tooth?"

Cassia smiled. "Almond with chocolates."

"Allergies?"

"Not that I know of," she answered.

Tumango-tango si Thorn bago nagtanong ulit, "Any ex-boyfriend that I should know about? I mean, is there a guy who wants you back? Just in case, so I can prepare my knives."

Cassie actually laughed at Thorn's joke before shaking her head. "No. Walang gano'n."

Thorn frowned. "Wala kang naging ex?"

"Mayroon, pero, maayos naman ang paghihiwalay namin."

"That's good." Thorn was relieved that no one would bother them. It was a good start.

"How about you?" Si Cassia naman ang nagtanong kay Thorn. "May kailangan ba akong malaman sa love life mo?" I don't want to hinder his happiness. "Don't worry. I'll support you all the way."

Thorn wanted nothing more but to correct his Cinnamon, but thinking that him being gay was the only reason why she was this relaxed and casual with him and not cold and indifferent like that time they got married. He just smiled and said, "I don't want to talk about it. Let's leave it at that for now."

Cassia frowned hearing bitterness on Thorn's voice. "Did you two break up?"

With that question, Thorn didn't know what to do, but gape at his wife and stare at her blankly.

Seeing Thorn's stunned face, Cassia immediately scolded herself for being nosy. "Sorry. I didn't mean to pry."

"It's okay," ani Thorn nang makabawi sa pagkabigla sa narinig. Just who the fuck did I break up with? And by his Cinnamon's tone, he broke up with a dude. Jesus Christ!

"Sorry," sabi ulit ni Cassia. "Hindi na ako magtatanong ulit sa love life mo."

Thorn just nodded because he didn't know what to say or do.

"How about you? Anong paborito mong pagkain?" mabilis na pag-iiba ni Cassia sa pinag-uusapan para mawala ang nakaiilang na pakiramdam sa paligid nila.

"I'm not picky," sagot ni Thorn. He appreciated his wife changing the topic. "But I'm leaning to sweets and desserts."

"Is there anything you don't like a person doing to you? Para maiwasan ko at hindi ko gawin," wika ulit ni Cassia.

There is one. Thorn thought. "I hate it when someone wakes me up. I'll wake up on my own."

Cassia nodded. "Noted. 'Yon lang ba?"

Tumango si Thorn saka tumayo na para ipagpatuloy ang pagbubuhat sa mga karton patungo sa ikalawang palapag ng bahay. Si Cassia naman ay tumulong din sa pagbubuhat, pero 'yong maliliit at magagaang karton lang, hindi kasi niya kaya ang mabibigat na. Nang sa wakas ay naipasok na nila lahat, inayos ni Thorn ang walk-in closet at binakante ang kalahati niyon para sa asawa.

"You can put your clothes here," ani Thorn sabay muwestra ng kamay sa binakanteng parte ng walk-in closet. "If you want, I can make another closet for you if you're uncomfortable sharing a closet with me—"

"No. It's okay," pigil ni Cassia sa iba pang sasabihin ni Thorn, "okay na sakin 'to." Masuwerte na nga siya na maayos ang pakikitungo sa kaniya ni Thorn, hindi na siya dapat humingi pa ng kung ano-ano. Being treated nicely was already enough for her. She shouldn't be greedy.

It was really a good decision to marry Thorn. Kung hindi ito ang pinakasalan niya, siguradong mapupunta siya sa mga lalaking hayok sa laman at baka kung anong mangyari sa kaniya. She was really lucky to be arranged with Thorn. Because of his sexual orientation, she was relaxed around him. She liked that she was not always on guard. With Thorn, she could be as relaxed and casual as she could be.

"Need any help?"

Umiling si Cassia kay Thorn. "Kaya ko na 'to. Ako na ang bahala sa mga gamit ko."

"Then I'll leave you to it. You can put your stuff anywhere you want." Naglakad na si Thorn palabas ng walk-in closet. "Pagkatapos mong ayusin ang mga gamit mo, bumaba ka sa kusina. I'll make dinner."

"Okay." Cassia smiled. "Thank you."

Thorn just waved his hand at Cassia while his back was on her as he walked out of the closet.

With a smile, Cassia then frowned when she realized something while looking at Thorn's back. "He's too manly..." Napahawak pa sa sariling baba si Cassia habang nag-iisip. Pero hindi naman 'yon ang sukatan. Saka siya mismo ang nakakita sa katotohanan tungkol dito kaya nga wala siyang pag-aalinlangan.

Some gay men were really good at hiding themselves. Maybe Thorn was like them. Oh, well. As his wife, I'll support him all the way! It's the least I could do for him treating me nicely.

With that in mind, she started taking out her clothes from the boxes and putting them on her new closet. After tidying up her clothes, she turned to tidy up her bags, shoes, accessories and other stuff.

Cassia couldn't help noticing that she was having a fun. She felt so carefree—like she could breathe freely. Back home, she always had to mind her manners. Even her smile was not welcome.

But now, in this house, in this new life she was starting, she could smile whenever and wherever she wants. No one would control her smile again.

Unconsciously, her fingers played with the charm bracelet she had on her wrist while a soft smile was playing on her lips. "I'm starting a new life, Claire. I know you're watching over me. Don't worry." She looked down at her charm bracelet. "I'll be fine."

Taking a deep breath, Cassia looked around the room. The color and the ambiance was so manly, she could even smell a faint smile of Thorn's scent.

"Kung hindi ko lang alam ang totoo, amoy pa lang niya, mai-in love na ako," pabulong na sabi ni Cassie nang maalala kung gaano kabango ang asawa noong araw ng kasal nila.

He smells so good, but not overbearing. In short, he smelled scrumptious. Pero lalaki rin ang gusto niya kaya support na lang ako.

With that in mind, Cassia left the room and went down to the kitchen. It took her a couple of minutes to find the kitchen. The house was not as huge as a mansion, but it was big enough to get lost.

Nang makapasok sa kusina, natigilan si Cassia sa pinto nang makita si Thorn na nakatalikod habang may inilalabas sa oven. And Cassia couldn't help noticing how Thorn's arm muscle would flex every time he moves.

Darn, he's ripped. Hindi mapigilan na komento ni Cassia sa isip niya pero kaagad niyang sinaway ang sarili nang umikot paharap sa kaniya ang asawa.

"Done with your things?" tanong ni Thorn habang inilalapag ang baking dish sa wooden heat pad sa island counter at nakatingin sa kaniya.

Tumango si Cassia saka naglakad palapit sa island counter at napatitig sa nasa baking dish. "Ano 'yan?"

"Our dinner, baked tilapia," sagot ni Thorn. "With butter, lemon juice, garlic powder and salt blended together, and a little sprinkle of capers, oregano and paprika."

Hindi napigilan ni Cassia na amuyin ang niluto ni Thorn saka napalunok. "Ang sarap ng amoy."

Thorn chuckled. "Tastes good too."

Cassia looked at Thorn teasingly. "Someone is bragging."

Thorn jokingly puffed his chest. "I'm that good."

A small laugh escaped Cassia's lips and for a moment, she stilled. Unconsciously, she was waiting to be scolded for laughing, but no one did. Instead, she saw Thorn frowning at her.

"Why stop laughing?" Thorn asked. "Go on. Laugh some more. It's free."

Hearing that, Cassia laughed again and it felt wonderful. It felt nice not to be restricted.

"Tulungan na kitang maghain," ani Cassia na medyo natatawa pa rin.

Bago pa si Cassia makagalaw, napigilan na ito ni Thorn. "Nope." Hinawakan nito sa magkabilang balikat si Cassia mula sa likuran saka masuyong tinulak patungo sa hapag-kainan. "You, Cinnamon, will sit here like a queen"—pinaupo ni Thorn si Cassia sa upuan—"and I'll do the rest."

"But—" Cassia was about to stand up to help, but was stopped by Thorn.

"Just let me do this," ani Thorn saka kumuha ng dalawang pinggan at maingat na inilapag iyon sa lamesa habang nagkukuwento. "My cousin, Cali, got married a few years back, and every time I visit his home and they're eating, I always see him preparing everything for his wife, so"—he smiled at his wife—"let me learn from him and let me do that too, okay?"

Cassia was speechless and could only nod her head. She knew Thorn was being considerate of her because he was a nice person, but she didn't see this one coming.

With a charming smile, Thorn continued readying the table and their dinner.

"Anyway, speaking of my cousin," Thorn placed the dish on the table and while moving around and readying their water, dessert and other food he prepared, he was talking, "when do you want to meet him? Wait, meeting him means meeting my other friends as well, so you have to ready yourself. I actually don't want to introduce you to my friends. You'll be traumatized."

Nag-angat ng tingin si Cassia kay Thorn. "You say it like they're bad people."

"Not bad per se." Natapos na rin sa wakas si Thorn sa paghahain sa lamesa at umupo na sa tabi ni Cassia. "Just crazy—yep, that's the right term. Crazy people."

Cassia didn't know what to say so she kept silent, and she also didn't know how to act after seeing Thorn putting food on her plate and doing everything for her.

Cassia couldn't help staring at her husband as her face softened. In her mind, there was a hidden thought. An 'if only' thought peeking in her mind.

Cassia quickly discarded the thought and thanked Thorn for being a good husband. They got married a week ago and this was their first time sharing a house and a meal after their wedding at the restaurant because she still had many things to take care of at home, and this felt pleasant.

She was actually at ease and relaxed around Thorn even though this was their first time being together. Maybe because he's gay and I'm not his type—it calms me.

Naputol ang pag-iisip ni Cassia nang matikman niya ang baked tilapia ni Thorn at nanuot sa bawat sulok ng bibig niya ang sarap na lasa niyon. She even stopped chewing, closed her eyes to savor the taste and moaned at how good it tastes.

Seeing his wife's reaction, Thorn smiled. "Good?"

Mabilis na tumango si Cassia saka maganang kumain. "It's sooo good," Cassia exclaimed while eating heartily.

Thorn couldn't help staring at Cassia while she was eating heartily and praising his cooking. Sanay na siyang makatanggap ng papuri sa luto niya na minsan ay wala na sa kaniya ang mga papuring naririnig. But hearing his wife praise him, it felt quite nice. It felt like he accomplished something.

Shaking his head, Thorn continued eating as well.

Thorn and Cassia had a small conversation while having dinner together. Mostly, they talked about Thorn's cooking and the restaurants he owned that he was so proud of. It was a good conversation.

After dinner, Thorn and Cassia helped each other clean the dishes and tidy up the kitchen before Cassia went to their room while Thorn stayed to lock the doors. But even after securing every door and windows in the house, Thorn couldn't make himself move from leaning on the kitchen's island counter to his—no, to their room.

He was so bothered the he fished out his phone from his sweat pants pocket to ask his friends. Thorn was really hoping for a serious answer, but when did the lunatics answer seriously?

GUWAPO AT MATIKAS NGA UNDER NAMAN GROUP CHAT.

Thorn frowned. Huh? Sino na naman kaya ang bumago sa group chat name? If he guessed it right, it was Reigo's time to change the group chat name. Napailing na lang si Thorn saka binasa muna ang mga chat doon bago nag-chat.

Cali Sudalga: @Thorny got married, but didn't invite us. How rude.

Iuhence Vergara: I heard he got married in a restaurant? Hindi man lang tayo dinalhan ng pagkain ng gago.

Evren Yilmaz: Restaurant? What kind of wedding is that?

Calyx Vargaz: A very 'tipid' one. Good thinking @ThornCalderon 👍🏻

Tyron Zapanta: Welcome to the Understanding club, @ThornCalderon. May you rest in peace.

Pierce Muller: Would he be understanding though? Arranged marriage sila, 'di ba? Siguradong hindi niya mahal ang asawa niya.

Natigilan si Thorn sa nabasa. Muller was right. He doesn't love his wife. He just met her. But even though there was no love between them, he still felt responsible for her. She was his wife after all and he learned how to care of his wife from his friends.

Sighing, Thorn continued reading.

Iuhence Vergara: Arrange marriage din naman si Train at Krisz, 'di ba? 🤔

Tyron Zapanta: It's different. Train already has a thing for Krisz before marriage. While our Thorn here didn't even know his bride.

Valerian Volkzki: I'm fucking sorry in advance.

Andrius Salazar: @ThornCalderon, be careful, bud. Isa ka sa sinumpa ni Volkzki.

Khairro Sanford: Careful, @ThornCalderon. Totoo ang sumpa ni Volkzki. Look at what happened to Andrius and me. We both waited years to have our happy ending.

Knight Velasquez: @KhairroSanford what happy ending? Your grave is still open.

Khairro Sanford: Come on, brother-in-law. Don't be mean to me 😖

Natawa si Thorn sa sinabi ni Sanford. Sa ugali ni Knight, siguradong nagpuputok na ang butsi niyon.

Knight Velasquez: Don't call me brother in law. Nagtataasan ang balahibo ko 🤢🤮

Lath Coleman: @Thorn, couz, when are we going to meet the wife?

Cali Sudalga: Yeah, @Thorn. We're curious who she is and what she looked like. I mean, you eluded marriage for years and then you just agreed to an arranged marriage.

Thorn sighed. If you only knew what my wife thinks of me. I will be a laughing stock for years. That's for sure. Mga isip-bata pa naman ang mga kaibigan niya.

Sighing again, Thorn finally sent a message to their group chat.

Thorn Calderon: How to be gay?

The moment Thorn sent his marriage, everyone who was online and saw the message gaped.

Knight Velasquez: You need to be a butler. 💪🏻

Thorn Calderon: Ah?

KutongBoy💰: pay me and I'll tell you. I know a lot through experience.

Blaze Vitale: @KutongBoy💰 the fuck? What experience? You already got my sister! Don't you dare!

KutongBoy💰: Who the fuck changed my name again?! 🔪🔫

Blaze Vitale: Don't change the subject @KutongBoy💰

Knight Velasquez: Anong gagawin mo sa toy gun @KutongBoy💰? 🤣

KutongBoy💰: 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

Dark Montero: @ThornCalderon why are you asking? Planning to be gay?

Beckett Furrer: How could someone 'plan' to be gay? 😒

Dark Montero: @BeckettFurrer, you have a point. Anyway, @ThornCalderon, I think no one can answer you here. We don't know how to be gay other than what we see on televisions, but if you think you're gay, then no worries, it's cool with me—with us. Be true to yourself, bud. We're always here for you.

Cali Sudalga: 🤯🤣

Lath Coleman: I think you have to like the same gender as you?

Lysander Callahan: I've met a lot of gay people here in Seattle. Some are girly, some are manly. I think it depends on the person? It depends on who they want to be? Why are you asking, bud?

Thorn turned his phone off and stopped reading the rest of the chats. His mind was more focused on what Callahan said. It depends on the person—that means there was no definite attitude or movement.

Sa isiping 'yon, nakahinga si Thorn nang maluwang saka patakbong tinungo ang kuwarto sa ikalawang palapag ng bahay. Nang makapasok siya, napatigil siya sa paggawa ng ingay nang makitang mahimbing nang natutulog ang asawa niya habang nakatagilid sa kanang bahagi ng kama.

Nanatili si Thorn na nakatayo at nakatitig sa asawa.

Asawa. Isang salita lang pero napakalaking responsabilidad ang dala.

Thorn took a deep breath before carefully and slowly walking towards his wife to fix the blanket around her body. Then he looked at his wife's sleeping face. After I earned your trust, after proving myself that I'm not a bad person, I'll tell you the truth. For now, if it'll make you feel better, then I'll be gay for you.

Taking a deep breath, Thorn took off his shirt and walked towards the bathroom to take a bath. While his face was under the shower, a thought came to his mind.

But where the heck did Cinnamon get this ludicrousidea that I'm gay?