Chapter 50

Loey

Everyone stared at us as soon as we entered the house.

Primrose smiled sheepishly at SBG and hid behind me, especially when Kuya Eros cleared his throat and walked closer to us.

“Now I understand why our rapper suddenly went missing. He’s with his wife,” he said, glancing at the others.

I shook my head and chuckled. “Stop it, Kuya Eros. Primrose seems shy.”

Napangiwi ako nang kurutin ni Primrose ang aking tagiliran. She pouted before she stood beside me and waved her hands to everyone.

“Hi, how are you?”

Mas napanguso siya nang biglang tumawa si Baron at Matt bago lumapit ang dalawang ito. Baron immediately pinched Primrose’s cheeks, but pulled his hand when he looked at my side.

“Grabe, bakit naging awkward ka na naman sa amin, Miss President?” tanong niya na natatawa pa rin. “Iisipin kong hindi tayo close niyan. But anyway, we’re fine. We missed you.”

Primrose smiled. “Sorry.”

Matt patted her on her shoulder. “There’s nothing to apologize for. We understand that you need time. What’s more important is that you’re here now.”

Mabilis din na lumapit si Nate kay Primrose at niyakap ito nang mahigpit. Wala naman akong nagawa kung hindi ang umiling lang dahil hindi naman magpapaawat si Nate. Gumaya na rin ang iba’t yumakap na rin sa asawa ko.

The corner of my lips curved upward when she teared up a bit. My hand found its way to her hair. I ruffled it. She glared at me. I only grinned before wiping the tears away.

“Others might think we’re making you cry,” I said.

“Because you are!” she exclaimed. “Why do you all have to be so sweet?”

I blinked when she cried.

“Hala! Si Loey iyong nagpaiyak kay Primrose!” saad ni Kaito bago hinagod ang likod ni Primrose.

Hinayaan lang namin na maging emosyonal si Primrose. I also went to the kitchen and got her a glass of water. Pinaupo na nila ang asawa ko, kung saan umupo ako sa tabi niya habang nasa kabila naman niya ay si Nate. Kailangan ko pang palayasin si Baron dahil gusto rin tumabi kay Primrose.

“Clingy,” he muttered, crossing his arms.

Nate told Primrose some stories while she was gone. My wife just listened to him talk the entire time.

Our youngest then groaned as he leaned back. "Kuya Loey was stubborn. He thought that you left him. He locked himself in his studio and worked nonstop. Akala nga namin ay titira na iyan doon, e. Mabuti na lang nakausap ni Kuya Leigh. Tapos si Kuya Liam naman dumating and ayon, nawala na bigla si Kuya Loey."

Tiningnan ko siya nang masama pero ngumisi lang siya at mas dumikit pa kay Primrose.

There's really no stopping him. 

I shrugged when Primrose frowned at me. 

Seriously, I had a hard time when she left to take a break. I even tried to convince myself that I'll be fine if she ever decided to end our marriage. That I’ll respect her decision. But hell, I can't let her go that easily.

When everyone got distracted by playing. Prim leaned closer to whisper. "You should pack your things now and move it to my room."

My eyes widened. She just nodded at me with a smile before she watched the guys.

"You look blooming, Prim," Leigh observed.

Everyone stopped from playing and turned their attention to Primrose.

My wife's cheeks started to turn red. "Huh?"

"May nangyari ba sa inyo?"

Ako naman ngayon ang napatulala kay Leigh sa tanong niya. Namula ang pisngi ni Primrose kasabay at napatingin na lang sa sahig.

"What do you mean?" I asked, clearing my throat.

"Oh, I smell something…" Baron chuckled. "Something only for married people. Your honeymoon was late."

"Better late than never," Kuya Jinmin added.

Primrose stood. Her face was still red. She then faked a cough. "I think I need to shower."

She hurriedly grabbed her stuff and ran upward. Our gaze followed her until she was out of our sight. 

The guys then faced me with a smirk on their faces. I looked away that made Baron laugh and squeezed himself between me and Nate.

Nakangisi siyang umakbay sa akin. "So, something did happen while you two were gone?"

I groaned at him.

Natawa naman ang iba habang si Kuya Eros ay umiling. "Stop it, Baron. That's personal," he said.

Baron pouted but stopped teasing me.

Whatever happened between me and Primrose, I'll keep it to myself. Those intimate moments was something I wanted to keep to myself. I want to treasure it. The memories. How she felt in my embrace. How I woke up with her beside me.

Nang kumalma sila at napunta ulit sa iba ang atensyon ay tahimik akong tumaas. Primrose's door was closed. I stood in front of it for a minute. 

Nakangiti akong pumasok sa loob ng silid namin ni Baron.

Primrose blinked when she opened the door.

"I'll move my things slowly. For now, I'll just move my clothes and things I need," I said.

She giggled. "That's fine." She then opened the door widely for me to enter. "I also moved some of my clothes to have space in the closet for your things."

"Thanks."

I turned when someone gasped from behind me.

Baron grinned and shouted. “Kuya! Guys! Si Loey iiwan na ako.”

Mabilis naman na umakyat ang lahat dahil sa sigaw ni Baron. I couldn’t help but let out a sigh. This guy!

Pinasok ko muna ang gamit ko sa kwarto bago binalikan ang SBG na nakatulala lang sa harap ng kwarto ni Primrose.

"Bakit kayo nakatayo riyan? May meeting ba kayo o kung ano man?"

The guys' attention went to Ate Alice who just arrived. She then raised her brows when she looked at us.

My wife scratched the back of her head and glanced at me.

Dred cleared his throat. "It seems like Loey is moving to Primrose's room."

Ate's lips parted. "For real?" She gazed at my wife."Prim?"

"Well… Loey and I decided to make our marriage official. We wanted our relationship to work out."

The boys made a teasing chuckle while Ate Alice blinked her eyes a few times before she giggled and hugged Primrose.

Tumagal ng isang oras ang pang-aasar at pagtanong ng lahat tungkol sa relasyon namin ni Primrose. I also told them that Liam was the one who brought me to my wife.

I remembered how he didn't ask anything but instead, he told me that I was lucky and that I should protect, love, and take care of the girl he loved. Because she deserves it. That I also deserve her.

"Sleep well, love birds!" Matt laughed as Primrose and I excused ourselves to rest.

Dredleigh sighed. "I don't know if I'll get used to their new set-up. I mean the two were sweet even before, but it's different now."

I just shrugged before I followed my wife to her room.

Should I call it ours? It's still hers, right?

"Wake me up later, okay?" she said, rubbing her eyes.

I laid beside her and planted a kiss on her forehead. "Sure. Sleep well, Prim."

I rubbed my eyes. My brows furrowed when my side was empty already as soon as I woke up.

Naghilamos muna ako bago lumabas ng kwarto. Kumunot ang noo ko nang tahimik ang bahay. It was almost dinner and usually it would be noisy by this time because of Baron and Matt. As far as I remember we don't have any schedule today so wby does it feels so empty?

Were they sleeping?

Wala rin tao sa sala nang bumaba ako.

"What's this?" I muttered as soon as I saw the table with candlelight on it. There were plates good for two and it was organized well. 

Primrose smiled at me with wine in her hand. "Good evening, Loey. Did you sleep well?"

I nodded.

She gestured for me to sit, which I did.

My brows arched when Dredleigh and Kuya Jinmin peeked from the corner. Lumapit sila sa amin na may dalang mga pagkain sa plato.

"I do want to have some luxurious food or something. But knowing you, you'll want something simple like chicken wings cooked by Dred. Still, I asked Kuya Jinmin to cook pasta carbonara. I guess I can still call this a date, right?"

Kuya chuckled. "A perfect date for the two of you." He then went to my side after placing the food on the table. "Look how sweet your wife is. Of course, as your supportive members, Dred and I helped her. We all know we can't leave her alone in the kitchen."

I nodded while Primrose pouted.

Dred cleared his throat. "We'll leave you two then."

"Enjoy your night, love birds!" Kuya Jinmin waved bis hands as a farewell. While Dred only smiled and nodded slightly.

Nang makaalis sila ay mabilis kong hinarap ang asawa ko. She was shining brightly with her eyes  staring fully on me, her lips stretched into a sweet smile.

I scratched the back of my head. "What's going on?"

"A dinner date!"

"Shouldn't I be the one to take you on a date?"

Primrose then glared and pouted. "Girls can also take their man on a date, you know."

I leaned forward and reached for her head, patting it lightly. "Thank you, Prim."

Her face lit up even more before she served me some food. Primrose giggled as I complimented her effort.

I calmed my heart that pounded so fast.

Kinilig ba ako?

Sino bang hindi?

I know it sounds so cheesy, but seeing her investing time and effort now, and clearly admitting it as a date was a huge change in our relationship. It made my heart beat so fast.

Maybe it was natural for us ever since, but having a label or making it official was something precious. A privilege I would enjoy for a lifetime.

To have her beside me. We would grow together, but also individually.

The night became more romantic as Primrose opened herself more to me. She wasn’t shy to be openly sweet to me, which I love. Kahit itong dinner date ay hindi ko talaga inaakalang may ganito siyang gagawin. And for her to do it first shocked me. But I appreciate it. I was planning to give her a surprise date, pero naunahan na naman niya ako.

“What?” she asked when she caught me staring at her.

I shook my head. “Just wondering how lucky I am to have a beautiful girl as a wife and a CEO”

Primrose’s cheeks turned red as she avoided my gaze. She coughed. “Stop it, Loey!”

I chuckled. “What? I’m just telling the truth.”

She just glared at me before she continued to eat. Natawa ako nang mahina bago ipinagpatuloy din ang pagkain.

We talked about a lot of stuff that night as if we haven’t talked for years. She even told me stories about how she often visited the company and how she always hid at the Grand Knights before because she was shy. I also shared some of mine. Even with my trainee days.

“Mom would always call Kuya Eros to check on me, especially at midnight!” I said, sighing. “She knows that I lack sleep not because of practice but because of playing games.”

“Now you stay up late to create music,” she smiled as she sipped on her wine, “But still, you have to take care of your health, Loey! Should I give you a curfew?”

I laughed at that. She also did the same.

My eyes widened when she kissed me suddenly as soon as we walked into her room. She even pushed me on her bed and made me sit on it. I guided her as she sat on my lap without breaking the kiss.

We’ve been enjoying our moment even tonight. It was as if we’re newlyweds.

I gently carried Primrose and laid her on the bed, staring at her beautiful eyes. Namumungay na ito at ang atensyon ay nasa labi ko lang. Nang napansin niyang nakatitig lang ako sa kanya ay mabilis na kumunot ang kanyang noo.

With a chuckle, I captured her mouth as my body heated. I gladly accepted the fire burning inside of me. We let pleasure take over us.

“I’ll protect you, Primrose. I know it will be hard, but I will stay by your side,” I whispered, kissing the top of her head.

Primrose buried her face more on my neck. “I’ll also stay by your side. I’m not going to run away anymore.”

We stayed in the room in the morning and decided to move when it was already lunchtime. Kuya Eros texted me that they’ll be here in the evening so Primrose and I can have more time alone in this house. Baron even joked that they’ll be expecting a nephew or niece after a month.

I only shook my head and cooked for lunch.

We didn’t use protection.

“Don’t worry, if ever na may mabuo, I’ll accept the angel wholeheartedly. Unless you’re not yet ready to have a baby?” she said the first time.

The worry in me suddenly disappeared. That’s why we didn’t use any protection as we made love.

After all, I could already see my future in her. Even our future children. 

I wanted to give her a lovely and happy family.

As much as I wanted to say that I was even willing to sacrifice my career as an idol for our future children, I know that my wife wouldn’t appreciate it. Still, I mean it.

Ayokong mahirapan si Primrose at ang pamilya namin dahil lang sa trabaho ko. Pero alam ko rin naman na mahal ko rin naman ang ginagawa ko kahit na maraming nasasabi ang iba tungkol sa akin o sa grupo.

That’s why I’ll do my best to protect both my marriage life and my career. Also, there were a lot of new generations that might even surpass our group. Our spotlight won’t last that long, but we’re grateful enough for those who would stay even in the future where we don’t shine that much anymore.

“What’s going on?” I asked when Primrose got up from bed. 

She heaved a deep sigh and fixed her hair. “My uncle texted me. He said that Karlin threaten him. She demanded my uncle’s help for her to come back to the company. And for us to drop the case.”

“I already talked to him before. He admitted about his relationship with Karlin and how he used his advantage to make her shine. He also admitted that he wanted Karlin for himself, that's why when he learned about your relationship…”

I only nodded when she paused.

I’ve already moved on. And just like what I told her before, Karlin has a choice, and clearly, she didn’t choose me.

Umupo ako’t pinanood siyang mamili ng damit. “So where are you going right now?”

“To that bitch of an ex of yours. They were supposed to meet, but I’ll be the one attending,” she answered.

“Ikaw lang?”

She looked at me and nodded.

I quickly got out of bed. “I’ll come with you.”

“Hmm. Okay.”

We notified Ate Alice about our meeting with Karlin. Supposedly, Primrose has a schedule for that time but since it’s not that urgent, she decided to just reschedule it.

Primrose scoffed as soon as we got out of the car. “She’s something.”

Karlin was the one who picked the location. She picked a luxurious restaurant that would cost a lot if you dine even for just one meal. I know that she was fascinated to be in a place where only rich people could enter. Still, we’ve never been into one unless we’re in an event.

Mahal pa rin naman sa ibang kinakainan namin dahil malaki rin naman ang sahod namin. Pero hindi siguro kagaya sa napili ni Karlin kung saan dapat sila magkikita ng tito ni Primrose.

We were escorted to a VIP room that was chosen also by Karlin. I don’t know how she managed to get here despite the fact that there are reporters following her because of the statement released by the company.

Karlin’s eyes widened when we entered the room. She put down the glass of wine she was holding and stood.

“What are you doing here?”

My wife scowled. “Cleaning up the mess my uncle left.” She then crossed her arms and took a step closer to Karlin. “If you are still hoping to set foot in the Empire with the help of the former CEO, then keep on hoping and be disappointed with the result. Threatening my uncle won’t help you, too. Go expose him, then I’ll surely expose the blind item. We all know that you’ll get more damage than him.”

“My auntie already knows about his affair, but she chose to forgive him and stay by his side. The Empire might take some damage if things went wrong, but it won’t be a problem now that he's not the CEO anymore. Still, I’m not just doing this because he’s my family, but I wanted to protect my company.” Primrose turned around and glanced over her shoulder. “Think about it. If you put more casualty in your career, you won’t be able to make a comeback.”

That’s the last thing she said before she walked out. I stayed and turned to Karlin. She gritted her teeth while staring at where my wife was earlier before turning her furious eyes at me.

“I shouldn’t have asked you to be his husband,” she muttered.

I shook my head and sighed. “And I’ll forever be grateful you did.”

There’s no point talking to her. Her greed turned her into that. We had a relationship, but it was in the past and I don’t feel like giving her some comforting words after what she has done. It was a good thing that Primrose was still kind even for the last time that she still gave her a chance to go back to the entertainment industry. However, she needs to find another company that will accept her despite her current reputation. For the time being, Karlin has to lie low and be the center of some gossips.

When I went out, Primrose was waiting for me. She didn’t ask anything as to why I stayed. She just smiled at me genuinely and held my hand as we went back to the car.

“Our days would be noisy and busy,” she told me. “I have to prepare for it.”

I frowned. What is she talking about?

I was about to ask her but she already changed the topic.

To our surprise, Primrose stepped out of her comfort zone for me. For my group. For E Entertainment. And hell we will let her take all the bullets. We’ll declare war even to our so-called fans for her.

*****