"A- Amanda," I managed to say despite my shock. She has changed a lot. She's still beautiful but there's something in her that was different.
"I- I miss you," she said.
"What?" I replied. I put down some papers I was holding and stood still. My eyes were fixated on hers. Without blinking, her eyes brimmed in tears. Then, she bit her lower lip.
"I am so sorry for what I've done. But my feelings never changed a bit. I still love you, Brad," Amanda said softly.
I couldn't say anything. I didn't know what to do when she threw her arms around my neck and kissed me. I just stood still. I tasted the sweetness of her mouth mixed with the saltiness from her tears.
When I didn't respond, her hands began exploring, teasing. That time, I was certain that I didn't love her and that my heart belonged to Helena. At the thought of Helena, I recovered from my shock and I held her shoulders and pushed her away which made her confused.
"I'm sorry...," I said.
She wiped her tears and look down. "So... is there someone else?" she whispered softly that I could barely hear. I nodded.
"I am sorry. But, I think you deserve someone better than me," I told her as I patted her back. "Someone who truly loves you."
"Who?" she asked.
"Sorry?" I replied.
"Who is she? Is it that police? You seem pretty close," she asked. I wasn't so sure but there was a glint of bitterness in her voice. And her pitiful facade began to crumble, showing her darker expression. Then, I saw her glare. It happened in an instant. Her pitiful facade came back. She apologized then left.
When I got home, my brain battled whether to tell Helena what happened or keep to myself. I tried to act as normal as possible, but there were times that I was caught in the abyss of my dilemma. After moments of weighing, the latter won.
"Hey, are you alright?" she asked as we prepared to sleep. She was combing her hair in front of the giant mirror. Her pixie hair was now shoulder length and I'd say, she's gorgeous than ever.
"Come here," I said, stretching my arms. She came and lied beside me. I instinctively wrapped my hands around her and pulled her closer. Then, I buried my head in her hair.
"Is there a problem?" she asked worriedly as she cupped my face and kissed me. I exhaled.
"I will be honest because I don't want anything to cause us arguments in the future," I started. She looked at me, waiting for what I'd say. "Amanda came to my office this afternoon."
Helena's expression suddenly turned sour. "Why?" she asked coldly.
"I don't know."
"What did she say?"
"She... she said she misses me," I hesitantly replied.
"And?!" she asked. Every time she asked, her voice became angrier and our distance became wider.
"No "and". That's the end," I said.
"Uh-huh? What else did she do?" Helena asked, narrowing her eyes. I cleared my throat then I scratched the back of my head.
"She kissed me...," I relented.
She remained quiet and began to feel worried. I asked myself whether or not did I do the right thing.
"Helena, I just wanted to be honest with you. I am sorry if I caused you displeasure," I explained. "Hey, please say something."
She sighed and turned to her side, away from me. "How about you?" she asked softly. I could hear her trembling voice, trying to suppress her tears.
"How about what?"
"Do you miss her?!"
"My... my... Helena, as I've told you, she is just a history--- a part of my past."
"Well there's a saying that goes, history repeats itself."
I smiled widely at her reaction. "Are you... jealous?"
"No. I am very much delighted!" she answered sardonically. I chuckled at her jealousy. And for some reason, I felt so good for the fact that she felt that way. Probably an ego booster.
"Looking at you like this... so jealous makes me feel good that I wanna fuck you right now," I whispered as I nibbled her ear. She moaned.
She dodged my kisses. "I'm not in the mood," she grunted.
"When Am--- when she was kissing me, you were in my head. In a way, I was thankful she did that because it disproved that I still love her," I explained.
"I don't know about that," Helena replied in skepticism. I chuckled. Then, I bit her shoulder lightly.
"Your jealousy is turning me on," I moaned as I turned her to face me.
"Hmmm... then what are you waiting for?... Unleash the beast," Helena said huskily as she rubbed her hand on my bulge. I cursed in my breath. Without a word, I fucked her hungrily then we slept soundly after rounds of lovemaking.
The next morning, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and fried rice tickled my nostrils. I groped for Helena but she wasn't there, so I jumped out of my bed.
I found her preparing breakfast. "Good morning," I greeted before giving a peck on her lips. "What are you cooking?"
"Hmmm... your favorite breakfast, sour longganisa and sinangag (fried rice)," she said. I smiled at her accent when she said "longganisa" and "sinangag". It sounded cute.
"And who told you that?" I asked, amused by the situation.
"Your mom... and Sheryl, they told me your favorites like food, music, etc.," she replied.
I smiled. "Hmmm... Seems like they're preparing you for a grand welcome," I said. She blushed. "After all, you'll be part of the family." Her eyes rounded in disbelief. I took the opportunity to kneel on one knee and on my hand was a simple pink diamond halo set on an 18 karat white gold.
"Helena Wolf, will you be my wife?" I asked. Her eyes beamed in joy as tears fell down.
"Yes, yes!" she replied excitedly, wiping away the tears.
"I love you!"
"I love you, too!"
And we sealed it with a long passionate kiss. We couldn't hide our excitement when we went to Isla del Fuego that day. Everyone was there. By the look on their faces, they already had clue about our announcement but no one asked. They waited for us to say it. I took a deep breath before I spoke. Helena was holding my hand tightly, reassuring me that everything's gonna be fine.
"Uhm... I want you to know that Helena and I decided to get married!"
The room was filled with joy. There was laughter and raucous cheers. Everyone seemed delighted as we celebrated.