"He will give up everything!" Sabrina announced, laughing maniacally. I can't understand why she's doing this to us.
"You know what, Lorence? You're lucky!" she said with a sigh, stepping closer to me. I'm trembling as I see her holding a knife.
"Sab? W-what are you planning to do?" I stuttered, my fear escalating.
"He's faithful and truly loves you. You're really lucky, Lorence." Her words are unsettling. Is she on drugs? She's acting so strangely. Now she's behind me, and I can't see what she's planning to do. The terror is overwhelming.
"I've loved him for so long; he was my first love. I did everything to get his attention, but nothing worked. I could never have him, even just for one day. He's always been busy, and then you came along. Now he's willing to give up all his wealth just to save you. Isn't that insane? He's insane. No, I—" She breaks down in tears.
"I'm sorry!" I can't find the right words to say.
"No, I'm sorry, Lorence. I'm really sorry!" She sobs as she cuts the tie binding my wrists.
"I'm sorry because I've been so selfish," she said through her tears. "I only wanted him to love me, even though I knew it was impossible. I'm truly sorry. Go now, Lorence! Take care of him, okay?" Tears streamed down my cheeks. I can't bear to see her crying; it feels like my heart is being torn apart.
"Tell him I'm sorry," she choked out, sobbing as she sat on the floor. "Tell him I want to be friends again. Take care of him for me, Lorence. I'm really sorry! You're lucky to have him. You're truly lucky!" I wiped my own tears and bent down in front of her.
"Thank you!" I hugged her tightly, unable to hate her because I understand her feelings all too well.
"Please tell him not to hate me, okay?" she whispered through her sobs. I knew I had to leave; Raze must be worried sick.
"I'll go now, Sab. I'll make sure to tell him, don't worry!" I said, wiping my tears before turning away. I left her there, crying, weak, and hurt.
I quickly grabbed my phone and called Raze.
"Hello?"
"Love? Where are you? I can't forgive myself if something happens to you!"
"I'm safe now, love." My tears started flowing again. Sabrina was right—I'm incredibly lucky to have him, and I've known that all along. I'm deeply grateful for the chance to love Raze and to feel his love in return.
"Where are you? I'm so relieved you're safe! Attorney, please cancel the property transfer," I heard him say.
"I'm at..." I looked around to get my bearings.
"I'm at the boundary of Zone 1B and Zone C, at the abandoned building."
Thank God for giving me someone who's willing to give up everything for me.
"Okay, love, don't end the call. I want to hear that you're safe!" he said.
"Take care, love. Drive carefully. There's no need to rush; I'm just here, waiting for you." I waited anxiously for 20 minutes, then...
"Shit, love. I'm so sorry. Are you okay now? I'm really sorry I wasn't there for you earlier." He hugged me tightly.
He was extremely worried, checking me over for any bruises or injuries. His concern felt a bit over the top, but I love him all the more for it. We left the place, hoping we wouldn't be disturbed again.
"Love, she said she wants to be friends with you and hopes that you'll forgive her," I said gently.
He fell silent, focusing on the steering wheel.
"Please, love, forgive her. I promise she's sincere and wants to change."
"I'm not sure, love. She scared me so much!"
We arrived home, and everyone was thrilled that I was safe. The next day, we headed to Japan—not just for our wedding pictorial, but also for a family trip. We had an amazing time there; the days seemed to fly by. Instead of a bachelor and bachelorette party, we opted for a simple gathering with family and friends, which felt just right for us.
Now, I'm at home while Raze is at the mansion. Tradition says the couple shouldn't stay together before the wedding, and though I don't fully understand why, the separation adds a touch of excitement for me.
"Hija, you look stunning in your wedding gown!" Mom said warmly.
"Thanks, Mom!" I replied, turning around in front of the mirror. The elegant gown makes me feel like I'm ready to become Mrs. Coleman.
"Hija, I'm so happy for you!" Dad said, though his voice carried a hint of sadness.
"Dad, thank you so much. Don't worry, you're still my king. I love you, Dad. I love you, Mom!" I said, hugging them tightly. I'm incredibly grateful for their support.
"The bride is already here!" I heard someone announce. Outside the church, cameras flashed as they captured the moment. The guests were already waiting, eager for the ceremony to begin.
"She's the bride of the billionaire," I overheard a group of photographers say.
As the prelude music ended, playing instrumental versions of "Marry Your Daughter" and "Beautiful in White," our parents took their seats. Then, I saw Raze's entrance. He looked as handsome as ever, and my heart swelled with joy.
The bridesmaids walked down the aisle with grace, each step marking the progression of the ceremony. Now it's my turn, and I'm feeling incredibly nervous. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself.
As I began my walk down the aisle, I was completely taken by surprise. Raze was singing a song just for me, his voice filling the space with emotion. My heart was pounding so hard it felt like it might burst from the sheer intensity of the moment.
"We'll do it all,
Everything,
On our own." Yes! I want to share everything with you and build the family we've always dreamed of.
"We don't need
Anything
Or anyone" I need you so much, my love. I won't ever give up on us.
"If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?"
Everything felt like it was in slow motion. The grandeur of the church was overwhelming, filled with guests who were all smiling warmly and offering their congratulations. The scene was both breathtaking and surreal.
"I don't quite know
How to say
How I feel" Me too, even though I'm speechless in your presence, my heart never fails to express how deeply I love you.
"Those three words
Are said too much
They're not enough" Your words are enough, love. I want to hear them more often because they're like a song that my heart loves to listen to.
I looked into his eyes, seeing the depth of his love for me. I feel incredibly lucky to have him.
"Dear friends and family, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Pryce Raze Coleman and Lorence Catherine Celo in marriage. Through their time together, they have realized that their dreams, hopes, and goals are more attainable and meaningful when supported by love, commitment, and family. Therefore, they have chosen to live together as husband and wife." The words were delivered with warmth and sincerity.
"I say this to you every day, but what better day to repeat it than today? You are the love of my life, my best friend, my lover, and my inspiration. You make everyday brighter and help me become a better person. I promise to love you unconditionally, through all of life's ups and downs, in sickness and in health. I vow to tell you I love you every single day for the rest of our lives—36,500 more days if we're lucky enough to live to 130. As we journey through life together, I promise to stand by your side, support you, and celebrate with you. I will always put you first and give you my very best, every single day."
I was overwhelmed with emotion, both laughing and crying, as I listened to his heartfelt vows.
His dad was crying, and my parents were too. I could see their happiness for us.
"I love you!" he mouthed, his eyes brimming with tears. I just smiled, overwhelmed by the moment.
"I love you because you are happy, adventurous, and strong. I love you because you love your family, friends, and everyone around you with the same intensity that I love mine. I also cherish that your family has become mine, and mine has become yours. You are my best friend, and I'm thrilled that we're on the same team. You are the love of my life, making me happier and more loved than I ever thought possible. You make me incredibly proud, and I promise to make you proud as your wife. I vow to listen to you and learn from you, to laugh and cry with you, and to value both our differences and our common ground. I vow to put my heart into strengthening our marriage and offering you the best version of myself. Raze, through good days and bad, rain or shine, I will love you forever. I'm so lucky that you're mine."
I was certain I wouldn't be able to say my vows because of my nerves. As an introvert, speaking in front of a crowd was challenging. But I was relieved and thrilled when I successfully delivered them. I felt immense happiness.
We exchanged rings and then lit the unity candle. Everything went smoothly—the words of advice, the priest's blessing, and the proclamation.
"You may now kiss the bride," the priest announced. Raze lifted my bridal veil, and our lips met in a sweet, tender kiss filled with pure love.
"Congratulations to the newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Coleman!" After the recessional, we proceeded to the pictorial with family, friends, and everyone who came to celebrate. His fans were also thrilled for us and continued to show their support.
"Finally, I can call you 'wife' now," he whispered with a smile.
"I still want to call you Mr. Ungentleman!" I chuckled.
"Then I guess 'Chump' is still better!" he teased in return.
Fate might have finished its twists and turns for now, but I know there will be more challenges ahead. From the very beginning, I've been ready—ready to fight for him and for our life together.
As we heard the clinking of glasses and silverware, a chant rose from the guests: "Kiss!"
I smiled at Raze, and he returned the smile warmly.
"I love you!" he mouthed before giving me a gentle peck.
Everything felt secure—my future with him and the life we'll build together, including our future children.
"I'm very happy because my heart belongs to you and only you," I said, hugging him tightly.
The next day, we boarded one of his private planes for our flight to Paris, where we would begin our honeymoon.
Months Later
"Waaahhh!"
"Waaahhh!"
"Love, are you okay?" Raze asked, concerned in his voice.
"Yeah!" I replied, realizing that I was in the throes of my pregnancy cravings.
"Love, I want ramen!" I declared with a hint of desperation.
"Huh? We don't have any in stock," he responded.
"I want rameeenn~" I insisted, my craving strong.
"It's already 1 a.m., love," he reminded me gently.
"But I want ramen," I pouted.
"Shhh! Shhh! I'll go now. Don't worry!" Raze said as he quickly changed into his sleepwear, looking adorably comfy.
"I'll be back soon. Wait here, okay?" he added.
"Okay, love. Take care. I love you!" I replied, grabbing some peanuts to munch on.
I turned on the TV and started watching National Geographic, trying to distract myself.
Raze returned precisely at 1:30 a.m.
"Here you go, love!" he said, presenting the ramen.
"Waaah!" I exclaimed as the scent of the ramen hit me. The smell made me feel queasy—eww!
I had been craving ramen earlier, but now... I just didn't want it.
"I-I don't like it now, love," I admitted.
"What? I woke the store owner up just to cook this for you!" Raze said, a bit disheartened.
"I'm sorry. I just don't want it now. You can eat it if you like," I said.
"It's fine. What do you want instead? I'll cook it for you!" he offered, sitting beside me after placing the ramen on the side table.
He gently stroked my hair, smiling patiently as if he had an endless supply of patience for me.
"Can you cook steak and fried chicken for me? Please!" I requested.
"Yes, beautiful, I'll cook for you. Just stay here and watch TV," he said, gently patting my head before heading to our kitchen, which was just inside our room. I ended up falling asleep while he was cooking, but the next morning, he was already up early, preparing a healthy breakfast for me, even though we had servants. I'm so grateful for a husband like him.
"Love?" I called out, needing his presence.
"Yes? What can I do for my baby?" he responded, his voice filled with affection.
"Oh, you're done taking a bath already!" he added.
"Love, I want to wear one of your shirts. Can I?" I asked.
"Sure, love," he replied.
"Can you choose one for me?" I requested.
"Of course, come here!" he said, taking my hand and leading me to the closet.
"You want this one?" he asked, holding up a shirt.
"No!" I said with a smile.
"This?" He pointed to his gray v-neck t-shirt.
"No!" I shook my head.
"How about this?" he suggested, holding up his sweatshirt.
"Hmmm, no!" I responded, still not satisfied.
"Ah! No!" I said, continuing the search.
"Then what? Do you want to borrow the shirt I'm wearing?" he teased.
"I'd love to, but I want this one!" I insisted.
"You said you wanted my shirt!" he complained with a laugh.
"Eh? I want this!" I pouted.
"Okay! You can wear that," he agreed with a smile, playfully pinching my cheeks.
"Hmmmm, it smells good!" I said, inhaling deeply and hugging the shirt before putting it on.
"You look good in my suit," he laughed, admiring me. I was wearing his long-sleeve shirt and business suit paired with his pajamas—his suit from the day we first met. I absolutely loved it.
"I love you so much," he said, bending down to kiss my round, beach-ball-sized tummy.
"See you soon, buddy!" he added with a tender smile.
"Ahhhhhhh!" I cried out, drenched in sweat.
"Push one more time; it's almost here," the doctor encouraged.
The pain was intense, but as soon as I heard my baby's first cries, it was replaced by overwhelming happiness.
"Love, you did it! You did it!" Raze exclaimed, his voice filled with joy. "Yes! I'm a dad now!" He beamed, while I could only manage a tired smile, feeling both exhausted and sleepy.
Later, at his brother's grave.
"Bro, I know if you were here, you'd be so proud of me. I'm a father now." We stood at his brother's grave with our newborn son.
"This is Ryle Cyriel Coleman," Raze said softly.
"Baby, say 'uncle,'" he encouraged gently.
"Cle!" Ryle attempted, not quite getting it right, which made us laugh and swell with pride.
We were pleasantly surprised at how quickly he was learning. At just 11 months old, he was already picking up words on his own. We even heard him say "Mama" and "Dada" without us teaching him—he's quite the little prodigy.
For now, I'm truly happy. I have an amazing husband and a beautiful family. I couldn't wish for more. Having him in my life feels like living a dream. I once thought I could never have this, but fate turned everything around and brought him back to me.
Dear Lorence,
In every lifetime, I would choose you. I'm never weary of sharing my days with you—laughing together, exploring new horizons, weathering storms, and growing old by your side. You are my everything, my strength, my heart. I look forward to our forever. K3U always, my love!
My Beloved Raze,
I never imagined our paths would intertwine so perfectly, but if given the chance, I would live every moment again with you. My love for you is boundless and eternal. Here's to forever, together, until the very end.
If you wait for the perfect moment when everything is safe and assured, it may never come. Mountains won't be climbed, races won't be won, and lasting happiness may remain out of reach.
To experience profound happiness, one must also endure significant pain and unhappiness—how else would you recognize the true joy when it arrives?
Our time here is magical. It's the only space where you can discover what is beautiful, what is true, what is great, what holds potential, what is rare, and what is unique. This moment, this space, is all we have.
In the end, what we often perceive as an ending is merely a new beginning. For Raze and Lorence, their journey tells a unique and remarkable story, just as each of us has our own narrative. These stories can be like melodies that remind us of our experiences and dreams.
Deep within us, everything lives through our imagination—nothing is truly impossible. Continue to sail toward your destination, steering your own path. Remember, you are the driver of your journey. Choose your direction wisely, and above all, find happiness along the way.