// April 7, 2018 - Manila, Philippines //
Anthony and I attended a charity event in the business district of Makati. It was organized by Carol David, a philanthropist-friend, for the protection and preservation of the endangered Philippine Eagle. It was also a good way to introduce Anthony to some associates in the business world, although they must have heard already that I am married to him—a small world, after all.
It’s exciting because I was able to convince Anthony to wear Barong Tagalog. The said attire is made by a local artisan and a friend from the Province of Batangas, the place most famous for sheer and classic quality. And watching Anthony in such clothing was both invigorating and enchanting, especially the part when he swept back his golden hair and his square jaw appeared more striking.
Ronaldo, our never-tiring family driver, was waiting for us outside the house and opened the family’s vintage Rolls Royce Phantom V upon seeing us. The sedan was Dad’s, and it is dearest to me because it was his favorite among his collections.
The interior in the limo was the same as I can remember. There installed a humidor for Cuban cigars in front of the leather seat and a special wine compartment at the back. The last time I used the limo was on my high school graduation day, when Dad was very proud that I, at least, managed to accomplish something.
Anthony was stunned staring at the interior. And for a minute, I could tell he’d been pondering over something.
“Is this Phantom V?” he asked, and I could only respond with a nod. “It's a common state car in some countries,” Anthony added.
“Yes,” I said softly. I hated using fancy things like this limo, but it was Carol’s event that we were attending. She hated non-vintage wheels entering her Spanish gates.
Along the way, Anthony was quiet, his hand holding mine, but as for me, I began to worry about the possibilities later. Carol is also a friend of Ethan, and I feel in my gut that Ethan would be in the event later.
As we reached the venue, I could already see the luxury cars entering the bronze gates. The moment we stepped inside, I noticed the same crystal chandeliers and antique staircase and pieces of furniture. And the attendees… familiar faces from aristocratic families.

We entered the hallway when Carol saw us, rushing in her finest to welcome me and finally get to meet Anthony.
“Natalie!” She neared and gave me a kiss in both cheeks.
“Hello, dear.” I greeted and perceived the same Carol after all these years, that same woman who doesn’t look in her fifties but full of youth and glow. I guess her stem cell therapies are working pretty well on her.
Carol is not the typical woman with a lousy aging husband by her side. Instead she has this ten-year-younger husband, who people joke she picked up from the gutters of Tondo ghetto because of his ill manners and obvious lack of education.
“Carol...” I began introducing her to Anthony, whose arm was encircled around my waist. “I want you to meet my husband, Anthony Evans.” I was smiling from time to time but I couldn’t help but notice how Carol studied Anthony. In her mind, she must have been comparing him to the previous men in my life. She’d known all of them, especially Ethan.
I managed to keep my posture and carry on with the introduction. “Anthony, meet the lovely Carol David.” I was relieved upon finishing it and wished for a cordial response from Carol.
“Hello, Anthony! I hope you are enjoying your stay here.” To my comfort, Carol was all cheers. I could feel my lungs breathing again.
“Pleasure to finally meet you, Carol.” Anthony smiled and gave her a gentle hand-kiss. That act was not expected by me. But I was pleased Anthony knew when to play along.
“Please, let’s get to the function hall. I want you to meet everyone.” Carol led us there, and my heart began to ponder fast and loud now. It seemed it can detect someone in the crowd without my eyes seeing.
And there, in the crowd of laughing men and women, flashed the face of Ethan. Beside her was a woman in brunette hair. It must be Clarice, the wife, but the greatest surprise of it all was that Ethan could no longer cast a spell over me. And it was a huge comfort on my part.
“Alright. The fund-raising will start soon so, you two, enjoy the night, okay?” Carol said, smiling wider, and faced Anthony for another moment. “I am happy to finally meet you, Anthony. You are both lucky to have each other.” She smiled again and went on to entertain the other guests.
And I, for a while, unknowingly stared at Ethan, and Anthony must have followed my eyes knowing someone had stolen them. He knew I saw Ethan and he was eager to know if I still have feelings for him.
Anthony hadn’t spoken a word, after I returned my gaze to him. He just waited for me to speak first.
“I’m sorry.” I apologized immediately and wondered how long had I been quiet and how it had made him feel.

“So, is that him…?” Anthony asked and slid a cautious gaze at Ethan.
A nod was all that I could provide to Anthony. I love my husband and I don’t want to put him in this awkward situation. Worst, to make him feel jealous.
“Yeah, it’s okay. I know it wasn’t easy for you.” To my surprise, Anthony talked casual, referring to my awful breakup with Ethan. He knew I had already moved on and that it is normal for a woman to feel shocked upon seeing her ex, especially when the separation was traumatic. “You know what…?” Anthony then whispered to my ear. “His hands are tiny,” he added, unexpectedly, which put me in a modest laugh. There are other people in the venue it’s embarrassing to grab a scene.
Not long after, some old friends who spotted me came to us. Bill and Cindy, a couple who were once my schoolmates, joined us and looked lovelier than ever as they shared a toast with me and Anthony. And then… the famous Victoria. Who could have forgotten her famous scandal for being the mistress of a high-ranking politician?
Amid the talks and laughs, with unfamiliar faces joining our circle, suddenly, Ethan and his wife were walking towards us, and I just worried about what could happen. Yet, I was relieved that Victoria was, at least, here in case things become unexpected. At least, someone I can trust gets to be the witness if something is detonated. Despite my nervousness, I managed to smile at the approaching couple. So did Anthony. He was looking relaxed as though he was geared for anything.
In the first few minutes of pleasantries and introduction of our respective partners, I could see that Ethan has moved on. I could see he’s happier, especially the look he shared with Clarice who was genuinely smiling at me and Anthony. I take no offense on that. In fact, I was happy for Ethan. No matter how I tried to dismiss the thought… it could have been better if we had an easier closure. But our door has closed now. Our story is over. And from it came new love stories.
What was supposed to be a quick and courteous conversation has extended to a few more minutes. Surprisingly, we talked about some personal things like where we got married, where to go for the next vacation, and then mostly about business. In those moments, Anthony and I didn't fail to return a friendly smile to the lovely couple and got along pretty well, with Victoria witnessing the whole scene.
That unexpected face-to-face talk gave me both emancipation and confirmation. I feel better now. At last, the past relationship has no more control over my life, and I could love Anthony more and more knowing he’s the only one my heart yearns for. It’s all his, and he is mine.