PRINCESS
The apartment was serene, the air conditioner humming softly in the background. I sat on the couch, a book in hand, but my thoughts wandered to the journey CJ and I had traveled together over the past four years. It had been a whirlwind of emotions—ups and downs, moments of pure joy and heartache—but through it all, love had been our steadfast companion.
CJ had transformed since we first met. Initially a reserved and uncertain young man, he had blossomed into someone confident and accomplished. His career had flourished, a source of immense pride for both of us. Yet amidst these changes, his love for me had remained unwavering, a constant thread binding us together.
The sound of keys jingling broke my reverie, followed by the familiar creak of the door as CJ entered. He looked weary, shoulders slumped with fatigue, but his face lit up with a tired but genuine smile when he saw me.
"Hey, love," he greeted warmly, holding up a red and white bag. "I brought Jollibee."
A smile tugged at my lips. "You didn't have to, CJ. You must be exhausted."
He shrugged nonchalantly, placing the bag on the kitchen counter. "I know how much you love it. And it's sort of our thing, right?"
I walked over to him, wrapping my arms around his waist. He leaned down, planting a gentle kiss on my lips. "How was work?" I asked softly, gazing up at him.
"Busy," he sighed, weariness evident in his voice. "But seeing you makes it all worth it."
We settled at the table, the taste of Jollibee invoking memories of our early days together—simple meals shared with laughter and whispered dreams. After dinner, CJ stretched and yawned, clearly drained from the day's demands.
"Would you like to rest?" I inquired, concern lacing my words.
He nodded, but then a mischievous glint sparkled in his eyes. "Will you sing for me later? It always helps me sleep."
I chuckled softly, shaking my head in mock exasperation. "Of course, I will."
We made our way to the bedroom, and CJ collapsed onto the bed with a sigh of relief. I sat beside him, gently running my fingers through his hair. He closed his eyes, a content smile on his face.
"Princess," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Yes?" I replied, continuing to stroke his hair.
"Do you think... it's time for us to get married?" His eyes opened slightly, searching mine for an answer.
I felt my heart skip a beat. Marriage. It was something we had talked about in passing but never seriously. The thought of spending the rest of my life with CJ filled me with a warmth I couldn't describe.
"Are you sure?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly.
He reached up, cupping my face in his hand. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life. I love you, Princess. I want to spend the rest of my life with you."
Tears welled up in my eyes as I leaned down to kiss him. "Yes, CJ. I want that too. More than anything."
He smiled, a look of pure happiness on his face. "Then it's settled. We'll get married."
As he drifted off to sleep, I sang softly, the words of a lullaby filling the room. My heart was full, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we would face them together. Because in every universe, in every reality, CJ and I were meant to be.
*****
The following morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the room. CJ stirred beside me, his eyes fluttering open. He pulled me closer, his embrace warm and comforting.
"Good morning, fiancée," he whispered, his voice husky with sleep.
I giggled, the sound light and joyful. "Good morning, fiancé."
We lay there for a while, wrapped in each other's arms, savoring the quiet moments before the day began. It was in these moments that I felt most connected to CJ, our hearts beating in sync, our love a palpable force between us.
Eventually, we got up and prepared for the day. CJ had a meeting, and I had some errands to run. But before we parted ways, he pulled me into a tight hug, his lips pressing softly against my forehead.
"I love you," he murmured.
"I love you too," I replied, feeling the familiar warmth spread through my chest.
As I watched him leave, I couldn't help but reflect on how far we had come. There had been times when I doubted whether we would make it, whether our love was strong enough to withstand the pressures and challenges we faced. But CJ had proven time and again that his love for me was unwavering, his commitment steadfast.
I spent the day running errands, my mind constantly drifting back to CJ and our conversation the previous night. The thought of marrying him filled me with a sense of excitement and anticipation. I could picture our future together, filled with laughter, love, and endless possibilities.
When I returned home that evening, CJ was already there, waiting for me with open arms. We spent the evening talking about our future, discussing plans for the wedding, and dreaming about the life we would build together.
"I want our wedding to be a celebration of our love," CJ said, his eyes shining with excitement. "I want everyone to see how much I love you, how much you mean to me."
I smiled, tears of happiness filling my eyes. "I want that too, CJ. I want our wedding to be a reflection of us, of our journey together."
We spent hours planning, talking about everything from the venue to the guest list to the little details that would make our day special. It was a beautiful evening, filled with love and laughter, a testament to the bond we shared.
As the night wore on, we found ourselves curled up on the couch, CJ's arms wrapped around me. I felt a sense of contentment, a deep and abiding happiness that I knew came from being with the person I loved more than anything in the world.
"Thank you for loving me," CJ whispered, his voice filled with emotion.
"Thank you for loving me," I replied, my heart swelling with love for him.
In that moment, I knew that no matter what the future held, we would face it together, our love a constant and unbreakable bond. Because in every universe, in every reality, CJ and I were meant to be. And that was all that mattered.
********