Lucas Andriene Clemente
The first time I saw her, she was quietly waiting on a couch for her boyfriend. The vocalist of Command. She just sat there, unfazed by everyone around her. She seemed very quiet and aloof — she didn’t look at anyone, not even me. But every time her boyfriend came around, she’d light up. It was obvious she was in love with him. The only time you could read any emotion on her face was when he was near.
My cousin Samantha wanted me to get close to her, but honestly, I wasn’t interested. She didn’t talk to anyone except her boyfriend. She never smiled, never even spared a glance at anyone else. I didn’t think we’d ever get along. She kept her distance from everyone, so I stayed focused on the reason I was there in the first place — to look after my cousin. She’s stubborn as hell, and I’m the only one who can keep her in check. She doesn’t really have a choice.
"Lucas! You’re not even trying to talk to her. I saw you earlier — you didn’t even go near her. How are you supposed to get close to her like that?" she scolded me once after their meeting with Command.
"I told you, we’re not gonna get along. I’m not even sure she notices I’m sitting next to her," I replied, uninterested.
"At least talk to her. Get her attention, okay? She needs to stop manipulating Xav."
I shook my head in disbelief. She was so spoiled. She always got what she wanted, and now she wanted to get her ex-boyfriend back.
"Can’t you just move on? That guy didn’t even fight for you. Why would you settle for someone like that?"
"You don’t understand, Lucas. He had no choice. His father won’t allow it. And his girlfriend’s taking advantage of that."
I sighed. I couldn’t believe my cousin was this in love with that guy. And his girlfriend — how could she just let her boyfriend flirt with my cousin like that? What is she, a martyr?
"I don’t want to get involved in this, Sam," I said firmly.
I might spoil her in other things, but not with this. Of course, I wanted her to be happy, but not at the expense of hurting other people just to get what she wanted. Besides, she deserved better. She didn’t need a man who couldn’t even choose her, no matter what reason he had.
For me, if I love someone, they wouldn’t have to do anything to make me choose them. They wouldn’t have to ask for it. It would always be them — no questions asked. I’d choose them whether people liked it or not. They wouldn’t have to share me because there would only be them.
"Mind if I join you?" I asked when I saw her again, sitting on that same couch, waiting for her boyfriend.
She didn’t say anything, just nodded to let me know it was okay for me to sit next to her.
"Do you really have to wait for him? You guys going somewhere after this?" I tried to start a conversation, but she only nodded.
I smiled to mask my disbelief. Was she really like this?
I turned to her again, about to say something else — but she stood up and left without saying a word.
I smirked, oddly thrilled for the first time. I didn’t know what came over me, but after that day, every time she sat there waiting for her boyfriend, I kept approaching her. Trying to strike up even the shortest conversation. But she always refused to talk to me, and most of the time, she’d just walk away.
That didn’t stop me from approaching her, though. I saw her waiting for a taxi outside the building and called out to her.
“Veronica!”
She paused for a moment before turning toward me with a shy smile.
“Hi,” she answered, almost timidly.
“You heading out? Isn’t Xavier here?” I asked with a friendly smile.
“He’s upstairs. He and Samantha have something important to talk about, so I left for a while. I’m going home now too — I forgot I still have something I need to work on.”
She looked like she was in a rush, uneasy even as she spoke to me. And the sadness in her eyes didn’t go unnoticed — I was sure it had something to do with Xavier and Sam.
“Want me to drive you home?” I offered, still smiling and pretending not to notice the sadness in her eyes.
Honestly, I hated what Samantha and Xavier were doing. If it were up to me, I wouldn’t want either of them to end up with that guy.
“Oh no, it’s fine. I’ll just take a taxi. Samantha might need you later and we’d both be in trouble if she found out you left to take me home,” she said, trying to sound convincing but clearly hesitant.
“Are you sure? I don’t think Samantha would mind,” I tried to sound cheerful, though the gloom in her eyes didn’t go away.
“I’m really fine, Lucas. I should go — I still have something to do. Thanks for the offer though.”
She turned away from me and hurried to the waiting taxi. I watched as it drove off, even waving though I knew she wouldn’t see it.
I wasn’t sure why I suddenly felt so concerned about her — but I told myself it was because I wanted to protect my cousin.
I already told Samantha to stop meddling with her ex, but neither of them would listen. They loved each other enough to keep hurting everyone else around them.
“You should find someone better, Sam.”
“Why do you want me to stop, Lucas? Tell me — do you feel sorry for that girl?” she snapped, confronting me angrily.
She was at my condo now, furious because she found out I had gone to pick Veronica up from work earlier while they were in a meeting — at Xavier’s request, no less.
“Why don’t you just choose someone else, Sam? You’re beautiful, you’re talented. Why cling to someone who won’t fight for you? All you’re doing is hurting other people.”
She shook her head and spoke again.
“Why me? Don’t you think I get hurt too, Lucas? I love Xavier, and he loves me. That girl knows the truth, but she’s selfish — she keeps forcing herself into his life even though she knows he doesn’t love her!” she said bitterly.
“And you know Xavier’s father doesn’t want you for him either, Sam. Are you going to force yourself on him too?” I asked her gently.
That only made her angrier. She slapped me, but I let her. I just looked at her closely.
“Xavier loves me, and that’s the only thing that matters to me. I don’t care if none of you agree. I love him — and I’ll do whatever it takes to be with him. And you — you better start controlling yourself, Lucas. You can’t like that manipulative girl,” she spat out before storming out.
I let out a heavy sigh. She was right. I couldn’t like Veronica. I couldn’t because she wasn’t done loving someone else.
I tried to control myself and keep my distance, but she was impossible to refuse or avoid. Getting to know her, spending so much of my time hanging out in my friend’s company where she worked, just to watch her while she did her thing — I lost control. Before I knew it, I’d already fallen.
I was watching her while she sat there, focused on their lecture. And up until now, she still thought I was Samantha’s driver. I let her think that way because I didn’t mind. She was adorable like that. I loved how she’d worry that I might get fired for hanging around her.
She was busy sketching while I was busy watching her. I’d never been fascinated by anything like this before. I’d traveled to different countries, discovered hidden paradises around the world — but nothing compared to her. She wasn’t just beautiful. She was breathtaking. And the thing was, she didn’t even realize it.
I looked at her again and saw her talking to her partner, both of them laughing softly while she blushed. I smiled and took out my phone, snapping a photo of her.
I was busy on my phone working when their mentor began showing their favorite works from the participants. And I couldn’t hide my smile when I saw her piece — it was me. She had sketched me. And the funny thing is, she never even looked my way while she was doing it. I was watching her the whole time, so it was impossible for me to miss it if she had.
She glanced at me, looking completely embarrassed. I just smiled at her, which only made her blush even more. It wasn’t the first time I’d seen her get flustered around me — but that moment was the start of me constantly watching her a little more closely.
—
“What did he tell you? Come on, tell me,” I asked Veronica. She looked so worried and hurt, it made me want to pull her into my arms and hold her tight.
“Is he bothering you?” I asked.
She couldn’t meet my gaze.
“Did he hurt you, Veronica?”
“No,” she answered softly.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. I didn’t even know what I would’ve done if he’d laid a hand on her.
“Then what did he say? Why are you avoiding me? What’s wrong, baby? Please tell me,” I pleaded, looking straight into her eyes.
“Hey, please look at me. What are you thinking about? Tell me, please,” I asked again, frustration in my voice. She bit her lower lip, steadied herself, then finally looked at me.
“He’s angry, Lucas,” she whispered.
“He still affects you this much, huh?” I chuckled bitterly. I stepped away from her and sighed, biting my lip as I felt a sharp ache in my chest.
“Do you still like him?” I asked after a long silence.
“I still like him, but… hm, I think I’m—”
She tried to reach for me, but I stepped back.
“Right. What did I expect? Okay then. I think I should go,” I said, unable to look at her. My chest tightened, and right then I realized — this wasn’t just some fleeting feeling anymore.
I loved her. More than I ever let myself admit.
I distanced myself from her once again. I tried to avoid her, to stop myself from going near her. But even though I wasn’t approaching her, I always ended up following her from afar. So when I heard about what happened during Xavier’s band interview, I immediately went to her house the next day.
I saw her leave, so I followed her. She went to a restaurant owned by Xavier’s family. She didn’t stay long and went straight back home. Once I was sure she was inside her apartment, I went home myself and called Ramiel — one of our family’s trained bodyguards, who was around my age. His father worked for my parents, so we’d been friends since we were young.
I asked him to keep an eye on Veronica, to make sure she stayed safe. Because of her ex-boyfriend’s statement, I was sure the media would start hounding her.
I also spoke to my friend Giob, her boss, about Veronica’s situation. He understood how much I cared for her.
That night, the controversy about Xavier’s band interview only escalated. I wanted to punch him in the face — but right now, Veronica’s safety and privacy were my top priority. I called her best friend and explained my plan. She was confused and a little hesitant at first, but after a long conversation, she agreed.
The next morning, we went to Gail’s house and carried out our plan. I saw Veronica — she looked weak, worried, and it made me want to hold her, to shield her from everything. In that moment, I forgot about trying to hold myself back. I just wanted to reach out, hold her, and keep her safe.
I avoided looking at her, stealing quick glances now and then to stop myself from hugging her. I could feel her eyes on me, but I forced myself not to react. We executed the plan, and it worked. When we arrived at Gail’s condo, her bodyguards were already waiting. That was when I left and secretly followed Veronica as she went to my sister’s house.
I saw her having dinner with my sister, but I refused to let myself stare at her. God, I missed her so much — but I didn’t want to confuse her even more. We planned to leave for our rest house in Pangasinan early the next morning. After settling the details, I decided to go to the room where she was.
She was lying down but not asleep. She didn’t move when she heard me enter, but after a while, she looked my way.
She sat up and leaned against the headboard. Then quickly looked away, fidgeting with her fingers to avoid my gaze.
“Sorry,” she said softly. “You don’t have to do this, Lucas. I mean, I’m really grateful you’re helping me, but you don’t have to. I’ll go back to my apartment tomorrow. I’ll talk to Gail too so she won’t have to come here anymore.”
I could see how nervous she was while saying that — she couldn’t even look at me. That made me sigh deeply as I leaned back on the sofa.
“I’m sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused. I don’t know how I can repay you for your kindness and help, but I’m really thankful. But this is enough, thank you. I don’t have to leave tomorrow — I’ll head home. I’ll face them and put an end to this issue,” she said softly. I let out a quiet laugh to hide my frustration.
I didn’t want to upset her, but I couldn’t just leave her alone either. What was she thinking, wanting to leave like this?
“You are not going anywhere. Get some sleep — we’re leaving early for Pangasinan tomorrow. You’re not facing anyone, Veronica Marchella,” I said firmly as I approached her. But she immediately wrapped herself in the blanket like a shield.
I wanted to give her space. I didn’t want to confuse her. If she still had feelings for her ex, I didn’t want to be another burden on her heart.
-
"Lucas, is everything ready?" Samantha called to ask if everything was set.
She was overly excited for us — she kept asking if everything was prepared. I was excited too, but I had to contain it so Veronica wouldn’t catch on that we had something planned for her.
"Everything’s perfectly prepared, Sam. I’m on my way to our house now. I picked up Sister Mona and Paopao and dropped them off at Ram’s place. We’ll be heading over after we get ready," I answered my cousin.
"Alright, see you there. Happy anniversary!" she said before ending the call.
Tonight is our second wedding anniversary. Though Veronica believed this party was for Gail’s early birthday celebration, that was just part of the plan so she wouldn’t get suspicious.
"Baby, I’m home."
That’s how I greeted her as I entered the house. She welcomed me with a hug and a kiss.
"Everything’s fine?" she asked. I told her earlier that my dad called me for a talk — just so she wouldn’t question why I left.
"Yes, baby," was all I said, then kissed her again.
She laughed and pulled away, then tugged me upstairs.
"Let’s get ready for Gail’s party. She said we shouldn’t be late. She even threatened me about it," she said sweetly.
I smiled and kissed her on the forehead. She was always beautiful, always breathtaking. I wouldn’t mind looking at her for the rest of my life.
We both got ready for the party. She wore a form-fitting champagne dress and matching strappy heels. Her hair was tied in a loose bun and she wore light, simple makeup.
"You’re breathtaking, wife."
She smiled when I whispered that.
"You’re handsome, husband."
I kissed her again — and I’ve always loved the way she kissed me back. It always felt like heaven was showering me with blessings for having her as my wife.
After getting ready, we headed straight to the venue. She had no idea what was really happening, and that made me both excited and nervous.
I got out of the car to open the door for her. She greeted me with a bright smile, easing some of my nerves.
The venue was perfect — it looked like the only glowing establishment in the middle of a garden. I held her hand and guided her to the entrance. But before they opened the doors for us, I turned to face her and kissed her lips again. I don’t think I could ever get enough of her.
I took out a blindfold and gently tied it over her eyes.
"Hey… what’s going on?" her voice trembled a little, so I kissed her again.
I stayed close by her side to guide her. When the grand doors opened, our friends and family welcomed us with smiles and applause.
I moved even closer to her.
"Happy 2nd anniversary, wife," I whispered, then removed her blindfold.
She was stunned as she faced me, then looked around the room. There was Gail, Rica, Finn, even her workmates. She spotted Sister Mona and Paopao smiling at her too, along with Xavier, Samantha, and the Command. My parents were there, my sister excitedly hugged her. Ramiel and his team were present too — they’d become her friends, so of course they wouldn’t miss it. The reporter who once interviewed her at the auction was there as well, snapping photos and maybe gathering material for an article.
Everyone was excited and happy. My wife was overwhelmed by the surprise — and it wasn’t even the end of it. I wanted her to always feel special.
She was chatting with some friends when I approached her.
"Wife, may I have this dance?" I asked just as a slow song started playing.
She turned to me with that beautiful smile of hers. "Of course, husband."
"Excuse us, ladies," I said to the group before taking her hand.
I led her to the center of the venue. We swayed to the music as I whispered how grateful I was that she gave me the chance to spend the rest of my life with her.
"I’ve told you this a million times already — and I’ll keep saying it until we grow old. I’ve never loved anyone this way before. You’re the first and the only. You changed my life and brought color to it. You added flavor and made it worth living. Heaven and earth know how grateful I am to have you."
There would never be enough words to express how I feel about her. She’s completely out of my league. She made me fall so deeply, made me hopelessly whipped and endlessly fascinated.
"Husband," she whispered as she gently caressed my face. "You’re the only person I’ve ever truly loved. Nothing else compares. No other love has felt like yours. Thank you for making me feel so special. I have a gift for you."
I melted under her touch — she always made me feel like it was okay to be soft, to loosen up and just be free.
"You don’t have to give me anything, baby. You’re more than enough for me," I said.
"Shh… I love you, Daddy."
Everything around me stopped at the sound of those words. I stopped moving and stared at her, shocked. She smiled at me, tears shining in the corners of her eyes.
"We’re having a baby!"
I couldn’t hold it in — I burst with excitement and overwhelming happiness.
Then I heard the cheers and applause of our guests. I immediately embraced my wife, both of us crying from pure joy.
"God, thank you! I love you, baby. I love you so much," I said, tears in my eyes.
"I love you more, baby," she whispered back before kissing me.
Everyone gathered around to congratulate us. My parents hugged her, my mom crying with happiness. My sister teased me while congratulating me.
We hadn’t been perfect these past years together, but we both grew and learned.
"Congratulations, Vy and Lucas!" her best friend Gail cheered. I smiled and kissed the top of my wife’s head.
"Congrats!" my cousin greeted, hugging Vy.
"Thank you," she replied warmly.
"Congrats, dude," Xavier said to me.
"Thanks," I answered.
But honestly, I couldn’t focus on what anyone else was saying. All my attention was on my wife — laughing, talking with everyone, glowing with happiness.
I’d seen her joyful, content, and at peace when we married. But tonight, I saw her whole. This meant the world to her. I promised myself I’d love her, and our children, for the rest of my life.
"Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Clemente," greeted Shasha, the reporter who had become our friend too.
"Thank you, Shash," I smiled and nodded.
"Would you mind if I ask something?" she said, addressing Vy.
"Go ahead," my wife replied. I quietly listened.
"When do you know it’s the right person for you?"
My wife turned to me and smiled before answering.
"Honestly… I don’t know. I just realized one day that I couldn’t imagine loving anyone else after him — my husband. When I gave him a chance before, I knew he was the one person I would trust with my whole life. I guess I knew he was the right person because he completes me. He’s my love, my contentment, my missing piece. If it wasn’t him, I wouldn’t be capable of loving like this."
Hearing her say those words made me want to kiss her again and again. I never imagined I’d feel this way about anyone.
She may think I complete her — but the truth is, she’s the one who completes me. She’s everything to me.
I kissed her cheek and whispered, "I love you."
"I love you too," she replied.
You’ll only love our children… after me.
The End.