Everything about us feels too good to be true. I couldn’t ask for more, as I have more than enough. I didn’t stop pursuing my dream of entering the showbiz industry as well.
But everything has changed since that one unexpected night.
Tiffany informed me that they would have a group project held at one of her classmates house. Overnight.
I was at ease during those times, especially since I knew that most of her companions would be girls. If I remember correctly, Jairus was the only guy with them during those hours.
Not until I received a message request. I frowned when I noticed that it came from Mike. It was already four in the morning. I was still awake at that time because I had a presentation to finish.
But I almost dropped my phone when I saw the picture he sent. It’s a picture of him with Tiffany. Tiffany was already asleep on the floor while he was beside her. It had only been a few minutes since Tiff bid me goodnight.
Even though it was the early hours of the morning, I didn’t hesitate to go to Tiffany. Even though I knew she hadn’t had much sleep yet, I insisted on taking her home, whether she liked it or not. I also found out that Mike was invited by one of Tiff’s classmates. But I knew that even though he didn’t do anything wrong to Tiffany, he wanted to convey something else through that picture. Tiffany didn’t know about that incident. But I explained it to Jairus so he could be aware as well.
So, since that incident, I have become stricter with her.
***
“You really have no idea what I’m capable of, do you? Break up with her or your sister will be in danger,” he said in a threatening tone.
I stopped walking when Mike said that. I was on my way home from the university when his group blocked my path.
His group is part of a notorious fraternity at the university. And as much as possible, I don’t want my family to be involved in this matter.
“You don’t tell me what to do,” I said through clenched teeth.
He laughed. But before I could speak again, he quickly struck me with the wooden object he was carrying.
“Learn to answer me properly if you don’t want to be crippled, along with your sister,” he threatened.
I suppressed the grimace as he leaned in to inspect me.
“Just try to report this, and you won’t like what will happen to your family.”
Despite their frequent beatings and threats in the past, I still didn’t do what they wanted. I didn’t break up with Tiffany while trying to protect my family with the help of Tiffany’s friend, Jairus. He also became my ally in coming up with excuses to tell Tiffany whenever I had new bruises on my face and body.
To be honest, I don’t know why I confided in him. Even though I knew he could also get involved. But I just can’t tell it to my family, to Tiffany, or even to Jela.
Due to my paranoia, I became even stricter with Tiffany. I felt like I would go crazy every time she wasn’t by my side, fearing that something might have happened to her.
Then came some good news. I was accepted for a commercial after auditioning. Ever since I was young, it has been my dream to enter the world of showbiz. Especially since I love singing and acting.
On the other hand, Jela has long desired to become a professional model. Especially since she was given the opportunity to model clothes for a well-known catalog at a young age.
But even so, I couldn’t understand why Tiffany didn’t choose her for her portfolio back then. Although I had already suggested her to be my proxy in case I wouldn’t be available.
Nevertheless, I pushed myself even harder because I was confident that I would meet more people there and potentially gain connections. Additionally, I had conversations with other fraternity groups at the university. I felt a sense of relief when I found out that Mike’s group had some issues with some of them, and they were willing to help me out.
I was ready to tell Tiffany everything. But it was too late. She had already given up.
She had given up on me. On us.
***
After that painful night when she broke up with me, Mike came. The good thing is that I managed to survive his attack. He was immediately arrested that night, thanks to his own family for doing the right thing.
I tried multiple times to approach Tiffany to talk to her and explain everything after that incident. But she always avoided me. Jairus offered to help, but I declined. He also promised not to say anything to Tiffany without informing me.
However, even though Tiffany had completely severed our connection, I didn’t stop monitoring her. I created a dummy account so I could still get updates about her. As ugly as it sounds, I admit that I became a stalker again. Therefore, I knew where she moved, that she started a business, and other details. Moreover, I made sure that Mike would rot in jail. Aside from his attempt to kill me, we also discovered that he was involved in drug dealing and use.
But despite everything that happened, I promised myself that even if Tiffany pushed me away, I would return to her when I became successful. When I can no longer imprison myself and repeat the past where she felt suffocated in our relationship. I didn’t want to give her the forgiveness she asked for because I was afraid that she would completely forget me if that happened.
Until we were together again in Baguio. Slowly, the wall I built between us was crumbling. I was ready to talk to her and let her know everything that had happened. But then I overheard her conversation with Jairus. It made me jump to the conclusion that there’s something going on between her and Jairus.
Because of that, the resentment I felt towards her resurfaced, leading me to leave her alone in Baguio. I didn’t attempt to talk to Jairus either because I was consumed by jealousy.
Until the day for us to talk and clear things out finally came. Despite facing another obstacle, we didn’t let go of each other anymore from that day on.
***
The news about me and Tiffany getting married spreads like wildfire in the showbiz industry.
Everything has been set, including my decision.
“Are you sure?” Miguel asked me seriously, bringing me back to the present.
I blinked and smiled at him. Even though he didn’t say it explicitly, I knew what he was referring to. I had already mentioned my plan to him before Tiffany and I decided to get married.
“Yeah. I’ve never been this sure.”
He nodded approvingly before giving me a gentle pat on the shoulder. “I understood. Love really changes things. I will not be a victim of it too.” He shook his head.
I chuckled. “No worries. You’re not safe when it comes to that matter.”
He winced. “Spare me, man.”
We talked about various things before I finally bid him farewell. As I stepped out of the dressing room, I found Jela waiting for me, leaning against the wall.
“So, you will really leave showbiz?”
I approached her, and we walked out together. “Yeah.”
“No matter what your decision is, I’ll support you.” She beamed at me.
“Thank you.”
“Your fans will surely miss you,” she added.
“Just the fans?” I looked at her meaningfully.
She rolled her eyes. “Fine. I’ll miss you too. I won’t have anyone to tease once I’m done with work. There won’t be any shooting to visit anymore. Besides, you’ll also be somewhat far from us.”
“How is Tiff's studio, by the way?” she asked as we finally exited the building of the network station we belonged to.
“He will entrust the management to Jairus. But we’ll still visit there,” I answered.
She sighed, then nodded in the direction ahead of us. “Alright. I wish the two of you the best of luck. The love of your life is already waiting for you.” She lightly tapped my back.
I smiled before hugging her tightly. Honestly, I will also miss her mischievousness.
“We’ll be expecting you, okay?” I confirmed as I released our embrace.
“Of course! I wouldn’t miss it!”
I bid her farewell before heading straight to my waiting car in the parking lot. As I entered, Tiffany’s smiling face greeted me.
“Are you ready?” I winked at her.
“Always ready!” she answered cheerfully.
With that, I closed the gap between us and kissed her passionately.
This is just the beginning of our journey towards eternity, and I am filled with anticipation to spend the rest of my life with the only woman I have ever loved.