I
During lunchtime, Shandall was extra attentive to Buddy and even introduced him to Jethross, to which Buddy just laughed.
“Shandall, you don’t need to introduce Jethross to us, we know him well,” Buddy said while nodding at Jethross.
“Ahh, yeah, I remembered. Jethross and Atty. Yhera has been in a relationship for more than two years and they were even about to be married? Right Jethross?” Shandall asked Jethross, as if she just suddenly thought about it. The truth was, she learned about the love story between Jethross and Atty. Yhera, when she invited Jethross to attend her book launching and mentioned that she has special guests, the man that she rescued from death, Jethross asked who and was shocked to know that she was talking about Seigfred Yee. From that point, Jethross was able to mention that Seigfred Yee’s fiancee was his ex-girlfriend for more than two years.
Jethross simply nodded. He does not want to create any awkward moments during their lunchtime.
But Shandall has no plan to stop. “Ey, what happened Jethross? You were in a relationship with my best friends for so many years, how come that you also had a relationship with Atty. Yhera that time? My God, Atty. Yhera, did you know that time that you were the third party? I did not expect that during the time that my friend was crying over my shoulders because of a woman who suddenly snatched his long-time boyfriend, it would turn out to be the popular Atty. Yhera. How sad,” she said with a bit of sarcasm.
Jethross furrowed upon hearing the statement of Shandall. “It was not like that Shandall. You knew very well that I and Rose has been separated for a year already before I had a relationship with Yher.”
“Oh, Rose story was different. According to Rose you separated because of another woman, who happened to be Atty. Yhera here,” Shandall was smirking.
Atty. Yhera made a fake cough as she looked at Shandall. “It was all in the past Shandall. There is no point to be discussed. Rose is dead and I, right now is already getting married to the man beside me,” she said while trying to stay calm.
“But how will you feel Atty. Yhera if like Rose, someone would suddenly snatch your fiance?” Shandall asked with one eyebrow raised.
“It did happen already Shandall long time, when Rose got back Jethross, while she knew that Jethross at that time had a relationship with me. Anyhow, as I said, Rose is dead and I am getting married and truly moved on with the past. I found my real fate now.” Atty. Yhera said, forcing a smile from her lips.
“Oh, I was not talking about the past Atty. Yhera. I am talking about your present fiance.” Shandall said and even looked at Seigfred with a smile.
Atty. Yhera laughed at Shandall. “Who would dare to snatch my fiance right now? We are so known as a couple soon to be married and I trust Seigfred. Not unless he will be kidnapped again, I am so confident that no one can take him away from me.”
Seigfred smiled at Atty. Yhera and wrapped her shoulders with his arm. “That’s true, Sweetheart. So there is nothing to worry about. And, Shandall, there is no sense in asking that question. I can tell you now that even if a woman would get naked in front of me, I will even hand over to her, her clothes to wear again because I would never be interested. My eyes only see my fiancee and it will never change.” Seigfred was smiling, meaningfully at Shandall.
Buddy would like to laugh but suddenly felt pity for his lady love, when he saw Shandall’s face after hearing Seigfred’s words. Her face was all red, all over either because of shame or pain.
II
Even though, it became awkward thereafter, out of professionalism, Seigfred, and Atty. Yhera, still finished their lunch together with Shandall, who already shut her mouth all throughout their lunchtime.
After their lunch together, it was Jethross who excused himself first and then Atty. Yhera and Seigfred followed thereafter. Buddy remained beside Shandall and Atty. Yhera understood the action of her best friend.
“Buddy, BFF, please take care of Shandall. Bye Shandall and congratulations on your new book,” Atty. Yhera said as she and Seigfred stood up already to go.
“Hmm, Shandall, I can take you home, if you like or if you want to have coffee in another place, I am willing to accompany you.” Buddy offered with a smile to the woman, who shook her head to him.
“Apology, Buddy but I am tired already.”
“Oh, it is alright, Shandall. I can take you home then?” Buddy insisted.
Shandall smiled and nodded. “Sure, I will ask my driver to go home now. Do you have your car?”
“Yap. While in Manila I rented one in a rent a car shop.” Buddy answered happily. At least, she accepted his offer to take her home even if he has her driver waiting for her.
On their way home, Atty. Yhera and Seigfred were silent inside the latter’s red Jaguar car. After a while, Atty. Yhera glanced at Seigfred and gave him a loving look.
“Sweetheart, thank you,” she said softly.
“For what, Sweety?”
“For replying to Shandall. It really touched my heart and give me more confidence with our relationship.”
“Sweety, no one can separate us now, except death. Got me?”
“Yes. I love you Seigfred, so much.” Atty. Yhera was almost teary-eyed.
All of a sudden, Seigfred found a spot where he could be able to stop the car without any fear of being caught by any traffic officer neither delaying the traffic or other cars. He stopped the engine of his car and gently cupped Atty. Yhera’s face.
“Sweety, we are getting married so soon and I am so excited. I love you so much and no other woman would take me away from you. That is not a mere promise but a vow,” he said with sincerity.
“I believe you Seigfred and thank you. I love you more for that.”
“So, no Shandall could ever move the foundation of our relationship.” It was Seigfred who said as he gave her a tender kiss.
They were surprised suddenly when they were shaken inside their car because of the impact of something that bumped the trunk part of Seigfred’s red jaguar car.