Chapter 32 Jealousy

"Rico, I don't want to ruin your day but you know me, you know my personality… so, Rico… how about Alice?", Dina said seriously in front of a mirror. Talking to her own reflection at the mirror inside the school's bathroom. She had been estimating a good opportunity to ask Rico regarding about their situation… between him, her… and Alice. If she keeps this going, it would continue bothering her conscience. That is why she had finally decided to ask Rico later when he fetch her from work… she is determined. She wanted to know her position against Alice. And if Rico truly loves her, he won't make Alice hope for nothing… he should clearly end things with her. 'Are you sure he can make you happy?", Carlos asked Dina when she admits that Rico and her are now a couple. 'Of course!", Dina answered gladly. 'Then… how about his, you know… uhmn girlfriend?", Carlos asked deeper. Dina was stunned. Even she, doesn't know what and how to answer Carlos' question. 'If he loves me… he will choose me." 'Then you are like stealing her man… she was the original." 'I am not stealing anything from anyone! I am his wife.", Dina defended but seemed to be offended. She is not a relationship-wrecker, Alice is long gone from Rico's life when she entered. 'You didn't marry each other for love. Technically, he was still inlove with her when you came.", Carlos added which made Dina emotional. 'Our marriage is legal.", is what all Dina could say. She was anxious and nervous. She felt insecure… how could she fight against Rico's first love? They had loved each other for a long time… way back their high school days and she doesn't even see her self to be half as pretty as Alice. Carlos let go a deep sigh. 'Okay. Okay… I'm sorry. I am just in a bad mood. I got rejected even though I hadn't even start courting you yet.", Carlos smiled but it was a sad smile… a forced smile you are trying to give to someone who hurts you so badly. Dina felt Carlos' sadness. 'I felt like…I went back for nothing. You are the sole reason why I'm here. I feel… disappointed and really sad…I know I have no right but I just couldn't help it.", Carlos' smile had completely vanished now. Dina noticed Carlos is getting teary-eyed and she felt guilty. Maybe if Carlos had courted her just few months earlier before she met Rico… maybe she had become his wife already. "Dina... Am I really too late?",Carlos sounded as if he was begging Dina. 'I'm sorry… Carlos.",Dina answered frankly and sadly. She doesn't want to hurt her bestfriend but she needs to be honest… she could only treat Carlos as a friend. 'Should I head back to Canada again? Because I can't bear to see you with him, it's just too painful.",Carlos added, he sounded resentful. Dina don't know what to answer. 'I truly hope you are happy with him, okay? And make sure he'll really do his best to make you happy. I was really hoping you were not inlove with him base on what your known family before had told me. I thought you were angry at him… I thought I still had a chance.", Carlos is so sad, it feels like he had lose something important… and he really did. He lose the woman he truly loves. 'I'm so sorry…", is what all Dina could say. Carlos shook his head. 'You don't have too. You're not at fault. You didn't do anything wrong, Dina… Anyway, please do tell me if ever you had changed your mind. I am always here for you. You will always be the only woman I'll ever love this way.",Carlos said. He looks and sounds so cool. Carlos showed his gentle smile. Dina just nodded as she still feel sad for her bestfriend. "Can I hug you?",Carlos begged Dina. Dina nodded and smiled happily. Afterall, he is still her bestfriend. 'Of course! You will always be my bestfriend---', Dina was shocked when Carlos stole a quick kiss on her lips. 'Just for now… I don't want to be friend-zoned. I love you, Dina.",Carlos cried as he tightly hugged Dina. 'GET AWAY FROM MY WIFE!",Rico hissed as he went to push Carlos away from Dina. Carlos fell. 'Rico!",Dina tried to mediate between the two guys. Rico was fuming mad as he turned to face Dina. 'I don't want you to be with him ever again even though he is your bestfriend. He is using your friendship to take advantage of you! I don't want that!",Rico angrily said. 'Hey, it's my fault. Why are you shouting at her?",Carlos smiled as if he was teasing Rico. 'Is this the one who will make you happy Dina? Jealous, possessive---' 'Yes, I'm jealous! I am possessive! It's because I love her!",Rico admitted without any second thoughts. Carlos wasn't able to answer, he humbled himself because he knows he doesn't have any right to argue with Dina's beloved husband. 'I am not a nice guy that would allow anyone to take the woman I love away from me!", Rico added confidently. 'You know what? I also love your wife… but she loves you. You should feel lucky just for that fact alone. I envy you so much that I would even do anything to change places with you. If its possible I wanted to be Dina's husband. You don't have to be insecure… because she loved you so much.",Carlos finally said. Rico wasn't able to answer Carlos. His words made sense. 'You have a very lovely and beautiful wife. It's normal many guys would admire her that is why you should be more patient and make sure you shouldn't shout at her ever again especially it's not even her fault. The thing you should focus on is how to assure you your wife against your girlfriend.", Carlos added. Rico was taken aback with what Carlos had just said. Carlos used Rico's silence as his opportunity to avoid anymore arguments against Dina's husband. 'I have to go, Dina… I am sorry, although we're friends, it cant' just be, the three of us can't be together in a same place. Give me a call if you change your mind about him.",Carlos to Dina. 'I'm sorry Carlos… but I am certain that I won't change my mind.",Dina answered. 'You can never be too sure about that.",is what all Carlos could say before leaving the place. 'Rico…",Dina turned to face Rico. Rico immediately hugged her. 'Don't worry, I trust you, Dina… it's just because I really love you. I am scared he'll take you away like the last time.",Rico sincerely said, assuring Dina he is not angry at her. He was angry at Carlos that's why he raised his voice. Dina remember that moment Rico was talking about. It was when she confessed she liked him and Carlos went to take her away from him. 'Let's just forget the bad things that happened today.", Rico added. Dina nodded and hugged Rico in return even though a part of her mind is still bothered because Rico wasn't able to answer Carlos when he asked him about Alice. ###Chapter 33 Pain and Disappointment Rico and Dina decided to eat out since Dina loves to eat. They also watched a movie, it was their first date and they decided to do the things that lovers would typically do on their date. It was already late and Rico's parents were already sleeping when they arrived home. Dina is truly happy but her conscience wouldn't let her be… what is she for Rico? What is Alice? Even though Alice is kind but Dina just wouldn't share her husband with other women. She wanted to trust Rico's 'I love you" but until now she couldn't find a solution to their complicated relationship… unless Rico would end ties with his first love. She doesn't want to initiate as she doesn't want to force Rico to do against his will but she is still hoping. Can you really end ties with your first love, Rico? Can you really tell Alice that I am the one you love? Can you abandon the love you had shared with Alice for more than 5 years... just for me? Are you really true to your word when you told me you love me? Can you really finally treat me as your wife now.. as your beloved wife?, Dina thought despite showing Rico her sweet smile. 'I had fun tonight! It's been a while since I felt like this. It's just like we went back to the way we were before especially our closeness… but of course, we're even closer now than before.", Rico happily said as he held Dina's hands and kissed them gently. Dina just smiled at him. Rico stared at Dina's eyes and noticed that she seemed to be bothered. 'Is there something that bothers you, my wife?", Rico probed as he continues planting gentle kisses on Dina's hands. Dina laughed. "You're so corny!", Dina teased on Rico's cheesiness but deep inside, she is truly happy. 'There's nothing I could do… It's because I'm in love with you.", Rico answered happily. Dina laughed again. 'But I'm serious, is there something wrong?", Rico became serious and he sounded worried. Dina wanted to ask her ultimate question, she tried to open her mouth to talk but no words would come out. "Uh....", Dina started but she couldn't continue her words. 'Uh???", Rico mimicking Dina as he waited for her words. 'Uh--- I love you… Rico.", Dina stuttered. She just couldn't say it. She was embarrassed and even though the surrounding was dark, she could feel she's blushing. She's too shy to say these words… but it's better than asking him the ultimate question. Rico admiringly stared at Dina's beautiful face and his heart instantly went pounding loudly. It feels like a dream while he looks at her lovely face and he couldn't believe it when Dina said those words. Rico couldn't fight his feelings anymore and immediately crushed his lips to hers. He kissed her until they were out of breath. 'Please say it again.", Rico begged despite panting. 'I love you, Ric---', Dina wasn't able to finish her words when Rico conquered her lips with his. Each kiss goes deeper and deeper. 'I love you more, Dina. I can't imagine my life without you anymore.", Rico said in between his breath. He knows the moment Dina had said she loves him, he had lost all his self-control. He couldn't stop himself from making Dina feel he really love her. He looked at Dina. They both stared at each other as if their eyes are speaking with one another… but with the same emotion. They could no longer control their passionate feelings. They continue their intense and fiery kissing and didn't notice they are already inside Rico's bedroom. Rico gently lay Dina down on his bed, his lips couldn't separate from Dina's… or if not, he would just happily stare at Dina's lovely face while she is in his arms. He satisfies his eyes just by looking at Dina. 'I love you so much Dina.", Rico repeatedly chanted as he successfully did what most married couples usually do while he continually caresses and gives Dina soft kisses to ease her pain. Rico had continually made love with Dina that night. He continually made Dina feel she is his beloved wife. Dina wholeheartedly gave her entire self to Rico… and right now, they had finally become one. Dina suddenly woke up in the middle of the night. She looked at her husband, sleeping peacefully next to her. She is sleeping in his arms and she just stared at his handsome husband. She couldn't believe what they just did. She blushed and felt shy. She looked at the clock, it's 4 am already. Then she noticed that she had become thirsty, maybe because of the fiery night she had just shared with him. She decided to get water in the kitchen by herself and just let her husband sleep in peace. She carefully moved to not disturb Rico. When she got up, she noticed she was completely naked. She blushed and felt embarrassed as she picked up her clothes one by one. She immediately dressed up before going to the kitchen. At the kitchen, she had almost finished a liter of bottled water. She was indeed thirsty and even choked on some of the water when she hurriedly tried to drink it all. She waited and calmed herself before deciding to go back to her husband's bed… to his arms again. Just thinking about it made Dina blushed again. When she was at the door, she slowly opened the door. She was about to go inside when she heard Rico talking. Rico had woken up and is talking with somebody on his phone. 'Alice.", Rico said. Dina was stunned when she heard the name and instead of going inside, she seems to be nailed on her position. It's 4 am… and they're still talking on the phone., Dina thought and hesitated to go inside. She feels hurt knowing that her husband is talking with his girlfriend on the night that they made love together. Although she felt pained, she tried to reject it, thinking that maybe she had just misunderstood them. It's 4 am, Dina… what misunderstood? No... no… Rico isn't like that, Dina…, Dina was confused. 'You know I could never say no to you. You know that. I love you, Alice… even before up to now. You are the only woman I have loved…", Rico clearly said pertaining to Alice. Dina was so shocked by what Rico had just said. It feels like everything had crumbled in front of her. She trembled as she lets go of the doorknob. The pain she felt earlier had multiplied a ton of times with what she heard from Rico. Her tears fell like rain. She doesn't want to hear anymore, she couldn't endure what love words would she hear from her husband's mouth intended for his beloved Alice. How could he make love to me… while saying such sweet words to another woman? How could you, Rico?,Dina thought. She was so brokenhearted. It seems like, for Rico, she was just an obligation after all. Dina, have you forgotten what he told you? He will choose you even though he loves Alice. You are just a responsibility to him, he doesn't love you at all, Dina. He did that to prove that he will really take you as his responsibility no matter what. It is not love, Dina… it was just pure obligation. You should accept it. You're bothered, right? Up to bow, Rico hadn't brought up about Alice. Even you know, yourself knows that you are no match against Alice, right? You said, it's okay for Alice and Rico to have a relationship behind your back, right? No, actually you're not okay with it because it hurts you. If Rico truly loves you, you shouldn't be hurt like this… you shouldn't get insecure even with his first love… but you're hurt and you're insecure. Accept it, Dina. Rico never loved you. You lose. , Dina scolded herself while locking herself inside her room. She lies down on her bed while still hoping that Rico would come and find her because she is not beside him anymore… but once again, just like usual, she failed. She hadn't slept as she waited for Rico until the sun had risen up… but Rico never came. "Goodmorning my wife!", Rico greeted her warmly when she got out of her room. Dina gave him a soft smile, trying to cover up her pain from her broken heart. How could you do all these things to me, Rico? How are you able to act as if you love me even though you're not… especially what you did to me last night. You don't love me…, Dina wanted to say but she preferred to keep silent. 'I'll fetch you later, okay? Don't get near Carlos. I'll get jealous.", Rico smile as he went on to kiss Dina on her lips when he drove her to Wisdom. 'Bye.",Dina answered flatly but went on to give Rico a soft smile. She was being sluggish and sad but Rico didn't even noticed it. She wanted to feel resentment but it doesn't even affect Rico. 'Staring faraway? Looking into nothingness?", Carlos commented when Dina was just staring blankly on her food. Dina turned to face Carlos, he really knew her feelings. How come Carlos was able to notice my sadness while my husband didn't?, Dina thought and unknowingly, tears began to fall again. Carlos became worried and hurriedly calmed her and soothed her by tapping her back. Dina couldn't do anything with how Rico felt for her. She couldn't even replace Alice inside his heart… she doesn't want to steal a position truly intended for Alice. That day, feeling both pain and disappointment, Dina had finally made her decision. 'Hey, you're supposed to be happy, okay? If you're sad because you think you are hurting my feeling. Please don't. I am okay… don't worry. I can handle myself really well---' 'Carlos, take me with you. Please take me to Canada.",Dina said in between her sobs. Carlos was surprised. 'Does he know?" 'No. He won't let me go… but… I am really hurting." 'How about his parents?" 'I'll properly say my farewell to them…" 'Are you sure about this, Dina? Because, you know there is no turning back… I will never ever let you go.",Carlos was serious. Dina nodded and it was enough for Carlos to believe her. He doesn't want to ask her again to, he is scared that she might change her mind. ###Chapter 34 Short-Lived Happiness 'Flowers for my wife.", Rico said happily as he stretched out his hand, giving Dina the flowers. He patiently waited for Dina near the gate. Dina smiled too but it was a sad smile. She'll just think that Rico is really doing these things for her, but in reality, Rico might even be imagining Alice while doing these things. 'Rico…", Dina started. Rico automatically turned his head to Dina for she had called his name so sweetly. Dina held Rico's hand, Rico wondered why Dina had suddenly become so sweet. It's embarrassing to admit, but despite his age, he felt kilig towards Dina's sweetness. He knows he was blushing as he felt butterflies on his stomach. 'Thank you… for doing all these things… for me.", Dina said but every word she had just said is like a knife stabbing to her heart. It was painful for her. Rico smiled, he was deeply touched by Dina's words. 'I also want to thank you… for coming into my life.", Rico answered and he kissed Dina's hands. They looked at each other lovingly but were abruptly disturb when Rico's mobile phone rang. Rico looked at his phone then he let out a deep sigh. 'I'll talk to you later. See you.", Rico said to his caller. Dina knew who it was and she is very sure of it. A sharp pain stabbed in her heart once again. 'I'll just drive you home, Dina because there's someone I need to meet tonight.", Rico eventually said to Dina. It's Alice…, Dina answered on her mind while enduring the sharp pain in her heart. 'Sure.", is what all Dina could say and give him a sparing smile. 'I lover Rico, mom, dad…", Dina confessed to the old Ballestros couple when she went to bid them goodbye. She was clutching on her luggage, they were so surprised to see her as if she was about to go to a faraway place. Dina couldn't hide it from them. She dearly loved Rico's parents. 'But it hurts so much…", Dina cried. The old couple was so worried when they saw her tears. 'My child, what's wrong? I thought everything working out well?", Rico's mom sounded so worried. 'What did my son do to you so I could teach him a lesson?", Rico's dad said. He was angry because Rico had made his fragile daughter-in-law cry. "Mom, Dad… Rico's not at fault. The problem is with me. I am an obstacle. I can clearly see Rico is giving his all to take me as his obligation. He is really responsible. I thought it was okay… but it's not. I am being unfair to him, Mom, Dad…he will never be truly happy to me. I can't tie him down because I know Alice is the one he truly loves.", Dina cried. Rico's mom hugged her and she cried too. "Then what can we do for you, my child?", Rico's dad asked sadly. "Set me free mom, dad. Give me freedom because I don't have the courage to ask Rico. I love him too much and I am scared that I might change my mind and become selfish to deny him of true happiness." 'But, my child---" 'This is the best option, mom, dad… This is what is best for me. I hope you understand mom, dad." "Rico must know this---" 'If he knows, will his feeling change? No, because the woman he loves… will always be Alice. I need to do this so Rico could finally return to the true owner of his heart. Until I am still here, he will never become happy. I will never be happy knowing I took someone's man away.", Dina insisted. The old couple sighed. They couldn't accept that Dina is leaving and that she willingly separated from their son to give him true happiness. She set her love aside and gave way for Alice and Rico's love. 'But… we're still your mom and dad, right?", the old couple insisted. Dina gave them a sad smile. 'Of course… I really love this family, I am happy to be with you, mom and dad but---', Dina cried again and Rico's mom hugged her and caressed her back to soothe her. "Ssssh.... say no more, my child. We understand. You will always be welcome to come back here. We don't care if you'll be away for days, months, or no matter how long it will be… for us, you will be my son's wife.", Rico's mom said while still hugging Dina. Dina cried even harder because she truly loves this family so much. It's past eleven in the evening but Rico hasn't arrived yet. She had already packed her things, she even made small steps and moved very slowly, a part of her heart is still hoping that Rico might catch her and would stop her from leaving… but it was very clear that it won't happen. 'All my bags are packed, Carlos. I am ready to go with you.", Dina said on her phone. She looked at her room one last time and went on to close and lock it tightly. Dina saw Rico's dad waiting for her near the main door. 'Can't you just stay with us, my child?", Rico's dad sounded as he was begging her to stay. 'There are tons of people who'll get hurt… if I stay, dad.", Dina answered. Rico's dad hugged Dina. "Be sure to contact us always, okay?", he reminded. Dina just nodded. 'Can't you just tell us where you're going, my child? We want to visit you every time we would miss you…", Rico's dad added. 'Dad… how am I able to get over if you'll do that.", Dina joked but her tears began to fall again. Rico's dad is getting teary-eyed too. 'I'll be really far away, dad. But I promise to call you because I'll definitely miss you too.", Dina added between her sobs. 'That's a promise… then we'll be waiting for your call.", Rico's dad answered. Dina smiled but they were disturbed by a loud honk outside the house. 'Your mom couldn't see you out. She is still crying inside our room.", Rico's dad. Dina nodded as she understood how they feel. I hope it's Rico., Dina thought as she opened the door. However, she saw it was Carlos' car waiting for her outside the gate. This must be the ending. This must be her destiny with Rico would come to end… separation. It was past midnight when Rico arrived home, he was expecting to see Dina inside his room because she was so sweet earlier but to his surprise, Dina was not there. He tried to go to her room but it was locked, He thought to just let her be, maybe she was resting and wanted to be alone for now. Rico woke up early just like the usual routine. His body clock had already adopted the habit. He was really determined to wake up early every day to drive Dina to work… but to his surprise, it is already late and Dina hasn't come out of her room yet. "Hey Dina, wake up! You're running late for work.", Rico was knocking on Dina's door when he noticed his mom suddenly cried. 'Mom, why?", Rico asked curiously and became worried about why his mother is crying. His mom refused to answer. 'Dad?", Rico turned to his dad. His dad looks extremely sad. 'Dina's gone, Rico… we let her go. Finally, she is free.", his dad answered with a deep sigh. Rico became confused. 'Huh?", Rico reacted. 'Dina gave way, son. She wants to go away… for you to freely love Alice.", Rico's dad sadly says. 'What?", Rico still confused. He couldn't comprehend what his dad is trying to say. Dina and he were okay yesterday. Dina was even sweet towards him. 'You love Alice so much, son. It drove Dina away.", his dad added in a very sad tone. 'How can that be? I love Dina! I even confronted Alice last night. I went home late to soothe her because I was so sorry. I met her to end ties with her. Why would Dina go away?", Rico was in a panic. Rico's parents were shocked. They truly hope that the couple only had a big understanding. They hope everything can still be fixed. 'Is it really?", Rico's mom trying to confirm. 'Where's Dina?", Rico answered in a serious tone. 'You need to catch her, son! You have a big misunderstanding!", Rico's dad said with worry painted all over his face. 'That's why you should tell me, mom and dad… where is my wife?", Rico insisted. 'Quicky, son! She's at the airport… I think she's planning to go abroad.", Rico's mom. 'Canada. That Carlos!", Rico blurted angrily. 'Hurry! You need to explain to Dina that you no longer love Alice… because in her mind, she really thought you still love that woman. Go my son and bring Dina back to us.", Rico's dad. Rico hurriedly went to the airport. He has been trying to call Dina on her phone too but it just keeps on ringing, she never answers. He quickly ran inside and went towards the international flight area. He is still clutching his phone to his ear, hoping Dina would answer his call when he suddenly saw her at the escalator. He saw how Dina just stares at her phone. She was intentionally ignoring his calls. Then that one familiar guy grabbed Dina's phone away from her hand… it was Carlos. 'DINA!", Rico yelled to get Dina's attention. Dina was surprised to hear Rico's voice and she was about to turn to him but Carlos stopped her. 'Dina, remember… it's your final decision!", Carlos reminded her. Dina didn't answer him as she really wants to see Rico too. 'Dina, it's a misunderstanding. I don't love Alice!", Rico yelled again and at that moment he had caught not only Dina's attention but everyone at the airport turned to look at him. Dina wanted to go but Carlos grabbed her hand and wrapped his arms around her tightly. 'Dina! Come back… we need to talk!",Rico begged when two security guards suddenly approached him. 'Sir, please let's not make a commotion.",the security guard respectfully reprimanded Rico. "I am not making a ruckus here!",Rico hissed at the guards as he was in panic to see Dina getting faraway from him. Rico tried to run after Dina. He was about to step on escalator but the two security guards grabbed and stopped him. "Don't grab me! Let me go! DINAA!!",Rico fought back. 'Dina… please look at me… Dina, I love you!",Rico yelled, he was really begging her. Dina pushed Carlos hands away and she decided to go back. She went to face Rico… 'Ric---!",Dina was cut off with what she was about to say. Few moments before facing Rico, Carlos gave her an aggressive kiss on her lips. It was hungry and dominating… and Dina wasn't able to stop him. 'Remember Dina… you're just an obligation for Rico.",Carlos reminded Dina again. His voice was clear and it cleared Dina's thoughts too. Dina's tears fell, she was about to fall for Rico's 'I love you"… she was about to become a martyr again… but no, this is the best thing to do… this is the best for both her and Rico. I must go away., Dina thought as she slowly turned her back against Rico… one last time. Rico saw how Dina turned her back against him. It feels like his heart was crushed into pieces. He couldn't believe it. Carlos and Dina's flight had long been gone already but Rico was still sitting there at the airport… still hoping that Dina had changed her mind… hoping that his Dina would suddenly come out… his wife would come back into his arms again. Hasn't my 'I love you" reached you, Dina?, Rico was lost in his thoughts. He stared into nothingness while sitting at one corner at the airport. He still couldn't believe that his and Dina's married life was nothing but a short-lived happiness only.