The Officer's Contract Wife

“EDWARD PARKER!” Dumagundong ang baritonong boses ng Lolo Jones ni Edward sa kanilang sala. Bagong dating pa lang kasi ang binata mula sa hangout nito with his friends. Naligo lang ito at heto at aalis na naman ng mansion. Pagod ang mga matang nakatitig si Edward sa matanda na naglakad palapit sa kanya at napasuri sa kabuoan nito na salubong ang mga kilay. "You're leaving again? How long will you keep doing this? You're just like your mother, Edward! You two are stubborn!" the old man scolded. Napakamot sa batok si Edward na kay aga-aga siyang sinisermonan ng matanda. "Grandpa, please? That's why I don't want to live here. I don't want you controlling my life. Gano'n din si mommy. That's why she doesn't come home. Because she doesn't want to be controlled. Grandpa, tao rin po kami na may pakiramdam. Can't you just let us make our own choices in life?" saad ni Edward dito na kitang hindi nagustuhan ng matanda. Kaya madalang lang itong dumalaw sa mansion nila para bisitahin ang mga grandparents nito. Because whenever he visited the mansion, he and his grandfather always argued. His grandfather wanted him to resign from his job as a police officer, but Edward strongly opposed the idea. That's why he moved out from their mansion to avoid being controlled by his grandfather. He only visited the mansion occasionally, and his grandparents were usually alone with the servants. His mother, Tarah, was their only child. Anak siya ni Tarah sa pagkadalaga. Kaya nakatago sa publiko kung sino ang ina niya. His mom's worked as an international model in Vancouver, but kept her son a secret in public to protect her image and career. Kahit gusto nitong ipagsigawan sa buong mundo kung sino ang ina niya, hindi niya pwedeng gawin iyon at maaaring ikasira ng imahe ng kanyang modelong ina. "How many times do I have to tell you to resign from your job? Your salary is too small. You know you're the only one I can rely on to continue our family's legacy, Edward. When will you listen to me?" pagalit ng matanda ditong napakamot na lang sa ulo. “I can't do that, grandpa. I'm sorry po. I have to go.” Pamamaalam na nito na nagmano sa matandang napabuntong hininga na lamang. "Fine. If you won't resign from your profession, then let me ask for something else." Maawtoridad nitong saad na ikinatigil ni Edward na napatitig dito. "Give me a grandchild who can continue our legacy, Edward." He seriously said. Natigilan si Edward na napatitig sa matandang bakas ang kaseryosohan sa mukha. "What? What do you mean, Grandpa?" Edward asked, confused. "Get married, Edward. Choose a decent woman who can give us a grandchild. If you do that. . . I'll leave you alone about your profession," the old man said, then turned his back on Edward. "But, Grandpa—" "Two months, Edward. In two monthls, I expect you to bring good news. Or else, I'll personally have you removed from service. You know me, son. I'm not kidding anymore," seryosong saad ng matanda na iniwan na itong nakatulala! "Damn!" Edward cursed! Napasabunot ito sa ulo na nag-iigting ang panga sa inis! He knew the old man would do exactly what he said. Edward didn't want to give up being a law enforcer, as he loved his profession and it was his childhood dream. He grew up under his grandparents' care, as his mother left the country after giving birth to him and settled in Vancouver to pursue a modeling career. His parents didn't end up together because his father married someone else. Edward had a good relationship with his father and half-siblings, but there was still a void in his heart, longing for a happy family, which seemed unlikely since his parents weren't together anymore. His mother was happy in Vancouver as a model, and his father was contented with his business and family. Meanwhile, Edward was left under the care of his strict grandparents. When he finished his studies, he moved out and refused to follow his grandfather's wishes to take over their pharmaceutical company. His grandfather was getting old and wanted to retire, but since the company was a family legacy, he couldn't just trust anyone with it. He still hoped that Edward would take over, but Edward was stubborn like his mother and had no interest in managing the company. Napangisi ang matanda na nakasunod ng tingin sa apo nitong lumabas na ng mansion. Tiyak niyang mapapasunod din niya ang apo niya kapag inipit niya ito. Wala pa kasi sa vocabulary ni Edward ang mag-asawa. Tiyak na mahihirapan ito kapag may asawa na siya. Kaya kailangan niyang ipakasal na ito para sumuko na ito at sumunod sa nais niya. Ang pamunuan ng apo niya ang kanilang Pharmaceutical. “Let's see, hijo. Tignan natin kung hanggang kailan ka magmamatigas sa lolo mo,” usal ng matanda na nakatanaw sa kotse ng apo nitong palabas na ng kanilang gate. EDWARD continued to the bar where he and his friends often hung out. Gusto niyang magpalipas ng sama ng loob na muli silang nagkasagutan ng lolo niya. That's why he left his grandparents' care, feeling suffocated by his grandfather's controlling ways. Edward worked hard in school and achieved his dream of becoming a law enforcer. He wasn't lacking in terms of finances. Because of his daddy James, and his mother, mommy Tarah, a famous model, who sent him a monthly allowance that more than covered his needs. Naiintindihan naman ng mga magulang nito kung bakit siya umalis ng mansion at bumukod sa grandparents nito. "Hey, dude. What's up?" Russell asked, tapping him on the shoulder. Russell Smith was the son of his godfather, Daven. Among their group of four friends, Dawson Madrigal was the oldest, followed by Russell, then Luke Payne Jr. Edward sat down beside Russell, who poured him a glass of whiskey. Edward took a sip, wincing at the burn. "As usual, Grandpa and I had a fight. It's frustrating, dude. Why can't he just let me do what I want? Being a law enforcer isn't bad. Isn't he proud that I turned out well despite not having parents to guide me? I've been doing well in my job, and my rank is already high. I'm trying my best for them to be proud of me, but they don't appreciate my skills," Edward said, shaking his head, a mix of sadness and longing in his eyes. Russell put his arm around Edward's shoulders and joined him in drinking. Their friends knew about Edward's struggles, growing up without a complete family. He was an illegitimate child, and his surname was his mother's, not his father's. Although he had a good relationship with his father, there was no chance of his family being complete now. His father had a new family, and his mother was an international model living abroad, keeping her son a secret to protect her career. Despite this, Edward held onto hope that his family could still be whole, even though it seemed impossible. DAYS passed, and Edward continued working, forgetting about his conversation with his grandfather. He hadn't visited the mansion again, avoiding arguments. One night, his grandfather called, and Edward answered, knowing what to expect. "Hello, Grandpa?" he answered. His grandfather sighed on the other end of the line. "How's your search for a wife? You don't seem to be taking our conversation seriously, Edward. It's been a month, and you still haven't brought anyone home," his grandfather scolded. Edward rubbed his temple. He hadn't planned on following through with their conversation and wasn't looking for a wife. "I'm sorry, Grandpa. I've been busy with work. Besides, what you want isn't easy. I'm not yet ready to get married," Edward said calmly. "That's bullshit, Edward! How long will you keep defying me? You never follow what I want!" his grandfather shouted, making Edward pull the phone away from his ear. "If you don't take this seriously, I'll personally have you removed from your job. Try me, Edward. You know what I'm capable of!" his grandfather threatened before hanging up. Napabuntong hininga na lamang si Edward na naiiling napahilamos ng palad sa mukha. Ayaw niya sa kaisipang mag-aasawa na siya. Pero ayaw din naman niyang maalis siya sa serbisyo. NAKABUSANGOT itong mag-isang umiinom sa bar ng kaibigan nitong si Russel Smith. Dito siya tumuloy para magpalipas ng sama ng loob sa naging sagutan na naman nila ng kanyang lolo. Mabigat din sa loob ni Edward na nagkakasagutan sila ng matanda. Pero hindi maiwasan lalo na't hanggang ngayon, parang bata pa rin ang tingin sa kanya ng kanyang lolo na tila wala itong sariling pag-iisip. "What's up, dude? Bakit nakabusangot ka na naman?" ani Russel na sumulpot sa tabi nito. Kanina niya pa nasulyapan ang pagdating ng kaibigan nitong si Edward Parker. Pero dahil marami pa itong kinakausap na costumers, hindi niya muna nalapitan ang binata. "Wala 'to, dude." Matamlay nitong sagot na inisang lagok ang shot nito. Inabot naman ni Russel ang baso na nagsalin ng alak at inisang lagok din iyon. Napangiwi pa ito na humagod ang init at pait sa lalamunan nito. "Are you still going to deny it to me, dude? I know you inside and out, Parker." Russel's answered. Napahinga ng malalim si Edward. Mapait na napangiti na maalala ang sagutan nila ng kanyang lolo kanina. "We had a fight with Grandpa again, dude. Nag-usap kami ng masinsina, but we end up arguing because he still wants to control my life. Why can't he understand that I have my own dreams? I'm happy with my job, dude. You know that. Even with a low salary, I'm contented. I enjoy my work, Russel. But why can't Grandpa see that?" Inis na paglalabas sama ng loob ni Edward sa kaibigan. His friends knew what Edward was going through. That's why he moved out of his grandparents' house early on. It was because of his grandfather's controlling his behavior, dictating his every move and decision in life. The old man wanted Edward to follow in his footsteps and take over their pharmaceutical company. Pero dahil iba ang pangarap ni Edward, palagi silang nagtatalo ng lolo niya. That's why Edward chose to distance himself. Edward pursued his own dreams, and now, as a law enforcer, the old man still wouldn't leave him alone. He continued to persuade Edward to take over the company, leading to frequent arguments between the two. "You know what, Edward. I have a better idea," suhest'yon ni Russel ditong nangunotnoo. Edward turned to him, curious, with a questioning look on his face. "What?" he asked his friend, who flashed a mischievous grin. "Why don't you get married, dude? Once you have a wife, your grandfather will surely stop interfering with your life because you'll have your own family," suhest'yon nito sa kaibigan na nasamid at sunod-sunod napaubo! "Are you out of your mind, Smith? Marriage isn't even in my vocabulary, okay? I haven't even enjoyed my single life yet," Sagot ni Edward na muling nilagok ang shot nito. "And besides, I've already told Grandpa about it, and I refused. I'm not yet ready to get married, dude. I haven't found the right woman I'd want to stand beside me at the altar," dagdag nito na nagpahid ng labi. Naiiling naman ang kaibigan nitong nakamata sa kanya. "Just so your grandfather will leave you alone, dude. Once you're married, he'll surely stop interfering with your life decisions," sagot ni Russel ditong umuling na mapait na napangiti. "I'd rather argue with Grandpa all the time, dude, than give in to his control. It's like he thinks I don't have a mind of my own," sagot nito na napaka bitter ng tono.