Sweetest Lie

Karina’s POV Beautiful was an understatement. The bride was walking gracefully down the aisle. Her white gown perfectly matched her radiant lovely face. They were all bewitched by her lovely smile. She’s beaming with happiness. Our eyes met. I smiled back and winked. I’m very happy to see her, glowing with happiness. I looked at the groom, he’s stunning as well. I’m about to take my seat to witness the wedding ceremony when I heard a familiar voice. “Sandali. Hindi pwedeng matuloy ang kasal!” Napatingin ako sa pinanggalingan ng tinig. Naitakip ko ang kamay ko sa aking bibig para pigilin ang malakas kong pagsinghap. Anong ginagawa ni Ethan dito? “Ethan? What are you doing here?” Ibinulalas ni Katrina ang katanungan sa isip ko. “I’m taking my wife back,” Ethan said in an angry voice. Patay! Papaano niya nalaman na kasal ni Katrina ngayon? Ang buong akala ko ay nasa America pa siya. Nakita kong iniharang ni Jaime ang katawan niya sa pagitan nila Katrina at Ethan. “You got it all wrong pal,” Jaime said. “Katrina is my wife. You marry the other twin.” Boom! My greatest secret was revealed. Gusto kong tumakbo at takasan ang lahat ng ito. Pero hindi ito ang panahon para maging duwag, ito ang pinakamahalagang araw sa buhay ni Katrina. I need to face Ethan now. I approached them and pulled Ethan’s arm. “Ethan, let’s go.” Sinamantala ko ang pagkatulala ni Ethan at hinatak ko siya palayo kina Jaime at Katrina. “Jaime, hindi ko maintindihan. Kasal na si Karina kay Ethan?” Naguguluhang tanong ni Katrina. “Hindi. Ikaw ang kasal sa Ethan na iyon. Nagpakasal si Karina gamit ang pangalan mo.” I heard it and probably Ethan too. Nilingon ko si Katrina, saw the shock on her face. “I’m sorry!” I mouthed the words. Malayo na ako kaya imposibleng marinig pa niya iyon. Nakalayo na kami nang bawiin ni Ethan ang braso niya mula sa pagkakahawak ko. It’a a garden wedding so we could still see from afar and hear the laughter of the crowd. “So it’s you.” Disgusted na sabi ni Ethan. “Yes.” Pag-amin ko. “Are you really that desperate? What made you think na kapag nagpakasal tayo ay magagawa kitang mahalin?” “You did. Minahal mo ako when we were together.” Matapang na sinalubong ko ang galit na tingin ng aking ‘asawa’. “Hindi ikaw ang mahal ko.” Naningkit pa lalo ang mata ni Ethan sa inis. “I was fooled by that face.” “Sinasabi mo lang yan dahil galit ka. You love me, you know you do.” Desperately I tried to reason out. “Accept it, hindi kita magagawang mahalin. It’s always been Katrina.” He said with a mocking smile. Truth hurts. The only man I ever desired, loved not just someone else but my very own twin sister. Without a word he walked away, leaving me devastated. I walked back to the ceremony. There’s no use in chasing Ethan. I’ve done everything to the extent of pretending to be my sister. It’s time for me to let him go. For the first time I, Karina Graciella Gomez accepted defeat.