TEN
1191 Words
“That is Dwayne Fontanilla, Grandpa. My husband,” I introduced proudly.
Dwayne stepped forward, looking completely tense. For someone who had been acting so confident earlier, he suddenly looked like a scared little boy. Did he really believe what Isaac and Mamang Ichi said about my grandfather being terrifying?
“Your husband?” Grandpa repeated.
I nodded and gave him my sweetest smile. “Introduce yourself, Dwayne.”
Dwayne cleared his throat, then extended his hand for a handshake—one that Lolo accepted right away.
“Pleased to meet you, Sir. My name is Dwayne Fontanilla and I am, uh… Nellie’s husband.”
Lolo chuckled softly. “You’re a handsome young man,” he remarked, making me shake my head while a small smile tugged at my lips.
“He’s nice too,” I added casually.
“How old are you, hijo?” Lolo asked.
Right. I really need to get used to calling this man my husband.
“I’m thirty years old, Sir,” Dwayne replied.
“So you’re older than my granddaughter,” Lolo commented.
“But we don’t have much age difference, ‘Lo.”
Lolo cleared his throat and set down his teacup. “So, Dwayne…”
“Yes, Sir?” Dwayne answered, clearly nervous.
“What did you like about my granddaughter?”
My eyes widened as I exchanged looks with Mamang Ichi. She literally asked us this exact same question earlier in the car. Lolo is way too predictable.
“I’m not gonna lie, Sir, but your granddaughter was really pretty and dazzling when I first saw her,” Dwayne said.
My brows shot up. That was not the answer he gave earlier. Why is he suddenly acting like a romantic man?
Lolo chuckled again. “How about her attitude? Isn’t she nice?”
I turned to Dwayne, who now seemed more comfortable than he was ten minutes ago. A small smirk formed on his lips.
“No, Sir.”
My jaw dropped. Even Lolo looked shocked. Why would he say that?!
“Why not?” Lolo asked, turning his sharp gaze on me.
I swallowed hard and shot Dwayne a warning look. Was he planning to expose my real personality right here?
Dwayne let out a cool chuckle. “She’s pretty moody sometimes, Sir. My wife is unpredictable.”
My wife.
Lord, help me.
Will I ever get used to hearing that?
Lolo suddenly burst out laughing, which only confused me. Was something funny?
“W-Why are you laughing, Lolo?” I asked.
Instead of answering me, he walked toward Dwayne, patted him on the shoulder, still laughing. Dwayne gave an awkward smile, probably questioning if Lolo was actually okay.
“I like you, boy. You passed,” Lolo declared.
I raised a brow. “He passed what, Lolo?”
“My test. I thought this kid would lie and say you’re nice.”
I gaped. “But I am nice, Lolo!”
“To me, yes,” he corrected. “But you are moody sometimes, Nellie."
I huffed and pouted.
Lolo then looked back at Dwayne. “Have you eaten lunch? They’re preparing the meal now. Join us.”
Dwayne flashed a mischievous smile. “It’s my pleasure, Sir.”
Lolo chuckled again. “Call me Lolo or Don Protacio or Grandpa, hijo. ‘Sir’ sounds too formal.”
“Sure, Lolo.”
My mouth fell open.
Seriously? He just called MY grandfather HIS Lolo?
I glared at him, but he only shrugged.
“Come on inside and eat. Isaac, Ichi, join us,” Lolo said, walking ahead.
I was about to follow when Dwayne stepped in front of me, walking beside Lolo like they’d known each other for years.
I clenched my jaw. Why is this man suddenly acting like the favorite grandchild?
Isaac nudged me. “Your fake husband is taking his role too seriously,” he joked.
I rolled my eyes.
“At least Dwayne got Don Protacio’s approval quickly,” Mamang Ichi said. “I thought this would be harder.”
I simply nodded. True. And as much as I don’t like anyone getting too close to my Lolo, I guess Dwayne is the only exception… since he’s my husband.
Ugh. Will I ever stop cringing at that word?
Lolo and Dwayne stopped walking and looked back at us.
“Nellie sweetheart, come here. We’re about to eat.”
“Yes, ‘Lo!” I answered sweetly, walking toward them. As soon as I reached him, I wrapped my arm around Lolo’s, making him laugh softly.
When we reached the dining area, food was already set on the long table. Lolo sat in the center, and I took my usual seat beside him. Mamang Ichi and Isaac sat across from us.
“Where should I sit?” Dwayne asked.
I turned to Lolo, who smiled and pointed beside me.
“There, hijo. Sit beside your wife.”
My brows furrowed. “But Lolo—”
“You're his wife now, aren't you, sweetheart?" He cut me off.
I shut my mouth and nodded stiffly.
It’s just… I’m not used to having anyone sit beside me. People always sit across from me. Maybe I’m too used to dining with just Lolo.
Dwayne pulled the chair next to mine and sat confidently, like he owned the place. Why is he suddenly so relaxed?
“Dwayne hijo, what is your job in Manila?” Lolo asked while scooping rice.
“I am currently unemployed, Lolo.”
My head snapped toward him.
Was he seriously admitting that he was jobless?!
“Why don't you have a job?” Lolo asked.
“But I still have savings, so there’s nothing to worry about with Nellie. Something bad happened to the company, so my father pulled me out,” Dwayne said honestly.
Why is he so honest today?
Where is the lying, fake-husband energy?
Lolo nodded slowly. “That’s good. At least Nellie won’t have to worry.”
My brows shot up. “What do you mean, Lolo?”
He smiled gently. “I’m leaving for America for a few months for treatment, and Ichi is coming with me. Someone needs to stay here with you, so Dwayne will remain in the hacienda.”
My jaw dropped.
Wait—what?
“You want me to stay here, Lolo?” Dwayne asked.
Lolo nodded. “You have no job in Manila, so you won’t have problems staying here, right?”
Dwayne nodded quickly, and I kicked him under the table. He only shrugged.
“Lolo, my husband isn’t used to the province,” I argued, forcing a sweet smile.
Instead of answering me, Lolo turned to Dwayne. “Do you want to stay here, hijo? I won’t force you if you don’t like.”
Dwayne chuckled. “No problem, Lolo. I’m fine staying here. I can help Nellie too.”
“It’s settled then,” Lolo said with a satisfied smile. “You chose a good husband, Nellie sweetheart.”
I fake-laughed and glanced at the man beside me.
So he’s staying. For months.
Just the two of us in the hacienda.
Holy crap.
- Writer
