PMS1: President's Forgotten Wife

CHAPTER 30

CHAPTER 30: DIDN'T KNOW YOU'RE HERE

THE BIRTHDAY PARTY went well.  Many guests attended, and a variety of activities took place. Dancing, singing, and many other things happened at the mother's birthday party.

Everyone in attendance wore old-fashioned clothes that matched the theme of the occasion.  Jade's mother said she did not want to wear millennial clothes because she wanted to remember when her mom and dad first met.

However, Jade clearly remembered that she didn't eventually enjoy the whole activity when something mysterious caught her attention. Somebody parked a black car in front of their property, and before Jade could even approach the vehicle, they were already gone. But that's not the only thing that was bothering her.

Because she somewhat saw someone weirdly familiar who was wearing a luxurious outfit with a glass of wine on hand. But the moment she shifted her gaze when someone called her, Jade failed to see the man whom she's been doubting the entire event.

But before she let another mindful of stress in her system, she decided to walk towards her mother, who was still elegantly wearing a white baro't saya that she believed was a gift from her father way back their time.

"Happy birthday again,"  Jade said while hugging her mother from behind as soon as they walked towards the living room, her brothers currently arranging birthday items. The Guevara family didn't bother you to change their clothes as they settled in after a lucky day filled with activities.

"Thank you, my daughter. I am so happy that you decided to come home and celebrate my birthday in our home."  her mother replied with a happy smile evident on her face.

"Don't bother with that. And at least we were able to celebrate your birthday... Besides, I'm sure dad praised your beauty even though he was looking at the sky."  Jade commented while still hugging her mother from behind.

The lady then untied her hug and faced her with a smile on her lips. Mrs. Guevara's eyes were twinkling, and that spark was only visible when their father was still alive.

And Jade was very grateful because she saw that spark again.

"And I'm sure he is very proud of you, Jade, and even your brothers. That even if he is gone and I am the only one here for you, and I can not give you a luxurious life, you still do not complain."

"Mom, we are not asking you to give us a luxurious life because this life that we have now is more than what we could ask for. As long as you're here to support us, everything is perfect." It was true that Jade couldn't ask for more. What she has now is more than enough. A mother, brothers, and people Jade cherished are the essential puzzle in her life. She doesn't need luxury because money can't buy the most genuine love.

"You have your father's eyes. Pensive and delicate. Those pair of eyes were like lips that wanted to speak up and say something but ended up hiding it somewhere deep in the conscious being. I remember your father to you. And I miss him even more. So thank you for coming, Jang."

"I can't miss the most anticipated birthday of the century!"  She exclaimed while nuzzling her head on her mother's shoulder. Her mom then hugged her and patted her back to show her infection.

"Can we revisit dad's grave tomorrow? I miss him so much, though. And it feels like I have a lot of catching up to do." She pouted as she recalled her conversation earlier with her dad and how much she has blurred out, hoping that nobody was around and heard all of her dramas in life.

Jade promised herself earlier that she'll visit her father's grave as soon as the party ended. However, because it's too dark outside and already 9:13 PM, Jade just wanted to rest, and she'll revisit her father first thing in the morning. However, before her mom could even give her response, Janus walked towards her, and with a frown face, he uttered,

"Someone was waiting for you in the garden. I suppose you might want to get outside?" He uttered without minding who's he's talking, and Jade can't help but grow curious.

And this time, Jade was the one who was looking at his brother with curiosity painter on her feature.  Who is waiting for him in the garden?

"Is there?"  She asked.

"You want clues? Let me remember... Yeah, rose, letter, and 8 PM! Basically, you're already late."  Janni was thrilled to say that out of nowhere, giving Jade a mini-heart attack. But before she could even voice her thoughts, Janus and Janni charged towards her, pushing her towards the backyard.

"Janni, you—hey. I'm going to kill you both once I'm done here."  Jade replied before her brothers bid her goody, pushing her to continue the journey towards the garden.

As soon as Jade stood in a paved way towards the garden, she began doubting her decision of wanting to continue or not. Because she's not sure where she should be going, but when the lawn started to glow with brightness coming from the small bulbs attach to one string, she started following the light, hoping it will lead her somewhere.

She secretly smiled as she followed the rope where the small lights hung.

The light was a guide for her to somewhere she doesn't even know.  It was already 10 in the evening, and here she is, following the line of light, bringing her to somewhere more profound in the garden.

Because Jade was too focused on the string she was holding, she stopped walking when the person, behind the suspenseful evening, tightly tied the end of the rope somewhere that led Jade into a dead end. Jade had finally reached the end of the string as long as the last hanging lightbulb on it.

And before she could say a word, the light instantly dispersed, coming from the small bulbs. And she's left alone with nothing but darkness. And when Jade began to feel the presence of someone from behind, she tried not to move from where she's standing and unconsciously held her breath as tension began to build up inside her.

"Okay, I'm still clueless as to what is going on, but I'm not in the mood for some creepypasta thingy tonight. So please, can you turn the lights on?" She asked, hands tightly clasping on the rope. Jade began thinking a lot of scenes, and all she could muster to tell herself is self-defense. But it didn't take long when the brightness coming from the tiny light bulbs filled the garden with light and life.

The fear that began crawling in Jade's system then instantly shifted with admiration and amazement to what her eyes are seeing. She can't help herself but feel absorbed in what her eyes see right now as she watched the whole garden.

Jade can't help but feel like she's in the fantasy world while fireflies began crowding her space, taking her breath away.

The place was magical. Everything started to glimmer like stars up above the sky. They were just a few reach out, and Jade wanted to indulge in that thought of living in a world where she can feel wonderful and happy—with no problems troubling her whenever she goes.

"Jang."  Jade wanted to focus her attention on the whole garden, like what she's seeing wasn't enough to make her jaw drop on the ground. However, when she heard that familiar voice, her heart began to quicken its pace.

Slowly, Jade looked behind her and entirely focused her attention on the man standing behind her with a flower in his hand—the same flower he gave her earlier.

The gentleman was wearing a barong Tagalog as he confidently stood in front of Jade, with the warmest stares he could offer along with the sweetest smile that would make anyone swoon. He's so perfect.

"Geralt?" Jade called out his name as Geralt paced forward with the lowest and gentlemanly strides he can offer.

"Jade." He replied, making Jade smile as he continued to approach her.

"You," Jade began extending her hands and made a sudden twirl before widely smiling at Geralt as their eyes met each other. "did this?"

"I'm not going to take all the credit here because your brothers helped me set this all up. Just for you, my lady. Did you like it?"  The young man smiled back and halted when he's just a few strides away from Jade. Geralt handed the rose to Jade that she gladly took before the man pocketed his hands and looked around the area.

"I just didn't like it, Geralt. This thing—this entire situation made my night. Because what you did here, the world 'like' would never be enough. Because I love it."  she replied as she focused her gaze on the man standing just a meter away from her. "By the way, thank you for this,"

As Jade raised the rose and smiled at Geralt, the man took another three long steps inching closer to Jade with every chance he gets. "Will you accompany me tonight, binibining Jade?"

Geralt offered his arm as he waited for Jade to reply. And when she does, Jade just smiled and snaked her hand on the crook of his elbow before nodding. "It would be my honor, ginoong Geralt."

As the two of them began walking towards the small pond, none of them decided to talk. It was like a simple walk, more like romantic, as the glimmer that the moon possesses reflected the still pond. As they both began to settle on the small bench, Geralt instantly faced Jade, who was again staring at the vast sky with a smile on her face.

"The moon is bright tonight." She uttered.

"And just by looking at it, the moon made me remember you." As the man said those words,  Jade gazed back at Geralt, who was profoundly looking at her, with a warm smile wavering on his lips. Their stare lingers at each other for a moment before Geralt rested his palm on the crook of his elbow where Jade wrapped her hands earlier.

"Great, we're not going to talk about it now, right?" She asked as sadness crowded her emotions without breaking eye contact. But all Geralt did was smile and stare at the sky before looking back at Jade.

He took a deep breath, and with courage, and spoke to Jade with a straight face. "Jang, this may sound silly but, let me court tou."

"Pochong ... I—" she didn't know what to say.  She was lost of words the moment that Geralt uttered those words.

"I know we haven't seen each other for a long time, Jade. But now that I'm here, I have no other reason to leave you. I came back because of you—because of the promise I made. We had a misunderstanding the last time we spoke, but now I'm going to be clear with my words. I want you, no... I—"

"Pochong, please, I beg of you." Jade retrieved her hand away from Geralt and bitterly smiled at the man, trying to contain her tears from getting in the way. "I don't want you to get hurt." 

Tears welled up in his eyes as Geralt slowly stood up, leaving the space beside her vacant. Jade thought that the man would leave her alone in there, but he didn't. Instead, Geralt went to his knees and grabbed Jade's hand and sheltered it on his. His eyes were warm as the water began to form in the corner of his eyes. And Jade tried her best to force the young man who was still kneeling before her to stand up.

She's not used to seeing people kneeling in front of her, begging for something she can't even give. She hated it whenever Jade tries to stare at someone else's eyes and see through them—the pain, the agony, everything that constantly hurt them and tears them piece by piece.

"Geralt. Please—"

"I am willing to get your trust back. Just, Jade, let me be the man who will love you wholeheartedly. The man who won't let you go. Ever again. Please," Geralt indeed felt a pang on his chest while saying those words, still hoping for Jade to let him back into his heart. Jade may be pushing him away, but Geralt needed an answer.

And all he needed is a Yes and a No.

"I—I can't. I can't let you get hurt because of me. You're my friend, and you know that. Please understand. I'm sorry."

But all he got was a sorry. Enough to tell him no. Geralt would've understood if Jade had replied a yes or a no. But for him, hearing her say 'I'm sorry' indicates that there's no hope and everything will never be the same again.

Jade stood up, leaving the single rose on the bench, and turned her back away from him.

But when Jade was about to take her third stride away from where Geralt kneels, a substantial hand grabbed her by the arm and pulled her back until she was facing Geralt again.

And in a blink of an eye, Geralt already crashed his lips onto her, leaving her motionless—unable to do anything to stop what was happening.

And the first thing that came into Jade's mind is no other than her so-called husband, Eisen.

Just by thinking about it, Jade began to feel restless—worthless—as Geralt rested his hand on his waist. His kiss became heavy, and she can't take Eisen out of her system. Her heart clenched as her lungs stopped from providing her air.

Eisen's face began clouding her thoughts as her eyes were firmly shut. And with one move, Jade placed her palms on the man's chest, and without warning, she abruptly pushed him away, causing him to almost stumble on the ground.

Jade started gasping for air as hot tears began clouding her eyes. Geralt was about to get angry and shout at her, but the moment his eyes landed on her, guilt began stripping him down. And Jade can't help herself but stifle a laugh while letting her tears caress her cheeks.

She wanted to shout or even to scream at the man she called her best friend. Jade tried to punch him, to hurt him because that's a minor thing she could do to force her into something she didn't want to do. But no. Jade ended up choking a laugh as in between, she began sobbing her heart out.

"Jade," she shook her head, not wanting to hear a single word from him.

Just by looking at Geralt, Jade instantly knew that he wanted to approach her. That Geralt wanted to apologize as the corner of his eyes burned with the same pain she's been feeling.

"Jade, listen—" But before the man could even take a step closer to her, Jade raised her hand as if commanding him to stop, which Geralt consciously obliged as Jade didn't want him closer.

Jade squat on the floor with a closed leg as she rested her elbows on her knees and napped her chin on her palms.  Then Jade wiped her tears away, unable to look at Geralt.

But then, she instantly stood up, and for the second time around, she turned her back against her boy friend and went to the house where she could cage herself again.

She began marching towards the house as her tears continued to paint her face. She's been wiping it away, but it won't stop coming out of her eyes.

But the moment she entered the house, she saw her brothers, Janus and Janni, arguing about something she doesn't quietly understand.

"You go call for her! Why do you keep on pestering me, you ugly goon?!" Janni said as she looked at the living room.

"It'll be awkward for me to see them being romantic and all! Come on, Janni! At least you can tolerate such romance!" Janus said as he pushed Janni towards the door where she entered. And Jade thought that her brothers hadn't noticed her yet.

"Urgh! I still want to look at that handsome hunk! Let me go, you creepypasta!" Janni said, still struggling his way out of Janu's grasp. And Jade knew that it was time for her to impose.

"What's going on?"

"Fudge nuggets!" They shouted in chorus.

"Why are you crying?!" Janni instantly asked, resting his hands on his waist.

"There's no time for this! You need to go now, Jade!" And both of her brothers began pushing her away towards the living room. But because Jade was too weak to defend herself.

"Hey! You have to tell me what's—" but Jade's words hang on the air as her eyes darted at the gentlemen who was sitting across her mother. "—going on?"

"My dear, you're finally there!" Her mother exclaimed as her eyes focused on Jade, and Jade's gaze fixated on the man who was smiling at her.

But his smile suddenly turned pale as his eyes but with ranged without breaking his eye contact.

"Why are you crying, wife." It wasn't a question, rather a deadly statement. And everyone around them gasped at his words, making Jade firmly close her eyes in disbelief of what was happening right now.

"Wife?" And Geralt marched in front of Jade, looking mad at her.

And a sudden pain throbbed on Jade's head before uttering the word she was thinking earlier.

"Eisen, I didn't know you'll be here."