CHAPTER 11– Runaway Groom
1032 Words
Everyone seemed busy as the day of Zackarya’s wedding to Margo approached.
Margo was the only daughter of one of the wealthiest families in the country — elegant, proud, and raised to be admired. As she tried on her luxurious white gown inside an exclusive wedding boutique, two familiar faces entered — Kaoro and Jiang, both seemingly there to fit their suits for the big event.
“How are you, Kaoro?” Margo asked with a teasing smirk, her tone laced with arrogance. “Aren’t you going to congratulate me?”
Kaoro merely smiled faintly, his silence louder than words.
Jiang rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. “How can I congratulate you? It’s just an arranged marriage anyway,” he replied with clear annoyance.
Margo’s face hardened. She turned sharply, her gown swaying dramatically as she shot Jiang a glare. “Watch your mouth, Jiang.”
The Wedding Day
The long-awaited day had finally arrived.
The grand cathedral was filled with elegance — chandeliers glistening, flowers adorning every corner, and guests dressed in their finest attire.
Kaoro and Jiang arrived early, taking their seats quietly. Moments later, Juen appeared — calm on the outside, but inside, his heart trembled. Ever since that night Zackarya entered his room, his mind hadn’t stopped spinning. The weight in his chest felt unbearable, and though he tried to appear composed, every step toward the altar felt heavier than the last.
Standing near the front, Juen’s eyes followed the man walking down the aisle.
Zackarya looked impossibly handsome — dressed in the traditional Barong Tagalog, radiating both strength and sorrow. His presence captivated everyone. Guests whispered, admiring his charm and composure.
As Zackarya walked toward the altar, his eyes met Juen’s — and for a fleeting second, the world stood still.
Juen smiled softly, unaware that the gesture pierced Zackarya’s heart. If only it were us, Zackarya thought painfully.
Even as he stood before the altar, waiting for his bride, Zackarya couldn’t take his gaze off Juen. Jealousy and longing tangled inside him. Every time he saw Juen beside Jiang, laughter shared between them, his chest burned.
A Whispered Confession
Jiang leaned toward Juen and greeted him cheerfully. “Ni hao! Do you remember me now?” he asked playfully.
Juen gave a small, tired smile. “Not yet… but it doesn’t matter. What’s important is that we’re friends.” His voice trembled slightly — a hint of emotion he couldn’t hide.
Jiang studied him. “Aren’t you going to stop him?” he asked in a low voice.
Juen froze. Stop him? From what? His heart began to pound.
The Vows
Then came the moment — the bride’s grand entrance.
Margo glided down the aisle in her dazzling gown, her beauty undeniable. Every guest turned, admiring her grace. Cameras flashed; whispers filled the room.
When she reached the altar, Margo extended her hand toward Zackarya.
He didn’t take it.
He didn’t even look at her.
Instead, he faced the altar, lips pressed tight. The priest continued, sensing the tension.
“Ms. Villarde, do you take Mr. Fuentes to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
“I do, Father.” Margo replied confidently, her voice echoing.
Then came the next question.
“Mr. Fuentes, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?”
Silence.
The air grew heavy. Guests began to murmur. The priest repeated the question — once, twice — but still, Zackarya said nothing.
Then, slowly, Zackarya made the sign of the cross and took a deep breath.
Forgive me, Father… but this isn’t the life I want, he thought.
Out loud, he whispered, “I’m sorry, Father.”
Before anyone could react, he turned — and ran. Straight toward Juen.
Gasps filled the church. Zackarya grabbed Juen’s hand firmly. “Come with me.”
Without hesitation, Juen followed, his heart pounding in disbelief.
Together, they ran out of the church — past the shocked guests, the bewildered priest, and the silent stares of both families.
The Aftermath
The hall erupted into whispers.
Mr. Fuentes, Zackarya’s father, could only stare, his mind clouded with confusion and rage. Mrs. Fuentes, however, remained quiet — as if she had long expected this. Deep down, she had always sensed something unspoken between the two young men but ignored it for the sake of the family business.
Margo, surprisingly, didn’t cry. She simply sighed, gave a small smirk, and turned toward the exit.
“I knew it,” she whispered under her breath, proud and strangely relieved.
Her father groaned, scratching his head in disbelief. “That daughter of yours really hasn’t changed,” he muttered to his wife, shaking his head.
“Yeheyyyy!” Jiang shouted from the back, cheering like a proud friend.
Kaoro quickly pulled him away, whispering, “Come on, before they start asking questions.”
The Escape
Zackarya and Juen drove away, their hearts still racing.
Inside the car, neither spoke. The tension was thick — confusion, relief, and fear all swirling together. Zackarya’s hands gripped the wheel tightly as the city lights blurred by.
When they finally arrived at the secret house, Zackarya parked abruptly and leaned back, sighing deeply.
“Zack!” Juen called, his voice shaking. “What did you just do?”
Zackarya sank onto the sofa, staring blankly ahead. “We’ll stay here for now — until things calm down.”
“I don’t understand you anymore,” Juen whispered.
Zackarya’s voice suddenly rose. “Damn it, Juen! Do you really not get it?”
Juen froze. He had never heard Zackarya raise his voice before.
Zackarya stood, eyes burning with emotion. “It’s you, Juen. It’s always been you. You’re the one I want.”
He stepped closer, pulling Juen gently by the waist until their bodies met.
“I missed you. I love you,” Zackarya whispered against his ear. “Please… don’t let go. Not for a minute, not for a lifetime.”
Juen’s arms slowly lifted, resting against Zackarya’s back. His heart trembled — unsure, afraid, but undeniably moved.
In that quiet room, away from the world’s judgment, they stood — holding onto each other as if time had finally stopped.
- Writer
