One hot night, two broken souls

Chapter 1

"HAPPY fifth anniversary, baby …" He gently cupped my face, his touch soft and tender. Slowly, he leaned in until his lips pressed a warm, lingering kiss on my forehead. I closed my eyes, and in that quiet, delicate moment, I felt his love wrap around me—silent, yet so deeply felt.

"Happy fifth anniversary." He pulled away slightly, his eyes never leaving mine. Slipping one hand into the pocket of his pants, he searched for something— and when he finally drew it out, my heart began to race in anticipation.

"We've been together for so long. Why not take it to the next level?" For a moment, his words confused me--- but the confusion quickly melted into pure joy when he opened a small box in front of me, revealing a beautiful ring inside.

“I'm so sure of myself— sure that it's only you, that it's always been you. I don't want anyone else. I want to spend my life with you. I think it's time to start our own family. Will you marry me, please?” I looked up at him, my heart swelling with so much emotion that his other words faded into a blur. Tears slipped down my cheeks before I even realized I was already crying—overwhelmed by happiness I could hardly contain. I just got back to myself when I felt his thumb wiping the tears that were already dripping down my face. "Babe, I said, let’s get married—"

I didn't let him finish whatever else he was about to say. Instead, I closed the distance between us and pressed my lips to his in a kiss filled with all the love and happiness bursting inside me. He smiled against my lips as he kissed me back, his warmth and affection making my heart race even faster. We only pulled away when the need for air became too much, both of us breathless and smiling. With my chest rising and falling, I met his gaze and nodded— a silent but certain "yes". Of course! I will marry him!

"Yes! Of course, babe! I thought you're not gonna ask! I've waited for this my whole life." I held out my right hand to him, my heart pounding with anticipation. His smile never faded as he carefully took the ring from the small box and slid it onto my fourth finger—a perfect fit.

He sealed the moment with another soft kiss on my lips, and when we finally pulled apart, I couldn't help but admire the ring now resting on my finger. The diamond at its center sparkled brilliantly, even more beautiful now that it was mine. When I looked up at him, my eyes shining with happiness, I found him already watching me—his gaze filled with love. And in that moment, I knew this was just the beginning of our forever.

“I love you.” I whispered.

“I love you even more, baby....” It was the most sincere and beautiful I love you that I ever heard from him, and I was so sure that his love was true and genuine.

The next day, excitedly, I rushed to Ely's condo---my best friend, the one person I couldn't wait to share this moment with. My heart was still racing, and the smile on my face wouldn't fade. I knew she'd be just as thrilled as I was.

She already knew that Mikael had already proposed to me last night because I posted it on my Instabook. She has been in Japan since last week for a long vacation. She was supposed to go home next week, but right after she saw my post, she excitedly flew back to the Philippines.

I parked my car in her condo's parking space. I'm her regular visitor, so it was so easy for me to get inside the building. I went inside the elevator and pressed Ely's floor, then pressed the close button. The door was about to close, but a guy hurriedly blocked his hand, which made the door open wide again.

I looked at him. He froze for a moment when his eyes landed on me. He smiled at me, shocked! Am I seeing Ian Somerhalder, the Damon Salvatore of Vampire Diaries? I was starstruck for a moment. He went inside. He didn't press any floor numbers and just pressed the close button right away. I guess pareho kami ng floor. He stepped sideways. He stood in front of me. He was holding a bouquet of flowers.

I checked him out—and d*mn! He was hard to ignore. He had to be around six feet tall, towering over my 5'5 frame. His broad shoulders and well-built body reminded me of those impossibly perfect underwear models. The black v-neck fitted shirt he wore hugged his toned chest just right, paired with black jeans and sleek designer black and white shoes. And God, he smelled incredible— the kind of scent that made my head spin. I shook my head, trying to snap myself out of it. What the hell was I even thinking? I was engaged, for Christ's sake— but here I was, practically drooling over a complete stranger.

The elevator dinged, signaling we'd reached our floor. As the doors slid open, the man I'm with– stepped out first. I followed steps behind him, his intoxicating scent still lingering in the air between us.

He stopped in front of the unit right next to Ely's, and my heart did an odd little flip when we both reached out to press our respective doorbells at almost the same time. Before I could dwell on it, Ely yanked her door open on my first ring, her excitement written all over her face. But before stepping inside, I glanced back at the mystery man— only to find his piercing eyes already on me.

Our gazes locked, and my breath hitched. Flustered, I quickly looked away and hurried into Ely's condo, my heart pounding far harder than it should have been.