#pov — paradox of hearts (part 55) "jere," you called softly. nilingon ka niya, "what are you doing here?" "it's too," you walked toward him, settling beside him. "crowded in there..." you bit your lip, heart hammering against your chest. your forearms touching—a simple contact, but enough to make everything inside you crazy. you didn't know where to begin, fear slowly creeping in. you started fidgeting with your hands. napansin niya 'yon, reaching over to still them with his own. you turned to look at him but he wasn't looking back—malayo pa rin ang tingin, other hand still in his pocket. your eyes stayed on him, warmth spreading through your chest. you could feel it... the intensity of everything he was holding back, but despite that, he was still prioritizing your comfort. "i'm sorry," you said softly. nilingon ka niya. you lowered your gaze, staring at both of your hands. "alam kong nasaktan kita," you renewed his hold, bringing it to rest on your lap, holding it with both hands. "but you must know..." you gripped his hand firmly, "i only did it for your sake, for your family..." "it was all too much for me," you swallowed hard, tears threatening to fall. "everything." "i felt like i was only dragging everyone down with me." "i didn't want to ble*d on anyone, especially you..." humikbi ka, tears strolling down your face. "kaya ko 'yun ginawa... it was all for the best. for you. hindi ako ang nararapat para sa'yo." you looked up at him as he stepped in front of you, his hands wiping your tears before pulling you closer. "naiintindihan kita," he whispered. "i always do." he pulled back slightly, "gusto kong magalit," "nag desisyon ka para sa'ting dalawa, then you just left." "pero hindi ko magawa..." he pressed your hand to his chest, "kasi mas nangingibabaw ang pagmamahal, ang pag-intindi." "i know i handled things poorly... i know i failed you in so many ways." "pero sana nagtiwala ka rin sa'kin." "i didn't commit to you only for the good days. i'm here even during your worst nightmares. i'm here for all of it." you shook your head, "i'm not good for you," you whispered. "you deserve so much better." "you don't get to decide what's good for me." his voice was firm. "you don't get to decide what i deserve." you pulled away, "jere, have you seen what the people have been throwing at you and your family?" "nakita ko," his jaw clenched. "pero wala akong pakialam do'n." "you don't understand... maaapektuhan ang lahat. your reputation, your business—" "speculations like that mean nothing compared to losing you." natahimik ka, eyes still brimming with tears, heart heavy with everything unsaid, everything broken. "what about your amma..." "she doesn't get to decide for me," he whispered. "not anyone," "not even you..." he whispered, his thumb tracing your bottom lip. "even if the whole world turns against us, kakalabanin ko silang lahat para sa'yo." his voice was low, fierce. eyes drifting on your lips, "because you're the one i choose. ikaw lang." then he kissed you—deep, desperate, a bit rough. na para bang binubuhos niya lahat ng sakit, lahat ng pangungulila, lahat ng takot na mawala ka ulit. he pulled you closer as your hand fisted on his shirt. and when he pulled away, hindi siya lumayo. still achingly close, hand still on you, grip firm and desperate, as if scared you'd slip away again. "it will never stop. i'm carrying the last name of the very people who ruined lives." "then carry mine," his voice was steady, so sure. tinitigan mo siya, heart stopping. "marry me." — i love reading your comments and messages. it makes my heart so full :(( thank you so much for loving and supporting my works. LOVE Y'ALL FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART 😫🫰🏻 last 5 parts fr na 🙁 [ #fyp #jeoong #jeoongau #jeremiahong ] - @meaveink