Gunned Down (Chasing Dreams Series #4) | C O M P L E T E D

Chapter 44

This chapter is dedicated to: LIEANRYB and maanapolinario

⚠️ Mature content. Please read at your own risk.

Natapos kaming kumain at nagpaalam ako kay Lola Carmelita na dadalhin ko si Marcus sa puntod ni Mama. Hiniram ko 'yung Raptor ni Tito Emmanuel at ako mismo ang nagmaneho patungo roon.

Driving to the city proper, my gaze moved up to his face. "Marcus, hindi mawala sa isip ko 'yung sinabi mo kanina... When did you realize that you wanted to marry me?"

Hindi nawala ang tingin niya sa akin kaya naman napalunok ako sa titig niya. In the strong morning light, his amber eyes lingered on me with an unexpected depth and intensity. I swallowed hard and faced the road.

"I realized it when I lost you. It was hard as we already broke up; I thought it was impossible. There was no certainty of when we were going to meet again 'cause the pain was still there. But if you really wanted something, you have to make a move to make it happen. So, just tell me when you're ready. I know we're more than just friends."

Tumango ako at nginitian siya. "Right! You wouldn't ask your friend to marry you."

He grinned and took my hand. Pagkatapos halikan ay itinapat niya 'yon sa kaliwang dibdib niya kung saan ramdam ko ang tibok ng puso niya.

Binilhan namin ng mga bulaklak at kandila si Mama. Mag-i-isang oras kaming nagtagal doon dahil nilinisan at inayusan namin 'yung mausoleum niya.

"I finally met your parents. Next time, you'll meet mine. I'll bring you to Germany."

Hawak-kamay kaming naglalakad pabalik sa parking space. Tumikhim ako, naaalala ang pinag-usapan namin ng mommy niya.

"Kumusta na nga pala 'yung daddy mo?" pag-iwas ko sa usapan.

"It'll be dangerous to perform the operation, so his doctors advised him to take a rest at home. He's not allowed to work for it'll only cause him stress. He'll come back to the hospital next month. Sa ngayon ay sinalo ko muna 'yung mga responsibilidad niya."

"So, you're the acting chairman of the board right now?" kunot-noo kong tanong.

He nodded. "Correct."

Kinagat ko ang labi ko at patagong ngumiti. Doble-doble na ang trabaho, pero nakapaglaan pa rin ng oras para makasama ako...

Pauwi sa bahay, idinaan ko si Marcus sa mga lugar na madalas kong pinupuntahan sa bayan no'ng panahong nagpapagaling pa ako 'gaya ng shooting range, palengke, park, at shopping center. Hindi ko rin siya nakalimutang ilibot sa rancho at pasakayin sa kabayo patungo sa pinaka-paborito kong spot doon.

"Winter, aalis na naman ako..." panunuyo ko sa stallion nang ibalik namin ito sa kuwadra.

Marcus chuckled, so I glanced at him. "I can imagine you riding a horse on the way to work."

"Kaya ka muntik malaglag kanina, eh! Puro kalokohan nasa isip mo!" nasira na ang moment dahil natawa rin ako.

"What's wrong with that? It wasn't hard to envision it given that you're so brave, courageous, and beautiful. I'm happy and proud of who you have become, Olaia..." mula sa likuran ay niyakap niya ng mahigpit ang baywang ko bago itinukod ang siko sa aking balikat.

I pursed my lips, stifling a smile. Muli akong bumaling kay Winter at hinimas-himas ang mukha nito habang si Marcus ay nakayakap pa rin sa akin at ayaw nang bumitaw.

Pagkatapos ng tanghalian ay nagpaalam na kami kay Lola Carmelita.

"Idaan mo si Marcus sa Carmen, hija. Para naman makita niya 'yung Chocolate Hills," aniya habang abala si Marcus sa pagkakarga ng sandamakmak na pasalubong sa sasakyan.