Diego found himself gradually succumbing to an overwhelming obsession with Isabella, a magnetic force that proved difficult to resist. Whenever he was in her presence, the desire to remain close to her became nearly irresistible. He relished the feeling of being treated like royalty, enjoying a life of ease where necessities were freely provided. With his room, a helpful assistant, and a serene environment, the stark contrast to his previous existence as a low-paid employee seemed undeniable. Life with Isabella in this tranquil haven appeared to be an escape from the uncertainty of his former future.
As Isabella and Diego strolled through a park adorned with towering trees and vibrant flowers, she halted, gently taking Diego's hands in hers. Peering into his eyes, she questioned,
"Diego, are you happy here?"
Diego, feeling the warmth of her gaze, responded.
"Of course, Isabella. Why do you ask?"
Sensing a deeper inquiry, Isabella inquired,
"Are you happy with me?"
Diego's face lit up, and he earnestly replied,
"So happy!"
Yet Isabella, seemingly searching for something more profound, fell into a contemplative silence.
"Don't leave; just stay here, Diego."
She pleaded. Diego, grappling with inner uncertainties, hesitated before responding. Isabella, bowing her head and turning away with a sense of melancholy, remarked,
"You're just like them, Diego."
Fervently denying any resemblance, Diego expressed his contentment with the present but acknowledged the need to return and address matters in his life.
"I believe in you, Diego."
Isabella declared, sealing her faith with a tender kiss on his right cheek.
As they walked hand in hand out of the enchanting park, Diego found himself speechless, pondering the significance of Isabella's gesture. The question lingered in his mind: Could this be a sign that Isabella harbored similar feelings for him? Together, they exited the paradise-like sanctuary, embarking on a journey to the unknown.
As they continued their journey, the landscape unfolded into what appeared to be a vast field alongside a meandering river. Intrigued, Diego turned to Isabella and inquired about their current location:
"Isabella, where are we now? What place is this?"
With a serene smile, Isabella replied,
"This is the Pasig River."
Diego, taken aback, exclaimed,
"Really? It's beautiful, and people are still bathing in it! The Pasig River, I know, is dirty, and no one can bathe in it; all the canals in Manila lead there."
Since arriving in this unfamiliar place, Diego has been astounded by the recognition he received from every person they encountered. His name echoed everywhere, prompting him to question Isabella.
"Isabella, besides your family, why does everyone on the road know me?"
Isabella merely smiled in response. Excitement filled the air as Isabella, seizing Diego's arm, declared,
"Hurry, Diego! There's a festival today in Antipolo. Let's join the celebration!"
They swiftly boarded a (Kalesa) carriage drawn by a white horse, seemingly hovering above the ground, resembling the speed of the jeepneys in Ortigas.
Upon reaching Antipolo, Diego marveled at the transformed town. The aroma of delightful food wafted through the air, children played joyously on the streets, and there were parades of lechon and an abundance of delectable treats. Eager to explore, Diego suggested,
"Isabella, let's visit the Antipolo church."
Isabella agreed, and as they entered, Diego noticed the absence of an altar, saintly images, and the revered Virgin. Puzzled, he was about to inquire when Isabella led him toward the lively square where musicians played.
Leaving the square, they entered a house where notable visitors were gathered. Isabella, familiar with the guests, sought out her friends. Diego, trailing behind, suddenly recognized some faces, exclaiming,
"Isabella, wait! I see familiar faces among the guests!"
Isabella affirmed, "Yes, Diego, you're right. They are."
To Diego's astonishment, among the guests were Dr. Jose Rizal, Juan Luna, Apolinario Mabini, and other heroes he had only read about in history books. Overwhelmed with joy and wonder, Diego momentarily forgot the peculiar sight inside the Antipolo church.
Diego and Isabella concluded another enchanting day of sightseeing, the city's vibrant energy echoing the joy in their hearts. As the day drew to a close, Isabella couldn't help but express her gratitude.
"Diego, thank you for making today so special. You've truly filled my heart with happiness once again."
Overwhelmed with emotion, she embraced Diego tightly, sensing a strange warmth emanating from the connection between their bodies. Diego, taken aback by the intensity of the moment, found himself in a state of bewilderment as if he were on the verge of losing control.
Amid this emotional whirlwind, Isabella, not wanting to let go of the profound connection they shared, reached for Diego's hands and looked into his eyes with sincerity.
"I love you, Diego,"
She confessed, her words hanging in the air like a promise of forever. Diego, grappling with the intensity of his emotions, responded in kind.
"I love you too, Isabella," his words carrying a weight that seemed almost magical.
Diego and Isabella found solace in each other's arms once more, their embrace symbolizing a bond that transcended the ordinary. As they held each other close, their lips met in a gentle, unhurried kiss.
आप पढ़ रहे हैं
The Portrait
रोमांसIn Angono, Diego stumbles upon a hidden gallery filled with art from the early Spanish colonial period. He becomes captivated by a portrait of a woman who looks exactly like the girl he met on the bus. An old woman at the gallery warns him of distur...
