SYNOPSIS

Thorn Calderon, a pâtissier and the owner of Délicieux Cuisines had long given up on love and marriage. He was happy to be a bachelor. At the age of thirty-one, he already accepted the fact that he would never find the ‘right’ woman for him—not that he was looking. Unlike his friends who were already happily married, he remained a bachelor. He figured that maybe love and marriage was not for him.

Until his parents suddenly announced that they found the ‘right’ woman for him and told him to tie the knot with her.

Thorn wanted to disobey his parents, but he was already too tired of fighting against their wishes. At his age, he just didn’t care anymore. As long as the marriage wouldn’t interfere with him and his restaurant—the love of his life—then he wouldn’t mind obeying his parents once and for all, and maybe, just like what his parents wanted, have a family of his own.

But just when he accepted the changes in his life and did everything he could to make his wife comfortable… his wife dropped a ludicrous bomb that rendered him speechless and later introduced him to celibacy.

‘I only agreed to marry you because I know you bat for the other team.’

At that moment, Thorn couldn’t help asking himself. Who was it again who said that happy wife means happy life?

PROLOGUE

PROLOGUE

THORN never thought in his life that he would agree to an arranged marriage, but here he was, signing a marriage contract like he was signing a business deal. No grand wedding in church like his friends’ weddings, no extravagant reception and nothing more than a judge in front of him and his bride in a private room of a restaurant, overseeing them sign so he could process their marriage, immediately and legally.

Only their parents were present and they all looked pleased after he and his bride signed.

Why did I even agree to this? Thorn thought. Was it his parents bombarding him to have family all the time? Or was it because it’s convenient? Yes. Convenient, indeed. As long as his wife wouldn’t hinder him and his restaurant, then this marriage will work just fine. Having a wife could instantly repel clingy women, having a wife also saved him from his parents constant reminder to get married and not only that, he would have a family. Just like his friends.

He was not getting any younger. At that moment, Thorn knew it was a good decision to marry a woman with a good background. Who didn’t want a good wife? His mother assured him again and again that Ms. Cassia Engelyn Wisper, now Mrs. Cassia Engelyn Wisper-Calderon, was a good woman and a good match for him.

So at the age of thirty-one, Thorn Calderon finally settled down. Not because of love—he was not as sappy as his friends—but because it was convenient and convenience was what he needed in his life.

All he needed to do now to make this marriage work was to make his wife happy. He may not love her, but he will surely take care of her. It’s the least he could do.

Pasimple siyang bumaling sa ‘asawa’ niyang nakaupo sa tabi niya. She had been silent the whole ordeal, only talking when talked to and asked. She was sophisticated and graceful. She looked like a perfect beautiful adorned statue while sitting silently and unmoving beside him.

Dahil sa walang emosyon nitong mukha, hindi tuloy niya makita kung ayaw o gusto ba nito ang napagkasunduan ng mga magulang nila. Arranged marriage was after all, a thing in the past. It didn’t exist anymore in the modern society, so to be arranged with him, his ‘wife’ should have complaints. Maybe she just couldn’t voice it out because of her parents. He could tell that her parents were strict.

Thorn took a small deep breath before placing the pen on the table after signing, then he looked at his ‘wife’. “Is this really okay? I’m okay with a grand wedding.” Since he accepted this set-up, he wanted to be good husband.

“It’s okay, hijo.” Ang sumagot ay ang ina ni Cassia na halata namang peke ang ngiti na naka-plaster sa mga labi. “Cassia here doesn’t need a grand wedding. It was already too much that you accepted her.”

Pasimpleng natigilan si Thorn sa narinig. That didn’t sound right to him. He could hear a tinge of hostility in that statement.

Thorn glanced at his silent wife, waiting for her to speak for her self, but she didn’t, so he looked at his wife’s parents again to talk to them, but they were already leaving, like they were forced to be there and they wanted to leave pronto.

Thorn slightly frowned. Am I missing something? A family drama, perhaps? But even though there was a drama, weren’t they concerned about their daughter’s well being? I’m a stranger after all. They only knew him through his parents. Kahit pa kasosyo ng mga ito sa negosyo ang mga magulang niya, nakapagtataka pa rin na parang wala man lang pag-aalala sa mukha ng mga ito na ipaubaya sa kaniya ang anak nitong babae.

“We have to go now,” paalam ng ina ni Cassia sa lahat ng nasa mesa. “Thank you for your hospitality. We’re so sorry that we have to leave early. We have a business meeting in an hour.” Then she looked at Engel strictly. “Don’t disappoint us and your husband. Be a good wife.”

Cassia nodded.

“Good.” Then after bidding goodbye to everyone including the judge, his wife’s parents left, leaving their daughter with him. A stranger.

Thorn looked at his wife again. “You okay?” he asked. They may not know each other, but she was his wife now and according to his lunatic friends, happy wife mean happy life . He had to apply it to his marriage now.

Cassia just nodded and the dinner continued. Thorn’s parents tried to open a conversation to lighten up the mood and to erase the awkward air around the newlyweds, but nothing was working until Thorn’s parents finally gave up and just let the newlyweds talk to themselves by them leaving and giving the two privacy.

Nang makaalis ang mga magulang ni Thorn, mas lalong nabalot ng katahimikan ang dalawa. Even Thorn didn’t know what to do with the awkward air around them. This was the weirdest wedding he had been into, and it was his own wedding! To actually get married in a restaurant was by far the worst wedding he could think of, but it was his bride’s family’s idea. And for some reason, his parents agreed.

Thorn cleared his throat, but instantly stilled when his wife moved away from him, and by moving away, he means leaving the chair beside him and sitting on the chair in front of him.

He blinked at his wife. Why do I feel like I have a contagious disease?

I’m pretty sure I’m clean. And I made sure to smell good before coming here . Thorn cleared his throat the second time before pulling himself together and finally finding his voice to speak.

“I’m Thorn Calderon.” It was weird, introducing himself to his wife. Husband and wife were supposed to know each other pretty well, but they were the opposite. “Thirty one years old. Owner of a restaurant. How about you? How do I address you?”

For the first time, his wife looked at him in the eyes. “Cassia Engelyn Wisper. I’m twenty eight years old. I’m an assistant marketing manager in my parents’ company and you can call me anything you want.”

There was a bit frown on Thorn’s eyebrow. “Why assistant marketing manager? I mean, it’s your parents’ company. Shouldn’t you be part of the higher up?”

An irritation crossed Cassia’s face, but it quickly disappeared. “I don’t know. Ask my parents.”

That means fuck off. Thorn took a deep breath. “Okay. I won’t ask about your work anymore. As for how I’ll call you, how about cinnamon?”

Cassia couldn’t help raising her eyebrow. “My name is Cassia Engelyn, there’s no cinnamon in there.”

Thorn leaned back on his seat as he watched how his wife raised her eyebrow at him. “Sure there is. Your first name, Cassia. It’s related to cinnamon.” He smiled. “Sweet and spicy.”

“Okay. Whatever floats your boat,” sagot ni Engelyn na ayaw makipagtalo. All her life, she knew arguments would only lead to her getting hurt and humiliated.

Thorn’s smile remained. “Okay. Cinnamon it is.”

Cassia nodded, then she looked at her husband for the second time that night. Thorn Calderon was a handsome man. With his body built, his height, his tawny hair and that gray eyes of his that would turn baby blue every time the lights hit it, it was easy for a woman to be attracted to him. Fortunately, she knew the truth about him.

This gorgeous man in front of her would never take a woman. For him to actually take her as his wife, he must have an ulterior motive just like her.

Pasimpleng huminga nang malalim si Cassia habang nakatingin sa mga mata ng asawa na parang nanghihigop ng lakas sa sobrang pungay n’on.

Pulling herself together, she spoke, “Since we’re now husband and wife, can we be honest with each other. Is that okay with you?”

Thorn was laid back as he sipped his wine and nodded. “Sure. I like that. Honesty is good, especially that we’re just starting.”

Cassia nodded and pushed herself to be honest. If she wanted someone to be honest with her, then she should take the initiative and be honest first. “I have my reason why I agreed to marry you.”

Thorn was still sipping his wine leisurely. “I know. I have mine too. Don’t worry about it.”

Hearing that, Cassia slightly relaxed. “I understand your reason. It must have been hard keeping it a secret, with your family background and all. It’s okay. I accept you as you. There won’t be problem on my part.”

A frown made its way to Thorn’s forehead. “Ahm…” He was confused. Were they on the same page? “It’s not really a secret. My parents knew my reason.”

Cassia was now looking at Thorn in admiration. “That’s so brave of you. I admire you for that.”

Thorn was even more confused at that point of their conversation. “Thanks … I guess?”

Cassia smiled for the first time that night. She was relieved. Her decision to marry Thorn Calderon was right after all. “Don’t worry. I won’t be a problem with you. I will be your good wife in public and I will not hinder you to be with the person you truly desire and love. I promise.”

At that point, Thorn was lost. “Ah?”

Cassia’s smile widened, not noticing the confusion on Thorn’s face. “I’m really relieved.” She even put her clasped hands in front of her chest like she was praying and thanking God for a blessing. “I’m happy that I will not be with a perverted man. That’s why I support your decision to be who you really are. I promise, I will be a good wife to you. I know it was bad of me to take advantage of your orientation, knowing about your true self, that’s why I want to be honest with you.”

Thorn was trying to understand his wife, but he had been lost since earlier. What is she talking about?

Cassia looked at Thorn, eye to eye, honesty was in her eyes as she spoke. “I only agreed to marry you because I know you bat for the other team.”

Thorn stilled. He was speechless. He knew he dropped the glass of wine he was holding, but he didn’t care. As his mind went blank, he finally understood what she was talking about earlier.

Her words. The changes in her demeanor. Her reaction. Her sudden smile and happiness.

At that moment, Thorn couldn’t help asking himself. Who was it again who said that happy wife means happy life?

Whoever It was, he wanted to ask that lunatic if he should still make his wife happy after learning that his wife thinks he’s gay.

Jesus Christ… when the hell did I bat for the other team?!

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 1

THORN kept glancing at his wife while they were both moving her things from her car to his house in Bachelor’s Village. Every time he sees her calm expression and movement, Thorn couldn’t help but remember what happened at their wedding night. Instead of a hot steamy night like he was hoping for, he was mistaken as gay by his own wife.

It was so fucked up, but he didn’t correct her because of the relief and happiness on Cassia’s face. It was like, him, being gay was a blessing to his wife—like it was a good thing.

Nang gabing ’yon, parang pinapili siya sa pagitan ng dignidad niya o kasiyahan ng asawa niya.

And because Cassia was his wife, he felt responsible for her happiness so he kept her sexual orientation to himself. Kasalanan ’to ng kung sino man ang nagsabi ng happy wife is happy life. He thinks it was Tyron who said it. Damn you, Zapanta. Now I’m stuck! Now he felt like his wife’s happiness was more important than anything because that was what he learned from his friends.

Thorn was new to this marriage thing. Months ago, he didn’t even consider getting married and he used to tease his married friends for being sappy, but now, he was like an infant trying to crawl and walk in this marriage thing.

Nangangapa siya sa kung anong dapat at hindi dapat niyang gawin. I should’ve stayed single. Now I have to be responsible for my wife since I accepted this set-up in the first place.

Thorn wanted to blame his parents for this and of course, blame himself for just deciding out of the blue to settle down just because he thought it was a good thing to get married and have a family like his friends. But it was he who signed the marriage contract. No one forced him, so he had to be responsible for his decisions and actions.

But I’m still confused as fuck!

“Saan ko ilalagay itong box na may lamang damit ko?”

Boses iyon ng asawa na pumukaw sa pag-iisip ni Thorn. Kaagad siyang sumagot habang buhat-buhat ang isang karton papasok sa bahay niya, “Just put it on the living room. Ako na ang mag-aakyat niyan sa kuwarto natin.”

Napatigil sa pagpasok sa kabahayan si Cassia sa narinig saka nilingon si Thorn. “K-kuwarto natin?”

Thorn stilled too. “Yeah. I still have to clear half of my closet for your clothes.”

Cassia pressed her lips together. “We’re … sharing the same room?”

Thorn frowned. “Well, we’re husband and wife, aren’t we? And it’s not like I’m going to touch you inappropriately,” Thorn said that to appease Cassia’s mind that he was not a perverted husband.

But Cassia interpreted it differently. What she thought was Thorn would never touch her inappropriately because he didn’t like women and that made Cassia smile and relax. “Okay. Thank you!”

Nang makitang pumasok si Cassia sa loob ng bahay na may ngiti sa labi, napa-face palm si Thorn ng ma-realize kung anong posibleng rason ng ngiting ’yon ni Cassia. “Baka ano na naman ang pagkakaintindi n’on sa sinabi ko.” Napabuntonghininga na lang si Thorn nang maisip na malaking posibilidad nga na iba ang pagkakaintindi nito sa sinabi niya.

Now he realized, they were not only on the same page, there were not even on the same book!

Sighing, Thorn carried the boxes to his house and then he found Cassia looking around the living room and checking the pictures and furnitures. Nang mapansin nito ang presensiya niya, kaagad itong umikot paharap sa kaniya at ngumiti.

“Your house is nice,” komento ni Cassia. Narinig ni Cassia mula sa ina na mayaman si Thorn pero hindi niya inaasahan na ganito kagara ang bahay nito.

“ Our house you mean,“ pagtatama ni Thorn kay Cassia.

“Oo nga pala.” Cassia clasped her hands behind her back while facing Thorn. “Siya nga pala”—nag-iisip si Cassia ng kung anong tamang sasabihin at salita na gagamitin bago magpatuloy sa pagsasalita—“anong gagawin ko bilang asawa mo?” Napangiwi si Cassia sa sariling tanong. “I mean, hindi ko kasi alam ang dapat kong gawin bilang asawa mo, e. I have an idea, but I’m not sure?”

Thorn couldn’t help chuckling because they were thinking the same thing—they were both not sure how this marriage thing worked. They were just strangers few days ago and now, they’re living in the same house.

“I’m not sure too,” pag-amin ni Thorn. “Few months ago, I don’t really want to get married and then one thing lead to another and here we are.”

Cassia let out a strained laugh. “Ano ba ’yan, ang weird ng relasyon natin.”

Thorn chuckled. “You and me both, Cinnamon.”

Umupo si Cassia sa gilid ng mahabang sofa habang nakatingin pa rin kay Thorn. “How about we set some rules and stuff?” suhestiyon ni Cassia sa asawa. “I mean, pareho tayong nangangapa kasi hindi natin kilala ang isa’t isa tapos bago sa ’tin pareho ’tong pinasok natin. But I think we’re matured enough to handle this right, right?”

Cassia was hoping for a favorable response. Mukha naman kasing maayos kausap si Thorn. She really wanted this marriage to work. Wala na kasi siyang pupuntahan pang iba kung pati ito ay hindi magiging maayos.

But Thorn didn’t answer immediately. He sat on the single sofa first, his elbows resting on his knees and facing Cassia before he spoke, “How about we start with getting to know each other? No pressure.”

Cassia nodded. That could work. “Okay. Ahm… what do you want to know about me?”

“Food,” kaagad na sagot ni Thron. “As a chef, I want to know your favorite food.”

“Kahit ano. Hindi naman ako mapili.”

“Sweet tooth?”

Cassia smiled. “Almond with chocolates.”

“Allergies?”

“Not that I know of,” she answered.

Tumango-tango si Thorn bago nagtanong ulit, “Any ex-boyfriend that I should know about? I mean, is there a guy who wants you back? Just in case, so I can prepare my knives.”

Cassie actually laughed at Thorn’s joke before shaking her head. “No. Walang gano’n.”

Thorn frowned. “Wala kang naging ex?”

“Mayroon, pero, maayos naman ang paghihiwalay namin.”

“That’s good.” Thorn was relieved that no one would bother them. It was a good start.

“How about you?” Si Cassia naman ang nagtanong kay Thorn. “May kailangan ba akong malaman sa love life mo?” I don’t want to hinder his happiness. “Don’t worry. I’ll support you all the way.”

Thorn wanted nothing more but to correct his Cinnamon, but thinking that him being gay was the only reason why she was this relaxed and casual with him and not cold and indifferent like that time they got married. He just smiled and said, “I don’t want to talk about it. Let’s leave it at that for now.”

Cassia frowned hearing bitterness on Thorn’s voice. “Did you two break up?”

With that question, Thorn didn’t know what to do, but gape at his wife and stare at her blankly.

Seeing Thorn’s stunned face, Cassia immediately scolded herself for being nosy. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.”

“It’s okay,” ani Thorn nang makabawi sa pagkabigla sa narinig. Just who the fuck did I break up with? And by his Cinnamon’s tone, he broke up with a dude. Jesus Christ!

“Sorry,” sabi ulit ni Cassia. “Hindi na ako magtatanong ulit sa love life mo.”

Thorn just nodded because he didn’t know what to say or do.

“How about you? Anong paborito mong pagkain?” mabilis na pag-iiba ni Cassia sa pinag-uusapan para mawala ang nakaiilang na pakiramdam sa paligid nila.

“I’m not picky,” sagot ni Thorn. He appreciated his wife changing the topic. “But I’m leaning to sweets and desserts.”

“Is there anything you don’t like a person doing to you? Para maiwasan ko at hindi ko gawin,” wika ulit ni Cassia.

There is one . Thorn thought. “I hate it when someone wakes me up. I’ll wake up on my own.”

Cassia nodded. “Noted. ’Yon lang ba?”

Tumango si Thorn saka tumayo na para ipagpatuloy ang pagbubuhat sa mga karton patungo sa ikalawang palapag ng bahay. Si Cassia naman ay tumulong din sa pagbubuhat, pero ’yong maliliit at magagaang karton lang, hindi kasi niya kaya ang mabibigat na. Nang sa wakas ay naipasok na nila lahat, inayos ni Thorn ang walk-in closet at binakante ang kalahati niyon para sa asawa.

“You can put your clothes here,” ani Thorn sabay muwestra ng kamay sa binakanteng parte ng walk-in closet. “If you want, I can make another closet for you if you’re uncomfortable sharing a closet with me—”

“No. It’s okay,” pigil ni Cassia sa iba pang sasabihin ni Thorn, “okay na sakin ’to.” Masuwerte na nga siya na maayos ang pakikitungo sa kaniya ni Thorn, hindi na siya dapat humingi pa ng kung ano-ano. Being treated nicely was already enough for her. She shouldn’t be greedy.

It was really a good decision to marry Thorn. Kung hindi ito ang pinakasalan niya, siguradong mapupunta siya sa mga lalaking hayok sa laman at baka kung anong mangyari sa kaniya. She was really lucky to be arranged with Thorn. Because of his sexual orientation, she was relaxed around him. She liked that she was not always on guard. With Thorn, she could be as relaxed and casual as she could be.

“Need any help?”

Umiling si Cassia kay Thorn. “Kaya ko na ’to. Ako na ang bahala sa mga gamit ko.”

“Then I’ll leave you to it. You can put your stuff anywhere you want.” Naglakad na si Thorn palabas ng walk-in closet. “Pagkatapos mong ayusin ang mga gamit mo, bumaba ka sa kusina. I’ll make dinner.”

“Okay.” Cassia smiled. “Thank you.”

Thorn just waved his hand at Cassia while his back was on her as he walked out of the closet.

With a smile, Cassia then frowned when she realized something while looking at Thorn’s back. “He’s too manly…” Napahawak pa sa sariling baba si Cassia habang nag-iisip. Pero hindi naman ’yon ang sukatan. Saka siya mismo ang nakakita sa katotohanan tungkol dito kaya nga wala siyang pag-aalinlangan.

Some gay men were really good at hiding themselves. Maybe Thorn was like them. Oh, well. As his wife, I’ll support him all the way! It’s the least I could do for him treating me nicely.

With that in mind, she started taking out her clothes from the boxes and putting them on her new closet. After tidying up her clothes, she turned to tidy up her bags, shoes, accessories and other stuff.

Cassia couldn’t help noticing that she was having a fun. She felt so carefree—like she could breathe freely. Back home, she always had to mind her manners. Even her smile was not welcome.

But now, in this house, in this new life she was starting, she could smile whenever and wherever she wants. No one would control her smile again.

Unconsciously, her fingers played with the charm bracelet she had on her wrist while a soft smile was playing on her lips. “I’m starting a new life, Claire. I know you’re watching over me. Don’t worry.” She looked down at her charm bracelet. “I’ll be fine.”

Taking a deep breath, Cassia looked around the room. The color and the ambiance was so manly, she could even smell a faint smile of Thorn’s scent.

“Kung hindi ko lang alam ang totoo, amoy pa lang niya, mai-in love na ako,” pabulong na sabi ni Cassie nang maalala kung gaano kabango ang asawa noong araw ng kasal nila.

He smells so good, but not overbearing. In short, he smelled scrumptious. Pero lalaki rin ang gusto niya kaya support na lang ako.

With that in mind, Cassia left the room and went down to the kitchen. It took her a couple of minutes to find the kitchen. The house was not as huge as a mansion, but it was big enough to get lost.

Nang makapasok sa kusina, natigilan si Cassia sa pinto nang makita si Thorn na nakatalikod habang may inilalabas sa oven. And Cassia couldn’t help noticing how Thorn’s arm muscle would flex every time he moves.

Darn, he’s ripped. Hindi mapigilan na komento ni Cassia sa isip niya pero kaagad niyang sinaway ang sarili nang umikot paharap sa kaniya ang asawa.

“Done with your things?” tanong ni Thorn habang inilalapag ang baking dish sa wooden heat pad sa island counter at nakatingin sa kaniya.

Tumango si Cassia saka naglakad palapit sa island counter at napatitig sa nasa baking dish. “Ano ’yan?”

“Our dinner, baked tilapia,” sagot ni Thorn. “With butter, lemon juice, garlic powder and salt blended together, and a little sprinkle of capers, oregano and paprika.”

Hindi napigilan ni Cassia na amuyin ang niluto ni Thorn saka napalunok. “Ang sarap ng amoy.”

Thorn chuckled. “Tastes good too.”

Cassia looked at Thorn teasingly. “Someone is bragging.”

Thorn jokingly puffed his chest. “I’m that good.”

A small laugh escaped Cassia’s lips and for a moment, she stilled. Unconsciously, she was waiting to be scolded for laughing, but no one did. Instead, she saw Thorn frowning at her.

“Why stop laughing?” Thorn asked. “Go on. Laugh some more. It’s free.”

Hearing that, Cassia laughed again and it felt wonderful. It felt nice not to be restricted.

“Tulungan na kitang maghain,” ani Cassia na medyo natatawa pa rin.

Bago pa si Cassia makagalaw, napigilan na ito ni Thorn. “Nope.” Hinawakan nito sa magkabilang balikat si Cassia mula sa likuran saka masuyong tinulak patungo sa hapag-kainan. “You, Cinnamon, will sit here like a queen”—pinaupo ni Thorn si Cassia sa upuan—“and I’ll do the rest.”

“But—” Cassia was about to stand up to help, but was stopped by Thorn.

“Just let me do this,” ani Thorn saka kumuha ng dalawang pinggan at maingat na inilapag iyon sa lamesa habang nagkukuwento. “My cousin, Cali, got married a few years back, and every time I visit his home and they’re eating, I always see him preparing everything for his wife, so”—he smiled at his wife—“let me learn from him and let me do that too, okay?”

Cassia was speechless and could only nod her head. She knew Thorn was being considerate of her because he was a nice person, but she didn’t see this one coming.

With a charming smile, Thorn continued readying the table and their dinner.

“Anyway, speaking of my cousin,” Thorn placed the dish on the table and while moving around and readying their water, dessert and other food he prepared, he was talking, “when do you want to meet him? Wait, meeting him means meeting my other friends as well, so you have to ready yourself. I actually don’t want to introduce you to my friends. You’ll be traumatized.”

Nag-angat ng tingin si Cassia kay Thorn. “You say it like they’re bad people.”

“Not bad per se.” Natapos na rin sa wakas si Thorn sa paghahain sa lamesa at umupo na sa tabi ni Cassia. “Just crazy—yep, that’s the right term. Crazy people.”

Cassia didn’t know what to say so she kept silent, and she also didn’t know how to act after seeing Thorn putting food on her plate and doing everything for her.

Cassia couldn’t help staring at her husband as her face softened. In her mind, there was a hidden thought. An ’ if only’ thought peeking in her mind.

Cassia quickly discarded the thought and thanked Thorn for being a good husband. They got married a week ago and this was their first time sharing a house and a meal after their wedding at the restaurant because she still had many things to take care of at home, and this felt pleasant.

She was actually at ease and relaxed around Thorn even though this was their first time being together. Maybe because he’s gay and I’m not his type—it calms me.

Naputol ang pag-iisip ni Cassia nang matikman niya ang baked tilapia ni Thorn at nanuot sa bawat sulok ng bibig niya ang sarap na lasa niyon. She even stopped chewing, closed her eyes to savor the taste and moaned at how good it tastes.

Seeing his wife’s reaction, Thorn smiled. “Good?”

Mabilis na tumango si Cassia saka maganang kumain. “It’s sooo good,” Cassia exclaimed while eating heartily.

Thorn couldn’t help staring at Cassia while she was eating heartily and praising his cooking. Sanay na siyang makatanggap ng papuri sa luto niya na minsan ay wala na sa kaniya ang mga papuring naririnig. But hearing his wife praise him, it felt quite nice. It felt like he accomplished something.

Shaking his head, Thorn continued eating as well.

Thorn and Cassia had a small conversation while having dinner together. Mostly, they talked about Thorn’s cooking and the restaurants he owned that he was so proud of. It was a good conversation.

After dinner, Thorn and Cassia helped each other clean the dishes and tidy up the kitchen before Cassia went to their room while Thorn stayed to lock the doors. But even after securing every door and windows in the house, Thorn couldn’t make himself move from leaning on the kitchen’s island counter to his—no, to their room.

He was so bothered the he fished out his phone from his sweat pants pocket to ask his friends. Thorn was really hoping for a serious answer, but when did the lunatics answer seriously?

GUWAPO AT MATIKAS NGA UNDER NAMAN GROUP CHAT.

Thorn frowned. Huh? Sino na naman kaya ang bumago sa group chat name? If he guessed it right, it was Reigo’s time to change the group chat name. Napailing na lang si Thorn saka binasa muna ang mga chat doon bago nag-chat.

Cali Sudalga: @Thorny got married, but didn’t invite us. How rude.

Iuhence Vergara: I heard he got married in a restaurant? Hindi man lang tayo dinalhan ng pagkain ng gago.

Evren Yilmaz: Restaurant? What kind of wedding is that?

Calyx Vargaz: A very ‘tipid’ one. Good thinking @ThornCalderon 👍🏻

Tyron Zapanta: Welcome to the Understanding club, @ThornCalderon. May you rest in peace.

Pierce Muller: Would he be understanding though? Arranged marriage sila, ’di ba? Siguradong hindi niya mahal ang asawa niya.

Natigilan si Thorn sa nabasa. Muller was right. He doesn’t love his wife. He just met her. But even though there was no love between them, he still felt responsible for her. She was his wife after all and he learned how to care of his wife from his friends.

Sighing, Thorn continued reading.

Iuhence Vergara: Arrange marriage din naman si Train at Krisz, ’di ba? 🤔

Tyron Zapanta: It’s different. Train already has a thing for Krisz before marriage. While our Thorn here didn’t even know his bride.

Valerian Volkzki: I’m fucking sorry in advance.

Andrius Salazar: @ThornCalderon, be careful, bud. Isa ka sa sinumpa ni Volkzki.

Khairro Sanford: Careful, @ThornCalderon. Totoo ang sumpa ni Volkzki. Look at what happened to Andrius and me. We both waited years to have our happy ending.

Knight Velasquez: @KhairroSanford what happy ending? Your grave is still open.

Khairro Sanford: Come on, brother-in-law. Don’t be mean to me 😖

Natawa si Thorn sa sinabi ni Sanford. Sa ugali ni Knight, siguradong nagpuputok na ang butsi niyon.

Knight Velasquez: Don’t call me brother in law. Nagtataasan ang balahibo ko 🤢🤮

Lath Coleman: @Thorn, couz, when are we going to meet the wife?

Cali Sudalga: Yeah, @Thorn. We’re curious who she is and what she looked like. I mean, you eluded marriage for years and then you just agreed to an arranged marriage.

Thorn sighed. If you only knew what my wife thinks of me. I will be a laughing stock for years. That’s for sure. Mga isip-bata pa naman ang mga kaibigan niya.

Sighing again, Thorn finally sent a message to their group chat.

Thorn Calderon: How to be gay?

The moment Thorn sent his marriage, everyone who was online and saw the message gaped.

Knight Velasquez: You need to be a butler. 💪🏻

Thorn Calderon: Ah?

KutongBoy 💰 : pay me and I’ll tell you. I know a lot through experience.

Blaze Vitale: @KutongBoy 💰 the fuck? What experience? You already got my sister! Don’t you dare!

KutongBoy 💰 : Who the fuck changed my name again?! 🔪🔫

Blaze Vitale: Don’t change the subject @KutongBoy 💰

Knight Velasquez: Anong gagawin mo sa toy gun @KutongBoy 💰 ? 🤣

KutongBoy 💰 : 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

Dark Montero: @ThornCalderon why are you asking? Planning to be gay?

Beckett Furrer: How could someone ‘plan’ to be gay? 😒

Dark Montero: @BeckettFurrer, you have a point. Anyway, @ThornCalderon, I think no one can answer you here. We don’t know how to be gay other than what we see on televisions, but if you think you’re gay, then no worries, it’s cool with me—with us. Be true to yourself, bud. We’re always here for you.

Cali Sudalga: 🤯🤣

Lath Coleman: I think you have to like the same gender as you?

Lysander Callahan: I’ve met a lot of gay people here in Seattle. Some are girly, some are manly. I think it depends on the person? It depends on who they want to be? Why are you asking, bud?

Thorn turned his phone off and stopped reading the rest of the chats. His mind was more focused on what Callahan said. It depends on the person—that means there was no definite attitude or movement.

Sa isiping ’yon, nakahinga si Thorn nang maluwang saka patakbong tinungo ang kuwarto sa ikalawang palapag ng bahay. Nang makapasok siya, napatigil siya sa paggawa ng ingay nang makitang mahimbing nang natutulog ang asawa niya habang nakatagilid sa kanang bahagi ng kama.

Nanatili si Thorn na nakatayo at nakatitig sa asawa.

Asawa . Isang salita lang pero napakalaking responsabilidad ang dala.

Thorn took a deep breath before carefully and slowly walking towards his wife to fix the blanket around her body. Then he looked at his wife’s sleeping face. After I earned your trust, after proving myself that I’m not a bad person, I’ll tell you the truth. For now, if it’ll make you feel better, then I’ll be gay for you.

Taking a deep breath, Thorn took off his shirt and walked towards the bathroom to take a bath. While his face was under the shower, a thought came to his mind.

But where the heck did Cinnamon get this ludicrousidea that I’m gay?

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 2

WEEKEND came and went, Cassia was back at work early Monday morning. Thorn was still asleep when she left. Hindi niya ito ginising dahil ayaw nitong ginigising kaya naman hinayaan lang niya ito. She did leave a decent breakfast on the table for him once he woke up. And now on her office table, she smiled politely when her boss, David Benzon, passed her table.

Cassia was thankful that Sir David didn’t stop on her table again, like he used to. Sigurado siyang sasama na naman ang tingin sa kaniya ni Mariz na may gusto sa boss nila at gagawa na naman ito ng kuwento para siraan siya. Katrabaho niya ito at nasa isang department lang sila kaya naman kung maaari lang sana ay ayaw niya ng gulo, pero ito palagi ang nag-uumpisa.

Palagi niyang naririnig sa kaibigan niyang si Zehannah na katrabaho rin niya pero nasa ibang departamento na pagpasensiyahan na lang niya dahil siya raw ang mas nakaaangat ang pag-iisip, siya ang mas nakaiintindi, pero minsan sumusobra na talaga si Mariz. Kung hindi lang siya pagagalitan na ina sa gagawin, siguradong lumaban na siya rito nang pisikal.

That was why when her boss just walked passed her table, she was pleased, but then, her boss just had to ruin her day by coming back to her table.

In all honesty, her boss was handsome, but she was not just interested.

“Good morning, Cass,” anang baritonong boses ng boss niya. “Nag-agahan ka na ba?”

Cassia politely nodded. “Yes, Sir.”

Her boss sighed dramatically. “Cass, early Monday morning and you’re already breaking my heart. Sobra kitang na-miss noong weekend. How about have lunch with me later?”

Gustong isampal ni Cassia sa boss niya na may asawa na siya pero wala naman siyang maipakikitang pruweba. There was not even a ring on her finger so she held her tongue and replied politely.

“I’m sorry, Sir, pero kasama kong magla-lunch mamaya si Zehannah.” David already knew who Zehannah was. Ilang beses na bang ginawang dahilan ni Cassia ang matalik na kaibigan para lang matakasan ang pangungulit ni David? “Pero kung ayos lang sa’yo na kasama si Zehannah, okay lang din sakin na mag-lunch kasama ka.”

David just sighed heavily. Alam nitong tumatakas lang si Cassia sa imbitasyon nito. Sa isip ni David, Someday. You will not be able to run away from me, Cass.

“How about dinner?” Hindi pa rin sumusuko si David.

“Dadaan ako sa grocery mamaya,” pagsisinungaling ni Cassia.

“Let me accompany you then,” mabilis na sabi ni David.

“Kasama ko si Zehannah,” dagdag ni Cassia sa kasinungalingang hinahabi.

David’s shoulder fell. “If that is so, how about tomorrow. Have lunch with me?”

Hindi na talaga alam ni Cassia ang sasabihin para makaramdam si David na ayaw niya, buti na lang lumapit sa kaniya ang sekretarya para ipaalala sa kaniya ang meeting niya kasama ang advertising manager para sa promotional campaign na gagawin.

“Excuse me, Sir.” Tumayo si Cassia at umalis sa mesa. “I have a meeting with the advertising manager. I have to go. I can’t be late.”

Walang nagawa si David kundi ang hayaang umalis si Cassia. At habang naglalakad si Cassia patungong elevator na maghahatid sa kaniya sa conference room, dinig na dinig niya ang pagtsi-tsismisan mula sa mesa ni Mariz.

“Bakit hindi pa umaalis ang babaeng ’yan dito sa department natin? E ’di ba, anak naman siya ng may-ari?”

“Baka incompetent ang tingin sa kaniya ng mga magulang niya kaya ayaw bigyan ng mataas na posisyon.”

“Nakahihiya ’no, anak ng may-ari ng kompaniya pero assistant lang ang posisyon.”

“And have you seen her car? Goodness! It’s so old. I thought she’s rich.”

“At alam niyo ba, kaya lang naman pala siya nililigawan ni Sir David dahil sa mga magulang niya. Kung hindi dahil sa mga magulang niyang mayaman, hindi siya pag-i-interesan ni Sir David.”

“Agree! I mean look at her, she’s not even that pretty. She looked so bland. I bet no one would be interested in her other than Sir David.”

Dinig ’yon lahat ni Cassia pero nagpanggap siyang bingi at dumeretso sa elevator kasama ang sekretarya niya.

“Ma’am Cassia, ayos ka lang ho ba?” may pag-aalangang tanong ng sekretarya ni Cassia na si Danna. “Huwag niyo na lang hong pansinin ang mga sinasabi nina Mariz…”

Cassia smiled at Danna. “I’m okay, Danna. Let’s just focus on our work.”

Danna nodded and silently followed her boss towards the conference room.

While at that same time, in Thorn’s house, Thorn just woke up and found himself alone on the bed. Mukhang pumasok na ang asawa ko sa trabaho . Sa isip ni Thorn habang naghihikab na bumabangon.

Asawa ko . Thorn actually chuckled at those two words. Those words were so new to him, but it rolled on his tongue so smoothly.

Shaking his head, he entered the bathroom to shower. Pagkatapos maligo, kaagad siyang nagbihis saka bumaba sa kusina para magkape. He would not function well without coffee before going to work.

“Nag-agahan kaya si Cinnamon?” tanong ni Thorn sa sarili habang papasok sa kusina. Kapagkuwan ay natigilan siya habang naglalakad nang makita ang stainless food cover na nasa lamesa.

Kunot ang noong lumapit siya sa lamesa saka ini-angat ang stainless food cover para makita kung may laman ’yon. To his surprise, there was a bacon and spinach scrambled egg and fried rice hidden inside together with a yellow post-it note from his wife.

‘Good morning. I’m no chef, but I cooked breakfast. - Cinnamon’

Thorn couldn’t help chuckling when he read ’ Cinnamon ’ at the end. “She actually wrote Cinnamon and not Cassia.” Mahina siyang natawa ulit saka kumuha ng tinidor para tikman ang niluto ng asawa.

Hindi siya sanay na kumakain ng agahan. Sapat na sa kaniya ang isang tasang kape, pero ayaw naman niyang sayangin ang nilutong pagkain ng asawa. Gamit ang tinidor, tinikman niya ang ginawa nitong bacon and spinach scrambled egg and then he found himself sitting on the table to eat more.

It actually taste better than he expected. “She can cook…” Thorn mumbled while eating. His coffee forgotten as he finished the breakfast his wife made. Naalala lang niya ang kape nang matapos siyang kumain.

It had been a long time since someone cooked him breakfast that he forgotten his coffee. Napailing siya saka nilinis ang pinagkainan bago nagtimpla ng kape.

After finishing his coffee, he left home and drove to his restaurant. He actually didn’t need to be there, all the branches of his restaurants had capable managers overseeing them, but he was also one of the main chefs in his own restaurant here in the country.

His restaurant was quite different from other restaurant. His restaurant had ten floors and each floor offers a different cuisine—Filipino, French, Italian, Greek, Japanese, American, Caribbean, Thai, Spanish and Mexican—and each floor had it’s own set of chefs. While he didn’t belong to a specific floor, he helped any floor that needed an extra hand.

And looks like today, a helping hand was needed in the French cuisine floor.

Arriving at his restaurant, Thorn immediately changed into his chef uniform in his office and he was greeted by his employees while walking towards the kitchen.

Kaagad na napasabak si Thorn sa pagtulong sa pagluluto nang makapasok sa kusina. Everyone was busy, especially when lunch came. Each floor was packed with costumers enjoying their food while they worked their ass of in the kitchen with agility and precision.

Nakapagpahinga lang sila nang lumipas ang tanghalian at kaunti na lang ang kumakain. It was already two in the afternoon. And as the chefs took turns to rest, Thorn couldn’t help overhearing the conversation the two women chef in French cuisine floor was having on their break while he was assisting the head chef.

“Oh my God! Ang ganda naman niyan,” anang isang chef na babae. “Kailan siya nag-propose sa ’yo?”

“Kagabi lang,” sagot ni Chef Stef na kinikilig. “Sayang nga e kasi hindi ko puwedeng palaging isuot itong singsing. Ngayon lang kasi kumakain ako, pero mamaya pagbalik ko sa trabaho, huhubarin ko na naman ’to.”

“Ayos lang ’yan, ano ka ba. Pero ang ganda ng singsing na binigay niya sa ’yo. Siguradong mas maganda pa riyan ang wedding ring niyo.”

At that point, Thorn, who was overhearing the conversation stopped at what he was doing to curse himself for forgetting one of the most important parts of his marriage. Shaking his head at himself, Thorn finished cooking and let the head chef took over.

He, then, left the kitchen and went to his office on the top floor of the building.

Kinuha niya ang cellphone na iniwan niya sa lamesa nang nagbihis kanina saka tinawagan ang isa sa kaibigan niya na makatutulong sa kaniya. After setting an appointment, because of the traffic, Thorn went to meet his friend early at the store, and he took his time choosing the best of the best for him when he arrived there.

By quarter to six, he already finished choosing and he was now on the way home. Nang papasok na siya sa gate ng Bachelor’s Village, natigilan siya nang makita ang pamilyar na sasakyan ng asawa na papasok din sa village.

Thorn honked at his wife who honked back making him chuckle. Upon entering the village, Thorn was at the back while his wife’s car was in front of him. Nang makarating sila sa labas ng bahay, ginamit ni Thorn ang remote ng gate para bumukas ’yon saka nauna nang pumasok ang sasakyan ng asawa bago siya.

Nginitian ni Thorn ang asawa nang pareho silang makalabas ng kaniya-kaniyang sasakyan. Cassia smiled back, but Thorn could see how worn out she looked.

“You okay?” Kinuha ni Thorn ang handbag saka ang cloth briefcase na dala ni Cassia saka ito na ang nagbuhat niyon.

Pagod na tumango si Cassia.

Sa sagot ni Cassia, kaagad na binuksan ni Thorn ang pinto ng bahay saka una nang pinapasok ang asawa sa loob.

“Rest for a while then soak on the bathtub after dinner. Warm water will help you relax,” suhestiyon ni Thorn sa asawa na kaagad na umupo sa sofa sa salas. “What do you want for dinner?”

Umiling si Cassia saka napipilitang tumayo para umakyat sa kuwarto. “Busog pa ako. Marami akong kinain kaninang lunch. I just want to rest.”

Hinayaan lang ni Thorn na umakyat sa kuwarto si Cassia nang hindi kumakain ng hapunan pero isinama pa rin niya ito sa niluto niyang pagkain.

Pagkatapos maghapunan nang mag-isa, naglagay siya ng pagkain sa wooden food tray saka umakyat sa kuwarto niya. Nang makapasok, wala sa loob si Cassia pero bahagyang nakaawang ang pintuan ng banyo at dinig niya ang malumanay na pagkanta ng asawa sa loob.

Thorn placed the food tray on the bedroom bench before looking at the bathroom’s slightly open door again.

He was a man. He couldn’t help his imagination to run wild, but he immediately discarded it when he heard his cinnamon calling his name.

“Thorn, you there?”

“Yep.” Lumapit siya sa pintuan ng banyo pero nakatalikod siya para hindi makita ang nangyayari sa loob. “Need something?”

“Ahm… could you rub my back?” hiling ni Cassia sa asawa dahil alam naman nitong walang interes ang asawa sa babae. “Nakalimutan ko kasi sa bahay ’yong back brush strap ko. Hindi ko malinis ang likod ko.”

Thorn, who was outside the bathroom’s door took a deep breath before stepping inside the bathroom. Kaagad na nakita ni Thorn ang asawa na nababalot ng bula sa bathtub. Thorn was sure that his wife was naked underneath those bubbles and water, but he kept his face straight and silently went behind Cassia to rub her back.

Cassia was hugging her knees while Thorn was rubbing her back with the bath ball. It felt nice that Cassia closed her eyes while her chin was resting on her knees.

“Medyo sa baba pa,” hiling ni Cassia nang mapansing sa taas lang ng likod niya ang kinukuskos ni Thorn.

Kaagad namang bumaba ang pagkuskos ni Thorn.

“Baba pa nang kaunti.”

Thorn silently obliged ’til Cassia told him to stop.

“Thank you,” ani Cassia kay Thorn.

Thorn nodded, still with a straight face. “Huwag kang masyadong magbabad. Baka magsakit ka naman. Hindi ko alam kung paano mag-alaga ng may sakit.”

Tumango si Cassia saka ngumiti. “Salamat ulit.”

Tumango lang si Thorn saka naglakad palabas ng banyo. Nang makalabas at maisara ang pinto, doon lang niya pinakawalan ang hininga na kanina pa niya pinipigilan. The moment he closed the bathroom door, his calm breath became erratic and he was now taking deep breaths to calm himself, including his mind.

He was after all a man and his wife was a very attractive woman. That creamy white sexy back she had was not healthy for him.

This was his first day of ‘trying’ to be gay and it was fucking so hard. I can’t freaking do this everyday! Letting out a loud breath, he went out to the terrace connected to their room to breath some fresh air.

Thorn didn’t realize he was leaning on the terrace’s railing and watching the night sky for more than ten minutes now ’til Cassia cleared her throat from the terrace’s entrance.

Nang mapatingin si Thorn kay Cassia na nakasuot na ng pajama, his breathing should’ve been calm by now because she was fully covered. But for some reason, he became a little breathless seeing how adorable his wife was in a baby blue flannel pajamas with small bacon, pancake and sunny-side-up egg design.

“What?” tanong ni Cassia sa asawa nang mapansing natawa ito habang nakatingin sa suot niya.

“Nothing.” Tinuro nito ang suot niya. “Did you wear that set of pajama knowing you have a chef husband? Is that a hint that you want me to wake up early and cook those food tomorrow for breakfast?”

Bumaba ang tingin ni Cassia sa suot na pajama saka ibinalik ulit ang tingin sa asawa. Hindi niya alam kung anong isasagot kay Thorn dahil basta na lang niyang kinuha ang suot na pajama sa closet ng hindi iyon binibigyan ng pansin. Cassia didn’t know what to do than stared at her husband, hoping he could read the truth on her face.

Thorn chuckled at Cassia’s ’ I didn’t know what to say’ face while Cassia gave Thorn a sullen look realizing that he was teasing her.

After giving Thorn a sullen look, Cassia walked towards the terrace’s railing to lean and look at the night sky.

Pinagkrus naman ni Thorn ang mga braso sa harap ng dibdib habang nakahilig ang likod nito sa railing ng terasa, habang si Cassia naman ay paharap na nakahilig, ang mga braso nito ay nakapatong sa ibabaw ng railing habang nakatingin sa kalangitan.

The terrace was big, but the space between Thorn and Cassia was only inches away.

“Bakit pala pagod na pagod ka?” tanong ni Thorn pagkalipas ng ilang segundong katahimikan. “Gano’n ba karami ang trabaho mo?”

Bumuntongininga si Cassia bago umiling. “Hindi naman. It’s just, it’s Monday and I had meetings all day. Tapos ’yong mga ka-meeting ko pa, mga mahirap kausap. Nakade-drain. Tapos may boss pa akong ang kulit. Hindi makaramdam na hindi ko siya gusto.”

Cassia’s last statement piqued Thorn’s interest. “May gusto sa ’yo ang boss mo?”

Tumango si Cassia saka napasimangot. “Sumasakit ang ulo ko sa kaniya. Ayaw niya akong tantanan. Mahigit isang taon na niya akong kinukulit, bakit hindi pa rin niya ma-gets na hindi ako interesado?” Tumingin pa si Cassia kay Thorn sa tanong na ’yon dahil sa isip niya, baka may alam si Thorn na paraan para tigilan na siya ng boss niya.

Thorn was a handsome man after all. Siguradong maraming nagkakagusto rito, babae man o lalaki, at nasisiguro niyang mas may alam ito kaysa sa kaniya kung paano magtaboy ng mga makukulit na manliligaw.

“Alam ba niyang may asawa ka na?” tanong ni Thorn nang mapansing nakatingin si Cassia rito na parang naghihintay ng sagot niya.

Umiling si Cassia. “Hindi ko pa naayos ang records ko sa HR. At ang mga ID ko, Wisper pa rin ang apelyido ko.”

Thorn nodded before standing straight. “Wait here,” he said before leaving the terrace, and moments later, he came back empty handed and walked straight to Cassia’s side.

“What is it?” nagtatakang tanong ni Cassia ng hawakan siya ni Thorn sa magkabilang braso at pinaharap dito.

To answer her, Thorn took out something from his pocket and Cassia’s eyes slightly widened when she saw what it was.

It was a ring—no, rings. Two rings.

Cassia was motionless as Thorn held her hand and raised it up to the chest level. With her lips slightly parted open in surprise, Cassia watched her husband put the first ring on her finger. It was a simple thin ring band filled with small diamonds adorning it. Afterwards, Thorn slid another ring on the same finger to place on top of the last ring. It was a stunning snowdrift diamond ring.

“I realized earlier that we don’t have a wedding ring since our wedding was not really a normal kind of wedding, so I bought these. A wedding ring and an engagement ring,” Thorn said before fishing out another ring from his pocket and gave it to Cassia. “This is mine. Do you mind putting it on me?”

Umiling si Cassia saka tinanggap ang singsing at hinawakan ang kamay ni Thorn bago maingat na isinuot dito ang kapareha ng wedding ring niya sa daliri nito. Even after sliding the ring on Thorn’s finger, Cassia was still holding Thorn’s hand and staring at his wedding ring.

Cassia’s mind had so many questions with no answers. She wanted to question Thorn, to know why he bought her rings when it was not really necessary to do so, but didn’t want to ruin the moment so she discarded the thought and smiled at Thorn. “Thank you for these. They’re very pretty.”

Thorn breathe in relief. “I’m glad you like them. With those rings, you can show it to your boss and tell him to fuck off. Tell him your husband is a jealous possessive guy and I will cut him to pieces with my knives if he pesters you again.”

Cassia couldn’t help laughing at Thorn’s joke. “Thanks! Sana talaga tigilan na niya ako.”

“Kapag hindi ka pa rin niya tinigilan, sabihin mo sa ’kin.” May babala sa boses ni Thorn. “I’ll deal with him.”

Cassia smiled at her husband. “Thank you.”

Thorn smiled back. “Don’t mention i—”

The door bell from the gate rang, cutting off Thorn. Then Thorn tsked when the door bell rang again like the person outside the gate was in a hurry.

Thorn sighed. “Bababa lang ako, tingnan ko kung sino ang nasa labas. While you, eat and then rest early,” nilin ni Thorn bago umalis ng terasa at iniwan doon si Cassia.

Si Cassia naman ay nanatili sa terasa dahil hindi pa naman siya inaantok at gusto pa niyang tumambay roon. Mula sa kinatatayuan, nakita niya si Thorn sa ibaba at naglalakad patungong gate. Kung bubuksan ang gate, malinaw rin na makikita ni Cassia kung sino ang nasa labas at malinaw din siyang makikita ng nasa ibaba kung titingala ito.

Without any thought, Cassia’s eyes followed Thorn towards the gate while the door bell was still ringing continuously.

Mula sa pagkakahilig sa railing ng terasa, kitang-kita ni Cassia kung paano pagalit na binuksan ni Thorn ang wicket gate, ’yong maliit na gate sa gilid ng malaki at malapad na gate. At mula doon, kitang-kita ni Cassia ang pagpasok ng isang guwapong lalaki.

The gate was well lit, Cassia could clearly see the man talking to Thorn even though it was night, and because she had a perfect eyesight, in just a matter of two seconds, she recognized who the man Thorn was talking to and a loud gasp escaped her mouth.

She didn’t know if her loud gasp was heard, but the man looked up at the terrace and their eyes met!

And like a thief in the dark, Cassia ducked—yes, she ducked to hide! And her hands covered her mouth like she was afraid to make a noice because the man would hear her. Yes! Yes, she was hiding silently! But in her mind, she was screaming.

OH MY GOD! That man! I know that man! That’s Thorn’s boyfriend!

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 3

NANGALUMBABA si Cassia pagkatapos kumain ng tanghalian. Nasa canteen siya at kasama ang matalik na kaibigan na kumakain. Dapat nasa kasama niya ang atensiyon niya pero kung saan-saan lumilipad ang isip niya. Cassia thought it was not her day today. Her car broke down on the way to the office so she had to commute. Her boss pestered her again and he wouldn’t believe her when she told her that she was married. She had so much work to do with so little time until the deadline and the lunch tasted bland.

But Cassia knew what happened today was not the reason of her absentmindedness. It was what happened last night that really affected her.

She finally met Thorn’s boyfriend.

Cassia blinked enumerable times hearing a finger snap in front of her. She frowned when she saw that it was Zehannah. “What?”

“Nasaang planeta ka ba? Kanina ka pa nakatulala riyan,” anang kaibigan na nakakunot ang noo sa kaniya.

Bumuntonghininga si Cassia saka uminom muna ng tubig bago sumagot sa kaibigan, “I met my husband’s boyfriend last night.”

Zehannah actually gasped at what she heard. “O.M.G.” Zehannah knew every little thing that was going on in her life. “Girl, nakaka-shook ba?”

Cassia nodded absentmindedly. “He’s so handsome up close that I felt so small.” Sinapo ni Cassia ang mga pisngi. “I was so nervous last night. I think they were arguing, Zehan. Is it because of me? I don’t want to cause trouble. Thorn has been really nice to me.”

Sa narinig, naawa si Zehannah sa kaibigan. “Hay, mabait nga ang napangasawa mo, pero sobrang nakaloloka naman ang set-up niyo. Anyway, pinakilala ka ba niya or tinago ka?”

“Pinakilala,” pabulong na sagot ni Cassia habang naalala ang nangyari kagabi.

Pinapasok ni Thorn ang guwapong lalaki sa gate, saka sinundo siya nito sa kuwarto para ipakilala. And it was the most awkward moment of her life.

“Tapos?” Zehannah was getting impatient. “Anyare, girl? Anong pangalan ng jowa ng asawa mo?”

Cassia sighed. “Reigo Vasquez. See? Pangalan pa lang, guwapo na, Zehan. As in, ang guwapo niya.”

Zehannah sighed. “Cass, ganiyan na talaga ang panahon ngayon. Ang guwapo, guwapo rin ang hanap.”

Tumango si Cassia at unti-unting humaba ang nguso na kaagad namang nakita ni Zehannah.

“Oh, anyare sa ’yo? Bakit parang hinang-hina ka riyan?” usisa nito kay Cassia. “Para namang hindi mo alam ang tunay na katauhan ng asawa mo bago mo siya pinakasalan. ’Di ba nga, sabi mo pa, susuportahan mo kung anong gusto niya? Heto na ’yon.”

Cassia looked down. “Hindi ko nga rin alam ba’t ako nagkakaganito.” Huminga nang malalim si Cassia saka bumuntonghininga. “Pagkatapos akong ipakilala ni Thorn kay Reigo, pumunta sila ng kusina. I can hear them arguing. I can’t make out the words, but I knew they were arguing. After that, Reigo stormed out of the kitchen and I was so guilty, so I spoke to Reigo to clear everything. I apologized for accepting the marriage and I told him that I will support his relationship with Thorn.”

“What did he say?” Parang na-e-excite na tanong ni Zehannah sa kaibigan.

“Reigo seemed shock.” Cassia could still remember it clearly. Reigo stilled, his mouth actually fell open after she said those words. “His anger disappeared, and then he went back to the kitchen while I went upstairs to rest.”

Zehannah exhaled. “That was intense.”

Tumango si Cassia. “Super intense.” Kapagkuwan ay napasandal si Cassia sa likod ng kinauupuan. “Pero sa tingin ko nagkaayos na sila. Kaninang umaga, bago ako pumasok sa opisina, nakasalubong ko sa gate si Reigo at nagpasalamat siya sa ’kin. Nakangiti pa nga siya kaya sa tingin ko maayos na sila.”

Zehannah let out a loud breath. “Cass, girl, ang intense ng married life mo.”

A faint smile appeared on Cassia’s lips. “But I’m actually enjoying my married life. My husband is nice, he treats me well, he cooks really good and I’m not his type so I’m happy.”

Zehannah frowned at Cassia. “Sure ka na masaya ka? Because your face looked sad from where I’m sitting.”

Cassia nodded and smiled. “Yes. I’m happy.”

Hindi na nakipag-argumento pa si Zehannah sa kaibigan pero hindi ito naniniwala na masaya si Cassia. Zehanna had known Cassia since they were in college so she knew when Cassia was genuinely happy or not. And something was telling Zehannah that her best friend was not happy as she claimed to be.

Then Zehanna’s eyes settled on Cassia’s ring. Tumaas ang kilay ni Zehanna saka nagtanong. “Binili ng asawa mo?”

A genuine smile made its way to Cassia’s lips before nodding. “He even bought me an engagement ring even though he doesn’t really have to.”

“It’s pretty,” komento ni Zehannah sa singsing habang pinapakatitigan ang mukha ng kaibigan. “Bagay sa ’yo. Your husband got taste.”

Cassia nodded while caressing the rings on her finger. While Zehannah just shook her head while looking at her friend and thought, if this continues, she’s really gonna fall.

“Cass.” Seryosong-seryoso ang boses ni Zehannah. “Don’t forget that your husband is gay, okay?”

Cassia frowned at her friend. “Bakit ko naman makalilimutan ’yon? I saw them, remember?”

“Just a fair warning.” Zehannah, then, smiled. “Anyway, kailan mo ipakikilala sa ’kin ang asawa mo? Kailangan ko siyang pasalamatan sa pagiging mabait sa ’yo.”

Cassia’s smile was back on her lips. “Soon.”

“Okay. Asahan ko ’yan.”

Cassia nodded before looking at her wrist watch to check the time. Nang makita ang oras, parang napaso ang pang-upo na bigla siyang napatayo. “Shit! Late na tayo!”

Sa narinig, nagmamadali ring tumayo si Zehannah saka sabay silang halos tumakbo palabas ng canteen. Naghiwalay lang ang dalawa nuong nasa elevator na sila paakyat sa palapag kung saan sila nagtatrabaho. Zehannah was on the fifth floor, while Cassia was on the sixth.

Nang makalabas si Cassia sa elevator at naglalakad na patungo sa mesa niya, kaagad na nagsalubong ang kilay niya nang makitang nasa visitor’s chair niya ang boss niya.

Gustong ipagtabuyan ni Cassia si David pero nangibabaw pa rin ang pagiging propesyonal niya sa trabaho. “Ano ho ang kailangan niyo, Sir?”

Tumayo si David saka humarap sa kaniya habang nakapamulsa. “I heard your car broke down. Ihahatid na kita mamaya.”

Bumuka ang bibig ni Cassia para sumagot, pero bago pa siya makasagot, tinalikuran na siya ni David at pumunta na ito sa sarili nitong opisina.

Cassia couldn’t help squeezing her eyes shut in frustration, but out of nowhere, an idea came to her. Maybe if David give me a ride home, he’ll finally believe that I’m married! It’s an opportunity she couldn’t miss. That was it! That’s what I’m going to do!

With that plan in mind, Cassia went back to work.

AT LUNCH, THE SAME moment Cassia was being absentminded, Thorn on the other hand was annoyed at his so-called friends who visited his restaurant just to annoy the fuck out of him. Even their friends from Baguio came just so they could all laughed at his misery.

Yes! Misery!

Thanks to that bastard, Reigo! This was all his fault!

Thorn closed his eyes to tuned out his friends, but the continuous laughter was really getting on his nerves that he couldn’t help shouting. “Shut the fuck up!”

Everyone became silent. But then, seconds later, Knight, Khairro, Cali and Reigo was rolling on the floor again, clutching their stomach while laughing their asses of while the others were laughing as well, but not as severe as those four.

Gustong pagsusuntukin ni Thorn si Reigo nang mag-umpisa na naman itong magkuwento habang tumatawa pa rin. It was the seventh time Reigo repeated the story of what happened last night at his house.

“So, I was so mad last night because of my ex”—instead of being mad, Reigo was laughing—“so I went to Thorn to drink some booze. Then he introduced me to his wife, she was nice by the way, and then we went to the kitchen to drink. I was chugging the rum Thorn prepared so I got drunk easily and I was raising my voice in anger and frustration and Thorn was making me stop.” The bastard was still laughing while telling the story. “Annoyed because Thorn was being such a good boy because his wife was in the house, I stormed out of the kitchen and saw his wife looking at me nervously.” Reigo was now rolling on the floor, clearly enjoying Thorn’s miserable face. “Out of nowhere, she told me she will support my relationship with Thorn. At first, I was confused what she was talking about—really confused, then after a couple of seconds, it hit me and I was shocked!” Tinuro ni Reigo si Thorn na masama ang tabas ng mukha. “She thinks Thorn is gay and we have a relationship! Nawala bigla ang kalasingan ko. Pati ’yong galit ko nalusaw. Gusto ko siyang itama kaso hindi ko talaga kinaya, bumalik ako sa kusina para maliwanagan sa nalaman ko.” Reigo laughed again. “Bud, ano ba’ng ginawa mo sa asawa mo at tingin niya lalaki rin ang gusto mo?”

Bilang sagot, hinubad ni Thorn ang sapatos na suot saka ibinato iyon kay Reigo. “Fuck off. Don’t laugh at my wife.”

Reigo was still laughing as he answered, “I’m not laughing at her. I’m laughing at you.”

“So that’s why you asked how to be gay,” sabad ni Cali na tumatawa rin.

“Aw. She’s spoiling his wife,” Lander teased him while chuckling.

“I can’t believe it!” Knight was literally rolling on the floor while laughing. “This is so epic. I want to meet your wife, Thorn.”

Thorn raised his middle finger at Knight.

“How to be gay?” ulit ni Khairro sa chat ni Thorn saka parang hindi na ito makahinga sa sobrang pagtawa. “Fuck, Thorn, nag-umpisa na ang sumpa ni Volkzki sa ’yo.”

“Pero bakit bakla ang tingin niya sa ’yo?” tanong ni Hunt na ilang segundo lang na tumawa sa nalaman.

“Hindi ko rin alam.” Thorn rubbed his face with his own palm.

“Bakit hindi mo siya tanungin?” suhestiyon ni Titus na may bakas pa rin ng pagtawa ang mukha nito.

Phoenix nodded. “Oo nga. Ask her.”

Reigo interject, he was still laughing. “May relasyon daw kaming dalawa.” Lumakas na naman ang tawa nito. “Tawagin na ba kitang ‘babe’ ngayon, Thorn? It’s okay with me. I’m single anyway.”

Binato na naman ni Thorn si Reigo gamit ang natitira niyang sapatos pero tumawa lang ang gago. While on the corner, Iuhence was busy telling Lysander all about Thorn’s misery.

“Ano ba kasing ginawa mo at napagkamalan kang lalaki rin ang gusto?” nagtatakang tanong ni Dark pagkatapos pagtawanan si Thorn sa nalaman.

“How would I know?” Thorn frustratedly sat on the vacant chair on the VIP room in his restaurant where they were at the moment. “Basta bigla na lang niyang sinabi sa ’kin sa araw mismo na kinasal kami na pinakasalan lang niya ako kasi alam niyang hindi babae ang gusto ko. Her precise words were ‘I only agreed to marry you because I know you bat for the other team’.”

Hearing his words, his friends laughed again. Ang iba niyang kaibigan na hindi nagro-rolling sa sahig sa katatawa ay may pahampas-hampas pa sa lamesa.

Thorn looked at his friends flatly. “Kabagin sana kayo. Mga gago.”

Unang kumalma sa mga walang-hiya niyang kaibigan ay si Zapanta kapagkuwan ay seryoso itong tumingin sa kaniya at nagsalita.

“It was really funny as hell and she was amusing, but I don’t think you should continue pretending to be gay.” Coming from the president of understanding club, Thorn listened attentively. “Why don’t you tell her the truth? Baka ’yan pa ang ikasira niyo.”

Thorn sighed. “I wanted to, but I don’t think it’s time yet.”

“What do you mean?” Pierce asked. Learn from my mistake, Calderon. Don’t keep secrets.“

“I know that, but, the relief and happiness on her face thinking that I’m gay, I can’t take it away from her.” He looked at his married friends. “I may not seem like it, but I always observe how you treat your wives and what I learn is that you make your wives happy no matter what and that’s what I want to do too. I want to make her happy. I want to apply the ‘happy wife, happy life’ motto too. I want my marriage to work like how all your marriages worked. The moment I signed our marriage contract, I’m already responsible for her and if being mistaken as gay by her would make her relax and happy around me, that’s okay with me. I’ve been eluding relationship and marriage for so many years and now that I decided to settle down, even though it was just one of my whims, I want to do it right. I don’t know how this marriage thing works, I don’t know what and what not to do, I’m confused most of the time and I think I suck at being a husband because I don’t know shit, but I do know one thing. I want my wife happy.”

All his friends stopped laughing and just stared at him while he was talking and when he was done, Cali clapped.

“Nagbinata ka na rin sa wakas,” ani Cali na nakangiti. “Ayaw na ayaw mong makipagrelasyon kasi busy ka sa restaurant mo. Kaya naman nang bigla ka na lang nagdesisyon na gusto mong mag-asawa, nag-alala kami sa ’yo.” Everyone nodded. “But you know what, you are actually more capable than some of us here. Because unlike some of us, you’re treating your woman right even when you’re just starting.”

“Nah,” Thorn said dismissively. “I learned from all of your mistakes and misery.”

Iuhence finally spoke and said, “You learned from the best then.”

Everyone gave Iuhence a glare.

Then Khairro said, “Gumagana na ang sumpa ni Volkzki. Good luck, Calderon.”

Andrius nodded. “Since your wife thinks your gay, then that means no honeymoon for the newlyweds.”

Thorn’s shoulder actually slumped. “I think celibacy and I are going to be best of friends.”

“Just sleep around,” biglang sabi ni Reigo na ikinatingin ng lahat dito. Reigo was not laughing anymore and he looked serious as he suggested that. “Your wife thinks your gay, that means you can sleep with anyone and she wouldn’t give a shit. I think she’ll even support you—”

“Shut up, or I’ll make you.” Zapanta was menacing as he glared at Reigo making everyone tense. “Don’t think of marriage so lightly, Vasquez. I will not hesitate to forget that we are friends if you say that one more time.”

Khairro nodded in agreement to Tyron. “My mom was cheated on and I could never forget the pain she suffered. Calderon may not love his wife like how we love ours, but marriage is marriage.”

Reigo pressed his lips together after being tactless. He knew he crossed the line with what he just said. “Sorry…”

Thorn stood up and went to Reigo to playfully smacked his head and said, “If I want to sleep around, I should’ve stayed single, don’t you think?”

Knight whistled at what Thorn said. “That’s my man right there.”

Ream who was sitting close to Reigo also smacked Reigo’s head playfully. “Ang bitter mo kasi. Trust me, after you settle down, you won’t even think of sleeping around. Your wife is enough to keep you busy and if she’s a handful, then you wouldn’t be sleeping at all.”

Everyone laughed and nodded.

Then Hunt interjected, “Except for Calderon. I think he will be sleeping a lot since his wife thinks he’s gay.”

Thorn groaned at Hunt’s reminder. “Fuck you.”

His lunatics friends just laughed and the teasing and laughing continued while their lunch was being served.

It was a very rowdy afternoon with his friends. Hindi siya nakapagtrabaho dahil sa pangungulit ng mga gago. Nagsiuwian lang ang mga baliw niyang kaibigan nang umuwi rin siya. Kaya ang nangyari, convoy sila pauwi sa BV.

Ang sasakyan ni Reigo ang nasa unahan nila, kaya naman nang tumigil ang sasakyan nito ay lahat din tumigil at ipinarada ang sasakyan sa gilid ng kalsada at nagkaniya-kaniya ng labas ng sasakyan para alamin kung bakit tumigil si Vasquez.

Nang makalapit sila kay Reigo nagkaniya-kaniya ng tanong ang lahat pero nakatingin lang si Reigo sa gate ng Bachelor’s Village kaya naman doon din napatingin ang lahat.

Lahat nagtataka at naguguluhan kung sino ang tinitingnan doon ni Reigo, pero hindi si Thorn. Alam niya kung sino ang tinitingnan ng kaibigan. Malinaw na malinaw rin sa kaniya.

It was his wife. Stepping out from someone’s car and that someone was a man who’s now walking his wife towards the village’s gate.

At that moment, Thorn didn’t know what to feel. He just stared at his wife from afar who’s walking with another man. In his mind, he was justifying his wife’s action. He was reasoning with himself why his wife just stepped out from another man’s car.

Thorn knew there was no love between them, but she should at least respect him, right?

From the corner of his eyes, he saw Reigo looked at him. “That’s your wife, right?”

Hindi sumagot si Thorn. Basta na lang siyang naglakad pabalik sa sasakyan saka pinaharurot iyon patungo sa BV. Nang makarating siya sa gate, nakabalik na ang lalaking naghatid sa asawa niya sa kotse nito at nasa loob na ng village si Cassia at naglalakad patungo sa dereksiyon ng bahay nila.

Thorn abruptly stopped his car beside Cassia who was surprised to see his car and when he stepped out, she actually smiled at him, like seeing him made her happy.

“Thorn!” Cassia’s smile widened. “What are you doing—”

“Who was that?” Hindi binigyan ni Thorn si Cassia ng pagkakataon na magtanong. “Sino ang naghatid sa ’yo? Give me a name.”

Kumunot naman ang nuo ni Cassia nang maintindihan ang tanong ng asawa. He saw me with David? “Ahm, that’s my boss. Hinatid niya ako kasi nasira ang sasakyan ko kaninang umaga.”

Wait… did he see my boss? Why was he asking for his name? A small gasp made a way to Cassia’s lips. OMG. Naguwapuhan ba siya sa boss ko? Holy… shit. Pero kung sa kaguwapuhan ang pag-uusapan, mas higit na guwapo si Reigo.

While Cassia’s mind was taking a turn for the worst, Thorn was also assuming what his wife was thinking when he heard her little gasp seconds ago. Sigurado si Thorn na iba na naman ang iniisip ng asawa niya. And Thorn’s assumption was confirmed when Cassia spoke.

“Naguwapuhan ka ba sa boss ko?”

Thorn just blinked at his wife, bewildered at how his wife’s mind work. How could this beautiful woman in front of him just accept that her husband was gay? Like it was as easy as breathing. Other wives would throw a fit, but not his Cinnamon, she was freaking happy about it.

And to add more fuel to the fire, his friends arrived and parked their car behind his. At nang makalabas ang mga ito sa kaniya-kaniyang sasakyan, lumapit ang mga ito sa kanila ni Cassia habang si Reigo naman ay umakbay pa sa kaniya ang gago saka ngumiti kay Cassia.

Kaagad na binaklas ni Thorn ang braso ni Reigo sa balikat niya nang makitang nakatingin doon ang asawa saka tiningnan si Reigo nang masama, pero ngumiti lang ang gago sa kaniya saka humarap sa asawa niya.

“Hi, Cassia. How’s your day?” Reigo asked Cassia with a smile.

Cassia looked at Thorn and then at Reigo before answering, “It was okay.”

Thorn didn’t need to assume, he already knew what his wife was thinking so he change the subject by introducing his friends one by one who immediately greeted Cassia.

And everyone said the same words after greeting her. ’I’m married ’. Like those two words would stop Cassia from mistaking them as gay as well.

“Nice to meet you,” magiliw na sabi ni Cassia.

While greeting everyone, Cassia had to reign herself from gaping like a fish out of the water. She had seen a fair share of handsome men in her life, but nothing could ready her for this. Seeing twenty plus gorgeous men at the same time, in person and in close proximity—she was surprised that she was still breathing calmly and not hyperventilating.

Cassia was enjoying the gorgeous faces in front of her, but her husband held her hand and pulled her towards his car.

“Uwi na tayo,” ani Thorn saka tiningnan nang masama ang mga kaibigan. “Shoo. Huwag kayong istorbo.”

Khairro chuckled and said, “Okay, we’re leaving. Have a good night, Mr. Celibacy’s best friend. Have fun!”

Knight showed his fist and said, “Laban lang. Kung hindi mo na kaya, puwede ko namang ibigay sa ’yo ’yong libingan ni Khairro sa bahay ko.”

“Nice meeting you, Cassia!” wika naman ng ibang mga kaibigan ni Thorn saka nagkaniya-kaniya na ng sakay sa sasakyan ng mga ito.

Habang si Reigo naman ay patawa-tawa na sumakay sa kotse nito.

Groaning, Thorn helped Cassia enter his car and then he immediately went to the driver’s seat and drove the car towards their house.

“You shouldn’t talk to my friends. You’ll be traumatized,” ani Thorn.

“You’re right.” Sumandal si Cassia sa likuran ng passenger seat saka nagpakawala ng hininga habang nakatingin sa labas ng bintana ng sasakyan. “Nakato-trauma ang kaguwapuhan nila. I thought I know what handsome looked like, but I was wrong. Paano pa ako ngayon makaa-appreciate ng ibang kaguwapuhan?”

Thorn frowned at his wife while driving. “How could you say that in front of your husband?”

Cassia glanced at Thorn. “Bakit parang galit ka?” Medyo humaba ang nguso ni Cassia. “Dapat nga maka-relate ka sa ’kin. Hindi ka ba naguguwapuhan sa mga kaibigan mo?”

The car actually swerved when Thorn heard what Cassia said. If only he could vomit inside his car, he would have.

“Pero guwapo rin naman si Reigo. Bagay kayo.”

Every hair on Thorn’s body rose. He had a severe goosebump. When he pulled his car in front of his house, it was Thorn who was traumatized!

Thorn looked at his wife. “Cinnamon?”

Cassia was unbuckling her seatbelt. “Hmm?”

“Could we not, ahm,” Thorn was having a hard time saying it, “talk about my, ahm, orientation?”

Napatigil si Cassia sa pag-alis ng seatbelt saka bumaling kay Thorn. “Am I making you uncomfortable?” Cassia’s face fell. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.”

“It’s okay.” Lihim na napangiwi si Thorn. “Let’s just not talk about it.”

Cassia nodded. “Okay.” She understood. She was just talking about it because she thought Thorn was not hiding it. He even told her that his parents knew about it, so she assumed it was okay. But I guess he’s still not comfortable talking about it with me. I maybe his wife, but technically, I’m still a stranger he just met weeks ago.

“I have a question though.” Thorn took a deep breath then looked at his wife’s eyes. “H-how did you know? I, ahm, I mean, ahm,” Thorn was really having a hard time saying it, “you know, that I’m, ahm… you know what I mean.”

“Oh, that?” Cassia’s eyes actually widened with understanding. “I saw you in a club with Reigo.”

Ang mata naman ngayon ni Thorn ang nanlaki. “Y-you saw me?”

Tumango si Cassia.

“What did you see?” Thorn demanded. “I mean, what are we doing?” What the fuck was I doing with Reigo that you came to a conclusion that I’m gay?!

Cassia bit her lip like she was shy to say it.

“Cinnamon, come on, tell me.”

Cassia looked down at her lap before shyly opening her mouth to tell Thorn what she saw.

And Thorn could only gape at his wife. His mouth was hanging open in shock that he wouldn’t be surprise if his jaw would be dislocated and drop on his car’s floor.

What the fuck?! Who the fuck was pinning who on the fucking wall?!

CHAPTER 4

Cassia is pronounced as Ca-sse-ya

CHAPTER 4

’ You are pinning each other on the wall. The first time, Reigo pinned you on the wall then he was like kissing you on the neck. And then you pushed him away and when he didn’t budge, you pinned him on the wall as well and then Reigo turned your bodies and he was pinning you again while your faces were on each other’s neck. It was too intense and intimate for me so I withdraw my gaze, but before that, I saw your face clearly. The scene was too much for me that it got stuck in my mind, so when my mother showed me your photo, I instantly knew you were that guy.’ Parang sirang plaka iyon na pabalik-balik sa isip ni Thorn habang nakahiga siya sa kama at wala sa sariling nakatitig sa kisame.

Hindi mawala-wala sa isip niya ang mga sinabi kanina ni Cassia sa loob ng sasakyan nang tanungin niya ito kung bakit nito naisip na lalaki rin ang gusto niya.

He was too traumatized to the point that he burnt their dinner earlier. He couldn’t get it off his head, he felt like he was going crazy!

Wala sa sariling bumaling ang ulo niya sa asawang katabi na mahimbing na mahimbing na natutulog. This is so unfair! How could you sleep so peacefully after traumatizing me like that?

Hindi siya makatulog dahil kahit anong isip ang gawin niya, hindi niya alam kung paano ipapaliwanag sa asawa niya ang totoong kaganapang nakita nito sa club.

Yes, indeed, there was pinning on the wall involved, but he was pretty sure there was no kissing on the neck! Goodness ! He was trying to restrain that freaking drunkard bastard because he was going to throw a fit and they were wrestling with their arms trying to stop each other and that was the outcome. It was a very innocent act! Who would have thought that someone saw them and thought they were intimate and kissing?! The fuck is wrong with my wife?!

No! This was not his Cinnamon’s fault. She was innocent in all this. It just happened that she was there and saw it. Without context, people would normally think what she thought.

Kasalanan talaga itong lahat ni Reigo. Kung hindi dahil sa kalasingan nito at kung pinabayaan niya na lang sana ito doon sa club na magwala at hindi sinundo, hindi sana siya mapagkakamalang bakla ng asawa niya!

Thorn gritted his teeth. Angry at the unfairness of his married life, he got up and left the bedroom with his phone, then he went to the kitchen. Pagkatapos ay nakipag-video call siya sa mga kaibigan niya sa loob ng group chat nila na iba na naman ang pangalan.

HOT DADDEEEHHH GROUP CHAT.

Thorn grimaced at the name. That’s disturbing.

Habang hindi maipinta ang mukha ay tinatawagan niya ang mga kaibigan, pero walang sumasagot. Not everyone was present since it was already past midnight. It was only Knight who answered.

“What is it?” Knight asked.

Thorn frowned. “Are you in the bathroom?”

Knight shrugged. “Naglalabas ako ng sama ng loob, bakit?”

Nalukot ang mukha ni Thorn. “With your phone?”

“Who doesn’t go to the bathroom with their phone nowadays?” Knight tsked. “What is it? Emergency?”

Umiling si Thorn. “Ayaw kitang kausap. Siguradong mababaliw ako sa ’yo.”

“Come on.” Knight showed Thorn an innocent smile. “Isa akong magalinong tao. Magaling plus matalino, equals magalino. Oh ’di ba, ang gali-galino ko?”

Thorn looked at Knight flatly. “Ayoko pang ma-mental. Bye.”

“Hey!”

Thorn sighed. “Fuck! Might as well tell you what happened to get this off my chest.”

Biglang nagningning ang mga mata ni Knight. “Is it a secret?”

“Nope. Not really.”

Knight grinned. “Okay. I’m all ears!”

Thorn sighed again. “Nalaman ko na ang dahilan bakit ang tingin sa ’kin ng asawa ko ay interesado ako sa kapwa ko lalaki.”

Namilog ang mata ni Knight. “And?”

“I feel so wronged!” Thorn hissed. “How could she even think that without knowing the truth?!”

“Hmm…” Knight sighed. “Want my honest and not crazy opinion?”

“Yes. Please!”

“It doesn’t matter what she saw. It’s done,” ani Knight sa seryosong boses. Minsan lang magseryoso si Knight kaya nakinig si Thorn. “What matters is you are now husband and wife. You have all the time to show her your manly side. Show her the real you. You don’t need to tell her you’re not gay if that’s what you’re worried about, you just need to be her husband. Words are meaningless without action. Even if you tell her now that you’re not gay, there is a fifty percent chance that she will not believe you. So, show her that you’re not gay and when she finally catches up to your actions, that’s when you tell her the truth.”

Thorn frowned. “How do you show someone that you’re not gay?”

Knight frowned back and answered sarcastically, “How would I know, my wife didn’t mistake me as gay.”

Thorn showed his middle finger at Knight and Knight tsked.

“I don’t know”—Knight shrugged—“kiss her?”

Umiling si Thorn. “Nope. She will distance herself from me for sure.”

“Romance her?” Knight suggested.

“Ah?” Thorn frowned.

Knight sighed heavily, like he was teaching a kid how to do things. “Jus… be yourself. You said earlier that you want her to be happy, then continue that. Continue making her happy. It’s already a good start.”

“Would that be enough?” Thorn asked, worried. “After that?”

Knight glared at Thorn. “After that, how about you let me poop first?!” Knight tsked. “You’re a grown ass man. I’m sure you can handle the rest.”

Bumagsak ang balikat ni Thorn. “I honestly don’t know what to do. Sa tingin mo makikipag-usap ako sa isang baliw na kagaya mo kung hindi ako desperado?”

Sinapo ni Knight and dibdib at nag-drama na naman. “Ouch. You’re hurting me, you know. I’m sharing my knowledge because I’m so magalino and this is how you repay my kindness?”

Hindi talaga kayang seryosohin ni Thorn si Knight, lalo na’t nababaliw na naman ito kaya naman pinatayan niya ito ng tawag. Pagkalipas ng ilang segundo, nag-send si Knight ng poop emoji sa group chat nila na may kasamang mensahe.

Knight Velasquez: Finally. Lumabas na rin sa wakas. 💩

Napailing na lang si Thorn saka ini-off ang cellphone at nanatiling nakahilig sa island counter hanggang sa mangalay ang paa niya sa katatayo, kaya naman umakyat siya at pumasok ulit sa kuwarto.

Thorn returned to his side of the bed, lying on his side, facing Cassia who was sleeping on her back. And then suddenly, she moved to sleep on her side, facing him.

Thorn stared at his wife’s peaceful sleeping face and unconsciously, his hand started moving to touch his wife’s face with his fingertips. Kapag nalaman mo ang totoo, matutulog ka pa kaya nang ganito kahimbing sa tabi ko?

It was selfish of him to decide not to tell her the truth. He knew it was not what a good husband would do— but for your smile to remain on your lips, please forgive your husband for being selfish.

Thorn steady his breathing before leaning in and pressing his lips on his wife’s forehead. Then he whispered, “Good night, Cinnamon. I’ll make you breakfast tomorrow.”

Kapagkuwan ay umayos na ng higa si Thorn saka pinikit ang mga mata para matulog na. At dahil siguro anong oras na siya natulog, anong oras na rin siyang nagising.

When he woke up in the morning, Cassia already left for work and instead of him cooking for her like he wanted, she cooked for him instead.

Thorn sighed seeing the breakfast his wife cooked for him. “So much for being a good husband.” Thorn tsked before sitting down on the table to have breakfast.

Nitong mga nakaraang araw, simula ng tumira sa bahay niya si Cassia, nasasanay na siyang kumain ng agahan na dati ay kape lang kontento na siya. Siguro dahil ayaw niyang sayangin ang niluto ng asawa kaya inuubos niya lahat.

Thorn was still annoyed at himself even after driving to work. When he parked his car on his restaurant’s parking lot, he wanted to punch himself when he remembered that Cassia’s car broke down yesterday. That means she went to work by commuting.

Fuck! How could I not wake up early?!

Inabot ni Thorn ang cellphone na nasa dashboard ng sasakyan saka hinanap ang numero ni Cassia.

Cassia’s number was on the letter ‘W’ because her number was saved under ’ Wife ’.

Tatawagan sana niya ang asawa pero naisip niyang nasa trabaho ito at baka may importante itong ginagawa kaya naman pinagkasya na lang niya ang sarili sa pagpapadala ng mensahe rito.

To: Wife

‘Anong oras ang uwi mo mamaya?’

Nang hindi kaagad nag-reply ang asawa, lumabas siya ng sasakyan saka pumasok na sa restaurant niya.

Nasa loob siya ng opisina niya at nagbibihis ng chef uniform niya ng matanggap niya ang reply ni Cassia.

From: Wife

‘5pm.’

Nang mabasa ang reply ng asawa, hindi na sumagot si Thorn dahil late na siya pero nagpadala siya ng mensahe sa ina para magtanong. After that, he immediately went to the Japanese cuisine kitchen and helped making sushi. Helping out in the kitchen and cooking was after all his stress reliever and at that moment, he was stressed so he made lots and lots of sushi to distress.

Thorn was occupied the whole day, he was busy, but when the clock stroke four in the afternoon, he stopped whatever he was doing, he changed into his clothes earlier, he made sure that he looked decent and that he smelled good, and he check his mother’s reply to his message this morning before leaving the restaurant to do his business.

And before the clock strikes five, he was already at his destination.

KAAGAD NA NGUMITI si Cassia nang bumukas ang elevator sa fifth floor habang pababa iyon at pumasok doon ang matalik na kaibigan na si Zehannah. Nang tumayo ito sa tabi niya, naglalambing na ihinilig niya ang ulo sa balikat ng kaibigan.

“Tired?” Zehannah asked Cassia.

Cassia nodded. “Ang dami kong tinapos na bukas na ang deadline at dumagdag pa si Mariz na nagpapakalat na naman ng tsismis tungkol sa ’kin.”

Zehannah sighed. “Ano na naman ang pinagkalat ng tsismosa na ’yon?”

Cassia sighed as well. “Hindi ko alam paano niya nalaman na may asawa na ako, e si Sir David lang naman ang pinagsabihan ko kaya nagulat ako sa tsismis na narinig ko. Pinagkakalat na naman ng grupo ni Mariz na totoo raw na may asawa na ako, pero pinagkasundo lang daw kami at tinatago ko kasi raw walang itsura at kinakahiya ko.”

Zehannah snorted. “Buti natama nila ’yong pinagkasundo, mga bobo pa naman ang mga ’yon.” Napa-tsk si Zehannah. “Naku! Ibalandra mo nga ’yang asawa mo rito nang manahimik ang mga gagang ’yon. Nauubos na ang pasensiya ko sa kanila.”

Ngumiti si Cassia. “Hayaan na natin. Mapapagod din ang mga ’yon.”

Umingos si Zehannah. “Kapag napagod sila, siguradong gagawa na naman ’yon ng panibagong issue. Sa dami ng tsismis nila tungkol sa ’yo, puwede nang gawing isang magazine.”

Tumawa lang si Cassia saka nauna nang lumabas ng elevator nang bumukas ’yon. Kaagad namang sumunod sa kaniya si Zehannah pero pareho silang natigilan nang makitang umuulan sa labas.

“Great.” Cassia’s shoulder slumped. “Kung kailan sira ang sasakyan ko, saka naman umulan.”

“Sa condo ko ka kaya muna magpalipas ng ulan,” suhestiyon ni Zehannah na walking distance lang ang tinitirhan nito mula sa opisina. “Saka ka na umuwi kamag tumila na.”

“Sige,” kaagad na sagot ni Cassia na ayaw tumambay sa labas ng gusali baka kulitin na naman siya ni David kapag nakita siya.

Nang makalabas si Cassia at Zehannah sa exit, kaagad na binuksan ni Zehannah ang payong na dala para kaagad silang makaalis, pero gano’n na lang ang pasimpleng pagtagis ng bagang ni Cassia nang makita si David sa tabi ng sasakyan nito na parang may hinihintay.

The parking lot outside their building had a roof to protect the cars from the ever changing weather, that’s why David could stand beside his car without getting wet.

Cassia wanted shrink away when David saw her and smiled. Instantly, she knew he was waiting for her.

Naghahanda na si Cassia ng dahilan para hindi siya ihatid ni David pauwi nang mapansin niya ang grupo nina Maris na nakapalibot sa harapan ng isang sasakyan na nakaparada sa parking lot at parang may kinakausap ang mga ito.

At first, Cassia couldn’t see the person Mariz’s group was talking to because they were surrounding the person leaning on a car, but before she could look away, one of Mariz’s friend moved away a little and there was now a big gap between the bodies of the women surrounding the person. Cassia’s lips slowly parted when her gaze collided with the person leaning on the car.

She was stunned.

And when that person smiled at her when their eyes met, Cassia felt in a daze and breathless all of the sudden. And she couldn’t seem to get her eyes off of that person who was now walking towards her with that charming smile of his.

“W-what are you doing here?” Cassia asked her husband after pulling herself together real quick.

Yes. That person who was leaning on the car earlier with a charming smile was none other than Thorn Calderon—her husband.

Tumigil si Thorn sa harapan ni Cassia saka bahagyang dumukwang para magpantay ang mukha nilang dalawa bago bumuka ang bibig nito. “Nandito ako para sunduin ang asawa ko.” Kapagkuwan ay hinabi ni Thorn ang buhok na bahagyang tumatabing sa gilid ng mata ni Cassia. “Shall we?”

Cassia was speechless at that moment. From the corner of her eyes, she could see David being agitated and Mariz’s gang were just as speechless as she was. Kung hindi pa niya naramdaman na kinuha ni Thorn ang handbag niya saka briefcase na dala, hindi pa siya matatauhan.

Ilang beses na napakurap-kurap si Cassia saka bumaling sa kaibigan niya na nakatanga rin kay Thorn.

Pasimple niyang kinurot sa tagiliran ang kaibigan para magising ito na gumana naman.

“What?” Zehannah asked her, her eyes were still unfocused.

“Uwi na ako.” Tinuro niya si Thorn na siyang may dala na ng bag at briefcase niya. “Ahm, Zehan, this is my husband, Thorn Calderon. Thorn, this is my best friend since college, Zehannah Sevil.”

Thorn quickly offered his free hand for a hand shake.

“Nice to meet you.” Thorn smiled. “Come by our house if you have free time. Let’s have dinner.”

Zehannah who was still slightly in a daze seeing how handsome the man in front of her was just nodded.

Pasimpleng kinurot ulit ni Cassia sa tagiliran ang kaibigan bago nagpaalam at sabay silang naglakad ni Thorn patungo sa sasakyan nito.

“Bakit hindi mo sinabi sa ’kin na susunduin mo ako?” tanong ni Cassia sa asawa at natitiyak niyang dinig na dinig siya ng mga tsismosa at ni David.

“Hindi ko ba puwedeng surpresahin ang asawa ko?”

Pigil ni Cassia ang mapangiti. “Paano kung nakaalis na pala ako? E di nasayang ang pagpunta mo rito.”

“Kanina pa ako rito naghihintay,” ani Thorn saka pinagbuksan si Cassia ng pinto ng sasakyan. “I would never let you escape my sight, Cinnamon.”

Cassia couldn’t suppressed her smile any longer. “Salamat sa pagsundo.”

“It’s your husband’s pleasure,” ani Thorn at kinindatan si Cassia bago isinara ang pinto ng passenger seat saka umikot patungong driver’s seat.

Si Cassia naman na ilang segundong mag-isa sa sasakyan bago sumakay si Thorn ay hindi napigilan ang paglapad ng ngiti sa mga labi nang maalala ang pagkindat ni Thorn. Kapagkuwan ay napailing si Cassia saka sinuway ang sarili.

“Darn, it’s raining hard,” ani Thorn nang makasakay sa sasakyan saka nagsusuot ng seatbelt. “Ayos lang ba ang kaibigan mo? Malakas ang ulan. Mahihirapan siyang mag-commute. Puwede naman natin siyang ihatid na lang.”

Mula sa loob ng sasakyan, tiningnan ni Cassia ang kaibigan na nakahanda na ang payong. Gusto niya itong ihatid, kaya lang ayaw naman niyang maabala si Thorn, pero ngayong si Thorn naman na ang nag-alok, kaagad niyang inalis ang seat belt.

“Wait. I’ll go get her,” nagmamadaling sabi ni Cassia saka lumabas ng sasakyan para lapitan ang kaibigan.

Kaagad namang nagsalubong ang kilay ni Zehannah nang lumabas ng sasakyan si Cassia at lumapit dito. “May nakalimutan ka?”

Hindi sumagot si Cassia, sa halip ay hinawakan niya ang pulsuhan ng kaibigan saka masuyo itong hinila patungo sa sasakyan ni Thorn.

“Cassia, what the heck are you doing—”

Bago pa matapos ni Zehannah ang tanong, binuksan na ni Cassia ang backseat saka pinasakay na ang kaibigan at isinara ang pinto.

Habang papasakay naman si Cassia sa passenger seat, kinausap ni Thorn si Zehannah. “Masyadong malakas ang ulan. Mahihirapan kang umuwi. Ihatid ka na namin.”

“Thanks.” Zehannah couldn’t stop staring at her best friend’s husband through the rearview mirror. Is it just me or there’s really something different with him. Different from all the gay men she knew.

Zehannah couldn’t help following her best friend’s husband every movement from the backseat.

Nang makasakay si Cassia sa sasakyan, kaagad na dumukwang palapit dito ang asawa nito para isuot ang seatbelt nito.

While that was happening, Zehannah was just watching the two. She only knew that Cassia’s husband was gay because Cassia told her, but now seeing him up close and personal, Zehannah was having doubts. Kaya naman habang nag-uusap ang dalawa, nag-o-obserba lang si Zehannah.

“You cold?” tanong ni Thorn sa asawa nang mapansing pinagkikiskis ni Cassia ang mga palad nito. “Patayin ko ba ang aircon?”

“No, it’s okay,” ani Cassia saka hinipan ang mga kamay para mainitan ’yon. “I’m fine.”

But Thorn didn’t listen. He turned off the air-conditioning, then he turned his body to face Cassia, held her hand and massage it so she wouldn’t get gold. Cassia couldn’t help smiling seeing how nice her husband was. Always considerate.

“What do you want for dinner?” Thorn asked Cassia while massaging her hands.

“Anything.”

“You want to eat out?”

Umiling si Cassia. “I like your cooking. Kapag ikaw ang nagluluto, kahit nasa bahay lang tayo, feeling ko sa restaurant ako kumakain.”

Thorn chuckled and teased Cassia. “Who knew my wife was a flatterer.”

Tiningnan ng masama ni Cassia ang asawa. “Hindi kita binobola. Totoo ’yon.”

Thorn chuckled again. “Okay, my wife, I believe you.”

Cassia tsked and pulled away her hands from Thorn’s hold. “Hindi ako mambobola.”

Mahinang tumawa lang si Thorn saka humarap na sa manibela. “Sabi ko nga. Inosente at mabait ang asawa ko.”

Inirapan ni Cassia si Thorn habang may pinipigil na ngiti sa mga labi. Thorn really liked teasing her. He teased her too when he saw the design of her pajamas. Meanie!

“Saan ka pala namin ihahatid?” tanong ni Thorn kay Zehannah na mukhang naalala palang na may kasama sila sa sasakyan.

Kaagad namang ibinigay ni Zehannah ang address niya saka bumalik sa pag-o-obserba sa dalawang nasa harapan.

“By the way, Cinnamon, what do you want to do this weekend?” tanong ni Thorn sa asawa habang minamaniobra ang sasakyan paalis ng parking lot.

“I don’t know,” sagot ni Cassia habang nakatingin sa labas ng sasakyan. “Rest, maybe?”

“Wala kang lugar na gustong puntahan? I’ll accompany you.”

Gulat na napabaling si Cassia kay Thorn. “Hindi ka busy sa restaurant mo?”

“My restaurant can survive without me for a day or two,” sagot ni Thorn sa asawa kapagkuwan ay natigilan nang ma-realize ni Thorn kung anong sinabi. His restaurant was his life, it was his beloved, but now he was actually willing to part with it for two days and prioritize his wife?

But happy wife means happy life, right? And if this could make his wife happy, then, he’ll accompany her.

“Kung gano’n, may gusto akong puntahan,” ani Cassia saka ngumiti sa asawa. “Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it,” ani Thorn saka kinabig ang manibela pa-kanan para pumasok sa driveway patungo sa condo ni Zehannah. Nang itinigil ni Thorn ang sasakyan sa harap ng condominium building, bumaling nito si Zehannah. “We’re here.”

Zehannah smiled. “Thanks.” Then she tapped Cassia’s shoulder from the backseat. “See you tomorrow, girl.”

Nilingon naman ni Cassia ng kaibigan. “See you.”

Tumango si Zehannah kay Cassia saka lumabas na ng sasakyan. Nang maisara ni Zehannah ang pintuan pagkatapos nitong lumabas, ilang segundo lang ay nasa daan na ulit ang sasakyan ni Thorn. Tinatahak ang daan patungong BV.

“Kailan maayos ang sasakyan mo?” kapagkuwan ay tanong ni Thorn habang nagmamaneho.

Sumandal si Cassia sa likod ng passenger seat. “Hindi ko alam. Tumawag ako sa kanila kanina para alamin, pero nahihirapan daw silang ayusin dahil ilang beses na rin ’yong nasira.”

“Gano’n ba?” Nag-isip si Thorn ng ibang paraan para hindi mahirapan ang asawa niya sa pagpasok sa trabaho. “How about you use one of my cars for the meantime?”

Bahagyang nanlaki ang mga mata ni Cassia. She had seen Thorn’s cars in the garage and all of them were really expensive. “Ayos lang naman sa ’kin pero baka mapa’no ko ang sasakyan mo—”

“Then it’s settled. I can’t have you commuting everyday and if you let that boss of yours drive you home again, I’ll get mad, Cinnamon.”

Napatitig si Cassia sa asawa sa sinabi nito. Why would he get mad? We’re not really in that kind of marriage, right?

“Hindi kita masusundo araw-araw, lalo na kapag maraming costumer sa restaurant,” dagdag ni Thorn, “kaya naman gamitin mo ang sasakyan ko. You can choose which one you like. I don’t mind. But if you ask me, I suggest you use my Porsche Panamera. It’s fast. You won’t be late for work.”

Cassia’s lips parted at the thought of driving such luxurious car. And she couldn’t say no because Thorn was offering it and it would be rude of her to decline. Ang magagawa na lang niya ay ingatan ang sasakyan nito. “Thank you.”

Thorn glanced at Cassia while frowning. “Cinnamon, stop thanking me. I’m your husband. What’s mine is yours, always remember that.”

Cassia nodded before looking outside the car while her hands resting on her lap were clasped together tightly. It was not hard liking Thorn as a person. He was a nice guy and a very good husband, but if this continued, would she end up liking him as a man?

It would not be good for me.

Because of those thoughts floating in Cassia’s head, she was silent the whole ride. Nang makarating sila sa BV, tahimik pa ring lumabas ng sasakyan si Cassia saka pumasok sa bahay.

While Cassia went upstairs to change, Thorn immediately went to the kitchen to prepare their dinner. Minutes passed and Cassia was now entering the kitchen.

“Need help?” she asked.

“Nope.” Thorn glanced at her while slicing the meat. “Just sit there. In this kitchen, you are the queen.”

Napailing si Cassia sa asawa at umupo sa stool ng island counter at nangalumbaba saka wala sa sariling pinagmasdan ang asawa na nag-uumpisa nang magluto. Cassia had nothing better to do in the kitchen than stared at her husband’s frame while he cooked.

Cassia’s eyes followed Thorn around. She was watching Thorn’s every move and she was not even bored. She liked watching how his arm muscle flexed every time he stirred the pot. His side frame was manly, but it was Thorn’s back that made Cassia sigh while staring. Her husband’s back was sexy as hell.

“Cinnamon?”

Cassia blinked, still staring at Thorn’s back. “Hmm?”

“Stop staring at me,” Thorn said while still focus on cooking. “One more second of your eyes on me and I won’t be able to take it anymore.”

Cassia pouted a little. “But I want to stare at you. You’re very nice to look at. Just let me, hmm? You said I’m the queen of the kitchen, right? Then it’s one of my perks as the queen—to stare at her king.”

Biglang umayos ng upo si Cassia saka napakurap-kurap nang bigla na lang nabitawan ni Thorn ang hawak nitong panandok dahil napaso ito.

When Cassia saw Thorn put his burnt skin under the running water from the faucet, she left the stool and went to rescue the food Thorn was cooking while looking worriedly at Thorn.

“Ayos ka lang ba?” ranong ni Cassia sa asawa.

Thorn cussed, “I told you to stop staring.”

Cassia blinked at her husband. “Anong kinalaman ng pagtitig ko sa ’yo sa pagpakaso mo?”

Thorn face her while his wrist was still under the faucet. “What would you feel if I kept staring at you?”

Cassia blinked then shrugged. “Okay… I guess?”

Thorn squeezed his eyes shut and mumbled, “This is so unfair.”

“What unfair?” usisa ni Cassia.

“Nothing,” ani Thorn. “I’ll got get the first-aid kit.” Tinuro ni Thorn ang niluluto. “Keep stirring.”

Tumango naman si Cassia saka napasimangot sa niluluto na nasa harapan. “Paano ko naging kasalanan na napaso siya? Ang layo-layo ko nga sa kaniya,” pabulong na reklamo ni Cassia. “At anong kinalaman ng pagtitig ko sa kaniya sa pagkapaso niya? Para namang hindi siya sanay na mapaso. Chef siya, ’di ba?”

Cassia tsked and continued stirring the pot while complaining. She was busy mumbling to herself that she didn’t realize that Thorn was already back and he was now behind her.

“You’re not stirring it right,” ani Thorn mula sa likuran saka hinawakan ang kamay ni Cassia na may hawak sa panandok at iginiya ang kamay nito sa tamang paghalo. At dahil hawak din ng isang kamay ni Thorn ang gilid ng kaserola, ramdam na ramdam ni Cassia na parang yakap ito ng asawa.

But because Cassia thought Thorn was gay, she just let it happen and even turned around to check Thorn’s skin that got burnt.

When Cassia came face to face with Thorn who stilled when their eyes metand realized how close their faces were, for the second time that night, Thorngot burnt again.

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 5

BILANG CHEF, sanay na si Thorn na napapaso. Hindi na ’yon big deal sa kaniya. Pero sa pagkakataong ’yon, hindi niya matanggap ang pagkapaso niya dahil sa katangahan niya. What was he thinking letting his hand slip and touching the hot pot carelessly? Wait… was he even thinking? Because if he could remember clearly, his mind was blank at that moment.

And that was all because his wife faced him, and their faces were in close proximity. His mind went blank instantly, together with his lungs. Yes, his lungs went blank as well because somehow, in that few seconds that his wife’s face was close to his, his lungs didn’t function well—he stopped breathing.

And because he was burnt twice, literally, he had to rest from cooking for a few days because the second burn got his fingers good. At dahil hindi siya makapag-distress gamit ang pagluluto, gusto niyang maghanap ng ibang mapaglilibangan para mawala sa isip niya ang asawa na hindi niya alam kung paano ito mag-isip.

With that thought, Thorn found himself in Lysander’s barn. At dahil doon muna pansamantala tumutuloy si Vasquez dahil under construction na naman ang bahay nito, nag-inuman silang dalawa hanggang sa isa-isang nagsidatingan ang mga kaibigan nilang hindi alam ni Thorn kung wala talaga itong mga trabaho o naroon para maki-tsismis na naman sa paghihirap niya.

Knight and Shun were present, not shocking. Titus and Phoenix were present as well. May inasikaso raw ang mga ito at dumaan sa barn nang malamang nandoon siya, siyempre, para maki-tsismis. Iuhence was present as well and was busy relying everything to Lysander who was still awake even though it was already midnight in Seattle.

“Anong nangyari sa ’yo?” tanong ni Phoenix nang makita ang nangyari sa dalawang daliri niya.

Thorn shrugged while drinking beer from the bottle. “Katangahan.”

“Naubusan ka na ba ng ingredients na pati daliri mo niluto mo na?” tanong ni Knight na umupo sa tabi ni Shun at sumisilip sa laptop ni Shun para tingnan kung anong ginagawa nito.

Thorn sighed. “I don’t even know what I was doing.”

Titus frowned. “What happened to you? Bakit para kang pinagsakluban ng langit at lupa? Ano na naman ang sinabi ng asawa mo?”

No need to ask. They already knew that when Thorn was like this, it had something to do with his wife.

Thorn blew a loud breath before looking at his friends. “You’re all married except for this shit head here.” Tinuro niya si Reigo na tahimik na umiinom ng beer. “I have a question for all of you.”

Lahat ay napatingin kay Thorn at nakinig. Kahit si Shun ay tumigil sa ginagawa sa laptop nito para makinig sa tanong ni Thorn.

“Ah… what does it mean when your mind went blank because your wife was near?” Thorn asked while staring at the air.

No one answered, but they were looking at Thorn with smiles on their faces.

Thorn asked again, “What does it mean if your lungs stopped working as well because your wife was so close?”

Everyone was now chuckling and shaking their heads.

“What does it mean when you became an idiot and burned yourself just because your wife suddenly said something… sweet?” When no one answered, Thorn asked again, “What does it mean when your wife is always on your mind because of how bizarre she is?”

Iuhence sighed. “Even though I know the answer to that, I don’t want to answer it.”

Shun nodded, agreeing to Iuhence. “It’s best if you searched the answer yourself.”

“Dapat ikaw mismo sa sarili mo ang makaalam,” dagdag ni Titus. “It’s no use hearing the answer from us. It wouldn’t be genuine.”

Tumango si Phoenix. “I’m sure you’ll find the answer sooner or later.”

“Even Callahan doesn’t want to answer you,” ani Iuhence saka pinakita pa kay Thorn ang screen ng cellphone nito kung nasaan ang sagot ni Lysander sa tanong niya na ni-relay rito ni Iuhence.

Knight sighed and tsked. “I told you to romance her, but looks like the opposite happened.”

Sumabad si Reigo sa usapan, “Bud, those questions you have, I have an answer to that.”

Kaagad na bumaling si Thorn kay Reigo. He was eager to know what it meant. “What is it?”

Itinaas ni Reigo ang bote ng beer na hawak saka mahinang natawa. “Sana all.”

Thorn looked at Reigo flatly. “Fuck you.”

“What?” Reigo asked innocently. “Totoo naman, ah. Sana all nakararamdam pa ng ganiyan. Because me, I don’t know anymore, bud. I’m done. Really, really done. If cupid knocked one more time on my doorstep, I’m gonna beat the shit out of him.”

Thorn tsked and leaned on the back of the sofa. “Never mind. I think whatever this is, I’ll find out soon enough.” Kapagkuwan ay napailing ulit siya. “Nagdarasal lang ako na sana hindi pa ako nasa mental sa oras na ’yon.”

“I think your wife’s mind works differently from normal people,” ani Knight na kumakain ng barbecue. “Or maybe she has her own reason why she wanted to believe that you’re gay. Sometimes, people tend to believe in anything just to appease their mind—because believing in something made them feel safe. It made them feel in control.”

Everyone looked at Knight in shock.

“What?” nagtatakang tanong ni Knight sa mga kaibigan na gulat na nakatingin dito.

“Wow.” Iuhence sounded amazed. “You can actually say some serious stuff? I’m shocked.”

“You’re not Midnight, are you?” may pagdududa na tanong ni Titus kay Knight.

While Phoenix clapped. “Bud, kailangan mong manlibre ng barbecue. That was shocking.”

Knight just raised his middle finger at everyone. “Magalino kasi ako kaya ganito. Sa sobrang galino ko, wala nang mas gagalino sa ’kin.”

Shun tsked at Knight. “Don’t praise him. Lalaki ang ulo niyan.”

Knight grinned. “Too late. I’m so magalino. Wala nang mas gagalino pa sa ’kin.”

Napailing na lang ang lahat dahil bumalik na naman ang sinto-sinto na Knight na kilala nilang lahat, habang si Thorn naman ay nagpatuloy sa pag-inom ng beer habang nasa isip na naman ang asawa.

He was wondering what she was doing at that moment. Kinukulit na naman kaya ito ng boss nito? Hindi ba nakararamdam ang gago na ’yon na ayaw rito ng asawa niya? If that David guy continued pursuing his wife even after knowing she was married, he would not take it lying down.

Sa isiping ’yon, hindi napigilan ni Thorn na ilabas ang cellphone sa bulsa ng pantalon saka nagpadala ng mensahe sa asawa niya.

To: Wife

‘That David guy is not pestering you again, is he?’

Thankfully, his wife replied in an instant.

From: Wife

‘He’s on leave.’

Thorn actually felt relieved.

He replied. ‘Good.’

After sending his message, he sent another message just in case.

‘And no, I didn’t ask you that because I like your boss. Hindi ako magkakagusto sa kaniya. Never. Ever.’

Pagkatapos i-send ’yon, napatango-tango pa si Thorn sa sarili. It was a good decision to send that message to his wife. It was how he will combat his wife’s different way of thinking. Clarifying everything without saying that he didn’t swing that way.

But his wife proved to him once again how bizarre she was.

From: Wife

’That’s good then. Magagalit si Reigo sa ‘yo.’

Thorn let out a long controlled breath to calm himself before replying. ‘There is nothing going on between me and Reigo. We’re just friends. And lastly, he’s not my type.’

Cassia immediately replied. ’Kung gano’n ano ang type mo? Tell me and I’ll help you find him 😇 ’

Thorn let another long breath out as he replied. ‘Long wavy hair with bangs.’

Nang mabasa ni Cassia ang reply ng asawa, napahawak siya sa bangs niya saka kumunot ang noo bago nag-reply. ‘Thorn, mahirap makahanap ng lalaki ngayon na mahaba ang buhok at may bangs 😞 .’

Thorn actually face palmed at his wife’s reply. This is going nowhere! Magre-reply na sana si Thorn sa asawa nang may pumasok na mensahe galing ulit kay Cassia.

From: Wife

‘Gusto mong pumunta ng club? Samahan kita. Baka may makita tayo ro’n na type mo.’

Thorn’s shoulders fell. He gave up. He’ll really be crazy if this continued.

Akmang ibabalik niya ang cellphone sa bulsa nang mapansing nakikibasa rin si Reigo sa palitan nila ng mensahe ni Cassia. And then the drunkard tsked before grabbing his phone and hurriedly typing something.

Mabilis namang inagaw ni Thorn ang cellphone saka tiningnan kung anong pinagta-type doon ni Reigo.

To: Wife

‘I like sexy bodies.’

Thorn’s mouth fell open when he saw that Reigo actually managed to send that message! His glaring eyes settled on Reigo who was drinking again and he was ready to beat the bastard to death when his phone beeped.

A message from Cassia.

From: Wife

‘Like this?’

And below that message was a photo attachment of a male model with six pack abs.

Biglang tumawa si Reigo na nakikibasa na naman ng message. At nagkaniya-kaniya ring silip ang mga baliw niyang kaibigan sa screen ng cellphone niya.

Of course, Knight laughed. “Bud, hindi ko alam na six pack abs na pala ngayon ang mga type mo.”

Thorn just raised his middle finger at Knight.

“Bud”—Reigo let out a laugh seeing the male model—“you’re doomed. Kalahi yata ng asawa ni Volkzki ang asawa mo.”

Thorn actually agreed with Reigo. He was doomed. Knight was right, there was no changing his wife’s mind by just words. Even if he told her now that he was not really gay, she would never believe him.

He had to act. But how, exactly? Ano ba ang puwede niyang gawin na hindi ito matatakot at tatakbo palayo sa kaniya?

Blowing a loud breath, he put his phone back on his jeans pocket and continued drinking while thinking of ways on how to change his wife’s mind.

CASSIA CAME HOME late. She had to assist the team in designing and developing promotional materials that’ll be used for marketing campaigns next week. Nang maigarahe niya ang sasakyan ng asawa na pinagamit nito sa kaniya, bumalik na naman sa alaala niya ang pag-uusap nila kanina ni Thorn.

Hindi na nag-reply sa kaniya si Thorn pagkatapos niyang padalhan ito ng larawan ng male model na may six pack na abs na nahanap niya sa Google.

Napasimangot si Cassia. “Mukhang hindi niya nagustuhan ang sinend ko sa kaniya. Pero sabi niya sexy, sexy naman ang lalaking ’yon, ah. Pinaghirapan ko pa ’yong hanapin sa Google kanina.”

Bumuntonghininga na lang si Cassia bago lumabas ng sasakyan at maingat na isinara ang pinto niyon bago naglakad papasok ng bahay.

Cassia frowned when she found the door open. She instantly became alert while stepping inside and closing the door behind her. Gusto niyang tawagin ang pangalan ng asawa nang makita ang ilang basag na furniture saka mga tabinging sofa at mesa, pero baka marinig siya kung sino man ang nanloob sa bahay nila.

Slowly, Cassia advance passed the living room and went to the kitchen to check. It was empty. Mas lalong humipit ang hawak niya sa brief case at handbag habang naglalakad palabas ng kusina at pabalik sa salas.

Mukhang walang tao sa ibaba, ibig sabihin baka nasa itaas. Sa isiping ’yon, maingat siyang umakyat ng hagdan. Patingkayad pa ang lakad niya para lang hindi lumikha ng ingay ang mga paa niya.

When Cassia reached the top of the staircase, she heard a noise—a grunt—coming from her and Thorn’s room.

Magnanakaw!

Cassia was scared shit, but she still managed to grip her handbag and briefcase hard and enter their room to confront and attack the thief—only to be surprised when she saw Thorn moving in circles while swaying and trying to put a shirt on, but failing.

Cassia’s head tilted to the side while watching her husband walk in circles while struggling and trying his hardest to put on the shirt that was already around his neck and arms. Thorn was grunting in annoyance every time he fails to pull down his shirt.

The grunt she heard earlier was not from a thief—but from Thorn who was trying to put on a shirt.

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Cassia habang pinagmamasdan ang asawang gumegewang. Nag-alala siya na baka bigla na lang itong matumba at tumama sa kung saan ang ulo kaya naman mabilis na binitiwan niya ang dalang handbag at briefcase na bumagsak sa sahig saka dinaluhan ang asawa.

“Ano ba’ng ginagawa mo?” tanong niya sa asawa at hinawakan ito sa magkabilang braso para iginiya paupo sa gilid ng kama saka tinulungan niya itong isuot ang t-shirt na hindi nito masuot-suot sa hindi malamang kadahilanan.

After helping her husband put his shirt on, Cassia couldn’t help but stare at Thorn’s very messy hair. Dahil siguro sa t-shirt nito na na-stuck sa ulo nito kanina kaya nagulo ang buhok nito.

Sighing, Cassia reached out to fixed Thorn’s hair, but her hand was seized by none other than, her husband.

“Thorn, let me go,” ani Cassia sa kalmadong boses. “Let me fix your hair. It’s messy.”

But Thorn didn’t let go of her hand, instead he looked up at her since she was standing in front of him and asked, “Bakit Thorn lang ang tawag mo sakin?” His speech was slurred, but still comprehensible for Cassia. “Cinnamon ang tawag ko sa ’yo, tapos ikaw, Thorn lang?”

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Cassia habang pinagmamasdan ang asawa. Sa kinikilos nito at sa pananalita, para itong lasing.

“Thorn”—sinapo niya ang mukha ng asawa—“lasing ka ba?”

Thorn shook his head then grinned at her. “I just drink a little.”

Lihim na napangiwi si Cassia. Anong a little? E hindi na nga ito makapagsuot ng t-shirt tapos pagewang-gewang pa. She’ll also bet that the mess on the living was his doing.

Bumuntonghininga si Cassia saka inalis ang kamay sa pinakawalan ang mukha ng asawa sa pagkakasapo. “Buong araw ka bang uminom kaya lasing na lasing ka?” Ang alam kasi niya hindi ito pumunta sa restaurant dahil sa paso nito.

Still grinning, Thorn nodded yes. Then a second later, he was shaking his head no.

Cassia sighed. “Pahinga ka na.”

Umiling si Thorn saka nanatiling nakatingala at nakatingin kaniya. “Answer me f-first. Bakit Thorn lang ang t-tawag mo sa ’kin ha?” Hinawakan nito ang magkabila niyang kamay. “Cinnamon, give me an endearment,” he demanded.

Pigil ni Cassia ang mapangiti dahil naku-cute-tan siya sa lasing na Thorn. When he was sober, he was very accommodating and nice, but when drunk, he was demanding. So different from the Thorn she knew. “Wala akong maisip na endearment.”

Thorn pouted. But it’s a must for married couples.“

Is that why he had been calling me Cinnamon? She took a deep breath. “Okay. What do you want me to call you other than your name?”

Thorn was back to grinning again. “Hmm… darling?”

Umiling si Cassia. “Hindi ko kayang tawagin kang gano’n.”

“Sweetheart?”

Umiling ulit si Cassia.

“Babe?” Thorn suggested again, his grin was disappearing.

Umiling si Cassia. “Hindi ko kaya.”

Thorn’s grin was nowhere to be seen now as he suggested another endearment. “How about baby?”

Nang umilis ulit si Cassia, bumagsak na ang balikat ni Thorn. “How could you be so cruel, Cinnamon? I’m your husband.” Tinuro pa nito ang sarili. “You have to give me an endearment!” he demanded again. “It’s a must!” He was like a kid throwing tantrums. “All my married friends has one, so I should have one too.”

“Okay. Okay.” Inagaw ni Cassia ang kamay na hawak ni Thorn para ayusin ang magulo nitong buhok gamit ang mga daliri. “But promise me you’ll rest afterwards.”

“Promise.”

“Okay.” Inisa-isa ni Cassia ang lahat ng endearment na alam niya sa isip niya at pinakiramdaman niya kung ano sa mga iyon ang kaya niyang itawag kay Thorn. After long consideration, she finally chose one. “How about ‘hon’?”

Thorn blinked at her. “Hon? From honey?”

Nahihiyang tumango si Cassia. “Yes. “

Slowly, his charming smile stretched his lips. “Call me hon now. Hurry up. I want to hear.”

Cassia swallowed all her shyness and spoke. “Pahinga ka na, hon.”

Thorn’s smile turned into a wide grin and Cassia was stunned when Thorn wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to him while the side of his face was pressed against her stomach.

Cassia was frozen, but her heart wasn’t. It was beating fast. Really fast.

Calming herself, she slowly distanced her body from Thorn. “Come on. You promise me you’ll rest after I call you hon.”

Napabuntonghininga si Thorn saka parang napipilitang pinakawalan siya sa pagkakayakap sa baywang saka umusog nang kaunti bago nahiga sa kama. Kapagkuwan ay tinapik nito ang espasyo sa tabi nito. “Come here. Sleep beside me.”

“I can’t.” She had to make dinner and eat. And because Thorn was drunk and unable to cook, it was up to her to make dinner for herself.

Nalukot ang mukha ni Thorn sa sagot niya. “Bakit? Alam mo bang naligo ako para sa ’yo?”

Napakurap-kurap si Cassia sa asawa. “Naligo ka… para sa ’kin?” Paninigurado niya sa narinig.

Thorn nodded. “Yes, so come here.” His tongue rolled in between his lips. “Sleep beside me,” de demanded.

Instead of listening to Thorn, Cassia just sat on the edge of the bed, beside Thorn. “I have other things to do. How about I stay beside you ’til you fall asleep?”

Thorn didn’t say anything, he just stared at her. So Cassia stared back.

Cassia had to pinch herself from time to time while staring back at her husband because of his eyes. They were really beguiling. That gray eyes of his that changes color to baby bluish when light hits it, it was really something to look at. His eyes seemed like it was sucking her in, making her feel breathless.

After a couple of seconds of their staring contest, Cassia was the first one to look away. She couldn’t take his eyes anymore. They were dangerously tantalizing.

“Cinnamon?” Thorn was still staring at her, Cassia could feel his eyes on her face.

“Hmm?” she answered without looking at him.

“Look at me.”

She didn’t want to, but there was something in his voice that made her look at him. And when their eyes met again, he asked.

“If I kissed you”—his eyes that were trained on hers dropped down to her lips—“are you going to run away, or would you stay?”

Umawang ang labi ni Cassia sa narinig. Hindi siya nakapagsalita. Hindi niya alam ang isasagot. Parang biglang na-blangko ang isip niya sa tanong na ’yon ng asawa.

At mas lalong natulos siya sa kinauupuan nang dahan-dahang bumangon si Thorn saka umupo sa kama paharap sa kaniya.

“You— y-you like men, right?” Cassia stammered. “W-Why would you want to kiss me?”

“The husband wants to kiss his wife.” Thorn held her gaze. “Am I not allowed to?”

“L-lasing ka lang,” pagbibigay ng rason ni Cassia sa gustong gawin ng asawa sa kaniya. “Maybe you’re mistaking me for someone else—”

“You’re my wife, Mrs. Cassia Engelyn Calderon. How could I mistake my wife for someone else?”

Cassia didn’t know what to say. She didn’t know if she will run away or stay. She was conflicted, but before she could decide the best coarse of action, Thorn’s thumb and forefinger were already holding her chin in place and his thumb was caressing the corner of her lips like he was teasing her.

Cassia’s throat went dry. She could feel her eyelids fluttering as her husband’s face slowly neared hers. And when his lips were only inch apart from hers, her eyelids voluntarily dropped close as her lips awaits for her drunk husband’s kiss.

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 6

CASSIA WAS SQUEEZING her eyes out really tight, nervously waiting for Thorn’s lips on hers. It was not like it was her first kiss, but it had been a long time since a man’s lips would touch hers. It was uncomfortable to sit there, waiting and not moving because she didn’t want to hurt her husband’s feelings if she moved away, but it was nerve-wrecking. Thorn had been really nice to her. If he wanted a kiss, then she’ll give it to him.

Clenching her hands, she continued waiting until she heard a loud crash.

Mabilis na nagmulat ng mga mata si Cassia para tingnan kung anong nangyari at gano’n na lang ang panlalaki ng mga mata niya nang makitang si Thorn ang may likha ng malakas na tunog na ’yon.

Nahulog ito sa kama. Mukhang dahil sa kalasingan, nawalan ito ng balanse kahit nakaupo na at natumba deretso sa sahig.

A breath of relief escaped Cassia’s lips. She was thankful that the kiss didn’t happen. Nasisiguro niyang dahil lang ’yon sa kalasingan ng asawa at kung hindi ito lasing ay hindi nito gagawin ’yon. He liked men after all. Kahit sinabi nito sa kaniya na magkaibigan lang ito at si Reigo, hindi ibig sabihin n’on ay mali na siya sa kaalamang lalaki rin ang gusto nito.

Because if he was not gay, then he would’ve told her straightaway, right? Thorn would never lie to her—he didn’t look like a liar. He was really a nice guy. That was why she firmly believed that her husband bat for the other team.

Huminga nang malalim si Cassia bago dinaluhan si Thorn at tinulungan itong makatayo at makabalik sa kama saka pinahiga ito. Thankfully, he was not demanding this time. Nang mahiga ito, kaagad itong nakatulog.

Nakahinga nang maluwang si Cassia saka kinumutan ang asawa bago siya pumasok sa walk-in closet para magbihis. Pagkalabas ay itinabi niya ang bag at brief case na basta na lang niyang binitiwan kanina saka lumabas ng kuwarto para bumaba sa kusina at magluto.

Cassia cooked and eat alone. After dinner, she tidied up everything before locking every door and window around the house.

Nang makabalik siya sa kuwarto, mahimbing na ang tulog ni Thorn kaya nahiga na rin siya sa tabi nito saka natulog.

When morning came, Cassia woke up early, but Thorn was nowhere to be seen. Napalinga-linga siya, hinahanap ito. ’Yon kasi ang unang beses na nagising siya na wala na ito sa kama. Usually, Thorn always wakes up late, but looks like getting drunk made him woke up early.

Cassia left the bed and did some stretching first and simple exercise before going to the bathroom to take a bath and get ready for work. Nang matapos siyang mag-ayos, saka lang siya bumaba at natagpuan niya ang asawa na nakapaghanda na ng agahan at ngayon ay umiinom na ng kape.

Cassia entered the kitchen. She was about to greet Thorn when she remembered Thorn’s demand last night. So Cassia took a deep breath, swallowed all her shyness away and greeted Thorn. “Morning, hon.”

Thorn, who was sipping coffee, coughed vigorously and spurted the coffee in his mouth after hearing Cassia’s morning greeting.

Kaagad namang dinaluhan ni Cassia ang asawa saka inabot ang tissue rito. “Here. Ayos ka lang ba?”

Still coughing, Thorn accepted the tissue from Cassia to wipe off the coffee on his lips, chin and shirt.

“Dapat dahan-dahan lang sa pag-inom ng kape,” ani Cassia saka tinulungan si Thorn na punasan ang kape na naibuga nito sa lamesa.

Hindi makapaniwalang napatitig si Thorn sa asawa. “Y-you—you… you did this to me!” Hindi mapigilan ni Thorn na magtaas ng boses.

Napatigil sa pagpupunas si Cassia sa lamesa saka humarap kay Thorn. “What do you mean?”

Thorn wanted to pull his hair out in frustration, but then Cassia did something that made his lungs stop functioning again.

She tiptoed close to him, held his jaw with her soft hands, then she inspected his mouth in close proximity. “Mukhang hindi ka naman napaso. Thank God.”

Thankfully, she let go of his jaw and pulled back. His lungs were now back in action. It was working again.

Thorn took a very, very, deep breath before clarifying what he heard. “W-what did you call me earlier?”

Cassia sat on the chair and answered Thorn nonchalantly, like it was nothing, “I called you ‘hon’ like you demanded last night.”

Muntik nang mabuwal sa kinatatayuan si Thorn, buti na lang napahawak siya upuang nasa harapan niya. I demanded? What is she talking about?! Why would I demand such a thing?! But wait, I was drunk last night and of course, his wife would never lie to him. Fucking fuck!

Thorn’s head was in turmoil, but he remained calm outside. “And you’re okay with calling me ‘hon’?” Thorn was trying to be cool while asking, but truthfully he was drowning in embarrassment.

“Hmm.” Cassia nodded and smiled at Thorn, oblivious to the embarrassment Thorn was experiencing at that moment. “You suggested a lot of endearments like babe, baby, darling and sweetheart, but I chose ‘hon’. Sa totoo lang, nahihiya akong tawaging kang gano’n pero gustong-gusto mo talaga e. Sabi mo pa nga kagabi, may endearment ang mga kaibigan mong may asawa na, dapat mayroon ka rin. You were really demanding last night.”

Thorn’s face was straight, but behind that straight face was a man drowning in shame. And after hearing Cassia’s story, he grabbed a glass full of water and drank it like a thirsty man to hide how embarrassed he was.

Who knows that feeling embarrass could make a man thirsty?

“Ah,” Thorn cleared his throat, “sorry for demanding it.”

Cassia smiled remembering how cute Thorn was last night. “It’s okay, you’re cute while demanding anyway.”

Napaubo na naman si Thorn, pero sa pagkakataong ’yon, hindi na kape kundi ang tubig na iniinom nito.

Kaagad na inabutan ng tissue ni Cassia si Thorn. “Ayos ka lang ba talaga? Gusto mo dalhin kita sa doctor?”

Palihim na napangiwi si Thorn. “Nasisiguro kong walang doctor na makagagamot sa pinagdaraanan ko ngayon.”

Cassia got worried. “Gusto mo bang mag-leave ako ngayong araw para may kasama ka rito sa bahay?”

Umiling si Thorn. “No, I’m okay. Don’t worry.” Alam niyang mas mababaliw siya kapag isang buong araw niyang nakasama ang asawa. Ilang minuto nga lang silang magkasama, na-trauma siya, paano pa kaya kung isang buong araw? Baka ma-mental na talaga siya.

“Okay. Sige.” Kapagkuwan ay may pag-aalalang tumingin si Cassia kay Thorn. “Iinom ka ba ulit ngayon hanggang malasing ka? Puwede bang hindi na? You were really out of it last night. Nahulog ka pa sa kama. I know I don’t have the right to stop you, but—”

“I won’t drink,” mabilis na sabi ni Thorn ng makita ang pag-aalala sa mukha ng asawa. “And you have all the right. You’re my wife.”

Cassia looked away when she felt her heart throbbing for some reason. “Okay, then.”

“Don’t worry,” ani Thorn. “Tatambay lang ako ngayon sa high-tech na barn na pag-aari ng kaibigan namin pero hindi ako iinom. Reigo is with me and—” Thorn stopped talking and immediately clarify things with his wife when he saw his wife’s face changed at the mention of Reigo’s name. “There is nothing going on, Cinnamon. Wala kaming relasyon. Believe me!”

Cassia glanced at Thorn’s panicking face. “It’s okay. No need to be defensive.” Then she smiled at her husband. “I told you, it’s okay. I understand. I know you can’t trust me yet with your secrets and that’s okay, but you don’t need to keep anything from me. I’ll support you all the way.”

Thorn went silent after that, like he was thinking of something, then seconds later he spoke. “You always say that you’ll support me. Does that mean you want the same support from me when you find the man you love? Because if that is so, then you would be disappointed.” He looked at her in the eyes. “You’re my wife, Cinnamon. I want our marriage to work. I have no plans on giving you to someone else. I promise, I’ll make you really, really happy, so you have to stay with me. Annulment is out of the question.”

Napakurap-kurap si Cassia sa asawa. “Bakit ako magpapa-annul? I like being your wife. You cook good, you have a very comfortable house, I get to drive a very nice car and you’re not a perverted guy—well, except for last night when you tried to kiss me—”

“I did what?!” Thorn was horrified. He was concern that his action would scare Cassia. He didn’t want to scare her.

But Cassia was thinking differently. Seeing Thorn’s horrified face, she thought Thorn was horrified with the thought of kissing a woman. Kaya naman mabilis niyang pinakalma ang asawa. “Don’t worry. Hindi naman natuloy. Nahulog ka sa kama, e. So no worries, your lips didn’t touch mine. Your lips are safe.”

Napalitan ng kaguluhan at pagtataka ang kaba ni Thorn. What was she talking about? Pero bago pa niya pahirapan ang sarili niya sa pagsagot sa sariling tanong, naisip niya na siguradong hindi nagtutugma ang iniisip nila ni Cassia. They were, after all, not on the same book.

Pasimpleng hinilot ni Thorn ang gilid ng noo saka ngumiti lang sa asawa at tahimik na kumain ng agahan. Pero hindi pa siya nakadadalawang subo ng pagkain ay nawalan kaagad siya ng gana. Gusto niyang mag-kape.

That’s odd. I’d been eating breakfast these past few days and I enjoyed it. Napatitig si Thorn sa nilutong agahan. What’s happening now?

Napatigil sa pag-iisip si Thorn nang may maramdamang humawak sa kamay niya. Ang asawa niya ’yon na sinusuri ang napaso niyang daliri.

“Kumusta na ang napaso mong daliri? Is it getting better?”

Wala sa sariling napangiti si Thorn habang pinagmamasdan ang asawa na nag-aalalang sinusuri ang daliri niya. “Its getting better. No worries.”

“Buti naman.” Cassia was relieved. “Mag-iingat ka na sa susunod.”

As long as you don’t get too close. Thorn thought. “I will.”

Cassia looked up from Thorn’s fingers to Thorn’s face. “Ingat din sa pag-inom. Dahan-dahan lang. Ilang beses kang nasamid tuloy.”

It was also your fault, Cinnamon. Thorn smiled. “I will.”

Cassia nodded and went back to her breakfast. At habang kumakain, patingin-tingin ito sa pambisig na orasan.

Si Thorn naman ay nakamasid lang sa asawa pagkatapos magtimpla ng kape. For safety purposes, he didn’t return to the table. He stayed next to the island counter, leaning on the counter while staring at his wife who was oblivious to his stares.

Nakasunod lang ang tingin ni Thorn sa asawa na tumayo at niligpit ang pinagkainan.

“Leave it,” aniya sa asawa. “Ako na. You’ll be late.”

Cassia smiled at him in relief. “Thanks, hon.”

Humigpit ang hawak ni Thorn sa hawakan ng tasa saka pinilit na hindi maibuga ang iniinom na kape at ngumiti lang sa asawa. He has to get used to this. Hindi puwedeng palagi siyang masasamid sa tuwing tatawagin siya ng asawa na ‘hon’. Baka talagang ma-ospital siya.

With his coffee in hand, Thorn followed behind his wife as she walked to the garage with her handbag and briefcase. When they both reached the garage and Cassia was about to step inside the car, he called her.

“Cinnamon.”

Napatigil sa pagsakay si Cassia sa sasakyan saka napalingon sa asawa na nakahilig sa hamba ng pintuan ng garahe. “Yes?”

“I’m awake now.”

Cassia frowned. “Huh?”

Thorn sipped his coffee before saying, “Where’s my goodbye kiss?” Tinuro ni Thorn ang sarili. “I’m waiting.”

Natulos si Cassia sa kinatatayuan. “G-goodbye kiss?”

Tumango si Thorn habang nakahilig pa rin sa hamba. “Palagi akong tulog kapag pumapasok ka sa trabaho, pero gising ako ngayon. So, wife, my goodbye kiss, please.”

Napatanga si Cassia sa asawa. “You’re serious?”

“Do I look like I’m joking?”

Napakurap-kurap si Cassia sa asawa habang si Thorn naman ay tumingin sa relong pambisig.

“Hurry up, Cinnamon. Male-late ka sa ginagawa mo,” babala ni Thorn sa asawa.

Sa sinabi ng asawa, lumapit kaagad si Cassia kay Thorn. Ayaw na ayaw niyang nale-late kaya naman mabilis niyang hinalikan sa pisngi ang asawa para makaalis na siya.

Thorn smiled. “Ingat sa pagmamaneho.”

Nag-iinit ang pisngi na tumango si Cassia saka malalaki ang hakbang na bumalik sa sasakyan at nagmamadaling sumakay.

Thorn couldn’t help but chuckle softly while watching his wife’s car driving out of the garage, then he sipped his coffee and murmured, “Waking up early is not bad at all. I might wake up early tomorrow too.” Tumango-tango pa siya sa sarili habang nakangiti saka naglakad pabalik sa kusina.

THORN WAS IN A GOOD mood after Cassia left for work, but not Cassia. Her cheeks were on fire because of that goodbye kiss. She was not expecting that! Kung araw-araw ganito, mas gugustuhin pa ni Cassia na hindi na lang magising nang maaga ang asawa.

Cassia was bothered about the goodbye kiss that it even affected her work. Ilang beses niyang natagpuan ang sarili na napatititig sa kawalan habang inaalala ang goodbye kiss na binigay niya sa asawa.

Nang sumapit ang lunch na hindi pa rin ’yon mawala sa isip niya, naglabas na siya ng hinaing sa matalik niyang kaibigan na mataman namang nakinig sa kuwento niya habang nanananghalian sila.

“Cass”—bumuntong-hininga si Zehannah pagkatapos marinig ang kuwento ni Cassia—“minsan ba, hindi sumagi riyan sa isip mo na baka hindi bakla ang asawa mo?”

Cassia actually gasped and cover her mouth with her hands. “Can’t be. I saw them!”

Zehannah sighed. “Okay, you saw them pinning each other on the wall, but did you really saw them kissing? Like, lip-locked kissing each other senseless?”

Cassia stilled, she was still covering her mouth. “N-not really…” Cassia gasped again. “W-what I saw that night, w-what does it mean then?”

Zehannah sighed heavily. “It means one thing.”

Cassia was eager to know that she even leaned in closer to Zehannah. “What?”

“Malisyosa ka,” deretsahang sagot ni Zehannah kay Cassia.

Cassia leaned back, dropped her hands to her lap and pouted. “I’m not. I really saw them, Zehan. Hindi ako puwedeng magkamali.”

Zehannah rolled her eyes. “Why are you being stubborn?” She tsked. “Ilang minuto lang akong nasa sasakyan noong hinatid niyo ako pero sapat na ang obserbasyon ko para masabing hindi lalaki ang gusto ng asawa mo.”

Umiling si Cassia. “No. He likes men,” may diing sabi ni Cassia.

Zehannah sighed at her best friend’s stubbornness. “Cass … don’t be stubborn. What’s wrong with you? Hindi mo ba nararamdaman na lalaking-lalaki ang asawa mo?”

Marahang umiling si Cassia habang nanunubig ang gilid ng mata. “As long as he’s not the one saying it, I won’t believe it. We agreed to be honest with each other. If he’s not gay, then he would’ve told me early on. He’s not that kind of a person, Zehan. He would never make a fool out of me.”

“Cass…”

Cassia dried her unshed tears before taking a deep breath and smiling. “Let’s not talk about it anymore. You don’t have to worry about me, Zehan, Thorn is a good person. I swear, he’s really nice.”

Zehannah just smiled and nodded.

’Til the two finished their lunch, they were both silent and lost in their own thoughts. Ni hindi nga naubos ni Cassia ang biniling tanghalian dahil pangit ang lasa niyon para sa kaniya. Which was off because she used to like their canteen’s food.

After lunch, Cassia and Zehannah went back together and went into their separate ways on the elevator. Zehannah stopped on fifth floor and Cassia stopped on the sixth floor.

Nang makalabas si Cassia sa elevator, narinig niya ang pagtunog ng cellphone niya mula sa bulsa ng blazer na suot.

She checked what it was and her lips pressed together when she saw that it was Thorn.

From: Husband

‘Busy?’

Ilang segundong nag-isip si Cassia kung re-reply-an niya ang asawa, kapagkuwan ay napagdesisyunan niyang sagutin ang mensahe nito habang naglalakad siya patungo sa mesa niya.

‘Not really. Why?’

Habang hinihintay ang reply ng asawa, nakarating na siya sa mesa niya at natigilan nang makitang nakaupo ang boss niya sa visitor’s chair. Nang makita siya nito, kaagad itong tumayo saka humarap sa kaniya.

Hindi pa bumubuka ang bibig ng boss niya, nag-iisip na si Cassia ng idadahilan para makaiwas dito.

“Cass, we have a dinner meeting later,” imporma ni David kay Cassia. “You have to be there—” Hindi natapos ang pagsasalita nito dahil sa pagtunog ng cellphone na hawak ni Cassia at kitang-kita ni David ang Caller ID ng tumatawag dahilan para magtagis ang bagang nito.

Husband Calling…

“Excuse me,” kaagad na sabi ni Cassia kay David saka bahagyang tumagid para sagutin ang tawag. “Yes?”

“It should be ‘yes, hon?’.”

Cassia bit her lower lip. “Yes, hon?”

Thorn, on the other line, smiled. “I’m just going to ask what do you want for dinner?”

“Dinner?” Napalingon siya kay David ng maalala ang sinabi nito. “Ahm, I can’t. May dinner meeting kami mamaya.”

“Oh.” Thorn sounded disappointed. “Late ka bang uuwi?”

“Maybe.”

“Puwede ba kitang sunduin?” kapagkuwan ay tanong ni Thorn. “Hindi ako komportable na pauwiin kang mag-isa kung late ka na makauuwi.”

That made Cassia smile. “Susunduin mo ako? Sige. I’ll send you the address of the restaurant later.” Ayaw din niyang bumabiyahe nang mag-isa kapag gabi na, kaya kaagad siyang pumayag.

“No need,” biglang sabi ni David na ikinatingin dito ni Cassia. “Ako na ang maghahatid sa ’yo.”

And Thorn on the other line, heard that loud and clear. Akmang magsasalita siya para sagutin ang gagong boss ng asawa nang marinig ni Thorn na sumagot ang asawa niya sa boss nito.

“No need. Susunduin naman ako ng asawa ko, saka ayaw ng asawa ko na nagpapahatid ako sa iba.”

Thorn on the other line, grinned proudly, and because he was on Lysander’s barn, Reigo saw his proud grin. Knowing Thorn was talking to his wife, Reigo just shook his head.

“Anyway,” it was Cassia, talking to David who was gritting his teeth, “’yon lang ba ang kailangan niyo, Sir? Kausapin ko lang ang asawa ko. Hindi pa naman tapos ang lunch break ko.”

David’s jaw tightened as he nodded and left. Si Cassia naman ay lihim na napangiti nang makitang umalis na ang makulit niyang boss.

“Yes!” Cassia grinned happily. “Umalis na rin.” Kapagkuwan ay ibinalik niya ang atensiyon sa asawa na nasa kabilang linya pa rin. “Dapat palagi kang tumatawag kapag kinukulit ako ng boss ko. Ang lakas mong panangga.”

Thorn chuckled. “Siyempre. Ako pa—”

“Hi, Cassia!” anang ibang boses sa kabilang linya na ikinagulat ni Cassia. “It’s me, Reigo. Puwede bang mahiram muna ang asawa mo?”

Cassia heard Thorn cussing Reigo before he spoke, “Don’t listen to him, Cinnamon. He was just messing around.”

Napalabi si Cassia. “Ayos lang naman sa ’kin.”

Cassia heard Reigo laughing.

“You hear that, Thorn, babe?” Reigo laughed again. “May go signal na sa asawa mo.”

Cassia heard Thorn cussing Reigo again. She didn’t want to hear it for some reason so she ended the call and mumbled, “Liar… you said you two are just friends.”

Humigpit ang hawak ni Cassia sa cellphone. Nang mapansin ang ginagawa, kaagad niyang sinuway ang sarili saka umupo na sa swivel chair niya para ituloy ang mga trabahong iniwan niya kanina para mananghalian.

Thorn called her again, but she rejected the call and sent him a message saying she was now busy with work. But Cassia knew that if she wanted to, she could spare him some time, but she didn’t want to. Instead, she focused all her attention on her work ’til it was time to go to the dinner meeting.

Of course, David offered her a ride to the restaurant where the dinner meeting will be held, but Cassia just glanced at her husband’s Porsche Panamera and David immediately backed off.

Ang nangyari, nag-convoy na lang silang dalawa patungo sa restaurant. Nasa unahan si David, habang nakasunod naman siya rito.

Nang makarating sila sa restaurant, iginiya siya ni David patungo sa lamesa nila. After settling themselves on the table, Cassia patiently waited for their client, but no one came even after David ordered the food and the food arrived.

Kumuyom ang kamao ni Cassia ng ma-realize kung anong ginawa ni David.

Tiningnan niya nang masama ang kaharap na naglalagay ng pagkain sa pinggan niya. “You tricked me.”

Natigilan si David saka lumambot ang mukha. “I’m sorry. Ito lang ang naisip kung paraan para makipag-dinner ka sa ’kin.”

Hindi makapaniwalang napatitig siya sa kaharap. “I’m married.” Pinakita pa ni Cassia ang singsing kay David. “What do you think is going to happen?”

David scoffed. “You two were arranged, Cass. You don’t even know him before marriage, while you’ve known me for years!”

Cassia let out a sighed then shook her head in disbelief. “I’m not talking to you. I’m out of here.”

Mabilis na tumayo si Cassia saka naglakad paalis pero mabilis siyang napigilan sa pulsuhan ni David.

“Cass, let me explain!”

“Let me go.” Pilit niyang inaagaw ang kamay pero malakas si David. “I don’t want to talk to you.”

“Cass—”

“Let me go!” may diing sabi ni Cassia habang pilit na inaagaw ang kamay. Cassia wanted to leave fast. She didn’t want to make a scene, but David didn’t want to let her go. Dahil sa ginagawa nito, napatingin na sa kanila ang ibang customer ng restaurant.

Cassia kept pulling her wrist, but David wouldn’t let go. His hold on her wrist just became tighter. Cassia could feel her wrist getting sore. She was already on the verge of crying because her wrist was throbbing in pain by being held roughly and tightly when someone stepped in and pried David’s hand off of her.

Kaagad na sinapo ni Cassia ang pulsuhan ng mabitawan iyon ni David saka napatingin siya sa lalaking sumagip sa kaniya.

The man was handsome and he looked familiar.

“Who the fuck are you to butt in?!” David hissed at her rescuer.

The guy crossed his arms over his chest and looked at David like he was belittling him. “I’m a friend of her husband”—then the guy glanced at her and smiled—“Phoenix Martinez, remember me, Mrs. Calderon?”

Gulat na napatango si Cassia. Kaya naman pala pamilyar sa kaniya ang lalaki.

David tsked. “Where’s the manager? I need to talk to the manager.”

A beautiful woman appeared beside Phoenix Martinez. Nakapamaywang ito at nakataas ang kilay. “No need. I’m the owner of this restaurant and I’m kicking you out. Leave, or I will let my husband drag you out.”

Tumingin sa kaniya si David bago nagtatagis ang bagang na malalaki ang hakbang na lumabas ng restaurant.

Habang ang babaeng may-ari naman ng restaurant ay kaagad na lumapit sa kaniya saka sinuri ang pulsuhan niya.

“Are you okay?” The woman looked worried. “Halika ka sa opisina ko, lapatan natin ng pang-unang lunas ang namamaga mong pulsuhan.”

While the woman’s husband, Phoenix Martinez, smiled at her reassuringly. “Don’t worry, I already informed Thorn before I stepped in earlier. He’s on his way.”

Hindi nakakibo si Cassia. She didn’t want to involve Thorn in this mess, but looks like it was already too late.

“Come on,” aya ng asawa ni Phoenix sa kaniya, “sa opisina ko mo na lang din hintayin si Thorn.”

Tumango at nagpaubaya si Cassia. These two saved her, she had to repay their kindness.

“Maraming salamat,” ani Cassia nang makapasok silang dalawa sa opisina na nasa loob lang din ng restaurant.

Ngumiti ang asawa ni Phoenix saka nagpakilala habang ginigiya siya paupo. “I’m Red, by the way.”

“I’m Cassia Engelyn. You can call me Cass or Cassia.”

Red smiled at her. “Nice to meet you.”

Cassia smiled back. “Likewise.”

Nang makaupo si Cassia sa sofa na naroon, pumasok naman sa opisina si Phoenix na may dalang dalawang ice cold pack saka ibinigay ’yon nito sa asawa nito na kaagad namang inilapat ni Red sa namamaga niyang pulsuhan.

“Masakit ba?” tanong ni Red kay Cassia.

Cassia nodded. “A little.”

Red looked worried as she continued pressing the ice cold pack on her wrist. Gusto ni Cassia na siya na lang ang gumawa pero hindi siya hinayaan ni Red.

Hanggang sa bumukas ang pintuan ng opisina ulit pagkalipas ng maraming minuto at pumasok doon si Thorn.

The moment Cassia saw her husband, she felt relieved and wanted to explain what happened, but when she saw his face, she shrunk back in fear.

Because ever since she met him, this was the first time she saw Thorn’s livid face. Gone was the nice and charming husband of hers.

It was… scary.

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 7

CASSIA WAS SILENT the whole ride home, so was Thorn. Wala silang imikang dalawa habang minamaneho ni Thorn ang Porsche Panamera nito pauwi. Iniwan nito ang sasakyan na ginamit para pumuntang restaurant sa kaibigan nitong si Phoenix na nangakong ihahatid ’yon sa Bachelor’s Village pagkasara ng restaurant ng asawa nito.

Cassia was expecting Thorn to demand an explanation for what happened, but he said nothing. Nagpasalamat lang ito sa mag-asawang Martinez saka hinawakan ang kamay niya na hindi masakit at iginiya palabas ng restaurant. His hold was not rough, but it was also not soft. It was firm, but unlike David, it was not painful.

When Cassia saw how mad Thorn was when he arrived, she was scared. Kahit sa mga sandaling ’yon, natatakot pa rin siya sa katahimikan nito at ang paminsan-minsang pagtatagis ng bagang nito habang nagmamaneho.

Pasulyap-sulyap si Cassia sa asawa at sa hindi malamang kadahilanan, naalala niya ang sinabi ng kaibigan niya.

‘Minsan ba, hindi sumagi riyan sa isip mo na baka hindi bakla ang asawa mo?’

Looking at her husband now, he really didn’t seem gay. Pero wala naman itong sinasabi sa kaniya para itama siya kung totoo man na mali siya kaya hindi ’yon sumagi sa isip niya.

Huminga nang malalim si Cassia saka tumingin sa labas ng sasakyan. Gumalaw lang siya sa kinauupuan nang pumasok ang sasakyan sa gate ng BV. At nang makarating sila sa bahay nila, gamit ang remote, binuksan ni Thorn ang gate saka ipinasok ang sasakyan sa garahe.

Nang pareho silang nakalabas ng sasakyan, walang imik na hinawakan ni Thorn ang kabilang pulsuhan niya na hindi namamaga saka hinila siya nito patungong kusina.

Nagpaubaya naman si Cassia saka nakamasid lang sa asawa na kumuha ng ice cold pack sa refrigerator saka inilapat iyon sa namamaga siyang pulsuhan. Thorn was very careful with her sore wrist. Cassia could see that Thorn was being gentle with her even though he was mad.

After a long silence, Cassia couldn’t take it anymore, she spoke. “I’m sorry,” aniya. “Hindi ko naman gustong makipag-dinner sa kaniya. Ang sabi niya sa ’kin may dinner meeting kami kaya sumama ako. Hindi ko alam na nagsisinungaling pala siya.” Nagbaba siya ng tingin sa pulsuhang namamaga. “Umalis naman ako kaagad nang malaman ko na nagsinungaling siya pero pinigilan niya ako at ayaw niya akong bitawan. Buti na lang dumating ang mag-asawang Martinez at tinulungan ako.”

Ilang segundo nang tapos magpaliwanag si Cassia pero walang imik pa rin si Thorn na abala sa paggagamot sa namamagang pulsuhan niya.

Cassia took a deep breath. “It’s okay, hon. I’m okay. Just let it go, okay?”

Cassia saw how her husband froze when she told him to just let it go, and then Thorn let out a cold snort.

“Just let it go?” Thorn’s voice was cold and livid. “Cinnamon”—he looked at her with those cold eyes of his—“I’m not that nice.”

“Thorn—”

“He hurt you.” Thorn’s jaw tightened. “I’ll hurt him back.” Thorn held Cassia’s hand firmly. “I’m not treating you as my queen just so that damn peasant can hurt you. I will make sure that he will regret touching and hurting you.”

Cassia’s face softened while staring at her husband. Now she realized, he was not mad at her, he was mad for her. He was not mad because she went to dinner with David, he was mad because she was hurt.

Cassia’s heart softened and she couldn’t help crossing the distance between them and encircling her unharmed arm around his waist while she pressed the side of her face against his chest.

Yes. She was hugging her husband as her heart throbbed inside her chest.

Thorn, who was taken aback by Cassia’s embrace, froze. But feeling her warmth against him made the anger he was feeling dissipate, and slowly, his arms moved to hug her back and pulled her closer to him.

Cassia smiled while still hugging Thorn. “Huwag ka nang magalit. Okay lang naman ako.”

“But you were hurt,” Thorn whispered before burying his face on Cassia’s shoulder while still hugging her. “Your husband would never take it lying down. I told you, I’m not that nice, Cinnamon.”

“But you’re nice to me,” Cassia pointed out while slightly pouting.

“Only to you,” sagot ni Thorn. “Asawa kita e.”

Napakurap-kurap si Cassia saka kumawala sa yakap ni Thorn saka tumingin sa asawa. “So kung hindi mo ako naging asawa, hindi ka magiging mabait sa ’kin?”

“Probably,” Thorn answered honestly.

Umawang ang labi ni Cassia sa narinig. “That’s so mean of you.”

Thorn looked at his wife teasingly. “How about you? Would you still be nice to me if you think I’m not gay?”

Napalabi si Cassia saka umiling. “I’ll probably be scared of you.”

Natigilan saka kumunot ang noo ni Thorn sa narinig na sagot ng asawa. “May I know the reason why you would be scared of me?”

Nagbaba ng tingin si Cassia habang wala sa sariling napahawak sa charm bracelet na suot. “Because men are scary. They’re too strong. If they want to, they could kill someone with their bare hands. They could hurt you easily and make you suffer immensely.”

Thorn could somehow understand why his Cinnamon was so adamant into believing that he was gay. Because she was scared that he’ll hurt her. Knight was right. She wanted to believe that he was gay because it was the only way to make herself at ease.

Thorn sighed before leaning in to his Cinnamon and pressing his lips on her forehead.

Bahagyang nanlaki ang mga mata ni Cassia sa ginawa ng asawa saka mabilis na napahawak sa noo niya na hinalikan. “A-Anong…”

Thorn just smiled and winked at her before putting an ice cold pack on her sore wrist again.

Lihim naman na napangiti si Cassia saka tinitigan ang asawa kapagkuwan.

“Cinnamon?”

Cassia was still staring. “Yes?”

“Don’t stare.”

Cassia frowned when she remembered the same word from him. “Because you might not be able to take it?”

Thorn looked up from her wrist to her eyes. “Yes, so have mercy on me.”

Cassia smiled. “Okay.” But still, she didn’t look away. She kept staring at her husband, making Thorn look up at her again.

“Cinnamon.” May babala sa boses nito.

“Hmm?” Cassia replied softly, still staring at Thorn.

“Don’t stare,” ulit nito. “Ma-o-ospital ako sa ginagawa mo.”

A frown made its way to Cassia’s eyebrows. “What did I do?”

Thorn sighed. “Except from making my lungs stops working from time to time, you’re gonna make me crazy too.”

Mas lalong lumalim ang pagkakakunot ng noo ni Cassia. “What are you talking about?”

Umiling si Thorn. “Never mind.”

Pinakatitigan ulit ni Cassia ang asawa habang si Thorn naman ay sinasanay ang sarili sa titig ni Cassia.

In his thirty one years of existence, this was the first time he felt like he wanted to look cool and dashing while being stared at. Like he wanted to exert an effort to look handsome in her wife’s eyes. Was this the effect of not dating much because his restaurant was more important? Or maybe this was just his Cinnamon’s effect.

Thorn was contemplating which was which, when he heard his Cinnamon’s voice calling him.

“Hon?”

Thorn had to count from one to ten before looking up at her wife and responding. “Yeah?” Hearing her call him ‘hon’ in person was way more different from hearing it on the phone! Akala niya nasanay na siya kanina pero hindi pa rin pala. Iba pa rin ang epekto sa kaniya.

Why did I even demand an endearment? I shouldn’t have demanded if I have known the effect it has on me beforehand.

How could a freaking ‘hon’—those three freaking letters—affect him like this? Like he wanted to smile, but still feeling shy and nervous as fuck. He didn’t know that the endearment ‘hon’ has this ’ I’m nervous and I can’t fucking breath’ effect.

“Medyo okay na naman ang pulsuhan ko,” ani Cassia. “Ako na ang hahawak sa ice cold pack.”

Tumango si Thorn saka binigay ang ice cold pack kay Cassia. “I’ll cook dinner,” ani Thorn kapagkuwan. “Sigurdong hindi ka pa kumakain.”

Cassia smiled and nodded at her husband who immediately moved to cook dinner.

Habang nagluluto ang asawa, umupo si Cassia sa stool ng island counter saka inabala ang sarili sa paglalagay ng ice cold pack sa namamaga niyang pulsuhan habang pasulyap-sulyap sa asawa.

There was something about Thorn’s back when cooking that looked sexy as hell. Cassia couldn’t look away—she didn’t want to in the first place. She liked staring at her husband—he was a nice view to look at.

Thorn cooked fast, making a quick dish for himself and his wife. After dinner, Thorn cleaned up while his wife went upstairs to rest. Hindi ito pinatulong ni Thorn sa pagliligpit ng pinagkainan nila.

Nang mag-isa na lang si Thorn sa kusina, kaagad niyang kinuha ang cellphone sa bulsa saka tinawagan ang ama habang nakahilig sa island counter.

“Good evening, Dad,” bati niya sa ama nang sagutin nito ang tawag niya.

“Thorn, ’nak.” May bahid na ngiti ang boses ng ama. “Napatawag ka. Anyway, how are you and Cassia? Are you two getting along?”

Thorn smiled at the mention of his wife’s name. “Yeah. We’re good.”

“Buti naman. Kailan kayo dadalaw dito sa bahay?” tanong ng ama. “We should have dinner.”

“Maybe next week, Dad,” sagot ni Thorn saka huminga nang malalim. “Anyway, Dad, I called because of Cinnamon.”

“Huh?” His father sounded confused. “Who’s Cinnamon?”

“It’s Cassia, Dad. I call her Cinnamon.”

His father actually chuckled teasingly. “Oh, so you have endearment now, huh?”

Thorn smiled proudly and spoke with pride, “She calls me ‘hon’ now.”

Thorn’s father laughed at his son’s proud voice. “Ngayon ko lang nalaman na pinagmamalaki na pala ang endearment ngayon.”

Sumama ang mukha ni Thorn. “Dad, don’t rain on my parade.”

Thorn’s father chuckled before getting serious. “So, what’s this about your Cinnamon?”

Thorn couldn’t help smiling at how his father teased him, like he was a teenager and not a grown ass man. Shaking his head, he became serious. “Dad, could you do me a favor?”

“Sure. What is it?”

“You’re an investor in Cassia’s parents company right?”

“Yes.”

“Do you have the power to fire someone for me?”

Ilang segundong natahimik ang ama niya sa kabilang linya. “Thorn, you know the rules. We can’t just fire someone because we want to. It has to have legal grounds—”

“Leave the legal grounds to me,” ani Thorn. “What I’m asking is, could you fire someone in that company?”

“Well, if we have a legal reason, why not?” There was a shrug in his father’s voice.

“Don’t worry.” Thorn’s face darkened. “I’ll give them a reason.”

Thorn’s father frowned on the other line. His son’s voice was cold and he sounded pissed. “Son, what happened?”

“Nothing.” A cold smile stretched on Thorn’s lips. “I just want to clean up my wife’s surroundings in her work place. I don’t want nasty bugs touching what’s mine.”

Ilang segundong hindi nakapagsalita ang ama ni Thorn sa gulat. Ito ang unang beses na narinig niyang nagsalita ng gano’n ang anak. Maliban sa restaurant nito at sa mga kaibigan nito, wala nang mahalaga pa rito. There was no space for a woman in his son’s life before, but now… things were really changing for his son. Arranging him with Cassia was indeed a good thing. “Call me tomorrow for an update.”

“I will. Thanks, Dad.”

“Anytime, son.”

Thorn bid goodbye then he called his friend, Atty. Evren Yilmaz.

“Yilmaz—”

“This better be important, Calderon.” Evren hissed. “I’m having an important argument with my daughter.”

Natawa si Thorn sa narinig. “Let me guess, she’s suing your ass?”

“I can’t believe I’m losing to my daughter.” Evren tsked. “Anyway, what do you want?”

“I want to fire someone, but I need a legal reason,” ani Thorn. “Can you do it?”

“Who do you think you’re talking to?” Evren tsked again. “Give me a name and tell me when do you want it.”

“David something, I don’t know his full name.” Nagtagis na naman ang bagang ni Thorn nang maalala ang ginawa ng gago na ’yon sa asawa niya. “He’s my wife’s boss. He used his position to trick my wife into having dinner with him and then he hurt my wife. Phoenix and his wife, Red, can testify to this.” Kumuyom ang kamao ni Thorn. “If that bastard thinks I will let it slide, he’s wrong. I’m not a nice person, and when it comes to my wife, I won’t let anyone get away from hurting her.”

Evren on the other line who understood Thorn completely, nodded. “Leave it to me. I’ll work with Shun Kim. Don’t worry.”

“Thanks.”

Evren chuckled. “I don’t accept thanks, Calderon. Mas lalo namang hindi n’on tumatanggap si Shun.”

Thorn chuckled as well. “Let’s talk about the price after it’s done.”

“Okay, bye. I need to finish my argument with my daughter.”

Napailing na lang si Thorn sa narinig saka nagpaalam na at pinatay ang tawag, kapagkuwan ay ilang beses na huminga nang malalim bago umakyat sa kuwarto.

Nang makapasok sa kuwarto, kaagad niyang nakita ang asawa na naka-indian sit sa gitna ng kama at abala ito sa cellphone nito.

Hindi naman mapigilan ni Thorn ang mapangiti nang makita ang design ng pajama nito. It was small steaks this time. What’s with Cinnamon and pjs with food design?
And his smile widened even more when he saw her wearing socks with a pig’s face design on the toes and heels part.

Is she matching her outfit? A pig and a steak. How charming.

“What are you doing?” tanong ni Thorn sa asawa para makuha ang atensiyon nito.

Kaagad namang nag-angat ng tingin si Cassia kay Thorn at pinigilan niya ang sarili na mapasinghap nang makitang naghuhubad ito. Gustong niyang iiwas ang tingin pero masyadong maganda ang view para i-deprive niya ang mga mata niya.

“Like what you see?” Thorn asked his wife teasingly when he saw her staring at his body.

Tumango kaagad si Cassia. “Yeah.”

Thorn faced his wife. Shirtless and the button of his jeans was already undone. “Take a picture, it’ll last longer.”

Thorn was just teasing Cassia, what he didn’t expect was Cassia to actually take a photo of him, then with a satisfied smile, she showed him the photo she took.

“You look like a model here,” ani Cassia na mukhang proud na proud sa kinuha nitong larawan ni Thorn. “Puwede na ’to pang wallpaper.” She grinned at him cutely. “Can I use it as my wallpaper? Para madali lang panampal para sa mga nagsasabi na pangit ang asawa ko. Hmp! Ang guwapo mo kaya.”

Thorn remained standing there, just looking at his wife while trying to maintain his poker face—he was fighting so hard not to make his lips twitch into a smile—and he won! Yes! I won against my lips. It may not seem an important battle, but winning meant he could finally control his reaction when his wife was being adorable and trying to shut down his lungs again.

“Hon?” pukaw ni Cassia sa asawa. “Can I use it?”

It took Thorn a couple of seconds before he answered—not because he was thinking about it before saying yes, but because that endearment ‘hon’, rattled his insides again. “Sure.” Was all he could say after calming himself down.

Damn it! Cassia’s words and movement are becoming vicious—if she called me ‘hon’ again, would I survive without incident this time?
Thorn pitied himself. Kung hindi siya napapaso, nasasamid naman siya at hindi makahinga.

Looking at his wife sitting in an Indian sit position on the center of the bed, Thorn pulled out his phone from his jeans pocket and took a picture of his wife in her cute PJ and socks.

Cassia heard the camera shutter and immediately look, just in time to see Thorn checking the photo he took.

“Kinunan mo ako ng picture?” tanong ni Cassia sa asawa.

Thorn nodded and showed her the photo that was already set as his phone’s lock screen wallpaper.

Kaagad namang napasimangot si Cassia nang makita ang larawan niya. “Ano ba ’yan, bakit ngayon mo pa ako kinunan ng litrato kung kailan naka-pajama ako?”

Thorn shrugged. “You’re beautiful and sexy when you’re dressed up for work, but this”—iminuwestra ni Thorn ang kamay sa suot nito—“only I get to see this, and I like it more than your sexy office uniform.”

Cassia hugged her knees while looking up at Thorn. “Alam mo, kung hindi ko lang alam na lalaki rin ang gusto mo, iisipin ko na magaling kang manglandi ng babae.”

Thorn frowned. “Ako?” Tinuro pa nito ang sarili. Malandi?“

Tumango si Cassia. “Oo. Alam mo kung paano ko nasabi?”

“Paano?”

“Kasi base sa mga salita mo ngayon-ngayon lang tungkol sa pajama at office uniform ko, pakiramdam ko bilang babae, nilalandi mo ako.”

Thorn gaped at Cassia in shock. Finally! She not that dense after all! Finally! My wife is not that dense after all—

“Are you practicing on me so you could flirt with any man you like smoothly?”

The shock on Thorn’s face disappeared and he silently walked out on his wife, then he entered the walk-in closet with a poker face.

Inside, he took a deep breath, trying to stop himself from bashing his head on the cabinet in frustration. Fuck! The greater the expectation, the greater the disappointment. Naniniwala na siya sa kasabihang ’to dahil iyon ang nararamdaman niya sa mga sandaling ’yon.

Using the door inside the walk-in closet, he entered the bathroom with his phone.

After sitting on the toilet seat for a couple of seconds, just staring at the air, he finally had the guts to call Volkzki.

“Hello?” Valerian answered grumpily. “What do you fucking want, Calderon?”

Huminga muna nang malalim si Thorn bago nagsalita, “How did you manage to corrupt your wife’s innocence and made her stop being dense?”

“The fuck?”

Thorn took a deep breath again. “I think my wife is in the same boat as your wife.”

Ilang segundong natahimik ang nasa kabilang linya bago nagsalita, “Come to my house. We’ll talk man to man.” Then Volkzki hanged up.

Napatingin naman si Thorn sa screen ang cellphone saka napabuntonghininga kapagkuwan. Man to man, huh?

Thorn was skeptical, but at that point in his marriage life, he wouldtake any advice, even if it came from someone who cursed him to have amiserable life.

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 8

THORN VISITED Volkzki in his house after work. He would take any advice, and there was no one who could advise him better advise than Valerian Volkzki who was married to Grace, the Bachelor’s Village most innocent wife. Everyone knows how innocent Grace was. Hindi man gano’n ka-inosente ang asawa niya pero malapit na. Lamang lang ng ilang ligo si Grace sa Cinnamon niya.

The problem he had with Cassia and the reason why she was this dense was because she believed he was gay. Maybe, with the help of Valerian, he could mix his advice with Knight’s. Yes, Knight was a crazy ass, but his advice these days were decent. Kahit alam niyang sinto-sinto ang kaibigan, medyo may tiwala pa rin naman siya rito. Minsan.

Nang makapasok sa bahay ni Volkzi, kaagad siyang giniya ng kaibigan sa sala at doon sila umupo.

Thorn was sitting on the single sofa, while Valerian was on the long sofa, and they were facing each other while Valerian’s kids, the twins were crawling on the floor, trying to reach Valerian.

“So, ahm… do you have any advice?” Si Thorn ang unang nagsalita dahil abala si Valerian sa pagbabantay sa kambal nitong anak.

May kinuhang nakatuping papel si Valerian sa bulsa ng pantalon nito saka inabot ’yon kay Thorn. “Here.”

Thorn frowned while accepting the paper. “Ano’ng nangyari sa man to man talk?”

Valerian tsked and motioned his gaze at his twins. “What’s written inside was not fucking suitable for my kids. My wife is at work, I’m the fucking babysitter today.”

Thorn couldn’t help chuckling. “And you think cussing like that is suitable for kids?”

“Fuck you.”

Napailing lang si Thorn saka binuklat ang nakatuping papel na bigay ni Valerian, kapagkuwan ay binabasa sa isip ang nakasulat sa papel.

Number one — Fucking kiss her!

Napatingin siya kay Valerian. “Really? That’s your number one?”

Valerian shrugged while playing with one of his twins who had a shirt with GV printed on the front. “That’s the most fucking direct move you can do to fucking show her you’re not messing around.”

“And if she ran away from me and I scared her away?”

Valerian shrugged. “Fucking accept it. That’s life.”

Thorn looked at Valerian flatly. Was I wrong to get this cussing machine’s advice? Thorn sighed. “I don’t want her to be scared of me.”

It was Valerian’s turn to look at Thorn flatly. “No fucking risk, no fucking reward. Stop being in the fucking safe zone. Stay there and you’ll go fucking crazy because you will never be in the same fucking page with your wife.”

Thorn blew a loud breath. “Easy to say, but I don’t want her to be scared of me. I want her to trust me.”

Valerian tsked at Thorn. “Then don’t take my advice and be ready to be in a mental facility. Because if you’re not gonna do the first step, the next two are useless.”

Kaagad na bumaba ang tingin ni Thorn sa ikalawang nakalista sa papel. Number two — slow foreplay.

Napatanga si Thorn sa kaibigan. “Is this how you conquered your wife? With number two?”

Valerian raised his middle finger at Thorn. “Take it or leave it. “

Nalukot ang mukha ni Thorn. “How do you even do a slow foreplay?”

“Do it everyday ’til she fucking understands you. But your circumstances are fucking different than mine, so do it until she stops thinking that you’re gay. If she likes it, continue. If she didn’t, fucking stop. That means you two have no future together. Don’t push it, that’ll be harassment if you do.”

Thorn sighed and read the last on Valerian’s list. Number three — make love to her.

Natawa si Thorn nang mabasa ang pangatlo. Tama si Valerian, walang gamit ang dalawa sa nilista nito kung hindi gagawin ang una. Pasimpleng hinilot ni Thorn ang sentido, tinatanong niya ang sarili kung kaya ba niya iyong gawin sa asawa.

“What if she only believes I’m gay because that idea make her feel at ease with me?”

Valerian looked at Thorn. “I’m a pilot slash fucking businessman, not a psychologist. Go talk to Blake Vitale. He might have a fucking answer for you.”

Sa sinabi ni Valerian, pagkalipas ng maraming minuto, natagpuan ni Thorn ang sarili sa compound ng mga Vitale, sa loob ng bahay ng magkambal, nakaupo sa salas at kausap si Blake.

Thorn didn’t leave anything out. He told Blake everything. He was desperate for a good advice. He wanted his marriage with his Cinnamon to work.

Blake sighed after hearing Thorn’s story. “Damn, man, that’s rough.”

Thorn blew a loud breath before letting all his weight drop on the sofa’s back. “I don’t know what to do… This marriage thing is so new to me.”

“Well, it’s not really an issue about marriage, specifically, it’s about your wife.” Blake leaned back. “Gusto ko siyang makausap para mas malaman ko kung ano talaga ang nangyayari, pero dahil malabo naman mangyari ’yon. Sasabihin ko na lang sa ’yo ngayon kung ano sa tingin ko ang nangyayari base sa kuwento mo. This is not a definite diagnosis, okay? This is just from my own understanding.”

Thorn nodded.

“I don’t think she’s scared of men, per se,” panimula ni Blake, “I think she’s scared of what men could do and not the man itself. There might be a specific action, but I’m not certain which action is she scared of. Because if she’s scared of men, she will not let you get close to her. Trust me, I know someone who was scared of men. Even talking to a man scares them. To them, someone’s orientation doesn’t matter, as long as they are men, it will trigger their fear. Pero base sa kuwento mo, maayos siyang nakikipag-usap sa ’yo.” Huminga nang malalim si Blake. “It’s difficult to know what’s really going on without knowing the root of her fear, so that’s all I can tell you.”

Thorn’s shoulder slumped and he sighed heavily. “I’m even more confused.”

Blake chuckled. “Huwag mong seryosohin masyado ang mga sinabi ko. Naka-base lang ’yon sa pag-intindi ko. I think you’re doing great though. Just don’t force her into doing anything she doesn’t like. But if she was okay with what you’re doing, then go ahead, but if she struggles, stop immediately. It might trigger her fear.”

Kumunot ang noo ni Thorn kay Blake. “Ano sa tingin mo ang gagawin ko sa asawa ko na ganiyan ka makapagsalita?”

Blake chuckled. “No one wants to be celibate forever, bud, especially if you have a wife.”

Thorn showed his middle finger at Blake. “Celibacy is okay, as long as we are on the same page when we’re talking.”

Mahinang tumawa lang si Blake dahil medyo nakare-relate siya sa kaibigan. Though his wife was only a little innocent in some things, it was still frustrating, but adorable at the same time.

Thorn blew a loud breath before pushing himself to stand up. “Thanks, man. Need to go home now. Baka nasa bahay na ang asawa ko. I need to make dinner.”

Tumango lang si Blake saka sinundan ng tingin si Thorn na lumabas ng bahay. Nang makalabas sa pintuan si Thorn, lumabas si Blaze sa pinagtataguan saka tumingin din ito sa pinto na nilabasan ni Thorn.

“Who would’ve thought he would be so domestic?” komento ni Blaze saka mahina itong natawa. “I never thought Calderon would be this soft towards his wife.”

Blake tsked and playfully punched Blaze on his upper arm. “If a husband is not soft to his wife, where’s the love?”

Blaze chuckled before nodding, agreeing to his twin.

While outside the Vitale’s mansion, Thorn entered his car and drove it back to BV. Nang makarating sa bahay, bukas na ang mga ilaw. Looks like his Cinnamon was already inside.

Kaagad niyang ipinasok ang sasakyan sa gate at ipinarada sa garahe pagkatapos ay kaagad siyang pumasok sa bahay. When he didn’t find his Cinnamon on the first floor, he went upstairs—and it was the worst thing he could to himself.

Because when he entered their room, his wife was taking off her office uniform.

Thorn froze. He wanted to took a step back, leave the room, because he would be tortured again, but his Cinnamon already saw him so he had to show his straight unaffected face.

“Hey.” She smiled at him while unhooking her bra. “Just got home?”

With his straight face, he nodded. And he didn’t want to, but his eyes kept on dropping down to his Cinnamon’s pair of breast.

Fuck you, eyes! Eyes up! Don’t get me into trouble! But his eyes remained at his wife’s breast that was now bare. She had already taken off her bra and without any mercy on him, she didn’t even cover it. Fuck it! Listen to me, you fucking eyes! If Cinnamon sees me looking—

“You like ’em?” his wife asked when she saw him looking at her breast. She even cupped her breasts to emphasize them, and Thorn had to calm every part of his body from reacting, but he couldn’t stop his head from nodding and his mouth from answering.

“Yeah.”

His Cinnamon just smiled before entering the bathroom. At alam kaagad ni Thorn kung anong ibig sabihin ng ngiting ’yon. Thorn was sure as hell that his wife was thinking that he liked her breast because he liked men and he wanted to have the same pair.

Nanghihinang napaupo si Thorn sa bedroom bench. Hindi niya alam kung nanghihina siya dahil sa nakita o dahil alam niya kung anong iniisip ng asawa niya?

Thorn was still sitting on the bedroom bench when Cassia stepped out from the walk-in closet. Nakapagbihis na ito at sinusuklay ang medyo tuyo ng buhok habang naglalakad palapit kay Thorn.

Thorn just gulped secretly when he got a whiff of his Cinnamon’s scent after bathing.

“Hon, can I cook dinner for once?” tanong ni Cassia nang tumigil sa harapan ni Thorn. “Palagi na lang kasi ikaw ang nagluluto. Gusto ko ako naman para makabawi kahit papaano. Okay lang ba?”

His wife’s scent plus the endearment ‘hon’, Thorn’s patience was being tested at it’s best and he was losing.

“Hon?” pukaw ni Cassia kay Thorn.

“Sure,” ani Thorn kapagkuwan ay tumingin ito sa suklay na hawak ni Cassia. “Let me help you with that.”

Cassia excitedly grinned when she heard Thorn. She liked it when someone was combing her hair for her. It had been such a long time since someone combed her hair. Claire was still with her that time, and thinking back now, it felt like ages.

“Here.” Binigay ni Cassia ang suklay kay Thorn na tinanggap naman nito. Pero nang akmang uupo na siya sa bedroom bench sa tabi ni Thorn, bigla na lang pumalibot ang isang braso ni Thorn sa baywang niya saka hinila siya paupo sa mga hita nito.

A surprised gasp escaped Cassia’s lips and before she could stand up, Thorn spoke.

“Sit still.”

Natigilan si Cassia sa pag-alis sa pagkakaupo sa hita ng asawa nang maalala ang sinabi ng kaibigan na malisyosa siya. I think Zehan was right. Lalaki rin ang gusto ng asawa ko, kaya kung aalis ako sa pagkakaupo sa hita niya, magiging malisyosa na naman ako. This doesn’t mean anything to her husband. At dahil ayaw ni Cassia na maging malisyosa, nanatili siya sa pagkakaupo sa hita ng asawa.

At habang sinusuklay ni Thorn ang buhok niya, unti-unting pumipikit ang mga mata niya dahil sa masarap na pakiramdam.

But Cassia’s eyes fluttered open when she felt a soft and warm thing touched her nape. She even jumped a little in surprise. “Thorn, what is that—”

That soft and warm thing was on her nape again, this time it was moving, like it wanted to devour her skin and flesh. “Thorn—”

From soft and warm, a wet and firm thing started licking her nape, together with that soft and warm feeling. “Thorn…” Her voice had softened, becoming a soft groan.

Cassia sucked a breath when she felt that wet thing travelling towards the back of her ear and licked the edge of her ear, after licking it, her ear was bitten softly and then she heard Thorn’s hoarse breathing beside her ear.

“Cinnamon, please, don’t strip in front of me again. There’s only so much I can take. I’m no saint. Next time, I might really devour you.”

Cassia gulped upon hearing that. Thorn’s voice was different than what she was used to hearing. And what happened just now, Cassia knew it was Thorn’s doing. At that moment, she finally realized what that soft, warm and wet thing was on her nape. They were Thorn’s lips and tongue.

Cassia was stunned, not because of what Thorn did, but because of her reaction. She didn’t hate it. She didn’t feel nauseous. She didn’t feel wronged. She didn’t feel disgusted. Those feelings that she would feel when someone was doing something similar to what Thorn did, she didn’t feel it when Thorn did it. Is it because he’s my husband and he had been nothing but a nice husband to me?

Taking a deep breath, Cassia turned her body sideways to face her husband. Instead of running away because she was shocked at what he did, she wanted to face him head on.

And Thorn also met her eyes head on. Without hesitation, he held her gaze.

Cassia wanted to speak, she wanted to ask, but she couldn’t open her mouth to speak. She was just looking at her husband’s eyes like she was smitten. Like she was enthralled by those bluish gray eyes of his that she couldn’t look away.

And when Thorn licked his own lips, Cassia’s eyes drop down to his lips, then she looked at his eyes again.

“I want my wife happy.” Suddenly, Thorn spoke while staring back at her. “I want to make you happy. Right now, I’m keeping a secret from you and that secret could ruin what we have now. And I don’t want that. I want out marriage to work, Cinnamon. I actually want to tell you that secret now, but I’m afraid you’ll run away from me. And if you do, I don’t know what I’ll do. I know it’s selfish of me to keep it from you, but it’s the only way I know to make you relax and at ease around me. I know I’m asking a lot, but please, don’t leave me when the time comes that you’ll figure out the truth. You can be mad, just don’t leave me. I know it’s bad to lie to my wife, but I lied to make you happy.” A sad smile crept into Thorn’s lips. “Aren’t I a selfish husband?”

Cassia didn’t know why a lone tear fell from her eyes while listening to her husband, and she softened even more when her husband’s hand reached out to dry her lone tear.

“Could you”—Cassia bit her lip—“tell me now?”

Umiling si Thorn. “I want to show you first that I’m not a bad man—”

“I know that already—”

“—and I want to show you that you could trust me with anything. I want to show you first that you can always count on me. I want to show you and make you understand that I’ll always be there for you. And to show these things to you, I need time, Cinnamon.”

Hearing her husband, Cassia looked down, thinking deeply. She had to decide if she would just let go of that ‘secret’ and wait for Thorn to reveal it.

If it could ruin our marriage… I’m scared.

“Cinnamon…”

Cassia took a deep breath. She had decided.

She looked at her husband. “Okay. But promise me that you’ll tell me sooner rather than later.”

Thorn face lit up. “Does that mean…”

Cassia nodded. “This is me, trusting you, Thorn Calderon. If that secret of yours is really that big that it’ll affect me and our marriage, then I’ll promise not to leave even if I’m mad at you. I may not be able to talk to you when that time comes because of anger, but I won’t leave. And maybe, after you show me what you want me to see, I won’t be that mad at you.”

A wide smile stretched on his lips. “Wala nang bawian, Cinnamon. I’ll hold on to that.”

Inirapan ni Cassia ang asawa. “Hindi ako sinungaling, ’no.”

Thorn chuckled. “I know.”

Natawa na rin si Cassia saka umalis sa pagkakaupo sa hita ng asawa saka tumayo sa harapan nito at pinamaywangan ang asawa. “But beware, hon, I might be able to figure out your secret before you even tell me. I’m smart you know.”

Thorn actually laughed. “Cinnamon, if you figure out my secret, I’ll be the happiest man alive.”

Cassia pouted at her husband. “Are you belittling me?”

Umiling si Thorn na tumatawa pa rin. “Nope.”

“Bakit tumatawa ka?”

“You’re funny.”

Inirapan ni Cassia ang asawa. “Hmp! Malalaman ko rin ang sekreto mo. Humanda ka.”

Thorn was just laughing. “Feel free, Cinnamon. Please, you can start figuring out my secret now.”

Sumimangot si Cassia kay Thorn. “What do you mean I can start now? Wala nga akong kaide-ideya kung anong sekreto mo.” Kapagkuwan ay nagpa-cute si Cassia sa asawa. “Can I get a hint, please?”

Thorn smiled. “Sure.”

Cassia was happy when Thorn said ‘sure’, but her happiness was quickly replaced by shock when Thorn stood up, cupped the side of her neck, then he dipped his head down and pressed his lips on hers.

Thorn’s lips was on hers for a couple of seconds before Thorn pulled away with a smile and he winked at her shocked face. “That’s your hint, Cinnamon.”

Then Thorn just walk towards their bedroom’s door, Cassia’s stunned eyes were following him and saw him waved his hand on the air while his back was on her.

“I’ll cook dinner,” ani Thorn saka lumabas na ng kuwarto.

Samantalang si Cassia naman ay nanghihinang napaupo sa bedroom bench saka napahawak sa mga labi niya.

He kissed me! Oh my God, he kissed me!

Shaking her head, Cassia got up even though her knees were still weak and scrambled to get her phone from her handbag. And when she finally get a hold of her phone, she dialed her best friends number in panic.

Nang sagutin ni Zehannah ang tawag niya, hindi pa ito nakapagsasalita ito ay nagmamakaawa na siya.

“Zehaaaaan! Help meee! 911!”

CHAPTER 9

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CHAPTER 10

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CHAPTER 11

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CHAPTER 12

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CHAPTER 13

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CHAPTER 14

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CHAPTER 15

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CHAPTER 16

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CHAPTER 17

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CHAPTER 18

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CHAPTER 19

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CHAPTER 20

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CHAPTER 21

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CHAPTER 22

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CHAPTER 23

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CHAPTER 24

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CHAPTER 25

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CHAPTER 26

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CHAPTER 27

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CHAPTER 28

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CHAPTER 29

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CHAPTER 30

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CHAPTER 31

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CHAPTER 32

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CHAPTER 33

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CHAPTER 34

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CHAPTER 35

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CHAPTER 36

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CHAPTER 37

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CHAPTER 38

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CHAPTER 39

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EPILOGUE

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SPECIAL CHAPTER: FAMILY

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SPECIAL CHAPTER: Little Cinnamon

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SPECIAL CHAPTER: Calderon Household

This story is part of the Paid Stories program, a selection of exclusive stories that help support Wattpad writers. Click here to continue reading on the Wattpad app.

Esta historia pertenece al programa de Historias Pagadas, una selección exclusiva de historias con las que apoyas a escritores de Wattpad. Da click aquí para seguir leyendo en la aplicación.

New Story Alert: Amorous Agreement

New story alert!

Many of you have guessed that I was working on something new. I’m excited to tell you it’s almost ready! Introducing:  Amorous Agreemen t - Coming Soon to Wattpad Paid Stories! Pre-order available  September 22 . 

  ![](https://img.wattpad.com/e510687e93349e717692862d7e267ab11223b44f/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f756730736f4a48644f6e4c7156773d3d2d313132343132343634342e3136613063326633323861613564313637303038303134363936392e706e67)

When Attorney Raiven Valiz finds himself in trouble with one of his cases, his life is threatened and a bounty is put on his head. To protect him, the government sends the dazzling and charming Scout Ranger Keiran Sanford. He’s exceptionally good at his work and he’s a good cook…except that he’s the same guy Raiven kissed at a bar two years ago.

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Attorney Raiven Valiz is cold and indifferent, the kind of lawyer who would defend anyone, good or bad, with money–to him, money was the center of his world, and everything else was a waste of his time. But when a certain Scout Ranger is sent by the government to protect him, Raiven thinks Keiran’s piercing blue eyes and sexy smile are far more deadly and dangerous than the criminals after his head, especially when he makes Raiven feel different emotions he’s never felt before. To come to terms with Raiven’s confused feelings for him, Keiran proposes an agreement Raiven can’t reject…an amorous agreement.

Add  Amorous Agreement  to your library now!

✨ CeCeLib’s 10th Anniversary Event ✨

A decade of storytelling—what a surreal feeling.

Thank you for your unwavering support and love.

Your love for my work has been my inspiration behind every story I’ve shared.

Thank you for being part of this incredible decade journey.

Here’s to many more years of stories and memories.

• C.C -

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Celebrating 10 years of CeCeLib on Wattpad!

Time flies when the reading is good.

Ring in CeCeLib’s 10th birthday with up to 50% OFF most of her popular reads, like the Possessive Series, Mistress of Nature, Amorous Agreement and more.

Check this

reading list

now!

  ![](https://img.wattpad.com/d3dbe6ce52238a12d26373dc92fed6340c64f882/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f7a714b593541306351392d456a673d3d2d313434363038353032392e313763663938623861626461623533623530333937373231333933302e6a7067)

FINALE: Thorn Calderon’s Sexily Ever After

The final part of Thorn Calderon’s story has been published in THE POSSESSIVE SERIES ANTHOLOGY: Nostalgia, now updating weekly on Saturday & Sundays! The Possessive 26’s sweet and tender married lives will be revealed in this nostalgic conclusion of the Possessive series.

Remember—a story is not complete without a Sexily Ever After.

Click here to read!