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Possessive Series 23: Thorn Calderon CeCeLIB CECELIB | C.C. MATURE CONTENT | R-18 | SPG SYNOPSIS: Thorn Calderon, a patissier and the owner of D ��licieux 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? CECELIB | C.C. MATURE CONTENT | R-18 | SPG 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 insured 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 need 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' niya na 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 doesn't exist anymore in the modern society, so to be arranged with him, his 'wife' should have complains. Maybe she just couldn't voiced 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 talked to them, but they were already living, 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 concern about their daughter's well being? I'm a stranger after all. They only knew him through his parents. Kahit pa kasusyo ng mga ito sa negosyo ang mga magulang niya, nakakapagtaka 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
nakatingin sa mga mata ng asawa na parang nanghihigop ng lakas sa sobrang pungay no'n. 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 nod, "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 win 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 to 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?! CECELIB | C.C.
CHAPTER 1
THORN kept glancing at his wife while they were both moving her thing 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 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 teased 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 relaxed. "Okay. Thank you!" Nang makitang pumasok si Cassia sa loob ng bahay na
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 ganun." 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 broke up?" With that question, Thorn didn't know what to do, but gaped at his wife and stared 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 ng 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 nakakailang na pakiramdam sa paligid nila. "I'm not picky." Sagot ni Thorn. He appreciate 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 breath 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 ng maalala kung gaano kabango ang asawa nuong araw ng kasal nila. He smells so good, but not overbearing. In short, he smelled scrumptious. Pero lalaki din ang gusto niya kaya support nalang 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 ng makita si Thorn na nakatalikod habang may inilalabas sa
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 thing to take care of at home, and this felt pleasant. She was actually at ease and relax 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 ng 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 praised 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 locked 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 asked his friends. Thorn was really hoping for a serious answer, but when did the lunatics answered 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 nalang 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 feel 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 arrange 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 change 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
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 nuong weekend. How about have lunch with me later?" Gustong isampal ni Cassia sa boss niya na may-asawa na siya pero wala naman siyang maipapakitang 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 imbetasyon 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 nalang 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 Advertisement 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." "Nakakahiya 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 nalang hong pansinin ang mga sinasabi nila 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 magka-kape. 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 ng makita ang stainless food cover na nasa lamesa. Kunot ang nuong 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 ng 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 his restaurant's branches had capable Managers overseeing them, but he was also one of the main chef 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
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 ng hindi kumakain ng hapunan pero isinama pa rin niya ito sa niluto niyang pagkain. Pagkatapos maghapunan ng 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 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 ng mapansing sa taas lang ng likod niya ang kinukuskos ni Thorn. Kaagad namang bumaba ang pagkuskos ni Thorn. "Baba pa ng 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 realized 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 ng 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 nalang 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. Pinag-krus 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, "ganun ba karami ang trabaho mo?" Bumuntong-hininga 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. Nakaka-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 sayo 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 keysa sa kaniya kung paano magtaboy ng mga makukulit na manliligaw. "Alam ba niyang may asawa ka na?" Tanong ni Thorn ng mapansing nakatingin si Cassia rito na parang naghihintay
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! CECELIB | C.C. 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 nuo sa kaniya. Bumuntong-hininga 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 feel 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 nakakaloka 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 sayo? 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 ng malalim si Cassia saka bumuntong-hininga, "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-i-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 sakin. 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
