Jerry was being escorted out by security, causing a scene with June, who was screaming at him as his official girlfriend, Elena, watched. The entire room turned to stare.
"That Jerry never learns," Dave sighed, shaking his head. "Why won't he just marry Elena? She's the one his family wants for him."
"Elena is for formal occasions," Gadriel said with a nonchalant shrug. "June is for every other time. It's better to have two women, you know, for variety."
"That's why you and Jerry are the same," Rafael retorted, looking at them with distaste. "You never run out of women. Don't you ever get tired of it?"
"We're not loyal to one woman like you," Gadriel said with a laugh. "We're allergic to that kind of thing."
Jerry returned, looking flustered. He saw the looks on his friends' faces and grimaced. "Just a misunderstanding," he said, waving a hand dismissively. "I've handled it. It won't happen again. Get me a glass of wine, will you? That woman made me sweat. How did she even get in here?"
"Why don't you just marry June and end this charade?" Nephtali's voice cut through the air, quiet but firm. "You've been together for years, haven't you? Elena means nothing to you, so why are you even in a relationship with her?"
A hush fell over the group. Jerry had no answer.
"I know a lot of you have other women," Nephtali continued, his gaze sweeping over the men, "apart from the ones who are already married here, and apart from myself. But I hope you'll think about whether you're truly happy with the person you're with. You may enjoy playing with these women, but the day will come when you'll look for a woman who is truly right for you. Don't make the same mistakes I did. I didn't think about my actions, and it nearly ruined me. I just don't want you to experience the pain I went through."
Nephtali looked at Gadriel and Jerry, who couldn't meet his eyes. Dave merely laughed.
"Boss, I'm getting sleepy," Joyce said, her voice soft.
"You can continue the party," Nephtali announced. "I'll be staying for a few days until Joyce is fully recovered. You two, think about what I said. Rafael, give all the evidence to my lawyer so we can press charges against the Moraleses. Just tell me if you want to run for Congress in the next election. I can talk to my godfather in the Senate."
"Thank you, Boss," Rafael said, a flicker of hope in his eyes. "My wife and I will talk about it. She wants to run for Vice Governor."
"Just call me when you've made your decision," Nephtali said. "Reb, your promotion to Colonel is all set. Congratulations."
"Boss, why did you have to announce my promotion?" Dranreb groaned. "Now these guys are going to ask me to pay for everything. Danica will be furious with me. But thank you for your help, Boss. When you're the one who arranges it, I know I'll get my promotion right away. This is a huge gift for me and Danica."
"We haven't been in touch for years because I kept avoiding all of you," Nephtali said, a hint of sadness in his voice. "But not anymore. Joyce and I will be leaving you now. She's getting sleepy from her medication."
He helped Joyce to her feet, but she suddenly went limp, collapsing into his arms. He scooped her up without hesitation, and everyone looked at her with concern. Mike rushed to check on her as Nephtali watched, his face a mask of worry.
"She fell asleep from the medication," Mike said. "She needs rest."
"Boss, just take her to the guest room," Dave suggested. "It's too late for you to take her home, and her sisters are here to watch over her."
In the guest room, Nephtali adjusted the blanket over Joyce, who was sleeping soundly. Jona came in and placed some of her sister's medicine on the bedside table.
"She might wake up later," Nephtali said. "Make sure she takes these. If she has a fever, give her two more and put a cold towel on her forehead."
"She's your girlfriend now," Jona said with a sly smile. "You're the one who should be doing that for her. Our parents trust you, so I know you'll be a good brother-in-law one day. I'll leave her to you. Luna doesn't like being alone in the room."
Jona gave him a knowing smile and left. Nephtali watched over Joyce, reading a book until she stirred.
"Boss, what happened?" she asked, her eyes fluttering open.
"You just passed out," he said, putting his book down. "I didn't take you home since it was late. Dave offered for you to stay here. Your sisters are in the next room. Your sister said I should be the one to watch over you because you're my responsibility now."
"She's right, I guess," Joyce said sleepily. "But you don't have to be so much of a gentleman around me. I know you're tired and sleepy, too. Why don't you just lie down with me? There's nothing wrong with us sleeping together, right? You won't do anything to me, will you?"
A small smile played on his lips. He walked over to the bed and lay beside her. She snuggled into his shoulder.
"Does your shoulder still hurt?" he asked.
"Not really," she mumbled. "Are you still worried about me?"
"How can I not be?" he said, his voice soft. "I won't leave your side until you're completely well. You need to get stronger. Your school year is about to start. It's your last year, too."
"I'm graduating, but I don't know what course to take," she said with a sigh. "I don't know if my parents can still afford it."
"I'll pay for your schooling," he said. "So think about what course you want to take and choose a good university. I'll handle everything you need."
Joyce looked at him, and he looked back at her. "What's on your mind now?" he asked.
"I'm sorry I came into your life so late," she said, her voice full of regret. "You had to go through so much because of those women."
He froze, then pulled her into a tight embrace. "The wait was worth it," he whispered, holding her hand. "I don't regret waiting for so long. And I'm ready to wait even longer for you. Get some rest. I'm right here beside you."
They fell asleep in each other's arms.
***
The next morning, Joyce was cleaning the kitchen while Jona looked at her with a knowing smile.
"What are you doing, Ate?" Joyce asked, a little annoyed. "You've been smiling since this morning."
"Aren't you excited about what Sir Nephtali did last night?" Jona said, teasing her. "He introduced you to everyone as his future wife. That means you're his fiancée now."
"Yeah, I'm his fiancée, but we can't get married yet," Joyce said. "He's still married to his ex-wife."
"They've been separated for a long time, and they had a civil wedding he never wanted," Jona explained. "You're the only woman he'll ever walk down the aisle with."
Luna came into the kitchen, looking curious. "What are you two talking about? Does Ate Joyce have a boyfriend now?"
"You too?" Joyce groaned. "Just be quiet. The neighbors might hear you."
Their parents arrived, carrying many groceries. The sisters looked at them, confused.
"Why did you buy so much?" Jona asked, helping them carry the bags. "What's it all for?"
"Listen carefully," Eddie said. "Your aunt is getting married, and we have to go home for the wedding. Pack your bags so we can catch the last ferry."
"What?" Joyce said, her heart sinking. "How long will we be gone?"
"We don't know yet," Nida said. "It's a huge celebration. That's why your father and I rushed to get tickets."
"Hello? Joyce?" Kaye's voice came from the door. She came in, smiling, and handed Joyce a letter.
"What is this, Kaye?" Joyce asked.
"I don't know," Kaye said. "Mrs. Perez told me to give it to you. It looks like it's about the scholarship you applied for this year."
Joyce opened it and her face lit up. She got the scholarship! But she had to submit her requirements tomorrow. "What are we going to do?" she said, looking at her parents. "I have to submit my requirements tomorrow. I can't go with you."
"Joyce and I can stay here," Jona offered. "She'll have company."
"You always stay behind," Eddie said, his voice laced with exasperation. "Do you know how many times your aunts and uncles have been asking for you? We'll do this instead. Sir Nephtali is still here, isn't he?"
The three sisters looked at their father in shock. "Don't tell me," Joyce said slowly. "You're going to leave me with Boss?"
"Do you want to get your scholarship or not?" Nida asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Ate is staying with her boyfriend!" Luna said, giggling.
Jona and Luna laughed at Joyce's horrified expression.
"You've already given me to him, haven't you?" Joyce said, pretending to be annoyed. "It's fine with you to leave me with him."
"Call your boyfriend so we can turn you over to him now," Jona said playfully.
"Mom, Ate won't leave me alone," Joyce whined.
"That's enough," Nida said, cutting them off. "Start packing. Stop teasing Joyce. Hurry up or we'll miss the ferry."
Nephtali arrived just as they were about to leave. Joyce's parents immediately talked to him, and he smiled at Joyce as he listened to them.
"I think you and Sir Nephtali will have a son," Jona said, nudging her sister. "He'll definitely get his good looks, and that amazing body. Is he good to hug?"
"He's amazing," Joyce said, her eyes dreamy. "I feel like I'm on a cloud. I don't even need a pillow when he's beside me. I'm so good at picking men, aren't I?"
"You're the best," Jona said, laughing.
"Time for us to go," Eddie said. "Joyce, lock the house properly. Sir Nephtali will take you to his place to stay for a while."
"What?" Joyce said, stunned.
"Don't complain," Nida said. "You're so forgetful with your medication. It's better that Sir Nephtali watches over you. Finish your requirements and don't overwork yourself. Rest, especially since you always stay up late during the school year."
"Don't give Sir Nephtali a headache," Eddie added. "We're entrusting you to him because he's the only one we can trust with you. Don't be a burden to him. It's time for you to learn how to listen to your future husband."
"Don't talk like that," Joyce protested. "He hasn't even asked for my hand yet, so why are you giving me to him?"
"He already asked for your hand when you had your operation," Nida said. "Don't you remember? He's the one who saved your life."
"And don't forget the blood that Sir Nephtali always gives her," Jona added.
"Ate Joyce, don't give Kuya Nephtali a hard time," Luna said. "There are only a few men like him in the world, Ate Jona said so."
"We're leaving now," Eddie said. "Be good to your boyfriend."
Joyce's family said their goodbyes. She walked over to Nephtali, who was waiting for her. "They're all on your side," she said. "I feel like the villain here."
"I thought your family wouldn't accept me and would keep you away from me, like in the movies," he said, a look of genuine surprise on his face. "But they gave you to me without a second thought."
"You're happy now, aren't you?" she said with a grin. "Just help me with these things. I still have a lot to submit in the city tomorrow."
"Yes, Ma'am," he said with a playful salute. "Right away."
He drove her to a simple house surrounded by plants and with a large field behind it. "My grandfather always came here to plant and listen to his radio," Nephtali said. "He was happier here than in his mansion, so I chose to live here whenever I come home."
"I want a house like this when we have our own family," Joyce said.
"I'll build you something even better than this," he said. "Come on. We need to prepare dinner."
Joyce looked around the house. It had a small living room, a kitchen, and two bedrooms. One of the rooms had no bed, only clothes. "We'll be sleeping in the same bed?" she asked.
"Don't you trust me?" he asked.
"Did I say I don't trust you?" she said quickly. "Let's just cook. I'm hungry."
They cooked and ate dinner happily. Joyce was about to take her medication when she felt a wave of weakness, grabbing the table for support. Nephtali was outside, locking the gate, and was on his way back in.
"Neph!"
He ran to her, sweeping her up into his arms and carrying her to the bed. He helped her drink her medicine as she leaned against his shoulder.
"Just breathe deeply," he said, his voice calm and reassuring. "You'll be okay."
"I'm sorry," she said, her voice weak. "This is my fault. I didn't take my medicine earlier because we were rushing."
"It's okay," he said. "I'll give you your medicine from now on so you don't have to worry about it. How do you feel? Is it hard to breathe?"
"I feel better now," she said. "Not like before."
He looked into her eyes, and she looked back. He gently stroked her cheek and her lips before kissing her. She responded, and they kissed for a long time. When he finally pulled away, their eyes met.
"I'm sorry," he said. "I couldn't stop myself."
"You don't have to stop yourself if you want to kiss me," she said. "Are you afraid you'll do something more?"
"I'll only do that when you're truly mine," he said. "For now, this is all I can do."
He kissed her again, then held her close.
The next morning, Joyce woke up to the sound of her sister on the phone, telling Nephtali that they had arrived safely.
"Good morning," he said, putting his phone down as he looked at her. "How did my princess sleep?"
"Good morning, Boss," she said sleepily. "I'm still sleepy. It's so nice to sleep here. Did they call? I didn't even hear them."
"Yeah, they just arrived," he said. "Get up so you can shower. We still have to go to the city so you can submit your requirements."
"What if I'm too lazy to get up?" she said with a playful pout.
"Do you want me to carry you again?" he asked.
"Okay, okay, I'll get up," she said, laughing.
She stood up, and he pulled her close, kissing her. "You make my day so much better just by being here," he said.
"Don't get me used to this," she said. "I'll start looking for your kisses when you leave. You're only staying for a few days, and then you'll go back to work."
"Just tell me you want me to stay, and I will," he said.
"Boss, don't do that," she said, her voice a plea.
"I'm not kidding, Joyce," he said. "I'm ready to stay here for you."
They looked at each other, stunned into silence. Joyce kissed him, and he lifted her onto the table, kissing her with more passion. But then he stopped himself, pulling her into a hug.
"You're just proving how much you love me with what you're doing," she said.
"I can protect you even from myself," he said. "I can't do to you what I've done to other women. I value you and respect you too much."