Was he saying this because of what Amy mentioned?
"This has nothing to do with what Amy said on Sunday," he added, as if reading her thoughts.
He reached out and took her hand that rested on the table.
"Dianne… will you be my girlfriend?"
She was startled by his question, immediately withdrawing her hand.
"You have a girlfriend," she said, trying to mask her surprise.
"We're no longer together, Gerlie and I," he replied, explaining the situation.
After they finished eating, DJ accompanied her home. She didn't answer his question immediately, telling him instead that she needed time to think; she didn't want to rush into anything.
That afternoon, Dianne spent time with Amy and Dansel. Their friendship date was postponed since Athena couldn't join them—she was busy, often going out with Kier. The truth was, Athena and Kier had grown close, and Dianne felt no pangs of jealousy or pain. On the contrary, she was genuinely happy for her friend. She realized that what she felt for Kier was probably just admiration. True love couldn't be replaced so easily—but with DJ, she knew she was already in love.
"Let's go home," she said to her friends.
"Huh? Why? We haven't even finished shopping!" Dansel asked, puzzled.
"I suddenly felt unwell. Maybe it's stress from work. Sorry, but I think I'll go home first," she replied, carefully leaving out the truth that she had seen DJ with Gerlie.
Her friends, concerned for her, agreed that it was best for her to rest.
Once home, Dianne immediately climbed into bed and lay face down. She felt completely drained, unable to move. Her mind kept returning to DJ and Gerlie.
"They're supposed to be over… why are they together? DJ's lying!" her thoughts seethed.
She felt irritation spike within her.
Why am I even thinking about him?
Don't believe in him, girl! He's just deceiving you! He's a liar!
Her inner voice scolded her relentlessly.
"Can I give you a ride after work?" DJ asked later that day when she arrived at his office. He had asked her to come meet his assistant.
"Thanks, but I can go home by myself," she replied cautiously, deliberately wanting him to sense her irritation.
"I just want to be closer to you and make it up to you," he said softly.
She stood, brushing off his words.
"No need, thank you. I don't want to inconvenience you or Gerlie," she said, her tone polite but firm.
He frowned at her reply.
"Are you jealous?" he asked, observing her closely.
She froze for a moment.
"Why would I be jealous?" she replied sarcastically.
"You have no reason to be. Gerlie and I are no longer together. Didn't I tell you that?" he said, ignoring her teasing.
"You're no longer together? Then why were you seen together yesterday?" she asked, recalling what she had seen.
He smiled faintly at her incredulity.
"She asked me to accompany her yesterday. We had been together for a long time before, and out of respect, I went. But we're no longer together," he explained.
"Wait—so every time she asks you to go, you're just being respectful of your past relationship? Are you trying to trick me?!" she demanded, irritation lacing her words.
He stepped closer.
"Dianne, that's not what I meant. I'm not tricking you. I'm telling the truth. I really love you," he said sincerely.
"That's exactly the problem! That's why I let myself fall in love with you!" she whispered.
They both fell silent.
Moments later, Dianne felt the warmth of DJ's embrace and the sweetness of his kiss.
From that moment on, DJ became her first boyfriend. Her first kiss was his as well.
Dianne and DJ traveled together to their provincial home in Bacolod, following their flight schedule. DJ had purchased their plane tickets himself, which were slightly expensive since they bought them last-minute.
Upon arrival, they were warmly greeted by Dianne's parents and siblings who still lived in their family home. Some of her older siblings had already established families or worked in Manila. The youngest sibling, still in college, remained at home.
Dianne greeted her parents respectfully, and DJ followed, introducing himself to the family.
"You know, we're very lucky to have Dianne," her mother began as they sat down for lunch.
"Because of her, we survived hardship and improved our lives. Did you know, DJ, that she paid for her siblings' education? That's why we now have a doctor, a teacher, an engineer, and an accountant in the family," her mother continued proudly.
"Mom! You're showing off too much to DJ. He might get the wrong idea," Dianne said with a smile, glancing at DJ, who quietly listened.
"It's true, Ate," her sibling chimed in.
"That's why the youngest stayed here to continue studying. And Dianne is the one supporting them," her mother added. DJ smiled quietly and stole a subtle glance at Dianne.
That afternoon, Dianne generously volunteered to accompany her parents to the market to buy fish for dinner. DJ joined her, claiming he wanted to see the area. The market was a bit far, requiring a tricycle ride. Since DJ didn't bring a car, he willingly rode along, showing no signs of discomfort despite being unaccustomed to local transport.
At the market, Dianne approached a familiar fish vendor, Mang Melchor, who had been selling there for decades.
"Good afternoon, Mang Melchor. How are you?" she greeted the elderly man, now around 65 years old.
"Oh, Ineng! Still selling fish, huh?" he replied, then glanced at DJ. "Is this your boyfriend?"
She nodded, quietly introducing DJ, explaining he was from Manila and not fluent in the local language.
"Well, I speak Tagalog too," he said with a Bacolod accent, smiling. "You're lucky if you marry Dianne—like hitting the jackpot in the lottery."
"Wow, Mang Melchor! Am I really that lucky?" she teased.
"In marriage, looks don't matter. When you age, wrinkles come, but good character remains. That never fades," Mang Melchor said wisely.
"When marrying, choose someone who's worthy of a lifelong partnership, someone who will love you no matter what. Even as life and appearances change with age, there's one thing that never changes—your love for each other," he added.
DJ, like he had earlier when speaking with Dianne's mother, simply smiled at Mang Melchor, stealing a subtle glance at Dianne.
They decided to buy dried milkfish instead of fresh ones since the fresh stock was sold out. Dianne mentioned she had missed eating dried milkfish, and DJ felt the same.
After leaving Mang Melchor, DJ reflected on the man's advice. He had previously only imagined marrying Gerlie, never thinking about the life after the wedding or what his future would be like with her. But with Dianne? He knew their children would be proud of her. She was remarkable, thoughtful, and truly amazing.
The thoughts swirled in his mind as he held her hand during their walk back from the market, realizing that life with Dianne could be something extraordinary.