Joy

Gabie's POV

We set off not long after—just the two helpers and me, walking through the quiet path that led to the waterfall. Along the way, they shared how the vast land owned by August's family still stretched all the way to the falls. They said the family chose not to open it to the public to preserve its beauty, but they never restricted the helpers or their families from visiting. It was a kind of generosity that felt rare these days.

When we arrived, I paused in surprise. Several people were already busy preparing the area. The hut near the waterfall was being cleaned and decorated, and there were white flowers everywhere—draped from trees, hanging in clusters, even nestled in baskets balanced on large rocks.

"Oh wow. Did we come at the wrong time?" I asked the two helpers, blinking at the festive scene. "Looks like something special is happening here."

"It's okay, ma'am," one of them said. "Someone asked permission from Señor and Señora to celebrate a birthday here tonight. That's why everyone's busy fixing up the place now."

I watched as people worked with quiet focus—others strung small bulbs from tree branches, while a few were already tidying up tools and ladders. The preparations were almost done.

One of the helpers hesitated when I asked to call me by my name.

"Don't bother, Ma'am Gabie," she said awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. "We're not used to address you like that. We are not use to it."

"Oh, I'm sorry," I replied gently. "I just thought it would be nicer for you to call me by my name instead."

She smiled, but I didn't press further. As we neared the large hut, several people greeted us with kind nods and warm smiles. A long table had been set up at the center, clearly for tonight's celebration.

The entire place looked like something out of a dream. The glistening waterfall framed by delicate white blooms, the soft glow of bulbs swaying slightly in the breeze, the gentle murmur of voices working in harmony. It felt sacred somehow—untouched and deeply human all at once.

Time passed without me realizing it. I found a smooth pebble near the falls and sat there quietly, just watching. I didn't even notice the two helpers had wandered off. My hands instinctively went to my phone, and I started taking pictures—of the flowers, the rocks, the glimmer of light on the water. Eventually, when the novelty wore off, I moved to a different spot closer to the falls and sat again, letting my thoughts wander.

"Mama… maybe it's finally time."

When I was younger, I always thought facing the truth would break me. But now, I understand—some things you can't change. You just learn to carry them. Accept them. And forgive.

"I'm happy now, Mama. Truly. And because of that, forgiving you no longer feels heavy."

August and his family changed how I see the world. They taught me there's strength in kindness, that there's no use holding on to anger that does nothing but keep you stuck. August said it would be good if mom could attend our wedding, if only for me. At first, I disagreed. But now… maybe he was right. Weddings are meant to celebrate love, and you were the one who first taught me to love, even if not always in the best way.

Maybe it's not too late to rewrite how our story ends.

But my thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Earth to Gabie!"

I turned just as August dropped beside me on the rock and wrapped his arm around my shoulders. He gave me a quick kiss on the lips, and I couldn't help but smile.

"Hi," I said softly. "How's grandma?"

"She's okay now. Sorry I didn't wake you—I had to rush out. Forgot she had a check-up scheduled today."

"It's fine, I understand. But you really surprised me just now," I teased, kissing him back lightly.

He chuckled. "Well, you looked like you were having a moment. I didn't want to interrupt."

"You saw me earlier but didn't come over?"

"Yeah. You were too focused, taking pictures," he said, nudging me playfully. "Honestly, I was just enjoying the view."

I gave him a mock glare. "You mean the waterfall or me?"

He grinned. "Both."

I was suddenly embarrassed when I realized someone had been watching me. I'd been so sure everyone around was busy with their own thing that I didn't bother to keep my guard up.

"The whole place looks even more beautiful with all these flowers," I said softly.

"Yeah," August replied lazily, his gaze fixed on the waterfall.

"Thanks for bringing me here."

He leaned in, kissed my forehead, then reached for my hand and gently intertwined his fingers with mine.

I felt content—truly content—with the quietness of the moment. Just the sound of the water, his warmth beside me, and a simple exchange of words. I didn't notice the sky turning dusky until I saw lights illuminating the space around us. It was surreal. If I was already amazed earlier by the flowers, now I didn't even know how to describe the beauty that surrounded us.

August stood beside me, then extended his hand, coaxing me to get up. I followed him quietly as he led me toward a small path surrounded by even more flowers.

Something in his eyes shifted.

"Okay, what's going on?" I asked, tilting my head as I looked up at him.

He cleared his throat, and I noticed how nervous he suddenly looked.

"Sweetheart," he began, his voice slightly shaky.

"Huh? What is it? Why do you look nervous? Is there something wrong?" I asked, puzzled. I watched him take a deep breath, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed again and again. I was used to him speaking with such confidence—but right now, he seemed like someone else.

I noticed him reach into his pocket, clearly fidgeting.

"Luh! Are you okay? Why are you sweating? The air's cold!" I said, half-laughing but genuinely concerned.

"I'm okay, don't worry," he said quickly. I didn't believe him, but I let it go.

Then, right before my eyes, he slowly dropped down on one knee.

His left hand held my right, gripping it gently—but I could feel his hand trembling. And cold.

My heart skipped. I had a hunch about what was coming, but I was afraid to fully believe it just yet.

And then he pulled out a small, red velvet box. Inside was a ring, shining under the lights, with a stone that caught every sparkle around us.

"Sweetheart," he said tearfully, still kneeling on one knee, "would you do me the honor of being my lifetime partner—my cure for sleepless nights—and be my wife? I vow to take care of you for as long as you want me by your side. I vow to love you and treasure you until my last breath. Will you marry me?"

I could hardly breathe.

Tears blurred my vision as I stared at the man kneeling in front of me. I thought of that night—how I'd climbed into his car without permission, how annoyed he must have been. How he still cleaned and dressed my wounds without a word. How he let me into his home, into his world, even when he didn't have to.

He was with me during the worst part of my life, never pushing me away. Instead, he stayed. He helped me stand again. He gave me the kind of quiet love that healed slowly and deeply.

Despite all the fights and misunderstandings, despite our pasts full of pain—we found each other. And maybe that's why it wasn't so hard to keep going.

"Yes! Yes, August!" I cried joyfully.

He slipped the ring onto my finger, stood up quickly, and pulled me into a tight hug. I hugged him back, all the emotions flooding out in waves.

He kissed me gently on the lips just as a round of applause burst around us.

I looked up and saw grandma, grandpa and Wednesday standing nearby, all smiling. Even the household staff were gathered, clapping and cheering.

"Come on, sweetheart," August said, guiding me toward his family.

We hugged and received their congratulations—grandpa, grandma, and Wednesday first, then the rest of the staff. The celebration continued over a cozy dinner under the flower-lit hut they'd decorated earlier.

Later, grandpa and grandma said their goodbyes and left with Wednesday, who had to go home early for work the next day.

Some of the staff stayed behind, clearing dishes or chatting nearby, while August and I wandered back to the waterfall. He stood behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist as we both gazed at the water.

"Are you happy?" he asked softly.

"Of course. Thank you for making me happy," I replied, my eyes still on the flowing stream. It looked tempting—if only it wasn't so cold.

He kissed the side of my head, then pulled me even closer.

"August," I whispered.

"Hm?"

I turned around slowly to face him.

"I love you so much," I said with a smile.

He kissed me again—tender at first, then deeper. But I broke the kiss first, worried someone might see us.

He laughed softly and pulled me into another hug. "My sweetheart is blushing," he teased.

"Let's go home?" he offered, brushing hair from my face.

When we arrived back at the house, everyone was already asleep. We quietly got ready for bed, still unable to stop smiling.

But even when the lights were off and August had dozed off beside me, I couldn't sleep.

"Hey," he murmured, eyes still half-closed. "Can't sleep?"

I turned to him, smiling. "Not sleepy yet."

He reached for me and pulled me close. "Maybe you're just overwhelmed."

"Maybe," I said, snuggling into him. "I never thought something like this would happen in my life. I mean—you got mad at me for jumping into your car that day without warning. And now I'm your fiancée."

He chuckled. "That's how fate works, sweetheart."

"You're right. Who would've thought someone like me would meet someone like you? Everything does happen for a reason, right? If I hadn't found out that… that he was my father's brother, I wouldn't have met you. I hated it at first, everything felt like a betrayal. But now? I'm thankful. For all the pain, the tears, the fights—because they led me here. They led me to you."

"I love you so much sweetheart," I whispered.

"Oh? So now you're calling me 'sweetheart'?" he teased, then gently pinched my nose.

I laughed, and before I could say anything else, he kissed me again.

This time, longer.

Deeper.

Full of everything we'd both been holding in.

That night, we made love tenderly, slowly, wrapped in warmth and quiet joy. And at last, in each other's arms, we fell asleep.

*** 

We were still laughing about his silliness when his mood suddenly snapped like a switch.

"What the fuck is she doing here?" he muttered, jaw clenched, as he hit the steering wheel in frustration.

The car screeched to a stop a few meters from the gate of his house. August leaned forward, pressing his forehead against the steering wheel, eyes shut tight as if trying to keep something from exploding.

I froze in my seat, watching him in confusion. Just moments ago, he was grinning, scratching his face while driving, and making me laugh so hard. But now…

"Gabie," he said, his voice low and cold, "I need you to listen to me carefully."

The way he said my name—not sweetheart, not love—sent a chill down my spine. He hadn't used that tone in a long time. It made my chest tighten with unease.

I swallowed. "Okay… I'm listening."

He didn't look at me right away. Instead, he took a deep breath before finally turning his head. His eyes—usually warm and playful—now brimmed with worry and something else I couldn't name.

"I didn't know she'd be here. I swear. She's been showing up at the station lately… trying to see me. I've never talked to her. You can ask my colleagues—every single one of them knows who she is, but none of them know what I told you."

I stared at him, heart thudding. "Why is she here? Is she… is she trying to come back into your life?"

He shook his head quickly. "No. I don't know what she wants, Gabie, but please—don't believe a single thing she says. That woman… she'll twist everything. She'll try to ruin what we have. But I'm telling you now: I want no part of her. I don't want anyone else in my life. Just you, Gabriella Therese Alonzo."

He reached out and gently cupped my hand. "That's why I asked you to marry me. And I thank God every second that you said yes. Please, sweetheart. Believe me. Don't let her break what we have."

His voice trembled. His eyes pleaded.

And it broke me.

Tears welled in my eyes. Not because I doubted him—but because I could feel how much he meant every word.

"Hey, hey… why are you crying?" he asked, panicked. He unbuckled his seatbelt, then reached across to undo mine, pulling me into his arms.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, brushing my fingers under my eyes. "It's not what you think. I'm not crying because I doubt you. I believe you, August. I really do. I'm just… overwhelmed. You're so scared that I wouldn't trust you, but all I feel is how deeply you love me. And that means everything."

He exhaled shakily, pulling me closer. "God, thank you…"

"I won't believe anything she says," I assured him. "I don't know her. But I know you. And if ever something confuses me, I'll come to you first—because I love you. I trust you."

I smiled as I touched his lips gently with my fingers.

He closed his eyes, like my words were the only thing holding him together.

Then, after a beat, he opened them again and asked softly, "Can you come with me? I want to show her the woman I'm going to marry. Maybe if she sees that, she'll finally back off."

I held his hand. "Alright. Maybe that's the only way to get her to stop."

We opened the doors and stepped out of the car. August waited for me by the hood, then reached for my hand. He laced our fingers tightly together before we walked toward the woman standing across the gate.