Sugar Daddy

Hello ninyo tanan. Tawga lang ko ug Grace. Silent reader ko ani nga page. After reading so many inspirational stories, naka decide ko to share mine. I hope naa mo makat-unan sa akong mga kaagi..

Taga-Leyte akong pamilya originally pero namalhin mi sa Cebu pag highschool nako. Sa UC ko ni skwela ug pag college ni transfer ko sa laing university. Bisan tuod ug pobre rami, kugihan kaayo akong parents mo work para makapahuman mi ug skwela. 

Graduating nako sa dihang na disgrasya akong papa sa trabaho-an. Dugay siya sa ospital kay nabali iyang mga kabukogan kay nahagbong siya ug 2 storeys. Swerte na gani kaayo kay nabuhi pa akong papa. Bisan ang companya nitabang ug bayad sa hospital bills, naglisod gihapon mi kay ako mama nalang ang nagtrabaho. Niya hago kaayo siya kay gikan trabaho mobantay pa ni papa sa ospital.

Naka-decide ko nga mag part-time sa usa ka coffee shop while I finish my last semester. Perteng kapoya jud tinuod sa mag skwela ug full-time ug mag work at the same time. Samot pajud kay graduating. Halos 4 hours a day ra akong tulog in between classes and work.

Nakagawas ra ako papa after 4 months stay sa hospital. Right about the same time nga na discharge siyas hospital, naka graduate napud kos akong kurso. Nangita na dayon ko ug trabaho kay sa tinud anay naglisod jud mi sa amo kay ako papa dugay pa makabalik ug trabaho. Halos isang kahig isang tuka naman lang gani mi kato sila pa 2 ga work sa ako mama, samot na karon nga ako nalang mama ug akong part-time work ang among gisaligan.

Grace: Pa, don’t worry, karon nga naka graduate nako, makatabang nakos gastuhan diris balay.

Papa: Pangga, salamat kaayo kay responsible kaayo ka nga anak. Ayaw kabalaka, once maayo nako, mobalik nako ug work para maka luag2x tas ato.

Grace: Dah si Papa uy, ayaw sa pag huna2x anang trabaho pa.

3 months gikan sa ako pag graduate, naka trabaho ko ug small construction firm. Igo2x rajud ang sweldo kay di man dako nga kompanya pero na-happy ra gihapon ko kay naa nakoy ambag sa amo. Mga 1 year nakos kompanya, nakaila nako si Lisa. Usual customer ni siya namo ug nagkasuod napud mi.

Lisa: Grace, wala kay plano mobalhin ug laing work?

Grace: Ngano diay ma’am Lisa? Nalipay raman kos akong work diri.

Lisa: Sayang imong utok ug ka gwapa dae kung diri raka. Suway ug apply sa kanang mga dagko nga firm o para mas dako ka ug sweldo. Sure ko madawat jud ka. Kung ganahan gani ka, himo-an pa tika ug letter of recommendation.

Nisuway ko ug apply pero wala ko madawat kay kasagaran executive position ang gipangita. Naguol ko gamay pero wala jud ko nagpadala. Kayod gihapon ko sa work. Pero bisan unsaon diay ug paninguha sa taw, kung ang kapalaran na gani magduwa, wala jud kay dag-anan.

Ako papa na diagnosed ug stage 1 lung cancer. Halos mahagba akong tibuok kalibutan pagkabalo nako. Perte nakong hilak. Wa ko nagpakita sa ako parents sa akong kaguol. Pero naka decide ko nga mangita jud ko ug laing work kay di kaigo ako current nga sweldo sa tambal unya sa akong papa. May gani nakit-an accidentally sa doctor ang cancer nga lain man unta to nga test ang giadto sa ako papa.

Naa mi silingan nga niingon nako nga naa daw sa Singapore iyang anak ga trabaho. Dako daw sweldo. Pag ask nako niya unsa work sa iya anak sa Singapore, ga duha2x siya ug tubag. Pero sa duro nakong pamugos, nitug-an siya nga escort daw. Not in my wildest dreams nga magtuo ko nga masulod ko ani nga line of work. But tungod desperado ko, wala nako namili. Nilarga ko ug Singapore posing as tourist kay mao man daw ni ang paagi sa mga Pinay para maka work didto. Perte jud nakong kulbaa paglinya nako sa immigration kay basin masayop ko ug tubag di ko pasudlon sa country niya mauli ko. Sayang ang kwarta gigasto pamilete nga daginuton kaayo.

Ug tuod, nakasulod rako sa SG. Naay nisugat nako sa airport nga Pinay ra pud tawgon nato siya ug Pamela. Siya ang mura ug “coordinator” or Mama-san nako para sa akong mga bookings.

Pam: Grace, dili ni sayon nga trabaho ang imong sudlon okay? I know nakahuman ka ug skwela sa ato ug kaning trabaho-a last resort rani nimo.  Usa rajud ang akong isulti nimo, ikaw ang mag control kung unsa ra ang imong gusto buhaton nga serbisyo per booking. Kung ganahan lang ba ron ka nga igo rajud mag escort or full service imo ihatag. Mas dako ug bayad if you go all the way, pero di ka namo pugson. Ang amo lang is magtarong ka sa imo mga bookings ug imo tumanon ang rules nato. Okay?

Grace: Walay problema ma’am. Andam ko mo take as many bookings pero dili pako comfortable mohatag sa full service. Moingon rako nimo ma’am if anything changes.

Nagsugod ko ug trabaho dayon the next day kay kinahanglan nako magsugod ug tigom para sa tambal sa akong papa. Ug tuod, ang akong mga bookings kay kana lang igo rako mokuyog ug dates sa akong mga customer. Most of them are just lonely old men nga ganahan lang ug company. Naa nami understanding daan nga wala jud labot ang sex sa ako service. I had some weird booking pud nga ikuyog ko ug hotel and pasul ubon ko nila ug mga sexy lingerie pero dira ra taman. Ganahan lang sila makakita ug babae nga nag lingerie. Didto nako na realize nga kaning mga mokuha ug services nga mga in ana kay mostly nila kay walay kabilinggan sa kinabuhi or ni pass away na ang mga asawa ug gimingawan lang. Naa sad uban nga moabang pud ug escort kay ganahan sila naa dad on nga batan on nga babae sa ilang mga work functions as ilang +1. Dili man gud taboo sa ila ang in-ana nga buluhaton labi na mga executives sa kompanya who wants to show everyone they still got it.

Tungod kay 90 days lang ang gi allow sa ako-a, dapat ko mo exit sa country by the end sa akong allowed days. Ubay2x nako ug natigom bisan 89 days lang ko naka work. Mga tips sa akong mga customer wala jud nako gigasto ug mga luho bisan ako mga kauban perte na pamalit ug mga mahalon nga butang or laag sa lain lugar. Ganahan ko naa koy makita nga agi sa akong kahago ug dako ko ug mauli sa amo pampuno sa akong gipadala.

Nauli ko sa amo ug lipay kaayo akong parents kay dugay2x pud mi wala nagkita. Gitagaan ko ug good news sa ako mama nga nindot daw ug reaction ako papa sa tambal so positive ang doctor nga maayo jud siya. Need pa ug 3 more months ako papa for the treatment to fully run its course. That means need pako mobalik sa ako escort nga trabaho para naay panggasto. Pero di pako kabalik ug Singapore kay madudahan niya ko sa ilang immigration kay ngano gikan nako didto for 3 months niya mobalik napud ko. Ang sulti ni Pamela nako kay pwede ko moadto sa Malaysia for another 3 months. Naa man sila connection para ma approve ko ug long stay visa like the one in Singapore. Mao daw ni ang buhaton sa kasagaran mga Pinay working as escorts sa Asia aron dili sila dali masakpan.

So nilarga jud ko ug balik sa Malaysia and did the same job for 3 months. Pareha ra gihapon akong routine nga mo take rako ug bookings kung dili mangayo ug sex ang customer. Though naa jud uban nga mohangyo pajud niya I tip lang daw ko. Wala jud ko mosugot kay gawas nga di ko ganahan ibaligya akong lawas, bawal pud na sa among kasabotan ni ma’am Pamela. Dapat tanan bookings kay transparent kung unsa lang nga service ang i-avail. This is business after all, so dapat walay under the table nga kasabutan.

Dali ra ang panahon ug oras napud mouli ko sa Pinas kay hapit na mo expire akong visa. Bisan dili same kadaghan ang akong natigom sa Malaysia kompara atong naa kos Singapore, nalipay gihapon ko kay naa koy nauli sa amo ug makapadala ko regularly sa ako parents.

Pag test sa akong papa kay wala na ang cancer after sa iyang round of chemo. So lipay kaayo mi sa ako mama kay naka recover jud fully akong papa. Naka decide ko nga mag negosyo lang akong parents instead nga manarbaho pa sila. Total naa man mi nindot nga pwesto, magpatukod ko ug mini grocery store. Pero before na nako mahatag nila, need ko mobalik napud ug 1 more time sa Singapore para katigom ko ug pang capital. So ang akong gibuhat ni-work ko ug call centre for 6 months while nagpaabot nga at least maka 12 months ko nga wala nitungtong ug Singapore. Pagkahapit na nako ma regular, ni resign dayon ko ug gi applayan ko ni ma’am Pamela ug student visa para kunohay mo skwela ko didto ug short course.

Kani nga larga nako sa Singapore, mas kapoy jud siya kontra sa nauna kay kinahanglan jud ko mo skwela ug mo trabaho at the same time. Pareha atong graduating ko, tag 4 hours lang akong tulog permi. Pero wala jud ko nagpadala sa kakapoy, para nis akong pamilya ug pang last na bitaw ni. After ani, plano nako mobalik ko ug pang apply ug trabaho nga related jud sa ako kurso. Tanan bookings nga ni request nako ako jud gidawat. Bahala usahay doble or triple pa in one day. Nihit man gud ang mo book nako kay di ko mo all the way bitaw. 1 month nalang mouli nako balik sa Pinas when everything changed sa ako life because of one booking nga ako gikuha.

One evening, gitawagan ko sa akong kauban rapud sa work. Pinay pud siya nga pareha nako nanimpalad.

Friend: Grace, sorry sa pag distorbo, I know klase nimo ron. Gihilantan ko niya di ko makatunga sa ako booking tonight. Pwede ikaw lang akong proxy? Ang booking kay igo plus one lang ka sa party nga i-attend sa client. Taga-Cebu si Sir so magkasinabot ramo.

Grace: Ok ra man. Need man sad nako ang money. Sige ako ray proxy nimo.

Friend: Grace, formal party mana, so nag provide si Sir ug senina nga ako unta sul-ubon, ari-a sa kwarto later after sa imo klase para masukod nimo. Mas daot raman ka gamay nako, igo ra guro ni.

So after sa akong klase, nag ready nako para sa party. Anad naman ko ug escort ug mga businessman sa in-ani nga party so more or less kahibalo rako sa ako buhaton. I just need to be a good “arm candy” – smile, be courteous, and look beautiful.

The party was in an upscale hotel in the city. Gikuha ko sa driver sa nag book nako, and nihapit mi sa iyang accommodation. On our way sa hotel nag small talk mi,

Sir: Hello Grace, I’m glad that you can make it tonight. Were you briefed of what was expected of you tonight?

Grace: Yes sir.

Sir: Good. This is an easy job, so just relax and enjoy the party. By the way, please do call me Mr Y.

Pag-abot namo sa hotel ni Mr Y, daghan na ug taw. Tungod sa ako experience, kahibalo rako makighalobilo sa mga taw. Sa tinud-anay, kasagaran mga edad-edaran nga ni attend ato nga function kay mga batan on ang kuyog nga pareha pud nako nga escort though naay uban nga kuyog jud nila ilang asawa. Si Mr Y kay bisan naa na sa iyang early 40s kay nindot gihapon kaayo ug barog. Even the younger executives can’t compete sa iyang charisma and looks. The whole time nga naa mis party, makita jud nimo nga well-respected si Mr Y sa iyang fellow execs. Nahuman ang party around 12 midnight and on our commute home…

Sir: Grace, thank you for today. It was a pleasure having you tonight as my plus 1. You are smart and beautiful. I’ve heard from Pam ngano nga ni risk ka ani nga trabaho. If it’s okay with you, can I see you again?

Grace: Thank you kaayo Mr Y. It was great knowing you as well. Lingaw kaayo ka kakuyog and tonight’s party is one of the best I’ve attended. But about your invitation, dili mi allowed Sir nga makigkita sa amo clients without proper booking. I hope you understand.

Sir: Okay lang Grace, I understand. I’ll make a booking for Saturday afternoon.

Grace: Thank you Sir. See you Saturday.

Gikuha napud ko sa iyang driver para ihatod sa among meeting place. While naa sa sakyanan nakuyawan jud ko kay wala ko kabalo unsa iya ganahan isulti nako. Nag late lunch mi sa usa ka quiet restaurant sa outskirt sa city centre.

Sir: Grace, thanks for coming. Please sit down and order na ug food. Tuod, Grace the reason why I’ve asked you out is ganahan unta ko offer-an ka ug tarong nga trabaho diri. I know naka graduate ka ug imo rani gibuhat nga trabaho para sa imong pamilya. I admire people like you who are willing to sacrifice their own dreams for their loved ones.

Grace: Sir? Tinuod? I mean, kung makasulod ko ug lain trabaho I would be very grateful sa opportunity. Naa nalang ko 2 weeks sa ako stay diri and mouli nako Cebu. Ang plano nako is ang akong natigom kay ako ihatag sa ako parents pang capital sa tindahan. And then I can work on achieving my dreams kay napahiluna na nako akong parents.

Sir: Bilib kaayo ko nimo iha, pinangga kaayo nimo imong parents. I know this is not a job you can be proud of. There’s too much stigma placed on the escort business. That’s why I want to give you a chance to make a better future para sa imo kaugalingon and loved ones. Are you willing to hear my offer?

Grace: O kaayo sir. Please tell me more about the job..

Sir: I need an executive secretary I can trust. As you are well aware, I hold an important position for ABC company and I can’t do everything on my own so I need someone who can organize things for me and be my right hand woman.

Grace: Sir, sure ka nga qualified ko ana nga work? I mean nakahuman ko sa ato ug degree but it has nothing to do with being a secretary. I’m just concerned that I might disappoint you along the way and it’s something I don’t want to happen with the opportunity nga imo gi present sa ako karon.

Sir: Where’s the confident girl I’ve spoken with last time? Pag party I’ve seen how well you’ve carried yourself and I’m impressed with the intelligence you’ve exuded while carrying out conversations with my colleagues. Look Grace, I have so much faith in you even if I’ve only known you for literally one night. Think about it.

Grace: Sir, thank you kaayo sa opportunity nga imo gihatag nako. I don’t need long to think about it, I’ll take the job.

Sir: Leave everything with me. I’ll see you in the office on Monday, we’ll work on your requirements for the visa, and settle your accommodation arrangement. Ako lang pud ang mostorya ni Pam parte sa imo paghawa niya ASAP. She will be well compensated so we’re not really burning any bridges.

Grace: Thank you kaayo Sir. Dako kaayo ni nga tabang nako ug sa ako family. I’ll do my best…

Dream job jud kaayo ang gihatag ni Mr Y nako nga work. It wasn’t easy at first, as much is expected from me pero slowly I’ve learned the ins and outs of his day and not long after, I became an asset to him. Because of my new job, mas nakatabang ko sa ako parents. Mas regular na akong padala ug mas naa nakoy job fulfillment. Bisan tuod wala nako kauli sa amo for more than a year, I didn’t mind at all. Nag aim jud ko makatigom pag ayo kay plano nako i-surprise akong parents, palitan nako sila yuta sa Leyte in case ganahan nalang sila mang-uma ug balik sa probinsiya.

It is through this job that I was able to travel to countries I’ve only dreamt of ever going, stay in hotel rooms I only get to look at in magazines, and fly first/business class instead of flying economy. The job itself is very demanding nga tag 4 hours a day ra usahay akong tulog kay either mag travel or attend ug meetings or prepare for a brief. Pero I would never trade it for anything else.

Tungod kay gisaligan nako ni Mr Y, I’m privy to his personal and business dealings. For this reason, nahibal-an nako nga si Mr Y diay kay single and never been married…. And gay. Mao diay wala siya naminyo jud bisan pa sa iyang social standing. He’s batting for the home team. 

Bisan iyang family wala kahibalo, only me and a few of his very close friends know of his predicament. Dili man siya ladlad nga type. In fact, very masculine jud siya nga bisan ako wala nag expect. I’ve only accidentally found out while we were in Hong Kong for a business trip. Iya ko gisugo to go to his hotel room to get important documents and wala siya nag expect his boyfriend is still in the room getting changed para padulong na unta molakaw. Dako jud kaayo to nga gubot kay nagtuo man ko nga stranger ang naa sa room so nitawag ko sa hotel security. So walay choice si Mr Y but to explain the situation.

Naay mga joint ventures sa Pinas si Mr Y with his elder sister. Tungod ana, I get in touch with his family all the time either by phone or email. I’ve worked for Mr. Y for the last 2 years when I finally met his family. His sister (Mrs A) and her son named Chris (or Mr A) is coming over for a week-long holiday. I was the one nga nag organize tanan from their flights, to their accommodations, and activities. Gisugat nako sila sa airport.

Grace: Good afternoon Mrs A and Mr A. It’s nice to finally meet you. My name is Grace, I’m Mr Y’s assis….

Mrs A: Shut your mouth and take our bags. Wala mi panahon makig storya sa puta sa akong igsuon. And don’t say otherwise kay kahibalo mi sa imong work before you became my brother’s “assistant”.

Mr A: How pathetic, assistant pa daw when everyone knows she’s an escort.

In-ana iyang pamilya ka grabe maka-insulto nako. Pero bisan pa in-ana sila, ako gihapon sila gitarong ug tagad for Mr Y’s sake. 

Sir: Grace, pasensiya najud kaayo for how my family is treating you. You need to have the patience of a saint to stand their verbal assault. I think ako ang sad-an ngano in ana ilang pagtrato nimo. I let slip one time nga I’ve already made my will ug dili sa ila paingon ang akong hinaguan.

Grace: They are your family Sir maong naninguha jud ko dili makatubay sa ilang pang-insulto. Pero Sir, pwede mag ask nganong sa imo will wala silay inheritance?

Sir: My sister, is a chronic gambler; her son, a womanizer. I don’t want my parents’ legacy that they’ve built from scratch go up in smokes tungod sa bisyo sa akong igsuon ug sa iyang anak.

A few months after nibisita ang pamilya ni Sir Y, nakadawat ko ug Facebook invite ni Chris. Di unta nako i-accept pero ni message siya nako,

Chris: Hi Grace, this is Chris. I know this is weird, after all the months have passed but I just want to apologize on how my mom and I acted last time nagkita ta. For insulting you and your family, and for judging who you are. Whether or not tinuod nga escort ka, we are in no position to pass judgment.

Grace: I’ve forgiven you a long time ago. And yes, it’s true that I was an escort. That’s how I met your uncle.  I hope we can move past this issue and pwede nata makatrabaho smoothly.

Bisan ni apologize siya, wala nako gi accept iyang friend request. My personal FB is only reserved for people whom I consider friends and family. He’s neither. But after ato amo conversation, he is more civil sa dealings namo ug pagkita namo ug balik, he is more friendly.

One night while paingon ko uli, naa siya sa ubos gahuwat nako. He is wearing his brand of smile that probably had women swooning. I get why women line up to get his attention. He is an attractive person with towering confidence, good looks, intelligence, and wits. 

Chris: Hi Grace. So, what are you doing tonight?

Grace: Hello, naa pa lage ka diri? If you’re waiting for Mr Y nilakaw na siya ganinang 4PM for an offsite meeting.

Chris: Actually, ikaw akong gihuwat. I’m….. (shy) Look…. Is it alright if I take you to dinner?

Diri nagstart amo panagsuod. Bisan naa koy reservation at first, later on I’ve realised that Chris is actually a decent guy. He was genuinely sorry sa iyang nabuhat nako the first time we met.

Magbisitahan lang si Chris sa Singapore and we have maintained our closeness despite the distance ug bisan iyang mama grabe jud gihapon ug kalagot nako nga tawgon nalang ko usahay ug “burikat”, our friendship remained strong. Chris would confide to me about almost everything including his romantic life. Chickboy ni si Chris, ug tungod gwapo ug dato, halinon jud kaayo sa mga babae. At first, I never really noticed Chris’ appeal. He is a good friend and my boss’ nephew until one day while nagkuyog mi, he confided..

Chris: Grace, I think I know the reason why I can’t seem to settle for one person and why my heart is restless jumping from relationship to another.

Grace: I told you already. You just need to wait for the right one. Ayaw na pugsa imo kaugalingon just because these ladies are throwing themselves at you.

Chris: I’ve found her. But I’m not sure if she’s interested. I mean, my reputation precedes me.

Grace: I’m sure she’ll love you once she gets to know you. I’m not your biggest fan before but you turned out to be quite an awesome person.

Chris: So, if moingon ko ikaw, imo ko sugton?

Grace: Hahahaha! You know humor is not your strongest suit right? (nagkatawa pag-ayo)

Chris: Grace…. C’mon… I’m not joking here. Mao diay no one else is good enough. I’ve realized it while I was looking at you smiling while reading the card with the roses given by the guy from the 17th floor. I was jealous. I want you to smile for me like that.

Grace: Pagtarong uy amaw!

Lipay kaayo si Mr Y pagkahibalo niya nanguyab si Chris nako. Halos nalang iya naming ipakasal bisan wala pa nako sugta iyang pag-umangkon. Si Chris sad ni transfer temporarily sa Singapore while training for the business and para pud maka spend siya ug more time nako. After 5 months, ako siya gisugot and since nagkauyab mi, gisugdan na dayon ni Mr Y ug train si Chris to take over the business kay ganahan na siya mo retire. Nagsabot na sila daan nga I will assist him in running the businesses kay ako maoy kabalo sa mga existing contracts ug SOPs. Witnessing how Chris has changed since nagkauyab mi, ni change na iyang mind ug iya na ipa-inherit ni Chris tanan niya properties ug businesses.

10 months palang gani mi uyab, ni propose na si Chris nako. Iya ko gipasabot nga mas maayo ug magminyo nami para mapahiluna na tanan ug sugod. Honestly, wala koy reklamo ni Chris. He is everything I’ve wished for in a life partner. Pero para nako paspas ra kaayo. I wanted to know him more, be his girlfriend longer, and not be rushed into marrying someone. I still have dreams for myself and my family. I do understand pud why everything is being hurried, si Mr Y ganahan na ipa inherit ni Chris tanan, Chris is so adamant to hit the ground running sa business ug si Mrs A kay ganahan na magkaapo. Yes, iyang mama kay gaayo na ug tagad nako bisan wala siya ni apologize nako. I am all for it, kay kinsa ba gud ang di ganahan mag ayo sa imong future mother-in-law?

Exactly 1.5 year after mi nagkauyab ang date sa amo kasal. Sobra ka busy jud kay ang mama ni Chris gusto jud ug bongga nga kasal. Ok raman unta kaayo nako nga close family and friends lang. Di daw pwede kay unsa nalang kunoy isulti sa uban about nila. So para walay gubot, amo ra siyang gipasagdan, ang among initial list of 50 people, nahimong 250 guests. Ako parents intawn nga walay ikatampo sa kasal financially naikog kaayo, kay si Chris ug si Mr Y man ang nagasto tanan.

Han-ay na tanan para sa kasal and we’re just waiting for the last 3 weeks to come. Nanguli nami ni Chris sa Cebu for the last minute preparations ug para pud sa akong hen’s ug iyang buck’s night. Sa amo ko nag stay gihapon bisan sige na sila ug pamugos nga moipon nako ni Chris sa Banilad total we’re pretty much married.

Nanglakaw mi ni Chris to meet the wedding coordinator para sa amo rehearsal dinner and while naa mi didto, I’ve met Chris’ cousin, Stef. She’s one of the suppliers sa coordinator. Nalibog ko ngano murag kurat kaayo si Chris to know that his cousin is supplying the venue supplies of the wedding. I mean, surely, you would want to support your relative’s business ug sila imong unang duolon. But I’ve just brushed it off. Basin di kaayo sila close kay awkward man kaayo silang 2 ug tinagdanay. Or family drama. Who knows?

For someone who grew up in wealth, she is very approachable and easy to talk to. Stef is the typical girl next door look. Hamis, puti, taas, gwapa, and she has this really radiant smile. In short, murag commercial model ug ilhan nga dato. Pagkita niya nako, nigakos jud siya to congratulate me. Gaan kaayo akong paminaw niya. She seems like a really nice person. Even nicer than some of Chris’ other cousins nga nanobra ang arte.

Grace: So see you at the wedding?

Stef: No, sorry. I would love to. But you know, commitments and all. I have this big wedding in Davao that I need to personally attend to. But we can hang-out tomorrow if you're not busy

Na-disappointed ko gamay pagkahibalo, but I'm happy to have found a new friend. Stef is the girl everyone wants to be bestfriends with. She has this really quirky way of having fun. For the past 2 weeks, we were almost inseparable. We've had random roadtrips to Balamban, Carmen, and went as far as Badian. We had movie marathons and coffee dates. Nabadlungan gud kos akong parents kay lage ang kaslunon duol daw sa disgrasya so dapat dili sige ug laag.

3 days nalang kasal na namo. While naa kos among sala nag review sa schedule ni Mr Y para sa one month nga leave nako, gitawag ko sa akong mama kay naa daw nangita nako nga babae, ig-agaw daw ni Chris.

Grace: Stef!!! (Excited) Giunsa nimo pagkatuod sa amo uy? May gani wala ka nasaag.

Stef: Hi Grace, how are you? (guol). Sorry for dropping by unannounced. (kahilakon)

Grace: Ok ra uy. I mean, I’m not doing anything that important. Can I get you something? Ok raka?

Stef: ……………. Grace……….. I’m Chris’ girlfriend. I was introduced to you as his cousin. I’m so sorry Grace I wanted to tell you...

I didn’t hear the rest of what Stef said. Mura ko ug nabungol. She didn’t stay long, she left right after shattering my world. She didn’t look smug. In fact, Stef looked really hurt, like she was about to cry.

Nalibog ko how I would handle the news. I was in a state of disbelief, anger, pain, and shame. How could he had fooled me for the last 18 months? Giunsa niya pagtago si Stef nga halos permi mi magkuyog. Ang how can someone like Stef agree to being just no. 2? I didn't take her for the type nga mosugot lang nga kabit. And did she say ""am""? Not ""was""? So sila pa ni Chris?

Daghan ko ug pangutana nga si Chris ra tanan makatubag so ako siyang giadto sa iyang house. In print, Chris is the perfect bf. Murag walay gitago, ang phone walay passcode, kung i surprise nimo, he is where he said he is, and di jud kadudahan ug lihok. 

Grace: Hi. Can we talk?

Chris: Of course. Cold feet?

Grace: How? How could you look me in the eye and lie to me?

Chris: ….

Grace: Nag huna2x paka which among the lies ang akong nahibal-an? I'll let you guess.

Chris: If this is about the dance it's a surpri….

Grace: This is not about the wedding! For God sake Chris! Ngano namakak ka nako nga ig-agaw nimo si Stef?

Nakit-an nako nga perteng pagpangluspad ni Chris. Pagka taud2x naulian siya. Ug iyang gi explain ngano need siya mamakak. Niana siya nga Stef was his ex-gf from 2 years ago. And the only reason why iya gipa ila2x si Stef nako as cousin is so I won’t feel insecure nga involve si Stef as supplier sa amo wedding. He just didn't expect that Stef would ride with the lie, and attempt to get close to me. Kasabot baya ko sa iyang point. But he didn’t have to lie to me that way.

Grace: Are you still with her?

Chris: Stef? God no. I’ve told you, we broke up 2 years ago. It’s just you Grace. Always.

Between Stef and Chris, I trust Chris. He is the love of my life and I've only known Stef for just over 2 weeks. I chose to put this behind us. It’s just one lie after all. The rest of the days flew by and before we knew it, it’s our wedding day.

The garden wedding is scheduled @ 1PM so we had an early start to get us ready for the pictorial. I was taken by a separate car. Gusto unta ko uban ako parents sa car nga ako gisakyan, pero niana ang organizer dili daw pwede. Uban ra daw sila sa bridesmaids. Pag abot nako sa venue, nahibulong ko kay walay nisugat nako, unya mingaw kaayo. Sayop siguro ni nga entrance amo naadtuan. Padulong na unta ko ug balik sa sakyanan para akong patuyukon ang driver sa pikas side. Naay taxi nihunong ug nigawas akong parents.

Grace: Ma? Pa? Ngano ga taxi ra mo?

Mama: Grace….

Wala siya katiwas sa iya gisulti kay si Mr Y ninaog sa usa ka sakyanan pud nga nag urong sa amo atubangan.

Sir: Grace get in. Maa’m, Sir, please sakay sa sakyanan.

Grace: Sir? Nasayop ta sa venue?

Sir: No, this is the venue. But no one is coming Grace. Chris is not coming…

---------

I can’t recall unsa jud ang nahitabo after but ang namatngunan nako kay nakabalik nami sa hotel. Kung naay labaw sa tulala, that was exactly how I felt. Kami lang ni Mr Y ug akong parents ang naa sa room. I didn’t know how to process what was said to me.

Mr Y: Grace. Do you understand what’s happening?

Grace: I’m not sure Sir… I can’t...

Mr Y has asked around and found out that Mrs A has forced Chris into being in a relationship with me so he can gain his uncle’s trust. She later on pushed him to marry me and annul the wedding later once the dust has settled and the company and Mr Y’s assets are under Chris’ name. She did all of these knowing full well nga Chris loved Stef deeply. So ang nahitabo, iyang gipabuwag si Stef ug Chris and promised that after awhile, Chris and Stef can be together, and Mr Y be in the dump. Win-win situation jud siya for Chris so I can’t blame him for agreeing. But something must have changed in their master plan. Kay wala pa baya na finalise ang pag take over ni Chris. Although Mr Y already signed all the necessary paperwork, Chris is still yet to be proclaimed. So if plano nila ang inheritance, why is Chris not going through the motions and stayed married to me long enough to at least have everything they've yearned and worked hard for within their grasps? Mao ni wa nako masabtan ngano nahitabo but nagpasalamat sad ko nga kung mao man jud gani ila tuyo, nga at least wala mi nakasal ni Chris. Mas sakit siya kung buot huna-hunaon.

Elaborate kaayo pagkaplano ni Mrs A. There really was no wedding planned. Ang gitagaan ug invite kay ang mga kaila ra nako para makahibalo akong mga paryente ug mga kaila nga wala ko tungaha sa kasal. The wedding and reception venue, and suppliers were not even booked. Gipasakay rami niya tanan, and Stef and Chris were in on the joke. Gisabot ra ni Mrs A ang iyang kaila nga coordinator nga mag himo2x ug mga paperwork para kunohay confirmation sa mga reservations when in fact, sa iya tanan paingon ang kwarta. And it was a lot of money. Mao diay ang rason nga ni insist jud siya nga dili ako ang mangunay ug plano, nga naa daw siya’y famouse wedding coordinator nga kaila to do the legwork for us. I can’t believe someone would give this kind of effort just to hurt a person. And she has succeeded. I wasn’t only hurt, I thought I was shattered to irreparable pieces.

Mama: Mr Y, dako kaayo among pasalamat nimo sa paghatag kay Grace ug oportunidad nga makatrabaho ug moasenso. Kahibalo mi nga dili ni nimo sala. Pero di lang jud namo mapugngan nga mahiubos sa imong pamilya sa pagpakauwaw namo. Pobre tuod mi Sir pero disente intawn mi nga pamilya.

Mr Y: Ma'am, Sir, I’m really sorry this happened. If kahibalo palang ko, I wouldn’t let Grace go through this humiliation and pain. Ayaw mo kabalaka, the people who did this, they are going to pay dearly.

Papa: Mr Y, dili nana kinahanglan. Kung ilang ikalipay ang pag daog2x namo amo rang isambit sa Ginuo ang unsa’y angay nila. Ang di lang namo madawat kay si Grace nga sakto ug tinguha, ilang pasakitan. Amo usa ni siya iuli sa amo sa probinsiya…

Grace: Ayaw ra pa, okay rako. Ayaw rako ninyo huna2xa. Mr Y, tagae lang ko ug usa ka week sa ako leave. Mobalik rako ug trabaho after. Ako lang ipahiluna sila mama ug papa ug tarong.

Mr Y: Grace I think you really need a break. How about magbakasyon ta tanan? Ang ako untang gift ninyo ni Chris is a resort package in Boracay. Kita lang mangadto to get away from the city lang. And please, before you say you don’t need it, consider it carefully.

Nakahuna2x ko nga sakto raman sad siguro nga mohawa lang usa mi sa syudad kay gubot pa. So nisugot ko sa iyang offer. Didto mi ug Boracay for 2 weeks. While naa mi didto, kalit nga gitawag ko ni Mr Y sa iya room kay naa daw siya’y gusto i storya nako.

Mr Y: Grace, I know nga gubot pajud kaayo karon pero I have a preposition that I want you to seriously consider. You don’t need to give me an answer now, but the sooner you make a decision, the better. 

This is what I have in mind. I want us to get married… I know this sounds crazy after everything that happened but what is there to lose between nato 2? If you agree, within the next few weeks, we can get married in Singapore. You’ll be my wife and I’ll have you as beneficiary sa akong properties, I know dili nimo pasagdan ang akong company and all its businesses. Mas at ease ko knowing you’ll handle it if ever naay mahitabo nako. I can’t let my greedy sister take over. Don’t worry, if ever makakita ka ug lalaki nga ganahan jud nimo minyo-an, we can always file for a divorce. You know court proceedings are quicker when you have the money. You’ll be free of our impediment in no time.

Grace: Mr Y, asa ni gikan tanan? Usa pa, ok ra si Sir M (iyang uyab)?

Mr Y: Ayaw ra kabalaka ni M, he understands. Kabalo man sad siya nga in reality, di jud mi pwede mag minyo. And like me, he trusts that you will protect both of our interests.

Tungod sad siguro nga hurt kaayo ko sa panghitabo maong strong kaayo ako resolve. So nisugot ko sa proposal ni Mr Y. Bisan dili uyon akong parents sa ako plano and the logic behind it, nisalig ra sila sa ako decision. Pagbalik namo ni Mr Y sa Singapore, nagpakasal dayon mi didto. It was an intimate wedding of only 40 people. Ganahan unta ko kami2x lang ni Mr Y, but then again, Mr Y is still an executive and sometimes, you have to forego privacy for business. Para legit jud kaayo siya tan-awn and to avoid being accused of a rigged marriage, Mr Y and I need to play the part of lovers, and now, a married couple. We still went for our “honeymoon” in South Africa, but kuyog namo si Mr M nga boyfriend jud ni Mr Y. We did all the shenanigans that a newly married couple would do. In print, it looked like a love affair between the boss and his secretary that had a happy ending.

Daghan kaayo messages ang mga close friends and relatives nga invited unta sa ako wedding with Chris. Ako nalang gi explain nga wala nitunga si Chris and wala nako nihatag ug details. Kabalo sad ko nalibog sila ngano just after a few weeks, ang akong boss nga Mr Y ang akong giminyoan. They can form their own opinion on what happened but I’m not going to be the one to spill the details. Only a very few trusted people rajud ang nakabalo sa arrangement namo ni Mr Y.

I am now officially Mrs Y and even though nothing has changed except for my name and marital status, I feel more grounded and focused than ever. I am still my husband’s secretary on my insistence. Di ko ganahan trophy wife lang ko. I’ve agreed to this marriage to make sure Mrs A and Chris won’t ever get their hands on Mr Y’s hard-earned success. I’m even surprised nga wala pa ko nila gi sulong sa SG para pakauwawan after Chris’ turnover on the business has gone awry. Gitangtang siya ni Mr Y sa board, and he’s no longer qualified to run the business. Mr Y has also changed his will and had all his assets placed under my name. That fact alone would leave a bitter taste on Mrs A’s mouth kay mao baya jud na iyang giapas pag ayo - KWARTA.

Apparently, they have never heard anything from Chris and Stef. Nagpalayo jud silang 2 out of Mrs A’s grasps. For 7 months everything is going well until nakadawat ko ug tawag from my parents kay gisigehan daw sila ug harrass ni Mrs A. Pasanginlan sila nga nangurakot kay Mr Y, mag eskandalo sa among gawas, ug manabi sa among mga kaila nga gibiyaan ko sa iyang anak kay nahibal-an daw ang akong ka nawng ug kwarta. Honestly, dili rajud unta ko ma affected anang in ana nga mga storya, but she is making my parents’ life a living hell. So naka decide ko nga pabalhinon akong parents sa probinsya namo. I’ve moved them quietly para wala nay samok. Tiguwang naman pud akong parents so they don’t mind living in the countryside.

In our own privacy, Mr Y and I have this very unique relationship of father-daughter, and bestfriends. We go out and have fun together, we watch movies, travel, and try different restaurants. Mr Y is a very good companion. Amo mga kaila didn’t have a hard time believing that we are a couple because we act like one, but our love for each other has always been platonic. Sa trabaho, we have always been professional. In the office, he is my boss and I am his secretary. That is how we managed to separate our work and personal life.

Just over a year after sa ako kasal, nibisita lang ug kalit si Stef and Chris namo sa amo house ni Mr Y. Sakit pajud kaayo para nako ang nahitabo, but I have to be a good host.

Grace: Unsa’y ato Chris and Stef? Look, I’ll be honest with you guys, I’m not glad to see you both. So if you can cut to the chase, I’d appreciate it more.

Stef: Grace… I know I have absolutely no right to say this, but I really want to apologize sa amo nabuhat nimo. I just want to be with Chris. And it was the only way. Pero you have to know that our short-lived friendship, it was real for me. I really did enjoy spending time with you even how brief it was.

Grace: Stef, if imo jud ko gi treat as a friend, wala unta ko nimo pasakiti. Aside from Chris’ betrayal, I also have to carry the pain of your deceit. I trusted you both. Is that all you have to say? Or naa mo’y laing tuyo ni Adam (Mr Y)?

Chris: Grace, actually, naa mi diri not just to ask for your forgiveness. Makigstorya unta mi ni uncle to ask for his financial help.

Grace: Naa raman diay na. You should’ve led with that. I’ll let Adam know. He’s just in an important business call. By the way, shouldn’t you be calling me auntie? Afterall, I’m now your uncle’s wife. Same goes for you Stef.

With that, I left the room to fetch Adam. Wala nako niapil sa ilang storya, I haven’t forgiven them yet and seeing them made the dormant pain rise on the surface. Di ko ganahan vindictive ko nila, they have their reasons why they did what they had to do, I just needed more time to accept things as they are, and to forgive myself for being conned. Nanglakaw ra dayon sila after nila na storya si Mr Y.

Mr Y: Look Grace, I know wala paka ka forgive nila, heck, I even have to control myself ganina not to hurt Chris, but I’m still his uncle. Naluoy ko sa ilang predicament ron ni Stef. They’re trying to start their own business and really need my assistance. I want to give Chris a chance on starting his own and breaking away from his mother’s influence.

Grace: Adam (1st name basis nami sa balay kay mag-asawa na baya), please, don’t worry about me. If ganahan ka motabang nila, do it. It’s your money, you don’t need to spare my feelings.

Nisulti si Chris kay Mr Y nga plano jud diay sa iya mama unta nga dayunon ang kasal. Pero while Chris was with me, na konsensiya siya, ug naluoy siya kung maunsa ko kung dayunon jud ang kasal, maong nihangyo siya sa iyang mama nga makigbuwag na siya nako. Pero tungod si Mrs A gi threaten si Chris nga magpakamatay kung dili motuman iyang anak niya, ni compromise si Chris nga di nalang ko tungahon sa kasal. In his twisted sense of justice, it was less painful for me than being married to him only to find out later on that I have been used. Murag nahulog nalang nga ganahan nalang mi nila pakauwawan ni Mr Y sa among mga kaila. The night before our supposed wedding, Chris whisked away Stef and stayed in Manila. Chris just didn’t want anything to do with me, his mom, and the inheritance. He just wants to be with Stef and start fresh bisan lisod.

Ug tuod man bisan pa sa mga panghitabo, gitabangan jud sila ni Mr Y sa ila business. Adam became an investor with an ample amount of shares sa company ni Chris. As Mr Y’s assistant, magkita jud mi nila a couple of times a year to discuss business. Sa among mga lunch meetings nako nahibal an nga si Chris, nagpalayo najud sa iya mama. Amo na gi buy-out ang ilang shares sa family business kay napuno na ug utang si Mrs A. Si Chris nag suporta gihapon niya financially pero igo nalang sa iyang basic needs. There’s really no sympathy there. She made her own bed, now she can lie on it. Karma goes around jud diay. I didn’t even need to exact my revenge.

Mag 4 years nami nga minyo ni Mr Y, single pa gihapon ko. I wasn’t looking for any sort of relationship as I was quite content with my situation. And sa tinud-anay, lisod sad jud ko makakita ug prospect because our small circle in Cebu and Singapore know that I am married to Mr Y. I have to go far or meet someone new to actually have a chance. Hagbay ra sige ug sulti nako si Mr Y nga mag start nami ug divorce proceedings total in paper, asawa naman jud ko niya, and wala man mi prenuptial agreement, so I am still entitled 50% share of his assets and he can still put me as beneficiary. At that point, I’m not fussed. I can stay married to him even if he says nga walay ma ako sa iyang assets. I make a considerable amount of money having worked for him for years. And akong parents kay nahiluna na sa Leyte so I’m not wanting jud.

Just when I thought I’m fine where I’m at, another twist happened to my life...

While nag business trip mi sa Dubai ni collapse lang ug kalit si Mr Y kay na heatstroke. Grabe jud kainit ato nga day, plus stressed pud mi for a few days because of a business deal close to collapsing. We were outside our hotel ato nga time and it just so happens nga nag lunch break ang mga participants sa isa sa mga conference being held in the hotel. That conference is for doctors, particularly neurosurgeons. So pag collapse ni Mr Y, we were attended to by almost 20 doctors all from the same conference while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.

Na rattle intawn ko ato nga time. I’ve never been in that kind of situation and we were in a foreign country so aside from my panic, ni blank jud akong utok. Luckily, one of the doctors helped us. Siya ang nitawag sa ambulance and rode with us sa ospital. He introduced himself as Dr. Von Koln, he is one of the facilitators of the conference in the hotel.

Grabe jud akong relief that he was there. Siya ang nagtabang namo ug admit, and siya pud ang nag order sa required tests nga i undergo ni Mr Y.

Dr VK: Grace, don’t worry, your husband will be fine. Just to be certain, the doctors here will conduct a full panel of tests. For now, he just needs rest and to worry less.

Grace: Thank you Dr VK. I don’t know what I would have done if you didn’t come to my aid. My husband and I are indebted to your kindness. Please accept our gratitude and this… (hatag ug sobre with money)

Dr VK: (smile) You looked like you needed help. By the way, don’t worry about my services, it’s pro-bono.

Nag stay mi sa ospital ug 1 night lang and i forward ra daw sa specialist ang results. So Mr Y and I went back to our hotel so he could rest and relax. We were supposed to stay sa Dubai for 2 weeks pero ni decide ko that if we wrap up the business dealing within the next few days, we will reschedule our flight and go back to Singapore as soon as possible so we can have a few days rest before diving right into back to back conferences and board meetings.

The night before mi manlarga balik sa SG, niadto ko sa hotel reception to review the charges on our bill and settle the payables kay early amo flight the next day. Nagsugat mi ni Dr VK as he was on his way back from late dinner with his colleagues.

Dr VK: Grace! How’s everything? Is your husband feeling better now?

Grace: Dr VK, good evening. Yes, he is now feeling fine. The results came 3 days ago and they were all normal. The doctor said it was just from the heat and accumulated stress. Thank you again for helping us.

Dr VK: Don’t mention it. Your husband was quite smart, he’d chosen the right moment to faint. In front of 30+ specialists!!! (laugh)

Lingaw kaayo si Dr VK ka storya. He is intelligent with a really great sense of humor. Ako siya gihagad ug coffee sa lobby sa hotel para lang pud makapasalamat ko ug tarong niya. Wala mi kabantay, si Mr Y diay kay ninaog, nakit an mi niya nag storya.

Mr Y: Dr VK, I haven’t personally thanked you yet… Tha…

Dr VK: Stop right there!!!! Don’t worry about it, your wife thanked me enough times, her “thank yous” could last me a lifetime. (laugh)

Nagsige pami ug storya 3 for another hour but ni excuse ko kadali kay ni ring ako phone and it was an important business call. So nabiyaan nako silang 2 ni Mr Y. Pagbalik nako, ang 2 ka lalaki kay in a deep serious conversation. So naka huna2x ko nga basin business ni ilang gi storyahan. Paglingkod nako tapad ni Mr Y, nagtinan away lang silang 2 nga murag nahimuot.

We got back in SG and for pila ka weeks, grabe jud ka hectic akong schedule. 1 time, while we’re having dinner, Mr Y placed an envelope on the table. I opened it and found the contents to be our divorce papers.

Mr Y: Grace, I think it’s time. You’re almost in your 30s and should really consider finding a partner. Kana being in a proper love marriage… 

Grace: Adam, are you breaking up with me? (Pina joke)

Mr Y: Nagsige napud ug joke ay. Grace, I’m serious. Staying married to me mars your chance of finding a decent guy. Di jud ka makauyab kung minyo pata.

Grace: I don’t mind being single and just be married to you. You see the irony? I’m single but married at the same time (smile)

Mr Y: Signed nana nga paper Grace, all it needs is your signature. You can think about it as long as you like. Pero Grace, as your friend and husband, I do want you to be truly happy.

Grace: (Gihikap ang kamot ni Mr Y) Adam, I know. And I am. I love my life with you. But yes, I’ll think about it.

A few days after that conversation, naa mi unexpected nga guest - si Dr VK nga gadala ug flowers and wine. Nahibulong ko giunsa niya pagkatuod sa amo house ni Mr Y. But maybe, Mr Y kept in touch with him.

Grace: Dr VK what a surprise!! Please come in and make yourself comfortable. I’ll call Adam to let him know you’re here.

Dr VK: Actually Grace, you don….

Mr Y: Johan!! (Wow 1st name basis, char char man kaha ni sila… Unsaon nalang si Mr M) How was the flight? It felt like I haven’t seen you in years, not weeks.

Dr VK: Adam, it’s nice seeing you again my friend. The flight is horrible as always but thanks for asking.

Huna2x nako, “hala, kanus-a ni sila nagkasuod?”. They talked like they’ve been friends for a very long time. Maybe Mr Y and Dr VK clicked while in Dubai.

Mr Y: Grace, Johan came here to see you.

Grace: Huh?? To see me…?

Dr VK: I want to get to know you Grace.

Grace: Can someone explain to me what’s happening here?

Nag storya usa mi privately ni Mr Y away from Dr VK. Gi explain-an ko ni Mr Y nga iya diay gitug-anan si Dr VK while naa mi sa Dubai nga secretary and friend rajud ko niya. I’m only his wife on paper and that it was a mutual agreement on our part to get married and enter into this kind of relationship.

Grace: Is this the reason why you wanted to divorce?

Mr Y: Yes, because I want you to have a genuine chance of finding someone. Johan is a really decent guy. He is smart, successful, and a genuinely good person.

After atong 1st visit ni Dr VK, nasundan pajud to ug daghan. Kataw-anan kaayo si Mr Y kay murag siya pay kiligon. He is playing the match-maker. He is right though, Dr VK is a guy straight out of fairytale books. Attractive is an understatement. He has this pair of the greenest of green eyes, he mostly towers from everyone @ 6’3”, and is very well-built. I’ve gotten to know him more sa among mga dates, and aside sa iyang looks, buotan jud kaayo si Dr VK. He is kind, generous, and a highly intellectual person. He is the full package. Older siya nako by 7 years but that doesn’t bother me.

Grace: Johan, I know you get asked this question a lot, why are you…

Johan: still single?

Grace: (nikatawa) a fortune-teller.. Kidding aside, yes, why are you still single?

Johan: I wanted to achieve a lot of things 1st before settling down. I’ve dated here and there, but nothing serious. It all changed when I saw you in Dubai. I’ve never met anyone like you. You are beautiful and warm. I had to stop myself from pursuing you because I thought you were married to Adam. Thank God for that chance encounter in the hotel lobby.

I’ve found out nga a few years ago, si Johan diay has been previously engaged and almost married. His fiancée slept with his best man, who was his fellow doctor, on their wedding day. She was drunk and high as a kite. So he broke it off right there and then, and asked that the papers not be submitted to the registry. He was married and then single, all in one day. After that, he sort of just went through the dating scene not really taking it seriously while he busied himself climbing his way to the top of his field. His efforts bore good fruit for him, he is now a very well respected neurosurgeon and researcher. To be honest, even without his professional success, Johan, as a man himself, is already quite the catch. Good natured kaayo siya and very fun to be with. Not long after, I’ve decided nga sugton si Johan.

Two years passed in a blink of an eye. I got divorced to Mr Y and married to Dr VK. So Mrs VK napud ko. We stayed in Singapore for another 2 years kay si Johan gikuha pud siya as a research director by a prestigious research facility in Singapore. At the same time, ga work gihapon ko as Mr Y’s assistant. People talked behind our backs kay ngano daw as his ex-wife sa iya ra gihapon ko nag work, and that I got married to someone younger than Mr Y just a few months after we divorced. I’ve been called a lot of names (gold-digger, slut, etc). I can’t blame these people. The game of deceit is a double-edged sword. We fooled them that we were married, now we need to pay the price of their judgment. It didn’t really matter anyway. As I walk my truth, I’ve learned to be unfazed by others’ opinions.

Gibista ko nila mama ug papa a year before ni migrate mi ni Johan to Sweden. Ato nga time, pregnant nako sa amo 1st child ni Johan. After what we’ve all been through, I can say nga I’ve finally found complete happiness. I have my own little family with Johan, my other parents/friends Mr Y and Mr M are still together and very healthy, and ang akong parents haruhay na ug kinabuhi sa Leyte.

I gave birth to the cutest baby girl. Liwat kaayo siyas iyang papa -green eyes with copper hair. She is the sweetest girl ever. We have kept in touch with Mr Y and Mr M. Discreet gihapon ilang relationship bisan pa ako na sila gi remind nga the world is more accepting now than it was 10 years ago. Mr Y said their arrangement still works for them so there’s no need to drastically change anything. Besides, nag huna2x sad siya sa repercussions unya to me, Chris, and his business circle if word gets out. This decision, I would have to respect kay I won’t be the only one to live with the consequences kung mo backfire.

I still travel to Singapore 2-4 times a year. Gihimo man gud ko ni Mr Y ug honorary member sa board so I need to attend board meetings from time to time. Chris is also now part of the board, he worked hard to earn this spot and his uncle’s trust again. Him and Stef have 3 kids together. All very cute and they call me Tita Grapes (yes, dili Grace, but Grapes). Stef and I have rekindled our friendship. Everything that happened is now water under the bridge. Bisan layo mi, we always keep in touch. As for Mrs A, nagkita mi one time when she came to visit Mr Y and she has already asked forgiveness for everything that she’s put everyone through. I can feel that she is genuinely sorry so I’ve forgiven her. She’s still in Cebu while Chris and Stef are based in Singapore.

Looking back, I am still in awe that I get to jump through all the hurdles life has thrown at me. Gikan sa disgrasya ni papa, sa pag working student, escort, being left at the altar, being in an arranged marriage, and then finding love. If there’s one event in my life that probably made the most impact, it was meeting Mr Y or Adam. He took a chance on me and widened my horizon. His mini “heatstroke incident” even turned into a chance meeting with the love of my life. If he’s not a guardian angel sent by God, then I don’t know what is. :)

Wala jud ko nagmahay sa mga nahitabo nako, especially marrying Adam. Others may have judged my actions as breaking the sanctity of marriage for the sake of the material things Adam and I both want to protect against his family, but for me, that marriage has taught me a great deal. And what Adam and I had, was also love. A different kind of love, yes, nonetheless, love is still there. There are worse marriages out there. Ours was built on friendship, trust, and mutual respect for each other. 

As for Stef and Chris, nakapasaylo ko nila because what’s the point of bearing grudges? Mura ranag dunot that will rot your soul. So I’ve decided to give myself time to properly grieve and get over what happened, and then forgave them. Easy ba? Dili jud. Way sayon sa pagpasaylo. Pero if things have happened differently, then I wouldn’t have been kung asa ko karon. Would I have been happier? No one knows. The present is more important than the what ifs. Besides, every time magtan-aw ko ni Stef and Chris together, I’ve realized I’ve never seen Chris happier. He really did not love me. He was at most just tolerant of me. The way he looks at Stef made me realize what I haven’t lost. Chris, was never mine to begin with.

They say people’s lives are like strings. When we meet others, our string intertwines with theirs. Some strings come loose and others get entangled more and more as life takes us through countless hoops. 

To Adam, my sugar daddy, for all intents and purposes, thank you. I’m glad my string got entangled with yours. Our fate is to love each other in ways judged by many and understood by only a few. You are my best friend, lover, and saviour all rolled into one. You will always have a special place in my heart.

Para sa mga readers going through difficult times, hang-on. I can’t stress this enough. Dasig lang jud ta. Better days are coming. And while waiting, position yourself to be ready. Don’t give-up and paninguha jud taman sa makaya. Nothing worth having comes easy. May it be love, success, or wealth. You need to work for it to fully appreciate it. And when you finally achieve the thing that you want the most, you’ll look back and cherish the experience more.

I hope naa moy nakat-onan sa akong kaagi. This happened more than a decade ago. So mejo gor najud ko ron. And to some people asking why a 30-something lady bothered to share her story? Time and lesson. I’ve got too much time in my hands, and a very important life lesson to share. I want to encourage and give you hope that though life is difficult, it has its beautiful moments. With a child-like abandon, grab it with both hands and enjoy the ride.

Många kramar (all my love),

Grace"