The New Contract

TWO MONTHS LATER

Airi stood by the entrance of the grandiose Sondian resort, waiting for someone to pick her up.

She furrowed when a white Maybach entered the gate and parked in front of her. Moments later, the familiar face of a smiling old man got out of the driver’s seat and greeted her. He moved to the backseat and opened the door for her.

“Mang Lanong?” She rushed to him. “I haven’t seen you since forever!”

“It’s nice seeing you again, Ma’am. Shall we go?” He extended his arm, pointing the seat to her.

Once Airi got in, he took the driver’s seat again.

“How have you been?” Airi initiated the conversation while they drove.

“Still recovering from emotional trauma. But thanks to Ma’am Mari, who volunteered to be my therapist, I’m slowly healing.” He shyly scratched the back of his head. “I’ve been away for some time because I need to look after Crising.”

“That sounds great! How about Aling Crising? How is she?”

“She’s in the psychiatric ward. Once she recovers, she’ll be transferred to the prison for women.”

“I’m sorry for what happened to her. I have always cherished her as if she were my mother.”

“I’m the one who should be sorry, Ma’am. My wife has tried to harm you twice.”

“I know where she’s coming from. A mother’s love can really go to great lengths for her child.”

*

They arrived at the newly opened Sondian villa.

“What are we doing here?” she asked. Puzzled.

Jiro told her that they will have a new contract signing for the book. “We can just sign the contract at home.”

“Sir Jiro wants you to see this new villa, Ma’am. He said that you haven’t been here yet.”

She just shrugged and got out of the car. A valet approached them, and Mang Lanong handed him the car key.

“Let’s go in, Ma’am.” He guided Airi towards a perron with almost thirty steps.

When they reached the entrance, she smiled at the guards who opened the door for them.

Her jaws dropped in marvel when they stepped in. The wide hall can accommodate more or less five hundred people. The layout gave off a Greek Olympus vibe due to its massive pillars carved with intricate designs she couldn’t decipher.

And the ceiling?

It was painted with her and Jiro’s life story, from how they met each other until the time she recovered. Only one space, the one at the center, was vacant. The ceiling looked like a comic book, retelling their love story’s journey.

“Do you like it, my love?”

Jiro’s sudden appearance startled her.

Speechless, she nodded.

Jiro smiled at Mang Lanong and tapped his shoulder. “I’ll take it from here.”

When the old man walked away, Jiro hugged Airi.

“I don’t just like it. I love it,” she said.

“Those are the scenes from our book…our real-life and love story.” He kissed her on the cheek. “That being said, may I remind you that the book is not yet over. And that space—” He pointed up. “—needs to be filled.”

After Jiro said that, people stepped out of the rooms.

Airi scanned the entire area. Familiar faces greeted her with smiles and waves of hi.

From one room, Merry stood side-by-side with Tofer. She waved at her while Toffer saluted.

Zai-zai and Ravi were also there, both excited, doing high fives and clasping each other’s hands.

Their former high school classmates and friends were there.

All the staff of CNHS were invited, too.

Airi was even shocked to see her publication team. Her technical, editorial, writing, publishing, and script consultants were there smiling at her. Even the owner of the publishing company she worked for was there with her husband and kids.

Mari, with Jiro’s other relatives, clapped vigorously for them.

Even the press was there, taking photos and covering the events.

“Riri, sweetheart.”

That familiar honeycomb-sweet voice brought tears to her eyes. It was followed by a clanking stiletto, echoing in the hall.

“Aunt Raquel! Uncle Ted!” She let herself go from Jiro’s embrace and ran towards the couple. She threw herself in their embrace. “I’ve missed you.”

“We miss you as well, darling.” Mr. Sondian rubbed her back. “Sorry for not being here during your toughest time, though we promised your parents that we’d take care of you.”

“It’s okay, Uncle.”

Airi savored that hugging moment, as if she was in her parents’ embrace.

“E-ehem!” Jiro cut the reunion short. “I’m getting jealous that my parents are stealing the love of my life.”

He spread his arms sideways and gestured for Airi to return into his arms, which she gladly did. He then leaned closer to her and whispered something. “May I remind you, that in term number seven of our previous contract, I clearly stated that you’re not allowed to get close to anyone other than me.”

“I didn’t sign a contract with that term.” She lovingly hit his arm and chuckled.

“Oh, you did. In fact, I have a copy of it. Didn’t I tell you that our contract is subject to amendments?”

“But I didn’t sign a new contract.”

“You don’t have to. I had our original contract scanned and edited, so it still has your sign,” he teased.

“That’s unfair! I need a lawyer.”

“Don’t worry. I already brought one,” he smiled, gesturing for Attorney Zeke Ferrer to come closer.

The lawyer greeted her with a "hi."

Jiro then turned to the people around them. “Riri and I have come a long way, proving our love for each other. Time tested us. Mishaps and negative circumstances almost crippled us. But here we are, standing in front of you… unconditionally in love with each other.”

Airi’s heart wouldn’t stop getting wild in her chest. She knew what was going on, but she kept quiet.

“Tonight, at this very place, I want everyone to know how much I love you, Riri.” He was already looking at her when he said it. Then, he knelt on one knee and took out a blue diamond ring.

It was only then that she realized that he was wearing a lapel the entire time, explaining why his voice echoed across the hall.

“Jian Airi Resan, for the second time, will you be Mrs. Jian Airi Resan-Sondian? Will you marry me, my love? Right here. Right now.”

The hall boomed with applause and cheers.

She nodded and said, “Yes!” although the sound around them overpowered her voice.

Jiro stood and put the ring on her finger before hugging her again. “I can’t wait for you to sign our new contract… a marriage contract.”

And so, the most unique wedding in town was held right after the proposal.

The villa staff immediately decorated the place, adding chairs and tables they prepared in advance for the visitors. A table was set as the altar where the priest awaited. The aisle was created by pulling a red carpet.

Airi only wore a casual blouse and jeans, while Jiro was in his tee and pants.

And so, the ceremony began.

Jaypee stood beside Jiro as his best man. Merry and Zai-zai, the bridesmaids. Airi’s publisher’s kids were the flower girl and the ring bearer.

Ted and Raquel stood by Airi at the entrance. When they started marching, they stopped where Mang Lanong sat, and Airi called him. She asked for her soon-to-be parents-in-law's permission with a smile. Raquel then transferred to her husband’s side.

“Mang Lanong,” Airi said. “Can you walk with us? You’ve been a father to me as well. I want you to experience walking your daughter on the aisle.”

The couple smiled as they watched Airi hold Mang Lanong’s arm while he wiped his tears with his free hand.

                                                                               – THE END –