The days passed quickly. The weekend arrived. Everything was ready.
Angela was getting ready for dinner with Clark's mom, who was excitedly doting on them. She said she missed them and wanted to spend time with them tonight.
That was what Angela knew.
In truth, it was just an excuse by Clark and his mother to get Angela out of the house. They both knew she couldn't say no to Clark's mom when she made requests.
Angela also didn't know that tonight, she would be seeing her cousin Dylan—along with his parents, his wife, their child, and his youngest brother Gregory. It had been a year since her last visit, so it was no surprise that Dylan's family was eager to see her. They also wanted to see Angela happy with the man she loved.
Since Angela was completely unaware of what was about to happen, she moved with ease and calm. She was used to these dinners with Clark's mom, so she had no reason to be suspicious.
But Clark—he had been restless for a while now. So, he asked Andres to pick Angela up instead, pretending that he still had something to finish and that they'd just meet at the restaurant. The truth was, he simply didn't want Angela to see how nervous he looked—like he was about to poop, as his mom joked, a joke even his dad agreed with.
As a result, Clark became the target of everyone's teasing.
Thankfully, Dylan was there to help calm him down. Of everyone, only Dylan could talk to Clark sensibly at that moment. He couldn't count on his mischievous parents—especially not on his best friend Andres, who was known for his teasing.
Meanwhile, Angela sat quietly in the passenger seat while she and Andres made their way.
Unlike with Clark, Andres couldn't bring himself to tease Angela. He knew it was risky—he might get scolded. Plus, he also knew about Angela's condition, so he was careful with what he said and did.
During the drive, Andres started telling funny stories from their college days—back when his best friend Clark was secretly watching Angela from afar, totally smitten.
Just a bit of friendly teasing while Clark wasn't around.
"Keep spilling the beans!" Gel laughed as their conversation continued.
The drive to the restaurant where the special dinner would be held took about twenty to thirty minutes.
"This is the only time I can do this! He's not here!" Andres laughed. "But hey, let's stop. I've been making you laugh too much—you might pass out, and I'll definitely be in trouble with Mr. Grump!"
"By the way, why do you call him 'grump'?" Gel asked, puzzled.
She often heard Andres refer to her boyfriend that way.
"Because he is grumpy! Well, except with you."
"Oh? I didn't know that. He's never been grumpy with me."
"Exactly what I said—he's only not grumpy with you," Andres replied, shaking his head.
Angela smiled. To her, Clark was sweet, caring, and loving. The ideal guy. Add that killer smile—like a toothpaste commercial model.
"You know, even now, I still can't imagine that it was Clark who patiently stayed by my side, even when I was ignoring him. Aside from my family, of course."
Her tone suddenly turned serious.
"He made me feel love and worth—even during the time I didn't understand what those words meant." She sighed.
"I can't imagine how vast his patience is. How persistent he was while I was picking up the shattered pieces of myself, trying to be whole again. He never left me."
Tears welled up in her eyes.
"My best friend just really loves you," Andres replied, also turning serious. "The way he values you is the same way he loved his grandma before. I saw how he poured his time, love, and attention into her."
Angela fell silent. It was the first time they talked this deeply.
"Believe it or not… ever since the moment he saw you and fell for you, he's never paid attention to or cared for another woman in the same way—only you," Andres continued.
He remembered when he found out that Clark was going to the U.S. He hadn't expected Clark to make that decision so quickly.
"He didn't want to live abroad—he preferred it in Philippines. But when your uncle spoke to him after grandma's funeral, he decided right away. He went, because of you."
"I'll admit, I was upset. But I couldn't stay mad at him. I was still the one who brought him to the airport."
He shook his head at the memory.
"He was a mess after talking to your uncle. When he found out what happened to your family—especially to you—he couldn't sit still. If he could've flown out immediately to get to you, he probably would've. That's how much he loves you, Gel."
Angela couldn't hold back her emotions anymore. She already knew most of this, but hearing the stories again always felt like the first time. There was always a sting—but also a tenderness.
"Maybe that's why… I couldn't help falling for him too," Angela said softly. "Falling so deeply, I can't climb back out."
She turned to Andres, who was still focused on driving.
"I never thought I'd be able to love again after everything I've been through. But because of him… it's crazy. I used to avoid him. Now, I can't stay still when I don't see or spend time with him." Then she laughed at herself. Andres smiled when he heard what Angela said.
Andres stayed quiet. He couldn't explain what he felt after hearing those words. It was the first time they had talked like this—honestly, openly, and from the heart. He was happy to hear what the woman felt for his best friend.
Unbeknownst to Andres, Angela was just as happy that they finally had this real conversation. It was their first, and neither of them expected it to happen.
Meanwhile, as Angela and Andres continued their heartfelt conversation in the car, getting closer to the restaurant, Clark was practically frozen with nerves.
His hands were cold. They trembled slightly as he repeatedly touched the small ring box hidden in his trouser pocket. He knew they were only minutes away now.
"Relax, son. You might faint right when they arrive," his father joked from behind.
He had been teasing Clark for a while now—only stopping when Clark's mother scolded him. But even now, he followed Clark into a corner of the garden, into the dimmest area where Clark went to take deep breaths and try to calm down.
It still wasn't working.